ANTILLAS AND SOUTH CARIBBEAN - 2016 2016 Día Escala ETA ETD Vie. Colon - 16:00 Sab. Cartagena 10:00 21:00 Dom. At Sea - - Lun. Curacao 8:00 19:00 Mar. La Guaira 7:00 16:00 Mie. Aruba 7.00 18.00 Jue. At Sea - - Vie. Colon 08:00 -
CARTAGENA (COLOMBIA) COLONIAL CARTAGENA (Approximate duration: 4 hours) Enjoy the city of Cartagena de Indias on board an air-conditioned coach. The many attractions to be admired on this tour include the Republican architecture of the Manga neighbourhood and one of the most impressive works of Spanish military engineering in South America - the San Felipe de Barajas Fortress - followed by a stop to take photographs and an additional pause to go shopping for hand crafted goods and souvenirs at Las Bóvedas. Admire the Plaza de Bolívar in the city's historic centre and visit the Palacio de la Inquisición, the former headquarters of the Inquisition Tribunal created to punish crimes against the Catholic faith. In the museum visitors can see the different forms of torture used at the time and take a walk through the social and cultural history of the city on the museum's second floor, which includes a large scale map of the route to the Indies. Delight in the rich, vibrant culture and history of this colonial city, exploring the beautiful streets and squares of its historic centre. Visit the Monastery of San Pedro Claver, the patron saint of slaves, and the Caribbean Naval Museum, where you can enjoy traditional folk music and a refreshing drink. Admire the walled city on a sightseeing tour as we make our way to the Bocagrande area, famous for its wide variety of hotels and shops. WALKING THROUGH CARTAGENA (Approximate duration: 3 hours) Enjoy learning about the fascinating history of the city of Cartagena de Indias and the military strategies of its fortresses and bastions as you visit the Baluarte de Santiago. Then delight in the rich, vibrant culture and history of this colonial city as you explore the beautiful streets and squares of its historic centre, stopping by the Plaza de San Pedro with its monastery and church, the Plaza de la Aduana and its surrounding area with its imposing buildings such as the Cathedral and the Palacio de la Governación, before passing by the Plaza Bolivar with its impressive statue of El Libertador and the Palacio de Inquisición opposite, with all the history that it holds. Make a final stop at the Las Bóvedas to buy some hand crafted goods and souvenirs.
CHIVA BUS - RUMBA IN CHIVA (Approximate duration: 3 hours) Let's go to the Chiva! Enjoy the city of Cartagena de Indias in an amazing, fun-filled ambiance as you tour the sights on board our Chiva rumba bus with its open bar serving national drinks. Dance to the rhythm of the live band and take in the rich and vibrant culture of the city as you tour areas such as Manga, Pie de la Popa, Bocagrande, Castillo Grande and the walled city. Finish off you tour with a little time to shop for hand crafted goods and souvenirs at Las Bóvedas before returning to the port. TOUR OF HISTORIC CARTAGENA IN A HORSE-DRAWN CARRIAGE (Approximate duration: 2.5 hours) Enjoy the city of Cartagena de Indias on board an air-conditioned coach. The many attractions to be admired on this tour include the Republican architecture of the Manga neighbourhood and one of the most impressive works of Spanish military engineering in South America - the San Felipe de Barajas Fortress - followed by a stop to take photographs. On arriving at the Plaza de Santa Teresa, you will find a horse-drawn carriage ready and waiting to take you around the streets of the city's historic centre. Delight in the rich, vibrant culture and history of this colonial city, exploring the beautiful streets and squares of its historic centre and their colourful architecture. Then finish off your trip with some free time to shop for hand crafted goods at Las Bóvedas, before returning to the ship.
CURAÇAO SIGHTSEEING TOUR OF CURAÇAO (Approximate duration: 3 hours) We leave the port to start our journey with a sightseeing tour of the city's Otrabanda (which literally means "the other side"), where we can enjoy views of beautiful landscapes and traditional, ancient stately homes before crossing the famous bridge that connects both sides of Willemstad, the capital city of Curaçao. From there we will see some spectacular views of the city and the entrance to the port. We then make our first stop in Chobolobo, home to the famous Blue Curaçao distillery. After sampling some of the products, we will have a chance to buy a bottle of this popular liqueur. We then continue on our journey to the east side of the island and the Jan Thiel residential area, where we pay a visit to Caribbean Handcraft, a store offering a wide range of typical local products. From the terrace we can admire the excellent panoramic views of the sailing clubs and yachts from all around the world. We then continue on before making another stop to bathe in the refreshing waters of one of the Curaçao's most famous beaches. We then head back to Willemstad to make our way back to the port. VISIT AROUND THE ISLAND, THE HATO CAVES AND BEACH (Approximate duration: 3.5 hours. Services available on the beach are not included.) Come and join us on this wonderful journey which makes it first stop at the Hato Caves. Once there, listen to the guides tell tales of fantasy as they guide us around the caverns and see the stalactites, the stalagmites and the mysterious lights casting captivatingly curious shadows on the walls. Our next destination will be in Boca St. Michiel, where we make a brief stop to take some photographs and if we are lucky we may even catch a glimpse of the beautiful pink flamingos. From there we head towards one of the island's best beaches. Spend some time relaxing, swimming or diving to explore the amazing underwater world of Curaçao. After our beach stop, we return to our coach to enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city centre, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and a truly unmissable destination.
LET'S GO TO THE BEACH!!! (Approximate duration: 4 hours. Water sports and activities not included.) Curaçao is known around the world for its beautiful and exclusive beaches. The crystal-clear intense blue water and the warm sea breeze make the beach a fun place to explore. We leave the port heading for the Sea Aquarium beach, one of the most popular beaches on the island. Whether you just want to relax or you want to enjoy the sea, this beach has everything you are looking for. On arrival, you will be welcomed with a fruit cocktail and a sun-lounger will be reserved for you for the entire day. You will also find several bars and restaurants nearby. If however, you prefer not to relax but would like some adventure, there are a range of water sports and activities for you to try at the activity centre. There are also two diving centres where you can rent all the equipment you need to explore the incredible underwater world of Curaçao. On this beach you will find the perfect mix of tourists and locals enjoying the beach and the tropical waves of the Caribbean Sea. An unforgettable day to spend with friends and family. SIGHTSEEING BOAT RIDE, SEA AQUARIUM AND BEACH (Approximate duration: 4 hours. The order of events may vary) At the port we board the Pelican Express catamaran which will be waiting to take us on our trip. As we travel along the south coast we can take in the magnificent panoramic views of the island whilst our guide tells us all about Curaçao. After our tour, we will pay an unforgettable visit to the Sea Aquarium, which has over 400 exotic marine fauna species. Once there, we will have some free time to explore the famous aquarium. We will then make a final stop at the beach to bathe in the waters of the Caribbean Sea. Afterwards, we make our way back to the Sea Aquarium on foot, where we board the boat to return to the port. MEET THE ANIMALS (Approximate duration: 3 hours) We leave the port to travel to the world famous Sea Aquarium of Curaçao. On arrival at the aquarium, you will be taken by a guide to the academy reception area where you can register for the activity. After a brief explanation of snorkelling safety procedures and how to feed the different marine animals, you will spend 40 minutes in the water with our PADI certified instructors. This activity is a safe and exciting experience for anyone, whether or not they have previous snorkelling experience, and takes place at a depth of just 3 metres (12 feet) below the surface of the water.
Feel the emotion of a close encounter with sharks, turtles, manta rays and the many fascinating fish of the Caribbean. This is an aquatic adventure filled with excitement, where our certified instructors will guide you step by step through every phase, making this a truly unforgettable experience. Even if you have never snorkelled before, you can still take part in this incredible adventure. You will also be given food to feed to the animals during the activity. Afterwards, you will have time to relax, enjoy the facilities and share the experience with your friends and family. You will then have some free time to have a look around the aquarium before returning to the port. ENCOUNTER WITH DOLPHINS (Approximate duration: 3 hours) Caress, embrace and kiss a dolphin while learning everything about him or her! A programme with activities for all ages! You will be standing on a platform, with water up to your waist, while the dolphin swims up to you. You can gently caress the dolphin, which will give you a kiss. The trainer will teach you everything about the dolphin, and show you all of the parts of its body and its behaviour. This programme offers a first encounter with dolphins. The groups are small (6 people at the most) to give you a better opportunity to examine and study the anatomy and behaviour of the dolphin up close. This is full programme where you will learn everything you ever wanted to know about dolphins and much more. The dolphin trainers will give you instructions before the activity begins. SWIMMING WITH DOLPHINS Enjoy the unique experience of real interaction while swimming with dolphins! Swimming in the natural lagoon the dolphins will join you and let you gently caress them and interact with them. You can give them different signals to sing, do somersaults and say hello. For the back ride, two dolphins will pick you up and take you for a ride while you are holding on to their back fins. In this programme we keep the groups small and intimate (max. 6 people) to give you the chance to caress, interact, swim and enjoy your time with these adorable marine mammals. The dolphin trainers will give you instructions before the activity begins. Children under 1.45 m must wear a life jacket (we give them one).
We also offer a Family Option for children aged from 6 who are 1.10 m or taller. Pregnant women cannot take part in Swimming with Dolphins but can take part in the Encounter with Dolphins. JET SKI ADVENTURE AND BEACH (Approximate duration: 3 hours) A suitable level of fitness is required. Adrenaline, fun and adventure are the perfect words to describe this unforgettable excursion. Have you ever wanted to ride the waves whilst enjoying the fabulous views of the coast and its beautiful coves and bays? If so, then this is your chance to explore the southern coast of Curaçao on a jet ski. Start the engine and follow your guide as you navigate your way through the waves of the Caribbean Sea. The small and exclusive group will depart from Spanish Water Lagoon. Once at sea, you be amazed at the sight of the cliffs, the stunning beaches and coves, and the intense blue of the sea. We will navigate our way along the coast taking in the lavish mansions and luxurious yachts and, if we are lucky, we may even see some flying fish and turtles. Finally, we will spend some time on a beautiful beach before returning to the port.
KAYAKING AND SNORKELLING (Approximate duration: 3 hours and 30 minutes. Includes refreshments and snorkelling equipment) On this excursion you will experience the island of Curaçao in a very special way. There will be no engines or large groups of people; just you, nature and the tropical waters of the Caribbean! We leave the port to make our way to our starting point where, after being briefed by our guide, we begin our kayaking adventure. We start by travelling under an old pier, where you will be amazed at how the sun changes the colour of the sea - a beautiful sight that is unique to the Caribbean. If you look carefully, you may even be able to see the red coral beneath the water. We then head to Doctor`s Bay, where we will start our snorkelling experience. This is the perfect opportunity to take a look at the world beneath the water and even see a shipwreck. At the end of our adventure, we will return to our starting point to make our way back to port. * Note: This excursion is not recommended for wheelchair users or those who suffer from back pain. The minimum age limit is 6 years of age. Passengers who wish to participate in this excursion must have a good level of fitness. Snorkelling equipment and life jackets are provided. AQUABOAT SAFARI AND SNORKELLING (Approximate duration: 3 hours) Aquaboats are a great way of exploring Curaçao's largest lagoon (Spanish Water Lagoon) and beautiful coastal zone. In the warm and pristine waters of the south coast, you'll be amazed at the beauty of the coastline and its many cliffs, small beaches and coves. We will also have the chance to see the lavish mansions and luxurious yachts, as well as the mangroves and the Tafelberg (which literally means "table mountain"). In fact, it's not unusual to see fish, turtles and even dolphins during the journey. We will navigate to one of the best places on the island to have a go at snorkelling, the ideal spot for observing the many different fish species.
ADVENTURE IN A BUGGY (Approximate duration: 2.5 hours) Ideal tour for people who like adventure... We will take you to discover the wild side of the island!!! We will go for a ride driving our own buggies following the accompanying guide in the inland and make a quick stop in the Ostrich Farm, where will have free time to visit it. We will then go to the least populated part of the island along the cliffs where we will have the chance to make a stop to take photographs in the wonderful natural formation El Hoyo. Continuing on our tour we will cross the most inhospitable places populated by cactus formations on land only suitable for our buggies and from there we will go straight to the beach to enjoy some free time for bathing. At the time indicated by our tour guide we will return and end our tour in the city centre. Note: You'll need to have a driving licence. The minimum age for this excursion is 5 years. LA GUAIRA HISTORIC CARACAS (Approximate duration: 6 hours) This tour will make a tour through downtown Caracas and historic center. After leaving the port we will go down the highway to the Valley of Caracas. Caracas is a cosmopolitan city, with sharp contrasts, which has more than 5 million inhabitants. It contains various architectural styles from some areas from their colonial style to large modern buildings, woven on developments and neighborhoods. The dominant landscape is the Cerro del Avila that bordered on the north. Our first stop is the center of the capital, in the Plaza Bolivar where we ll see the Cathedral of Caracas, the House of Government of the Capital District, Main Theater, The Yellow House and the National Assembly after this tour we will move the monument of the heroes, which was inaugurated in 1956 in honor of the heroes and their struggles for independence and which they are important works of art.
PARQUE NACIONAL EL ÁVILA - CARACAS (Approximate duration 5.5horas) The mountain range separates Caracas from the Central Coast where the port of La Guaira is located. In this ridge and along the city is the Avila National Park with its impressive mountains and cloud forest. At the top are the facilities going down to Cable Car and the Hotel Humboldt Caracas. There are also small typical villages of farmers of flowers, vegetables and fruit. We ll leave the port of La Guaira in 4x4 vehicles to take the road along the sea to the town of Macuto. From there we will begin to climb the mountain through different landscapes to reach the town of Galipán where we will stop to taste the typical juices and fruit of this area. From there we continue to the cable car station and the Hotel Humboldt 2,105 meters where we will have free time to walk on top of the mountain and enjoy the spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea to the north and south of the city of Caracas. Then we take the cable car down to the cosmopolitan Caracas. There continue along the highway to the port of La Guaira.
ARUBA THE PRIVATE ISLAND OF PALM (Approximate duration: 4 hours and 30 minutes. Lunch and drinks included) The Private Island of De Palm is the perfect place to enjoy the charms of the Caribbean Sea. Relax, take a walk on the beach or even try your hand at snorkelling - all the equipment you need is included in the price. We start our excursion boarding an air-conditioned coach for the short journey to the ferry. On arrival, you will be given a brief introduction to De Palm Island and its facilities, including the Blue Parrotfish Water Park. You will then have plenty of free time to snorkel, sunbathe, swim, have fun at the water park and on its slides, play a game of volleyball or enjoy the latest craze - a trip on the banana boat. Unlimited drinks and a buffet lunch are included. Beach chairs and freshwater showers are also provided. De Palm Island has everything you could possibly want - spectacular coral reefs and an immense variety of tropical fauna including friendly fishes. An unforgettable experience to enjoy with the whole family. A TASTE OF ARUBA (Approximate duration: 4 hours) We meet our local guide before boarding our coach to head out and enjoy the best of Aruba. Enjoy the Caribbean rhythm of the background music as we make our way towards the capital city, Oranjestad, where we can admire the Dutch colonial architecture of the traditional buildings and the modern architecture of the city, which both combine to give this Caribbean island an air of beauty and sophistication. Our first stop will be at the Aloe Factory where, after a brief explanation, we take a short tour of the factory and visit the Aloe Museum. We then set off towards the outskirts of the city to discover the rich flora and fauna of Aruba, as we make our way to the Casibari Rock Formations situated at the centre of the island. We then return to the coach to head towards the north-east area of the island to the California Lighthouse, where we can enjoy stunning views. Our visit ends with a refreshing dip in the pristine waters of Aruba before we return to the port terminal. Come along and enjoy the very best of Aruba, its people, culture and history.
ATLANTIS SUBMARINE (Approximate duration: 1 hours and 45 minutes) Take a ride in the Atlantis VI submarine, known as one of Aruba's best tourist attractions. You will start your journey with a 15 minute speed boat ride to the south of the island, crossing a canal to reach the place where you will board the submarine. Once on board, you will be taken on a guided tour, exploring the mysterious underwater world of Aruba at a depth of 45 metres. You will also have the chance to get a close-up view of two shipwrecks. This exceptional diving area, known as Barcadera, is filled with amazing coral reefs and an abundance of colourful sea creatures. After almost an hour on your submarine adventure, the speed boat will be waiting to take you back to terra firma. * Note: The minimum age limit is 4 years of age. LAND AND SEA (Approximate duration: 4 hours) Enjoy the spectacular beauty of Aruba and the charms of the Caribbean sea on this fantastic excursion that takes you around the island. On board the seaworld explorer you will sit almost 2 metres (5 feet) below the surface of the water to see the incredible marine life of Aruba and the Antilla shipwreck through large glass windows. You will then return to land to visit the California lighthouse where you can admire the views of the waves breaking on the coast. We then pay a visit to the Casibari rock formations and the natural bridge, a bridge that has been naturally carved in the rock by the wind and the movement of the sea. We then head back to Oranjestad to return to the port. SCENES FROM ARUBA (Approximate duration: 4 hours) We set off on our comfortable air-conditioned coach on a 30 minute journey to the California Lighthouse on the Barlovento Coast of Aruba. We then cross the island's arid terrain, home to cacti, divi-divi trees, iguanas and wild goats, as we head to Alto Vista Chapel, a Catholic chapel where Aruban Indians were converted to Christianity. Our journey then continues to another of the island's most popular sights, the Natural Bridge, a natural arch carved in the rock by the sea. Once there, we will also see the old, original bridge. We then head off towards the famous Casibari Rock Formations, where clusters of gigantic rocks sit together on the landscape. We then make our way back to port.
SEA TREK (Approximate duration: 4 hours and 30 minutes) Don't miss the latest underwater craze! Grab your wet suit and enjoy this unforgettable experience. Imagine having the chance to explore the marine world from inside a specially designed diving helmet equipped with its own air system. With this system, both children and adults can discover the beauty of the marine world at a depth of up to 20 metres. Fantastic for non-swimmers and inexperienced divers. Simply breath normally, walk along the seabed and experience the thrill of this unique and unforgettable adventure. Your Sea Trek experience will last for 1 hour, including instructions, the issue of equipment and the tour. A maximum of 8 people are permitted per group. After your Sea Trek adventure, you can use snorkelling equipment to continue exploring the underwater world of Aruba and discover the famous blue parrotfish as well as many other exotic species. Lunch and drinks included. Note: only available if you buy Plam Island
COLÓN (PANAMA) GATÚN LOCKS (Approximate duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes.) The Panama Canal has three sets of locks, two situated near the Pacific coast (Miraflores y Pedro Miguel) and a third along the Atlantic (Gatun). Of all three sets of locks, the Gatun locks are the most impressive and are definitely worth a visit. Due to the fact that all three chambers are connected, you will have the opportunity to see the entire process completed in one set of locks, unlike at the Miraflores and Pedro Miguel locks, where the process is split into two stages. It takes a vessel approximately two hours to complete the journey through Gatun locks, regardless of whether it is heading north or south. There is a visitor's tower that sits high above the locks which is the perfect location for taking photographs. PANAMA CANAL EXPANSION (Approximate duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes.) We leave the port by coach to travel to the Observation Deck at the Panama Canal Expansion Project. Once there, we can see and learn about the progress of this magnificent construction project that will create a system of locks to allow the transit of larger vessels. The project creates a new line of traffic on the canal with the creation of a new set of locks. The work covered by the project includes the following: The construction of two lock complexes - one on the Atlantic and one on the Pacific. Each complex will have three chambers, including three water saving basins. The excavation of new access channels to the new expansion locks and the widening of the existing channel. The deepening of the navigation channel and the elevation of the Gatun Lake's maximum operating level. After enjoying our visit to this fabulous site, we return to the port.
PANAMA CANAL: PRESENT AND FUTURE (Approximate duration: 5 hours) The Panama Canal has three sets of locks, two situated near the Pacific coast (Miraflores y Pedro Miguel) and a third along the Atlantic (Gatun). Of all three sets of locks, the Gatun locks are the most impressive and are definitely worth a visit. Due to the fact that all three chambers are connected, you will have the opportunity to see the entire process completed in one set of locks, unlike at the Miraflores and Pedro Miguel locks, where the process is split into two stages. It is truly impressive how a marvel of engineering can function this efficiently even after 100 years. Our second stop will take us to the Observation Deck at the Panama Canal Expansion Project. Once there, we can see and learn about the progress of this magnificent construction project that will create a system of locks to allow the transit of larger vessels. The project creates a new line of traffic on the canal with the creation of a new set of locks. The work covered by the project includes the following: The construction of two lock complexes - one on the Atlantic and one on the Pacific. Each complex will have three chambers, including three water saving basins. The excavation of new access channels to the new expansion locks and the widening of the existing channel. The deepening of the navigation channel and the elevation of the Gatun Lake's maximum operating level. On completing our tour, we will make our way back to the port.
GATUN LOCKS AND SHOPPING (Approximate duration: 7 hours) On this fantastic excursion, we pay a 45 minute visit to the Gatun Locks, the most impressive set of locks on the Panama Canal and a site that truly deserves a visit. Due to the fact that all three chambers are connected, you will have the opportunity to see the entire process completed in one set of locks, unlike at the Miraflores and Pedro Miguel locks, where the process is split into two stages. There is a visitor's tower that sits high above the locks which is the perfect location for taking photographs. We then continue our journey by heading off to the Metromall Shopping Centre in Panama City for a spot of shopping. COMPLETE PANAMA (Approximate duration: 7 hours) During our tour of the city, we will see the ancient and the modern as we travel along the Cinta Costera, a coastal highway with fantastic views of the spreading metropolis, located between the two cities (the colonial and the modern). As we travel, our guide will explain the historic and cultural background of the sights as well as interesting information about the country. Old Panama was sacked by the privateer Henry Morgan in 1671 and during our tour we will have the chance to see the tower of the Cathedral of Nuestra Señora de La Asunción and the different convents and monasteries that made up the old city. Panama is well known for its variety of products and its low prices. Enjoy a visit to one of the most extravagant shopping centres in Latin America - it will take your breath away. SHOPPERS' PARADISE (Approximate duration: 6 hours) For this excursion we will be taken to the Metromall Shopping centre in Panama City. Once we have arrived at this modern shopping centre, we will have plenty of free time to shop. You will find typical Panamanian stores such as La Riviera or Panafoto, as well as world famous and other popular brands at incredible prices, as well as a food hall.