New Year s Panama Canal Cruise January 1 st to 21 st, 2019 20 nights, 21 days Summary Itinerary Tuesday, January 1 st Day 1 Portsmouth, NH Meet your Driver and Tour Director for your Panama Canal Cruise Tour. We begin in Charlottetown at 6:30 am and stop to pick up passengers in Aulac, Salisbury, Lincoln and Woodstock, along the way. Transfers are available from Halifax, Dartmouth, Truro and Saint John. We will stop for lunch at Acorn Restaurant (not included) in Lake George, NB. Your Tour Director will help pass the time with games and entertainment on the coach. This evening we will check in to our host hotel, the Hampton Inn Portsmouth Central. Tonight, explore the nearby shops and restaurants or relax in the hotel. The hotel shuttle can provide transportation to nearby locations. Overnight: Hampton Inn Portsmouth Central, NH Panama Canal Cruise 1
Wednesday, January 2 nd Day 2 NYC & Board the Norwegian Gem Enjoy a complimentary breakfast and meet your Tour Director. This morning we will depart for New York City with rest breaks along the way. Arrive at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal early this afternoon and board the Norwegian Gem for your 18-day Panama Canal Cruise. Once on board you are free to explore and get acquainted with the ship. This evening we will set sail from Manhattan at 5:00 pm. Join your Tour Director and fellow travellers for dinner this evening or feel free to check out the more than 10 dining options on board. Be sure to head to the Stardust Theatre this evening for the Welcome Aboard show which provides an overview of the great entertainment you will find on board over the next several days. (B, OBM) Thursday, January 3 rd Day 3 Day At Sea Today is a full day at sea. Enjoy the onboard activities provided or curl up on a lounge chair with a good book. Or, try your luck in the casino. Your Tour Director will be available in the lobby from 9:00 am to 10:00 am for any questions or concerns. Friday, January 4 th Day 4 Day At Sea Today is a full day at sea. Why not go a for a swim or attend a talk? Your Tour Director is available in the lobby from 9:00 am to 10:00 am for any questions or concerns. Saturday, January 5 th Day 5 Day At Sea Today is a full day at sea. Go shopping and pick up some souvenirs on board to save yourself the time in port. Your Tour Director is available in the lobby from 9:00 am to 10:00 am for any questions or concerns. Panama Canal Cruise 2
Sunday, January 6 th Day 6 Willemstad, Curacao (11 am to 7 pm) Walk around this quaint harbour town and you will think you have travelled back in time to Old Amsterdam. You may choose to admire the colourful Dutch architecture and take advantage of the excellent shopping or relax on 17-century veranda with a drink made with the famous Curacao liqueur. Curacao's consistent climate makes its warm waters ideal for diving, snorkelling and other water sports year-round. Monday, January 7 th Day 7 Oranjestad, Aruba (8 am to 5 pm) Incredibly white sands and cobalt blue seas make the small island of Aruba a popular destination. In the bustling freeport town of Oranjestad, sherbet-coloured Dutch colonial buildings, draped in bougainvillea, oleander and hibiscus are simply picturesque. Small, but informative museums relate the island's history. Oranjestad is home to some of Aruba's residents as well as many governmental buildings; Fort Zoutman & Historical Museum is the island's oldest building. Tuesday, January 8 th Day 8 Santa Marta, Colombia (9 am to 5 pm) Admire the stunning bays of Santa Marta and popular beaches. Explore the ancient cultures of the Taironas who occupied the land thousands of years ago. Stroll over to the Cathedral and admire its beautiful architecture and learn about its history. Be sure to check out the amazing view of the snow-capped Sierra Nevada Mountains from the beach. Panama Canal Cruise 3
Wednesday, January 9 th Day 9 Cartagena, Colombia (7 am to 2 pm) The old walled city of Cartagena reflects a turbulent history of conquistadors and pirates. Climb "las murallas" for an unforgettable view of the harbour. Shop for emeralds and leather goods along the cobblestone streets of this enchanting city. For a taste of the culture and history of Cartagena, visit Plaza Santo Domingo, which is filled with restaurants, bars, stores, musicians and all kinds of entertainment. Thursday, January 10 th Day 10 Daylight Transit of Panama Canal Experience one of the world's best short cuts! Traversing the 40-mile Panama Canal is a rite of passage and something you will remember this Panama Canal cruise for a lifetime. Witness first-hand one of the world's manmade short cuts that has changed travel and the transport of goods worldwide. Friday, January 11 th Day 11 Day At Sea Today is a full day at sea. Have you visited the library yet? There are lots of books available to borrow and board games. Your Tour Director is available in the lobby from 9:00 am to 10:00 am for any questions or concerns. Panama Canal Cruise 4
Saturday, January 12 th Day 12 Puntarenas, Costa Rica (8 am to 5 pm) Stroll the seaport town with its multi-coloured cottages and local markets. Head to Carara Tropical Rainforest to explore exotic flora and fauna with a naturalist guide. Or, opt for a tour of San Jose - home of the Teatro Nacional and Museo del Oro. You may even choose to step inside an aerial tram for an unforgettable ride up through the lush rainforest, soaring over treetops for 360-degree views of nature at its most beautiful. Sunday, January 13 th Day 13 Corinto, Nicaragua (9 am to 5 pm) Nicaragua's largest port, Corinto sits on an island connected to the mainland by bridges. Nicaragua is home to some of the world's most beautiful beaches, and the area offers long stretches of white sand and clear blue waters. Visit the nearby city of León to see the wonderful cathedral, monuments and colonial buildings as well as the ruins of León Viejo, one of the oldest Spanish settlements in the Americas. Monday, January 14 th Day 14 Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala (8 am to 4 pm) This port city was constructed in 1984 to help connect nearby cities. Travellers often venture out to Antigua, a 90-minute trek to where 17 th century colonial facades beckons and Guatemalan history comes alive. While here you can discover two of the country s signature products exceptional rum and exquisite jade jewelry. Or, you may choose to venture out to a coffee plantation to learn about the processing and sample a cup of this fine coffee. Panama Canal Cruise 5
Tuesday, January 15 th Day 15 Day At Sea Today is a full day at sea. Enjoy the band on top deck or play some shuffleboard. Your Tour Director is available in the lobby from 9:00 am to 10:00 am for any questions or concerns. Wednesday, January 16 th Day 16 Zihuatanejo (Ixtapa), Mexico (7 am to 2 pm) Close in proximity to the Sierra Madres and Pacific Ocean means this city is ideal for hiking and water sports. You can experience luxury in Ixtapa, and the rustic at Zihuatanejo. Kick up your heels at Ixtapa or sip margaritas leisurely at Zihua. Zihuatanejo or Zihua, for short, is a Pacific paradise known for its beautiful beaches, friendly people and laid-back vibe. Thursday, January 17 th Day 17 Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (9 am to 3 pm) Smaller and more subdued than Acapulco, Puerto Vallarta has retained a good deal of its small village charm along with 26 miles of spectacular beaches along the Banderas Bay. Stroll the cobblestone streets to the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Or peruse the many local wares for sale at the open-air markets. Take time to stroll the mile-long Malecón, a 12-block esplanade featuring an array of contemporary sculptures. Panama Canal Cruise 6
Friday, January 18 th Day 18 Cabo San Lucas, Mexico (7 am to 2 pm) Cabo's signature landmark is El Arco ("The Arch"), a rock formation at the tip of "Land's End." The jewel of the Baja Peninsula is famous for its world-class sportfishing, as well as its high-end resorts and exclusive gated communities that line an area simply called "the Corridor." Look out for pods of whales in the winter. After migrating 6,000 miles from Alaska and Siberia, they birth their calves in the Gulf of California's warm waters. Saturday, January 19 th Day 19 Day At Sea Today is a full day at sea. Visit the onboard spa or challenge your new-found friends to a game of cards. Your Tour Director is available in the lobby from 9:00 am to 10:00 am for any questions or concerns. Sunday, January 20 th Day 20 Los Angeles, CA This morning we will arrive in Los Angeles at approximately 7:00 am. After disembarking the Norwegian Gem we will gather our luggage and board our motor coach. Enjoy a 5-hour guided tour of the city. Later this afternoon we will check in to our host hotel, the Best Western Hotel Plus at the Convention Centre. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to explore the many shops and restaurants in the area. The beach is even within walking distance! Overnight: Best Western Hotel Plus at the Convention Centre (Long Beach) (B) Panama Canal Cruise 7
Monday, January 21 st Day 21 Home Enjoy a complimentary breakfast and meet with your Tour Director. Check out of the hotel and depart for Los Angeles International Airport for our return flight to Greater Moncton International Airport via Toronto or Montreal. Arrive in Moncton late this evening. Transfers will be provided to Halifax, Dartmouth, Truro, Salisbury, Lincoln, Aulac, Borden-Carleton, and Charlottetown. Say goodbye to your Tour Director and newfound friends with many happy memories of your Panama Canal Cruise Tour. (B) Norwegian Gem Through the Norwegian Edge, Norwegian Gem has undergone ship wide enhancements. Come on board and experience newly designed public areas, revamped Haven spaces, fresh decor, modern finishes and more! When it comes to the entertainment on Norwegian Gem, there's never a dull moment. Enjoy a magical evening with our magician and comedy show. Groove to the music of the psychedelic 70's during our Band on the Run performance. Or don your best white attire and dance the night away during our White Hot Party. Join the party at the liveliest nightspots on the ship, Bliss Ultra Lounge & Night Club, which features a stylish bar area and swanky lounge. Panama Canal Cruise 8
Includes: Deluxe motor coach transportation to New York City 1 night s accommodation at the Hampton Inn Portsmouth Central including breakfast 18-day Panama Canal Cruise aboard the Norwegian Gem All meals and entertainment aboard the Norwegian Gem (excluding specialty restaurants) Prepaid service charges for staff on the Norwegian Gem Guided tour of Los Angeles 1 night s accommodation at the Best Western Plus Long Beach including breakfast Return flight from Los Angeles to Moncton Transfers from Moncton to Halifax, Dartmouth, Truro, Salisbury, Lincoln, Aulac, Borden- Carleton, and Charlottetown Fully escorted by a professional Target Tours Tour Director PLUS! Enjoy being Free at Sea with a choice between: Unlimited Beverage Package for entire Cruise OR WiFi package onboard cruise (250 minutes per stateroom) OR Dining Package for specialty restaurants (4 meals for cruise of 9+ days) *All members of the same cabin must choose the same amenity and must be chosen at time of booking. Price: Inside cabin Oceanview cabin Balcony cabin $5149 per person $5749 per person $6629 per person Prices are per person in Canadian Dollars, based on double occupancy and include all taxes. Deposit & Final Payment: Deposit of $1000 per person due at time of booking. Second payment of $1500 per person due July 20 th, 2018. Final payment due on or before September 20 th, 2018. Date to Book: September 4 th, 2018. Panama Canal Cruise 9
Important Notes: Tour Director and Driver Your Tour Director and Driver play an important role in making your vacation as memorable and hassle-free as possible. While optional, gratuities are a great way to show your appreciation. The suggested industry guideline is $3.00 to $6.00 per person, per day for your Tour Director and also your Driver. This should be extended on a voluntary and individual basis at the completion of the tour. Travel Insurance Your tour price does not include travel insurance. Proof of out-of-country medical insurance is required for this tour. If you are covered, we advise you to look into coverage details, if there is a deductible, if you need to pay up front, and where to call in case of emergency. We highly recommend medical, trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage. If you would like a quote, please call our office at 1-877-214-5367. After Booking We will send you your receipt and proof of reservation via email or mail. Before final payment we will reach out to you via phone or email to remind you of your final balance and determine final method of payment. About 2-3 weeks prior to departure we will send you your Detailed Itinerary which will feature exact times and locations as well as details on your Tour Director. Around one week before departure you will be contacted by your Tour Director via email or by phone to introduce themselves and ask if you have any questions before departure. Target Tours P.O. Box 2693 Charlottetown, PEI C1A 8C3 1 877 214 5367 info@targettours.ca Panama Canal Cruise 10