Panama
Vortex of Attraction Cruise
March 13 - 23, 2011
Itinerary & Ports of Call
Date |
Port |
Arrive |
Depart |
| 3/13/11 | Ft. Lauderdale, FL |
5:00 PM |
|
| 3/14/11 | Half Moon Cay, Bahamas |
8:00 AM |
3:00 PM |
| 3/15/11 | At Sea |
||
| 3/16/11 | Oranjestad, Aruba |
1:00 PM |
11:00 PM |
| 3/17/11 | Willemstad (Curacao), Antilles |
8:00 AM |
5:00 PM |
| 3/18/11 | At Sea |
||
| 3/19/11 | Enter Panama Canal, Cristobal |
5:00 AM |
|
| 3/19/11 | Cruising Gatun Lake, Panama |
9:00 AM |
10:00 AM |
| 3/19/11 | Exit Panama Canal Cristobal |
1:00 PM |
|
| 3/19/11 | Colon, Panama |
3:00 PM |
7:00 PM |
| 3/20/11 | Puerto Limon, Costa Rica |
6:30 AM |
4:00 PM |
| 3/21/11 | At Sea |
||
| 3/22/11 | At Sea |
||
| 3/23/11 | Ft. Lauderdale, FL |
7:00 AM |
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
There is an abundance of things to do in the Ft. Lauderdale area: visit the newly redesigned Ft. Lauderdale Beach and cafes, see the historic Riverwalk, shop the luxurious stores on Las Olas Blvd, or adventure to the Everglades for an exhilarating air boat excursion.
Half Moon Cay, Bahamas
This Bahamian island captures all the magic of a secluded retreat. Privately owned by Holland America, Half Moon Cay remains largely in its pristine, natural state, with a wonderful Wild Bird Preserve designated by the Bahamian National Trust. Its beach is a two-mile-long, crescent-shaped bay with silky, white sand beaches - the perfect tropical island paradise you dream of. Enjoy Swimming and snorkeling, glass bottom boat rides, and a variety of activities from the Water Sports Center (including kayaks, paddle boats, sailboats, parasailing, deep-sea fishing, and scuba diving).
Oranjestad, Aruba
Aruba is a Dutch jewel with a tropical touch. In Oranjestad, the capital city, explore the colorful floating market and Nassaustraat, brimming with quaint shops. Head for the beach where water sports abound: snorkeling, rides on glass bottom boats and a submarine that explores one of the largest shipwrecks. Or venture into the countryside to see the haunts of the huge green parakeet, the unique rock gardens of Casi Bari, the curious divi divi tree, forever bending in the trade wind breezes.
Willemstad (Curacao), Antilles
This island offers Amsterdam-like canals, ornate Dutch colonial buildings, and an exotic floating market. Its storybook houses in the Punda section and the duty free shops are great attractions. This unique port offers Dutch treats with the climate of coastal Venezuela. Visit the Bat Caves and the “salt pans”, a former salt mine that’s now home to many flamingos.
Gatun Lake, Panama (Scenic Cruising)
Essential to controlling the water level for the locks of the Panama Canal, Gatun Lake was created at the time the canal was built. It's held in place by a massive earthen dam, and is one of the largest artificial lakes in the world at 23.5 miles long. It takes about 52 million gallons of water to float a ship through the locks. Equally amazing is the lake’s lush tropical isles and jungle-clad shoreline.
Colon, Panama
Here, at the Atlantic entrance to the Canal, ships of every size and flag begin their miraculous journey between two oceans.
In nearby Portobelo walk amidst the ancient cannons and ramparts that once protected the Spanish gold. Tour Spanish fortresses and pirate markets. Visit a rainforest jungle teeming with exotic wildlife. Learn about the interesting culture of Embera Indians, or explore the engineering behind the massive locks.
Puerto Limon, Costa Rica
Certainly one of Costa Rica’s best-kept secrets, Puerto Limon is home to thousands of species of exotic flora and fauna. On the coast banana plantations flank breathtaking vistas, and inland the realm of sloths and Shamans beckons. Spend the day exploring the rain forest on the Aerial Tram, with eye-level views of toucans, white-faced monkeys, and brilliant blue morpho butterflies.
"Out Of The Ordinary"
"Abraham Cruises"