Polynesia & Panama Canal Passage Cruise

Day 1 - Papeete

Arrive: Mon 09 March 2026

The islands of French Polynesia are acclaimed as the most beautiful in the South Pacific. Tahiti is the largest of the Polynesian islands and home to the capital city of Papeete, a delightful blend of cultures. Papeete, meaning the "water basket," was once a gathering place where Tahitians came to fill their calabashes with fresh water. Today, it is the gateway to the country, and boasts romantic resorts, fine dining, vibrant markets, pearl shops, and boutiques. Tahiti's mountainous interior is adorned with deep valleys and scenic waterfalls, while the rugged coastal lands are home to fields of tropical flowers, and glorious white and black sand beaches.

Day 2 - Papeete

Depart: Tue 10 March 2026 at 20:00

The islands of French Polynesia are acclaimed as the most beautiful in the South Pacific. Tahiti is the largest of the Polynesian islands and home to the capital city of Papeete, a delightful blend of cultures. Papeete, meaning the "water basket," was once a gathering place where Tahitians came to fill their calabashes with fresh water. Today, it is the gateway to the country, and boasts romantic resorts, fine dining, vibrant markets, pearl shops, and boutiques. Tahiti's mountainous interior is adorned with deep valleys and scenic waterfalls, while the rugged coastal lands are home to fields of tropical flowers, and glorious white and black sand beaches.

Day 3 - At Sea

Day 4 - Fakarava, Tuamotu Islands

Arrive: Thu 12 March 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Thu 12 March 2026 at 18:00

The 77 Tuamotus, (the name means “Distant Islands” in Polynesian) comprise the largest chain of coral atolls on earth. They sprawl across the vast blue South Pacific Ocean encompassing an area the size of Western Europe. Atolls are literally the skeletal remains of coral reefs, forming rings of crushed coral sand surrounding a shallow central lagoon. The natural flora and fauna of the Oceanic realm is adapted to this environment, and Fakarava’s large lagoon is designated by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve. The people of Fakarava farm coconuts for copra on shore and pearls in the lagoons. They also host the travelers who flock here to bask on the beaches and snorkel or dive in the luxuriant coral gardens along the shore. At the long spit of Les Sables Roses, the pink blush of the sand reveals its coral origin. The sleepy towns of Rotoava and Tetamanu offer scant attractions for visitors, except for their distinctive rock lighthouses shaped like stepped pyramids. Tetamanu does boast a 19th Century church built of coral rock by missionaries, and an adjoining cemetery with coral rock headstones. Aside from snorkeling or beach-basking, some visitors enjoy a visit to a lagoon pearl farm, to see how the large, flat bivalves are coaxed into creating the treasured gems formed by the lustrous nacre inside their shells.

Day 5 - Rangiroa

Arrive: Fri 13 March 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Fri 13 March 2026 at 18:00

One of the largest coral atolls on earth with a total circumference of 200 km, Rangiroa is a part of the island group called the Tuamotus. Its central lagoon is so large that is actually has its own horizon. Pearl cultivation is practiced here, yielding the prized black pearls, and surprisingly, it also supports a winemaking endeavor for the commercial market in Tahiti. The vines are planted on the small motus right alongside coconut palms.

Day 6 - Huahine, French Polynesia

Arrive: Sat 14 March 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Sat 14 March 2026 at 18:00

Huahine is an island located among the Society Islands, in French Polynesia, an overseas territory of France in the Pacific Ocean. It is part of the Leeward Islands group. At the 2017 census it had a population of 6,075.

Day 7 - Raiatea

Arrive: Sun 15 March 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Sun 15 March 2026 at 17:00

The second-largest of the Society Islands is practically twinned with its neighbor Taha’a. Actually they are connected by a reef in the same lagoon and may have been one island in the past. The main town, Uturoa is where most of the population lives. It’s lively, although no competition for Tahiti. Called the Sacred Island, Raiatea’s name means “bright sky,” and it was probably the first human community in the islands. The ancient sacred site of Taputapuatea is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and may have been the place from which Polynesian migrations to Hawaii, the Cook Islands, New Zealand and the rest of the South Pacific started. Although less touristed than Tahiti, caring for visitors has grown in importance. Agriculture is mainly given over to coconuts, pineapples and vanilla. Vanilla orchids are hand-pollinated, since Raiatea has no insect pollinators for vanilla blossoms. South Seas pearls are farmed in the lagoon in various colors. A hike up Mt. Tapioi rewards with stunning views of the lagoon and sea, and tall Bora Bora on the far horizon. Another favorite hike leads to the island’s three waterfalls. The tallest peak, Mt. Temehani, is the place to look for the unique, five-petaled Tiare Apetahi flowers that grow nowhere else. The lagoon is dotted with tiny motus, which are mostly coral sand beach, and are popular for castaway swimming and snorkeling adventures.

Day 8 - Bora Bora

Arrive: Mon 16 March 2026 at 08:00

Bora Bora, has long been noted for its stunning beauty. A tiny island, less than 20 miles in circumference, Bora Bora is dominated by the castle-like Mount Otemanu and Mount Pahia, two volcanic peaks with lush tropical slopes. A protective coral reef encloses Bora Bora, and the lagoon is dotted with colorful motus, or islets. Perfect white-sand beaches give way to brilliant turquoise and sapphire-colored waters, and locals in the small village of Viatape sell colorful fabrics, sculptures carved from native wood and precious black pearls.

Day 9 - Bora Bora

Depart: Tue 17 March 2026 at 18:00

Bora Bora, has long been noted for its stunning beauty. A tiny island, less than 20 miles in circumference, Bora Bora is dominated by the castle-like Mount Otemanu and Mount Pahia, two volcanic peaks with lush tropical slopes. A protective coral reef encloses Bora Bora, and the lagoon is dotted with colorful motus, or islets. Perfect white-sand beaches give way to brilliant turquoise and sapphire-colored waters, and locals in the small village of Viatape sell colorful fabrics, sculptures carved from native wood and precious black pearls.

Day 10 - Bahia d' Opunoha, Moorea

Arrive: Wed 18 March 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Wed 18 March 2026 at 17:00

Day 10 - Papeete

Arrive: Wed 18 March 2026 at 21:00

The islands of French Polynesia are acclaimed as the most beautiful in the South Pacific. Tahiti is the largest of the Polynesian islands and home to the capital city of Papeete, a delightful blend of cultures. Papeete, meaning the "water basket," was once a gathering place where Tahitians came to fill their calabashes with fresh water. Today, it is the gateway to the country, and boasts romantic resorts, fine dining, vibrant markets, pearl shops, and boutiques. Tahiti's mountainous interior is adorned with deep valleys and scenic waterfalls, while the rugged coastal lands are home to fields of tropical flowers, and glorious white and black sand beaches.

Day 11 - Papeete

Depart: Thu 19 March 2026 at 17:00

The islands of French Polynesia are acclaimed as the most beautiful in the South Pacific. Tahiti is the largest of the Polynesian islands and home to the capital city of Papeete, a delightful blend of cultures. Papeete, meaning the "water basket," was once a gathering place where Tahitians came to fill their calabashes with fresh water. Today, it is the gateway to the country, and boasts romantic resorts, fine dining, vibrant markets, pearl shops, and boutiques. Tahiti's mountainous interior is adorned with deep valleys and scenic waterfalls, while the rugged coastal lands are home to fields of tropical flowers, and glorious white and black sand beaches.

Day 12 - Raiatea

Arrive: Fri 20 March 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Fri 20 March 2026 at 17:00

The second-largest of the Society Islands is practically twinned with its neighbor Taha’a. Actually they are connected by a reef in the same lagoon and may have been one island in the past. The main town, Uturoa is where most of the population lives. It’s lively, although no competition for Tahiti. Called the Sacred Island, Raiatea’s name means “bright sky,” and it was probably the first human community in the islands. The ancient sacred site of Taputapuatea is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and may have been the place from which Polynesian migrations to Hawaii, the Cook Islands, New Zealand and the rest of the South Pacific started. Although less touristed than Tahiti, caring for visitors has grown in importance. Agriculture is mainly given over to coconuts, pineapples and vanilla. Vanilla orchids are hand-pollinated, since Raiatea has no insect pollinators for vanilla blossoms. South Seas pearls are farmed in the lagoon in various colors. A hike up Mt. Tapioi rewards with stunning views of the lagoon and sea, and tall Bora Bora on the far horizon. Another favorite hike leads to the island’s three waterfalls. The tallest peak, Mt. Temehani, is the place to look for the unique, five-petaled Tiare Apetahi flowers that grow nowhere else. The lagoon is dotted with tiny motus, which are mostly coral sand beach, and are popular for castaway swimming and snorkeling adventures.

Day 13 - Bora Bora

Arrive: Sat 21 March 2026 at 07:00 / Depart: Sat 21 March 2026 at 17:00

Bora Bora, has long been noted for its stunning beauty. A tiny island, less than 20 miles in circumference, Bora Bora is dominated by the castle-like Mount Otemanu and Mount Pahia, two volcanic peaks with lush tropical slopes. A protective coral reef encloses Bora Bora, and the lagoon is dotted with colorful motus, or islets. Perfect white-sand beaches give way to brilliant turquoise and sapphire-colored waters, and locals in the small village of Viatape sell colorful fabrics, sculptures carved from native wood and precious black pearls.

Day 14 - At Sea

Day 15 - At Sea

Day 16 - Crossing the Equator

Day 17 - At Sea

Day 18 - At Sea

Day 19 - At Sea

Day 20 - Kahului

Arrive: Sat 28 March 2026 at 07:00 / Depart: Sat 28 March 2026 at 21:00

Day 21 - Honolulu

Arrive: Sun 29 March 2026 at 07:00 / Depart: Sun 29 March 2026 at 23:00

Home to the state capitol and the majority of Hawaii's population, the island of Oahu is a vibrant mix of natural, cultural and historic wonders. In Honolulu, an array of cultures blends harmoniously, allowing each to retain its distinct flavor. The downtown sector combines Hawaii's royal history with the modern-day action of a major metropolitan center. Waikiki Beach, with its impressive hotels and glittering atmosphere, is a famous tourist hub and resort destination of international renown. Honolulu is also the location of Diamond Head, Oahu's famous volcanic landmark, and Pearl Harbor, the largest natural harbor in Hawaii and the only naval base in the United States to be designated a National Historical Landmark.

Day 22 - Kona

Arrive: Mon 30 March 2026 at 11:00 / Depart: Mon 30 March 2026 at 23:00

The island of Hawaii, called the Big Island, is the largest, youngest and most changeable of the Hawaiian Islands. It was the last in the chain to be formed and is still creating and re-creating itself. Lava flowing to the ocean in a sustained, years-long eruption of Kilauea, the world's most continuously active volcano, has added 300 new acres of topography, while it has demolished some of the island's most treasured landmarks, including a 200 year old black sand beach. It was on this island that the Polynesian voyagers are believed to have first set foot in Hawaii about 500-750 CE, and it was here that Kamehameha the Great was born and died, and Captain James Cook was killed.

Day 23 - At Sea

Day 24 - At Sea

Day 25 - At Sea

Day 26 - At Sea

Day 27 - At Sea

Day 28 - At Sea

Day 29 - At Sea

Day 30 - Long Beach

Arrive: Tue 07 April 2026 at 07:00 / Depart: Tue 07 April 2026 at 17:00

Day 31 - At Sea

Day 32 - At Sea

Day 33 - At Sea

Day 34 - Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Arrive: Sat 11 April 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Sat 11 April 2026 at 23:00

"PV" takes to its glamorous role as the Cannes of the Mexican Riviera with gusto. With clear warm waters, movie-star beaches and a host of nearby sporting activities, it is definitely ready for a close-up!

Day 35 - At Sea

Day 36 - At Sea

Day 37 - Santa Cruz, Mexico

Arrive: Tue 14 April 2026 at 07:00 / Depart: Tue 14 April 2026 at 16:00

The nine glistening bays of Huatulco were virtually unknown outside the state of Oaxaca until the first coastal highway was completed in 1982. Now part of Mexico's 'Master Plan' to develop certain coastal areas into premium resorts, Huatulco may one day rival Acapulco and Cancun in the competition to attract tourists from around the world. The pleasing subtropical climate, fine golden sand beaches and warm waters certainly won't disappoint.

Day 38 - Puerto Chiapas

Arrive: Wed 15 April 2026 at 09:00 / Depart: Wed 15 April 2026 at 19:00

Puerto Chiapas is located in the southern Soconusco region of the Mexican state of Chiapas, close by the Guatemalan border. The region produces both coffee and cacao for chocolate, and so provides opportunities to see how these commodities are grown, processed and used worldwide. Bananas and tropical blooms are two other regional agricultural mainstays. If you have never tasted a truly tree-ripened banana, the experience can be revelatory. There are some pre-Columbian ruins at Izapa, although nothing on the scale of other, more famous Mayan ruins in Mexico and Guatemala. Favorite activities that have been developed for visitors include people-to-people opportunities in some of the nearby rural (and very friendly) communities.

Day 39 - Puerto Quetzal

Arrive: Thu 16 April 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Thu 16 April 2026 at 17:00

Once the site of an impressive ancient Mayan civilization, Guatemala was conquered by Spanish conquistadors in 1524. Puerto Quetzal is Guatemala's largest Pacific Ocean port, offering access to the natural and historic wonders of Guatemala. Beyond the black-sand beaches that surround Puerto Quetzal, a narrow ribbon of lowland runs the length of the Pacific shore, where local farmers raise cotton, sugar, bananas and maize. Bordering the fertile lowlands, the Guatemalan highlands suddenly emerge, rising to heights of 2500 to 3000 feet. Jutting boldly from the southern highlands is a string of volcanoes, adding even more drama to this diverse land of ancient Maya ruins, Spanish Colonial heritage and breathtaking scenery.

Day 40 - At Sea

Day 41 - Puntarenas, Costa Rica

Arrive: Sat 18 April 2026 at 07:00 / Depart: Sat 18 April 2026 at 17:00

The principal town of Costa Rica’s Gulf of Nicoya, Puntarenas gives access to several of the nation’s ecological reserves, including the Monteverde Reserve, as well as highlights of the highlands such as the famous woodcarving center of Sarchi and the distinctive highland town of Grecia with its metal Gothic church. At the nearby Carara National Park, visitors can see the “Pura Vida” waterfall, some 650 feet high and keep an eye out for brilliant Scarlet Macaws.

Day 42 - At Sea

Day 43 - Enter Panama Canal Balboa

Day 43 - Panama Canal Cruising

Day 43 - Exit Panama Canal Cristobal

Day 44 - At Sea

Day 45 - Cartagena, Colombia

Arrive: Wed 22 April 2026 at 07:00 / Depart: Wed 22 April 2026 at 22:00

The Spanish founded Cartagena, officially known as Cartagena de Indias, in 1533. The city rapidly became a thriving commercial port, where precious stones and minerals from the New World awaited shipment back to Spain. Situated in a bay on the Caribbean Sea, Cartagena had the most extensive fortifications in South America, once guarded by 29 stone forts and a high wall of coral-stone measuring 16-miles long, 40-feet high and 50-feet wide. Completed in 1657, the Castle of San Felipe de Barajas is said to be the most grandiose work of military architecture erected by Spain in the Americas. Today, Cartagena's riches are found in the Boca Grande, an area of the city with beautiful waterfront hotels, trendy restaurants, casinos and boutiques.

Day 46 - At Sea

Day 47 - At Sea

Day 48 - At Sea

Day 49 - Miami, Florida

Arrive: Sun 26 April 2026 at 07:00 / Depart: Sun 26 April 2026

Miami is the busiest cruise port in the world, hosting a myriad of ships year-round from all over the globe. Although it is technically not on the Caribbean Sea, no other American city exudes more of the diverse tropical appeal of the Caribbean. The city is home to a large and vibrant immigrant population that blends snowbird refugees from more northern climes with emigres from all Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as sizable groups from Europe, the Middle East and Asia. From the hot-blooded Art Deco haunts of South Beach to the natural wonders of the UNESCO-inscribed Everglades and the laid-back charms of the Keys, South Florida offers a bounty of appealing attractions that make an extended stay in the region nearly mandatory for those either embarking or disembarking here.