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Panama Canal & West Coast Explorer

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 Cruise Length
26 Days
 Cruise Starts
Fort Lauderdale
 Cruise Finishes
Vancouver
26 Day Panama Canal & West Coast Explorer Itinerary (Viking)
Countries Explored: USA, Mexico, Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Canada
Cruise Line
Viking
Ship
Viking Ocean Ships
Passengers
930
Crew
465
Launched
2015-2025
Cruise Code
VKPCWCE

Overview

Join us on a voyage of discovery, calling at Central American gems. Uncover Cozumel’s colonial past and Colombia’s rich heritage in Cartagena. Cross Panama’s famed canal, an engineering marvel of the 20th century, and witness the verdant landscapes of Costa Rica’s tropical rainforest. Immerse yourself in the laid-back vibe of the Baja Peninsula and trace America’s west coast as you discover sun-drenched Californian cities.

Itinerary

Embark your ship and settle into your stateroom. A beloved leisure destination for Floridians and visitors alike, the Ft. Lauderdale area exudes the carefree attitude of South Florida's coast. In Miami, a thriving Cuban culture infuses Old Havana and gleaming high-rises overlook Biscayne Bay. On the outlying barrier islands, South Beach is an intoxicating blend of seaside glamour and art deco pastel brilliance. Farther north, the seven-mile-long Ft. Lauderdale Beach provides a more leisurely ambience. Along Las Olas Boulevard, cafés and boutiques invite lingering and endless browsing.

The Gulf of Mexico has been a witness to much of the history of North and Central America. In 1497, Amerigo Vespucci was purportedly the first European to sail into the gulf's basin, charting its coast and changing the world map. The lush green shores of Cuba unfold to the south, from Havana to Santa Lucia, the Caribbean sun glittering off coastal cities. On the northern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, vegetation is sparse on its flat coastal landscape, creating a dramatic scenic contrast. Enjoy the amenities of your ship as you sail. Perhaps take a breath of fresh air on a brisk walk around the Promenade Deck or begin your day with a workout in the well-equipped Fitness Center.

The island of Cozumel holds the keys to many of the most intriguing secrets of Mexico's ancient civilizations. At San Gervasio, pre-Columbian women made offerings to Ix Chel, goddess of the moon and fertility. More recently, the Spanish left marks of their early presence in the colorful colonial architecture and lively traditions of San Miguel and at the scenic lighthouse at Punta Sur. Today, this island off Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula attracts as many snorkelers as it does history buffs; the Cozumel Reefs National Marine Park is the world's second-largest coral reef system.

Sail through turquoise waters where legends of marauding pirates, swashbucklers and tales of hidden treasures were born. Enjoy the amenities of your ship as you sail. Perhaps take a breath of fresh air on a brisk walk around the Promenade Deck or begin your day with a workout in the well-equipped Fitness Center.

Sail through turquoise waters where legends of marauding pirates, swashbucklers and tales of hidden treasures were born. Enjoy the amenities of your ship as you sail. Perhaps take a breath of fresh air on a brisk walk around the Promenade Deck or begin your day with a workout in the well-equipped Fitness Center.

Cartagena is Colombia's cultural treasure. The walls of its extensive San Felipe de Barajas Fortress stretch for seven miles and are 25 feet thick, making them the longest in South America. Inside this impregnable fortress, Cartagena's Ciudad Vieja, or Old City, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its remarkable preservation. Its many picturesque plazas and beautifully preserved buildings invite endless strolls and exploration. Lively Afro-Caribbean rhythms spill into the charming alleyways, offering a hint of the vibrancy throughout the city.

Colón lies near the Panama Canal's Atlantic entrance. During the California gold rush, prospectors from the eastern United States sailed here, trekked across the narrow isthmus of Panama, then sailed up the Pacific coast, believing the journey easier than traversing the entire United States. Indigenous tribes maintain a strong presence in this northern corner of Panama. In the city's rural reaches, the Emberá people—descended from ancient tribes—live in thatched-roof huts, travel by dugout canoe and weave traditional baskets. On some dates, the ship will call at Fuerte Amador (Panama City).

The Panama Canal connects the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, crossing the narrowest stretch of the isthmus of Panama. A full transit through the 48-mile-long canal takes around eight to ten hours and passes through the Gatun Lake and the Culebra Cut, an artificial valley that runs through the Continental Divide. An engineering marvel of the 20th century, the crossing passes through a series of locks that lift and lower ships 85 feet from sea level, guided by electric locomotives known as mulas. The Panama Canal transit is a rite of passage and a truly memorable experience.

Sail Mar Pacífico, meaning 'peaceful sea,' dubbed by Ferdinand Magallan when he crossed these waters almost 500 years ago. As you sail, take advantage of the array of delicious cuisine offered on board. You may visit Mamsen's, our casual gourmet deli, any time from early morning to late at night for a taste of traditional Norwegian fare. Or, dine at Manfredi's Italian Restaurant for authentic fare with options ranging from Milanese risotto to Tuscan-inspired classics.

Puntarenas is the gateway to magnificent beaches and rich wildlife. The port prospered on the shoulders of coffee barons as oxcarts delivered satchels of beans to the docks from the mountains. With the opening of a railroad in 1879, the oxcarts disappeared, but coffee remains Costa Rica's major export. Today, Puntarenas retains its fishing heritage, as colorful boats in the harbor attest, and the lush rainforests nearby offer endless walking trails under a dense canopy; rich in vegetation and echoing with the screeches of howler monkeys.

Léon boasts innumerable and incredibly preserved Spanish colonial churches, residences and other buildings, exuding a timeless atmosphere. The city is the gateway to some of the world's most visually arresting vistas, from vast tropical jungles and soaring peaks to enormous freshwater lakes. Home to dozens of volcanoes, Nicaragua claims some of the most fertile soils on Earth and its farming culture has thrived for centuries. Many of the country's fincas, or coffee plantations, open their doors so visitors can see how the beloved bean is grown, harvested and roasted.

Traverse the world's largest ocean, covering almost 64 million square miles. At twice the size of the Atlantic, the Pacific is an ocean of extremes. As you sail, explore our well-curated library, tucked in a private alcove of The Living Room, and select from a broad range of titles. Read a book by the Main Pool, a calming oasis in any weather with its retractable roof, allowing for year-round swimming.

Traverse the world's largest ocean, covering almost 64 million square miles. At twice the size of the Atlantic, the Pacific is an ocean of extremes. As you sail, explore our well-curated library, tucked in a private alcove of The Living Room, and select from a broad range of titles. Read a book by the Main Pool, a calming oasis in any weather with its retractable roof, allowing for year-round swimming.

Traverse the world's largest ocean, covering almost 64 million square miles. At twice the size of the Atlantic, the Pacific is an ocean of extremes. As you sail, explore our well-curated library, tucked in a private alcove of The Living Room, and select from a broad range of titles. Read a book by the Main Pool, a calming oasis in any weather with its retractable roof, allowing for year-round swimming.

Located at the tip of the 775-mile Baja Peninsula, where the Pacific Ocean meets the Gulf of California, Cabo—as it is commonly known—is one of Mexico's top destinations for its long beaches, resorts, scuba diving and picturesque coast. Renowned for the spectacular rock formations that line its shores, this bustling playground boasts one of the region's most scenic harbors. The sleepier side of this resort town lies in San José del Cabo. Its charming pink church, inviting town square and low adobe homes evoke an old colonial flair.

Learn about the vast array of marine life that call the Pacific Ocean home. Gigantic humpback and blue whales troll the water for microscopic krill, while predators such as sharks and orcas feed on the likes of tuna and swordfish. As you sail today, attend an informative lecture or watch a film in our state-of-the-art theater. A range of insightful TED Talks and destination-inspired seminars are offered daily.

Learn about the vast array of marine life that call the Pacific Ocean home. Gigantic humpback and blue whales troll the water for microscopic krill, while predators such as sharks and orcas feed on the likes of tuna and swordfish. As you sail today, attend an informative lecture or watch a film in our state-of-the-art theater. A range of insightful TED Talks and destination-inspired seminars are offered daily.

Los Angeles is renowned as the world's leading center of film and television, and is home to an endless array of museums, concert venues and other cultural institutions. The city also offers some of the best dining in the world. Along the palm-lined streets of Beverly Hills, grand celebrity mansions hide behind iron gates. The chic shops of Rodeo Drive invite endless browsing. The Roosevelt Hotel, an icon built in the 1920s that once served as the residence of Clark Gable and Carole Lombard, oversees the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the historic Grauman's Chinese Theater.

San Diego is celebrated for its beautiful white-sand beaches, temperate climate and lush green parks. The city hosted the Panama-California Exposition to commemorate the opening of the Panama Canal in 1915; more than a dozen Spanish-Moorish style buildings were built for the occasion. Today, these stunning structures house world-class museums and are part of Balboa Park, the nation's largest cultural park spanning more than 1,200 acres; the most famous attraction, the San Diego Zoo, hosts some 4,000 animals and 800 species drawing animal lovers from the world over.

Santa Barbara is known as 'the American Riviera' for its splendid setting between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains. When it comes to its historic architecture, Spanish Colonial Revival and Mission Revival dominate, sharing the cityscape with Victorian gems from the late 1800s and California bungalows from the early 20th century. The hilltop Old Mission Santa Barbara, founded in 1786 by Franciscan friars, offers a glimpse of California's early days. Nearby, more than 100 vineyards provide ample opportunities for sampling the region's famed wines.

Cross the Pacific Ocean and learn about its fascinating geology, with more than 75,000 volcanoes—many still active—reaching up from its depths. As you sail today, relax in the Explorers' Lounge, inspired by epic journeys of discovery. Marvel at the views through the two-story panoramic windows as you share a cocktail with friends, or settle down to read a book.

San Francisco's skyline is one of the most recognizable in the world, thanks in part to the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. This cosmopolitan city in Northern California has long exerted an influence far beyond its city limits. Home to the beatnik and hippie countercultural movements of the mid-20th century, today it serves a hub to many technology companies that drive everyday life. The city's hilly environs are dotted with famed landmarks, including Fisherman's Wharf and the oldest Chinatown in North America, while notorious Alcatraz looms in the bay typically shrouded in fog.

The Pacific Ocean may have been officially discovered in 1521, yet early civilizations have been traversing these waters since 3000 BC. Renew your body, mind and spirit in our Scandinavian-inspired spa, a Nordic sanctuary of holistic wellness, today while at sea. Whether you unwind in the Sauna, refresh in the Snow Grotto or take a dip in the Thermal Pool, you will feel recharged and revitalized.

Astoria was named for John Jacob Astor, the 19th-century fur trader and real estate tycoon. His American Fur Company built Fort Astoria here, and it grew into the first American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains. Nordic and Chinese immigrants arrived in the late 1800s, working in fishing and canning industries, respectively. Today, Astoria remains a port and trade center, though it does so in the shadow of neighboring Portland and Seattle. Its fascinating history is chronicled at the reconstructed Fort Astoria and the Heritage Museum in the former City Hall.

Set amid the breathtaking landscape of Vancouver Island, Victoria is one of the Pacific Northwest's oldest cities. Named for British monarch Queen Victoria, the settlement experienced a population boom during the late 19th century when the discovery of gold brought miners and adventurers from far and wide. Today, the capital of British Columbia is renowned for its mix of heritage buildings, eclectic shops and cozy eateries. A modern city boasting a large technology sector and university, Victoria still honors its First Nations, British colonial and Asian traditions.

Vancouver is one of Canada's most diverse cities and the influence of its multi-ethnic society is reflected in the city's multitude of restaurants and public settings, such as the tranquil Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden at the heart of Chinatown. The city's cultural treasures reflect its indigenous community and embody the influence of European and Asian settlers. Its vibrant institutions run the gamut, from bustling markets to museums that chronicle the region's anthropology and rich art heritage. After breakfast, disembark your ship and journey home.

Life Onboard Viking Ocean Ships

The Viking Fleet
The Viking Fleet

Viking Ocean Cruises boasts a fleet of new, award winning, state of the art ships incorporating all the comforts and luxuries you would expect from Viking. Read more

The Thinking Person's Cruise
The Thinking Person's Cruise

Viking are destination experts. With no casinos or children on board, you can be assured that the focus is firmly on enrichment and education. Read more

And Relax
And Relax

After a day of exploration or just to enhance the relaxation of a day at sea, the on-board Spa will leave you feeling recharged and revitalized. Read more

Destination Focused Dining
Destination Focused Dining

Viking offer eight on board dining options. Beer, wine and soft drinks are available with lunch and dinner at no additional charge of fee. Read more

All Inclusive
All Inclusive

Viking proudly includes all that you need and nothing you do not. A variety of features and services valued at $200 per person per day are standard inclusions in your cruise. Read more

Onshore Experiences
Onshore Experiences

Viking include one complimentary shore excursion in every port of call. Enjoy exclusive entry to cultural treasures and seldom-seen collections around the world. Read more

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Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Viking. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Viking. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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