
Natural Sanctuaries & Heritage of the Caribbean
- ItineraryWillemstad to ColónDuration8 days
- Dates26 Nov 25 to 3 Dec 25Prices from
Come aboard Le Champlain for an unforgettable voyage.
On this 8-day all-new cruise aboard Le Champlain, you will sail the Caribbean Sea discovering the lush landscapes of Central America, exploring the region’s historical cities to learn more about their history, sharing with the local populations and creating unforgettable memories.
From Willemstad, the capital of Curaçao, set sail for Santa Marta. Located on the north of Columbia’s Caribbean coast, this seaside resort is an infinite source of wonder, with its lush tropical forest, beautiful fine sandy beaches and Pre-Columbian treasures.
Then, you will visit the city of Cartagena de Indias in Colombia. Its port, fortress, and historic monuments, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offer many noteworthy sights.
Next, you will discover the golden sand and crystal-clear waters of the coral islets of the San Blas Islands. The Kuna live among the palm trees and pirogues; this people perpetuate, among other things, the traditional craft of molas, weaved textiles in sparkling colours.
San Lorenzo’s Fort is your final port of call before Colón. Admire this unusual fortress built by the Spanish Crown to protect transatlantic trade. Now classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is an exceptional example of military architecture from the 17th and 18th centuries.
Your voyage
All-inclusive

Destination
Central America
Willemstad to Colón
Duration
8 days, 7 nights on board
Discoveries
No single supplement, PONANT Bonus 20%
Ref: EC261125












Journey
Your daily itinerary
- Discover the gems of two Central American countries (Colombia and Panama), their fascinating history, cultural treasures and exceptional biodiversity.
- UNESCO-listed sites: Willemstad, the capital of the island of Curaçao; the former colonial city of Cartagena de Indias; and the fortifications of San Lorenzo.
- Planned activities: among these are included excursions led by expert local guides and activities conducted with your naturalist guides.

Customize your journey:

Date
25 Nov 25

Date
23 Nov 25
Date
3 Dec 25
Date
3 Dec 25
Staterooms and suites
Elegance and refinement

Deluxe Stateroom
Guests
2
Size
204 ft²

Prestige Stateroom
Guests
2
Size
204 ft²

Deluxe Suite
Guests
3
Size
290 ft²

Prestige Suite
Guests
4
Size
409 ft²

Privilege Suite
Guests
3
Size
344 ft²

Grand Deluxe Suite
Guests
4
Size
484 ft²

Owner's Suite
Guests
4
Size
484 ft²
*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
Details
More information
What's Included
Important travel details
In your luggage
Natural Sanctuaries & Heritage of the Caribbean
Itinerary
Embarkation 26/11/25 from 16:00 to 17:00 Departure 26/11/25 at 18:00
26 Nov 25 - Willemstad

Arrival 27/11/25 Departure 27/11/25
27 Nov 25 - At sea

Arrival 28/11/25 Departure 28/11/25
28 Nov 25 - Santa Marta

2 available excursionsto this stopover
Arrival 29/11/25 Departure 30/11/25
29 Nov 25 > 30 Nov 25 - Cartagena

4 available excursionsto this stopover
Arrival 01/12/25 Departure 01/12/25
1 Dec 25 - San Blas Islands

Arrival 02/12/25 Departure 02/12/25
2 Dec 25 - Fort San Lorenzo (Colón)

1 available excursionto this stopover
Arrival 02/12/25 Disembarkation 03/12/25 at 8:00
2 Dec 25 > 3 Dec 25 - Colón

Natural Sanctuaries & Heritage of the Caribbean
Customize your journey
Discover panama city (1 night)
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Take advantage of two days to discover the richness of Panama City's historic centre, to visit the monumental canal and the famous locks opening the passage to gigantic ships from coast to coast. This programme will be an ideal conclusion to your cruise.
Day 1 – Colón/Panama City
After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local representative.
You will depart the pier by coach for Gamboa (approximately a 1h drive).
You will first do a boat trip through the Panama Canal waterways to visit the islands that once upon time were mountains and were created when the area was flooded to form the Gatun Lake.
Lunch in a local restaurant.
You will continue your day with a sightseeing tour of Panama City. You will be taken first to Miraflores locks, the so-called “Eighth Wonder of the world”. Panama Canal is one of the most celebrated human achievements on the planet. Upon arrival at Miraflores Visitors Centre, you will visit the exhibition halls and learn about the Panama Canal’s history, its impact on international trade, how it works, its close relationship with nature and the Canal Expansion. From one of Miraflores observation terraces, you will be able to watch the lock gates open and close as vessels begin or end their transit, and you may observe transiting vessels from a distance of only a few meters while you learn about the various operations of the Panama Canal (cannot be guaranteed depending on Panama Canal timetable).
You will then discover the turbulent past of Panama City, in Casco Antiguo (or Casco Viejo) which is the historic part and the cultural gem of this vibrant metropolis. After the destruction of the first Panama City by pirate Henry Morgan, Casco Antiguo became the second Panama City. It was established around 1673 by French colonialists, the Catholic Church and other settlers. This is where much of the impressive colonial and Baroque architecture remains today. The modern, cosmopolitan areas of Panama City add a third layer to this historically rich city. You will get the chance to explore on your own the neighbourhood of Casco Antiguo with its colonial style government buildings, old churches and grand plazas. Casco Antiguo has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997.
You will be transferred to the Hilton 5* hotel.
Check-in and dinner at leisure.
Day 2 - Panama City
Breakfast at the hotel.
Late check-out is included until 6 pm.
Day at leisure.
You will then be transferred to the airport in time for check-in of the PONANT selected flight, or any other flight (please make sure to previously communicate your flight schedule to your travel agent).
Your hotel:
The Hilton Panama 5* is a few steps away from the ocean front walkway, and two blocks away from the Financial District. Guest rooms offer views of the Panama Bay and the Pacific Ocean. They feature contemporary design and modern amenities including Wi-Fi access and a HDTV. You will find at your disposal a fitness centre, a spa and a top roof pool.
Your programme includes:
· 1-night accommodation in Ocean View room at Hilton Hotel 5* (or similar) including breakfast.
· Late check-out until 6 pm.
· Lunch as described in the programme with beverage package (mineral water + 1 glass of wine or 1 soft drink or 1 local beer + 1 coffee or tea).
· Transfers, visits and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.
· Services of a local English-speaking guide.
· Hospitality desk at the hotel, the day of your departure.
Your programme does not include:
· Dinner on Day 1.
· Tips for the driver and local guide.
· Personal expenses.
· Visa if necessary.
· Other services not mentioned in the programme.
Please note :
· It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.
· As respecting the environment is important to us, we highly recommend you take your filled Ponant water bottle with you after your cruise, so you can use it on shore and avoid the use of plastic bottles whenever it is not strictly necessary.
- A minimum number of participants is required for this trip to proceed. As a result, both the price and itinerary may be adjusted based on the final number of participants. Should the minimum number not be met, we will offer you an alternative arrangement.
Contact of your hotel:
Hilton Hotel
Balboa Avenida & Aquilino de la Guardia
Panama City, PANAMA
Telephone: + 507 280 8000
Duration of the visits are given as a guide only. The order of the visits may be reversed. For the times of your PONANT flight, please contact your travel agent; they are also shown on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
£570/person*
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.Cultural and natural heritage of panama (3 nights)
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Take advantage of four days to discover the richness of Panama City's historic centre, the natural beauties and visit the Gehry Museum of Biodiversity, not forgetting the monumental canal and the famous locks opening the passage to gigantic ships from coast to coast. This programme will be an ideal conclusion to your cruise.
Day 1 – Colón/Panama City
After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local representative.
You will depart the pier by coach for Gamboa (approximately a 1h drive).
You will first do a boat trip through the Panama Canal waterways to visit the islands that once upon time were mountains and were created when the area was flooded to form the Gatun Lake. You will also visit the sloth sanctuary, orchidarium, butterfly house, fresh water aquarium and snake house.
Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.
After lunch and a transfer to Panama City, you will visit the Old Panama Ruins, first European city built in the Pacific coast of the Americas.
You will then be transferred to the hotel Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo 5*.
Check-in and dinner at leisure.
Day 2 - Panama City
Breakfast at the hotel.
You will start your day with a sightseeing tour of Panama City. You will be taken first to Miraflores locks, the so-called “Eighth Wonder of the world”. Panama Canal is one of the most celebrated human achievements on the planet. Upon arrival at Miraflores Visitors Centre, you will visit the exhibition halls and learn about the Panama Canal’s history, its impact on international trade, how it works, its close relationship with nature and the Canal Expansion. From one of Miraflores observation terraces, you will be able to watch the lock gates open and close as vessels begin or end their transit, and you may observe transiting vessels from a distance of only a few meters while you learn about the various operations of the Panama Canal (cannot be guaranteed depending on Panama Canal timetable).
You will then discover the turbulent past of Panama City, in Casco Antiguo (or Casco Viejo) which is the historic part and the cultural gem of this vibrant metropolis. After the destruction of the first Panama City by pirate Henry Morgan, Casco Antiguo became the second Panama City. It was established around 1673 by French colonialists, the Catholic Church and other settlers. This is where much of the impressive colonial and Baroque architecture remains today. The modern, cosmopolitan areas of Panama City add a third layer to this historically rich city. Casco Antiguo has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997.
You will continue with the visit of the Mola Museum that opened in 2019. It was created to give relevance to the ancient culture of the Guna people represented in the mola. The mola is an indigenous textile art sewn into panels with complex designs, beautiful colours and multiple layers using a reverse appliqué technique that identifies the Guna community in Panama, you will enjoy beautiful display of many pieces at this small one floor quaint museum.
Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.
After lunch, take part to a private Mola workshop with a Guna woman and artisan who through her art safeguards the traditions of her people and pays tribute to their culture, inspired mainly by the biodiversity of Panama. The workshop has a duration of 2 hours, starting with the history and meaning of the Molas in Panama, and continuing with the project that consist in the creation of a handkerchief.
Walk back to the hotel.
Time and dinner at leisure.
Day 3 - Panama City
Breakfast at the hotel.
Start your day at the Biomuseo, also called the Gehry’s Museum in honour of its world-renowned architect Frank Gehry. The building is designed to recall the creation of the isthmus of Panama which linked two continents and changed the planet’s biodiversity forever. The event that would change natural history for both continents occurred around three million years ago. Species from both continents mingled as northern animals went south and southern animals went north. The Biomuseo’s 4,000 square metres describe the country’s rich biodiversity.
Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.
Continue with the Agua Clara Locks is the largest project at the Canal since its original construction that created a new lane of traffic along the Canal through the construction of a new set of locks, doubling the waterway’s capacity, be a witness of this major undertaking by visiting the New Observation Centre of the Canal Expansion.
The new Observation Centre of the Canal Expansion, located in Colon Panama, is a park style concept based on open platforms and roofed terraces, built in an area of four hectares, 400 visitors, simultaneously, will be able to enjoy in this new centre, the construction of the new locks of the Panama Canal in the Atlantic, at the same time, from its privileged location, visitors see the majestic Gatun Lake, where ships continue their transit through the waterway.
Way back to your hotel, time and dinner at leisure.
Day 4 - Panama City
Breakfast at the hotel.
Late check-out is included until 6 pm.
Day at leisure.
You will then be transferred to the airport in time for check-in of the PONANT selected flight, or any other flight (please make sure to previously communicate your flight schedule to your travel agent).
Your hotel:
The Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo 5* is located in the heart of the Casco Antiguo of Panama City, a UNESCO protected site and declared a World Heritage Site by the United Nations. It enjoys a privileged location facing the sea, facilities that blend historical heritage with modernity and impeccable service. It is an architectural beauty, built in the Bay of Panama City with important buildings around such as the National Theatre, the San José del Altar de Oro Church and a few minutes from the Biomuseo. The hotel features 3 restaurants and cafés, 2 bars and the largest outdoor pool deck in Casco Antiguo.
Your programme includes:
· 3-nights accommodation in Ocean View room at Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo 5* (or similar) including breakfast.
· Late check-out until 6 pm.
· Meals as mentioned in the programme.
· Beverage package during meals (mineral water + 1 glass of wine or 1 soft drink or 1 local beer + 1 coffee or tea).
· Transfers, visits and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.
· Services of a local English-speaking guide.
· Hospitality desk at the hotel, the day of your departure.
Your programme does not include:
· Dinners.
· Tips for the driver and local guide.
· Personal expenses.
· Visa if necessary.
· Other services not mentioned in the programme.
Please note :
· It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.
· Room service at the Sofitel Legend is available at an additional cost.
· The Miraflores Locks Visitor Center is under renovation and may not be open during your visit.
· This programme involves walking on uneven and paved terrain, walking uphill in the Old Town.
· This programme is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.
Contact of your hotel:
Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo
Calle Primera Oeste, San Felipe, Casco Viejo
0843 PANAMA CITY
PANAMA
Telephone: +507 302-4300
Duration of the visits are given as a guide only. The order of the visits may be reversed. For the times of your PONANT flight, please contact your travel agent; they are also shown on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
£1,590/person*
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.Overnight in curacao (1 night)

Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Day 1 – Willemstad, Curaçao
Meet at Willemstad Airport in the Arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).
You will be transferred to your 4-5* hotel.
Dinner at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 - Willemstad, Curaçao
After breakfast and check-out, you will discover Willemstad's Dutch architecture, pastel-coloured buildings and ornate facades on a guided walking tour of this historic town.
You will meet your guide at the hotel and be transferred to the centre of town, where you will visit the Kura Hulanda Museum. This anthropological museum exposes the transatlantic slave trade and features an impressive collection of traditional African and Afro-Caribbean artefacts. You will then stop for refreshments at the Rustiq restaurant, where you will enjoy a cocktail with authentic Curacao flavours.
Your guided tour continues to the old workers' houses, which have been renovated to become the village of Kura Hulanda. Continue along the waterway to the Queen Emma pontoon and cross the waterway by bridge or ferry. Then, you will head to the historic district of Willemstad to see Fort Amsterdam, home to the governor's palace, and stroll along the main street to a local market, where you will make a brief stop.
On the way back, you will see the oldest synagogue in the Western Hemisphere.
Luch will be served in local restaurant.
You will then be transferred to the pier to embark on board your ship.
Your programme includes:
· 1-night accommodation in hotel 4-5* local standards, breakfast included.
· Meals as mentioned in the programme.
· Beverage package during meals (bottled water + 1 soft drink or 1 glass of wine or 1 local beer and 1 coffee or tea).
· Transfers, visits, and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.
· The services of a local English-speaking guide.
Your programme does not include:
· Lunch on day 1.
· Personal expenses.
· Visa if necessary.
· Tips for the driver and local guide.
· Early check-in and late check-out.
· Other services not mentioned in the programme.
Please note:
· It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.
· Official hotel check-in time is 3:00 p.m.
· Early check-in or late check-out might be available depending on availability and on a supplement basis.
· This tour includes 3.5 km of walking on uneven surfaces and cobblestone streets.
· There are a few steps to negotiate at the museum.
· We advise you to wear comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses and sun protection.
Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
£400/person*
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.Relax stay in curacao (3 nights)

Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Day 1 - Willemstad, Curaçao
Meet at Willemstad Airport in the Arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).
You will be transferred to your 4-5* hotel.
Dinner at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 & 3 - Willemstad, Curaçao
Days at leisure at the hotel. Meals are on your own.
Day 4 - Willemstad, Curaçao
After breakfast and check-out, you will discover Willemstad's Dutch architecture, pastel-coloured buildings and ornate facades on a guided walking tour of this historic town.
You will meet your guide at the hotel and be transferred to the centre of town, where you will visit the Kura Hulanda Museum. This anthropological museum exposes the transatlantic slave trade and features an impressive collection of traditional African and Afro-Caribbean artefacts. You will then stop for refreshments at a local restaurant, where you will enjoy a cocktail with authentic Curacao flavours.
Your guided tour continues to the old workers' houses, which have been renovated to become the village of Kura Hulanda. Continue along the waterway to the Queen Emma pontoon and cross the waterway by bridge or ferry. Then, you will head to the historic district of Willemstad to see Fort Amsterdam, home to the governor's palace, and stroll along the main street to a local market, where you will make a brief stop.
On the way back, you will see the oldest synagogue in the Western Hemisphere.
Luch will be served in local restaurant.
You will then be transferred to the pier to embark on board your ship.
Your programme includes:
· 3-night accommodation in hotel 4-5* local standards, breakfast included.
· Meal as mentioned in the programme.
· Beverage package during meal (bottled water + 1 soft drink or 1 glass of wine or 1 local beer and 1 coffee or tea).
· Transfers, visits, and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.
· The services of a local English-speaking guide.
Your programme does not include:
· Meals not mentionned in the programme.
· Personal expenses.
· Visa if necessary.
· Tips for the driver and local guide.
· Early check-in and late check-out.
· Other services not mentioned in the programme.
Please note:
· It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.
· Official hotel check-in time is 3:00 p.m.
· Early check-in or late check-out might be available depending on availability and on a supplement basis.
· This tour includes 3.5 km of walking on uneven surfaces and cobblestone streets.
· There are a few steps to negotiate at the museum.
· We advise you to wear comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses and sun protection.
Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
£1,370/person*
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.