November 2nd - 12th, 2012

Why Visit the Panama Canal?

Considered by many to be the “eighth wonder of the world,” it’s not surprising that travelers across the globe aspire to one day witness this marvel of engineering up close.  The result of several nations’ historic efforts, a Panama Canal cruise is truly a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, best experienced by sailing through on an unforgettable cruise on the Island Princess.

Historic Engineering

As staggering a concept of digging through the Continental Divide, it also involved constructing the largest earth dam ever built, as well as the most massive canal locks and gates. And through the efforts of over 80,000 workers and the loss of more than 30,000 lives, the greatest single construction project ever undertaken was completed.

The Panama Canal Today

The massive locks control the level of water in the Panama Canal enabling ships to pass through this 51-mile "water bridge". This entire trip takes about nine hours. Ships are lifted and lowered a total of 170 feet as they pass from the Caribbean to the Pacific, crossing over the Isthmus of Panama and straight through the Continental Divide.

Ecotourism

The Tortuguero Canal is known as Costa Rica's Amazon due to its rich and exotic flora and fauna. In Limon, the diversity of the tropical rain forest at La Selva Biological Station is simply amazing. And Barbados' Harrison Cave has world-famous stalactites and stalagmites.

Active Adventures

From white-sand beaches and coral reefs to snorkeling and shopping - the Panama Canal and its surrounding destinations have it all. Watch the stingrays of Grand Cayman's Stingray Sandbar, scuba dive to the shipwrecked Antilla off the coast of Aruba, go kayaking at Cabo San Lucas in the Sea of Cortez, or raft Jamaica's Martha Brae River.

Colorful Cultures

Engage yourself in the intriguing cultures of Central America. Watch Panama’s native Embera Indians perform a ceremonial dance in their village. Delight in the intricate designs of the Kuna Indians’ mola embroidery or the unique wood carvings and leather handicrafts in Nicaragua’s Masaya Market.

Itinerary:

Port		Arrival	Departure
1	Ft. Lauderdale, Florida		5:00 PM
2	At Sea
3	At Sea
4	Aruba	7:00 AM	12:30 PM
5	Cartagena, Colombia	9:00 AM	3:00 PM
6	Panama Canal, Panama	5:00 AM	3:30 PM
6	Colon, Panama	5:00 PM	9:00 PM
7	Limon, Costa Rica	7:00 AM	6:00 PM
8	At Sea
9	Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands	7:00 AM	5:00 PM
10	At Sea
11	Ft. Lauderdale, Florida	7:00 AM

Ports Highlights

• California Lighthouse    Perched on a high elevation and named after the "US California", which sunk off the coast of Aruba, the lighthouse was built in 1910, and offers stunning views of the island and coastline.

• Oranjestad    Oranjestad, Aruba's largest port, is also the island's capital and offers the best shopping experience on its main street, but is also known for it's impressive Dutch Colonial architecture.

• The "Antilla" Shipwreck    The 400 feet long "Antilla" is one of the Caribbean's largest shipwrecks and also one of its most popular attractions. It was sunk during World War II and is home to many kinds of exotic sea life.

• Natural Bridge    The Natural Bridge and Baby Natural Bridge are two stunning rock and coral formations. The Natural Bridge fell into the sea in 2005 but the smaller bridge remains a must-see island highlight.

• Ayo and Casibari Rock Formations    This dramatic formations are shaped by boulders, some the size of small houses and weighing several tons. Arawak Indians would visit in order to hear incoming thunderstorms and draw on the rocks.

• Arikok National Park    Aruba's National Park is home to spectacular cacti, flora and fauna that flourish in this desert-like environment. Along with the wind-swept divi-divi trees, wild donkeys and iguanas also live here.

• Beaches    Aruba is famous for gorgeous, palm-tree lined white sandy beachs which are home to calm and clear waters, making for a perfect location for swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing.

• Butterfly Farm    Aruba's Butterfly Farm is home to hundreds of exotic butterflies who fly freely within large meshed enclosures. Witness all stages of their life cycle and with guidance, handle these tiny creatures.

Click here (pdf) or here (word) for reigsitration form

Click here for flyer

Travel insurance is available, pricing will be sent with your packet.

Inside:                          $1099.00*pp    
Outside/Obst.:            $1419.00*pp   
Outside/Non Obst.:   $1449.00*pp      
Balcony:                       $1649.00*pp

Deposit: $329.80 Due: At time of Booking

Final Payment due:  August 19th, 2012

Custom-built to sail through the Panama Canal, this ship offers exclusive features for a unique cruise experience.

*Prices do not include taxes and RS activity fee, please add $400.00 to the above pricing. Fares are cruise only, non-air, per person, based on lower berth double occupancy, subject to availability, capacity controlled. Prices subject to change until final payment is recieved.

Single Occupancy fares available upon request

Princess reserves the right to impose a fuel supplement  if needed

** Roundtrip transportation available.

*** Royal Splendor Travel is not affiliated with the Red Hat Soicety. 

To join the Red Hat Society please visit www.redhatsociety.com

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