Join Royal Clipper in Barbados for this tall ship sailing cruise to the tropical beach resorts and old colonial towns of the Caribbean and Central America, concluding with an exciting transit of the Panama Canal.
Admire the dramatic peaks of the Pitons on the glamorous island of St Lucia and explore the uninhabited Tobago Cays before sailing to the spice island of Grenada. Discover the stunning ABC Islands, beginning with Bonaire, one of the best diving sites in the world, then admire the colonial Dutch architecture in Curacao's capital, Willemstad, before continuing to the beautiful island of Aruba.
Sail to Santa Marta, Colombia's oldest surviving city, then perhaps snorkel in the calm waters of Playa Bahia Concha which is home to a coral reef and brightly coloured fish. Visit the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cartagena, explore the remote San Blas Islands and enjoy a transit of the Panama Canal.
S603 Operated by Star Clippers
.
Barbados to Panama Itinerary
-
Day 1 - Bridgetown (Barbados)
Embark Royal Clipper in Barbados.
-
Day 2 - Soufriere Bay (St Lucia)
St Lucia is well-known for the Piton twin-peaks, its rainforest and the indigenous St Lucia parrot. The verdant landscape gives way to banana, coconut and mango plantations. Soufriere has sulphur springs created by the nearby volcano, and beautiful Anse Chastanet beach.
-
Day 3 - Tobago Cays (Grenadines)
The idyllic Tobago Cays are five small uninhabited islands and a lagoon protected from sea swells by Horseshoe Reef. Enjoy a day exploring, relaxing and beachcombing.
-
Day 4 - St George's (Grenada)
The 'Spice Island' of Grenada has a mountainous interior, dominated by Mount St Catherine, and tumbling waterfalls. Cinnamon, cloves and ginger grow here, and the shore is a winding series of white and black sand beaches edged with rich vegetation. Perhaps walk to Annandale Falls outside St George's, and for shopping, make for Grand Anse.
-
Day 5 - At sea
Enjoy a relaxing day at sea
-
Day 6 - Kralendijk (Bonaire)
Pink flamingos, divi-divi trees, Papiamento and the best diving in the Caribbean - you can only be in Bonaire. The blinding white salt flats of Bonaire are marked by clouds of pink flamingos feasting on the orange brine shrimp that gives them their unmistakable colour. In town, find jewellery, silver, ceramics and leather shops along Kaya Grandi, or sample Creole cuisine.
-
Day 7 - Willemstad (Curacao)
Willemstad has some fine 17th and 18th-century colonial Dutch architecture. Perhaps see the gables and steep-pitched roofed buildings along narrow alleys in the Otrobanda district or explore the island and see elegant, old plantation houses, lovely beaches and numerous forts, including Fort Nassau, built in 1797 and now an international restaurant. The floating market sells mangoes and papayas.
-
Day 8 - Oranjestad (Aruba)
Aruba's charming capital is easy to explore on foot, with palm-lined streets and brightly-painted Dutch colonial buildings, and plenty of shopping opportunities. Further afield, cave drawings and petroglyphs can be found in the north-coast caves, and at Arikok National Park see cacti, divi-divi trees and exotic flowers.
-
Day 9 - At sea
Enjoy a relaxing day at sea
-
Day 10 - Cartagena
Cartagena is a UNESCO World Heritage site and has a spectacular collection of buildings and massive fortifications dating from the early 1600s. Horse-drawn carriages frequently pass by carrying sightseers from the upmarket area of Bocagrande and the old walled city. Perhaps visit the Palacio de la Inquisicion and the dungeons of Las Bevedas, or to buy from local artisans, go to Plaza de Santo Domingo.
-
Day 11 - Islas de San Bernardo
These picturesque islands were once home to indigenous Caribbeans and today are well known for their crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches.
-
Day 12 - San Blas Islands (Panama)
Strung along Panama's dramatically beautiful Kuna Yala coast, the remoteness of these coral atolls protects an independent people who prize their communal culture with its artistic heritage. The reefs around the archipelago offer fantastic diving and snorkeling opportunities.
-
Day 13 - Isla Mamey (Beach) - Portobelo (Panama)
-
Day 14 - Panama Canal
The transit of the Panama Canal is a thrilling experience. Stay on deck and watch as your ship navigates the mighty Gatun Locks.
-
Day 15 - Balboa
Disembark Royal Clipper in Balboa.
For navigational reasons the Captain of the ship reserves the right to modify the cruise itinerary.