Viking Expeditions Cruises – NEW! Panama Canal & the Americas (Chile, Peru, Panama, Jamaica, Bahamas, United States) 20 Days

Santiago (Valparaíso), Chile
Embark your ship and settle into your stateroom. Chile’s modern capital of Santiago is one of the largest cities in the Americas. Its impressive neoclassical, neo-Gothic, art deco and other architecture spans several centuries. Santiago’s gateway, Valparaíso, is often compared to San Francisco for its many cerros, or hills. The city prospered as a major port until the opening of the Panama Canal rendered it unnecessary. Quaint Victorian-era architecture recalling its 19th-century affluence and steeply sloped barrios are linked by ascensores, or funiculars, and winding byways. From Los Cerros, the views are spectacular.

Sail the Pacific Ocean
Sail Mar Pacífico, meaning “peaceful sea,” dubbed by Ferdinand Magellan when he crossed these waters almost 500 years ago. As you sail today, relax in the Explorers’ Lounge, inspired by epic journeys of discovery. Marvel at the views through the floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows as you share a cocktail with friends, or settle down to read a book.

Iquique, Chile
Iquique enjoys a scenic locale between the Pacific Ocean and the Pampa del Tamarugal, a vast plateau within the Atacama Desert. This bustling city was once part of Peru and grew prosperous from saltpeter mining. It was ceded to Chile in 1883 after the War of the Pacific. Today, Iquique boasts many architectural treasures around its central Arturo Prat Square, from the stately Municipal Theater and the elegant Casino Español to a Gothic and Moorish-style Clock Tower. The city’s well-preserved Georgian-style homes are a picturesque legacy from the 19th-century mining boom.

Shore Excursions – Iquique at a Glance
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes   
Embark on a historical voyage through Iquique with a scenic drive towards Cavancha Beach and Plaza Arturo Prat. Uncover the history of Iquique during a guided tour by motor coach. Journey to Astoreca Palace for a glimpse into the impressive mansions and the privileged life of the nitrate barons, and learn about the region’s saltpeter industry. Afterward, relax during a picturesque drive along the renowned Cavancha Beach, before concluding your visit at Plaza Arturo Prat, the central hub of downtown. View the architectural marvels within the plaza, including the Municipal Theater, a Renaissance-style building and former opera theater. Venture into the Centro Español and see the expansive oil paintings that narrate scenes from Don Quixote’s life. Enjoy a traditional Chilean beverage at this historic establishment before embarking on your journey back to your ship.

Sail the Pacific Ocean
Traverse the world’s largest ocean, which covers almost 64 million square miles. At twice the size of the Atlantic, the Pacific is an ocean of extremes. Meet fellow guests and listen to the soothing sounds of classical music in The Living Room, an ideal setting for relaxation. Enjoy a cup of coffee or sip on a refreshing cocktail.

Lima (Callao), Peru
Lima was founded in 1535 by Francisco Pizzaro as La Ciudad de los Reyes, or “City of Kings.” It soon grew into the capital of Spain’s Viceroyalty of Peru and established the oldest university in the Americas, the National University of San Marcos. One of the most cosmopolitan cities in South America, Lima’s extravagant collection of architecture spans the centuries: early colonial, Spanish baroque, neoclassical and Art Nouveau buildings all adorn the cityscape. The historic center, graced with hundreds of balconies built during the viceroyalty era, is a UNESCO Site.

Shore Excursions – Best of Lima
Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes   
Gain a deeper understanding of Lima’s history by viewing its ancient art and exploring its colonial structures. Board your motor coach and drive to the Larco Museum, a colonial mansion built atop a pre-Columbian, 7th-century pyramid. As you walk up to the museum, take in the colorful flowers that populate its garden. Once inside, uncover 5,000 years of ancient Peruvian history as you walk through their extensive collections, including Mochica Portrait Bottles and pre-Hispanic gold and silver works. Continue driving through the streets of Lima to Santo Domingo Church. Here, you will see its Rococo-style belltower and wander through its ornate turquoise and gold interior. Finally, stroll to the city’s main square and view the towering Cathedral of Lima and the Presidential Palace before returning to your ship.

Sail the Pacific Ocean
Sail the Pacific Ocean, its vast expanse of waters covers more than 30 percent of the Earth’s surface and touches the continents of Asia, Australia, North and South America. As you sail today, savor a range of international cuisine on board. Choose from a variety of international flavors at the World Café, enjoy al fresco dining on the Aquavit Terrace, or regional specialties in The Restaurant.

Panama City (Fuerte Amador), Panama
Panama City is a gleaming city of high rises on the Pacific and gracefully blends new and old. At once a rousing tribute to international finance and a rich reminder of a colonial past, it is Central America’s unparalleled cosmopolitan center. The atmospheric Old Town, the Casco Viejo, straddles a peninsula and hosts some of the nation’s most prized cultural and historic treasures, including churches, palaces and plazas. Nearby, one of the world’s greatest engineering feats, the Panama Canal, conveys ships along its 48 miles to the Caribbean Sea.

Shore Excursions – Panama City by Foot
Duration: 3 hours     
See the Panama City of both yesterday and today during this panoramic city tour. Take a scenic drive through Panama City, a contemporary metropolis of skyscrapers and wide boulevards, then walk along the narrow streets of colonial-era El Casco Antiguo (Old Town) and the French Quarter, founded in 1673. Along the way, listen to tales of gallantry and the pirates who once threatened the city. Visit the promenade of Las Bóvedas, or “The Vaults.” The Spanish built this defensive system to protect the esplanade during the 18th century. It once housed barracks and a prison; today, it is home to an art gallery and restaurant. This site was declared a national monument in 1920, and a 60-foot obelisk topped with a French rooster was erected in French Plaza. Admire the mix of European styles that influence the architecture of the buildings from the colonial era.

Shore Excursions – A Leisurely Exploration of Panama City
Duration: 6 hours      
Enjoy a panoramic excursion to discover the captivating history of Panama City, Panama Viejo and Amador. Meet your guide and journey to Panama’s capital to explore its rich history and breathtaking views. Appreciate the city’s beauty while delving into its heritage as you glimpse the remnants of churches, colonial palaces, bridges and military structures in Panama Viejo. Enjoy intriguing stories shared by your guide, who will recount legends and Panama’s maritime heritage. Relax in comfort as you enjoy a scenic tour of Panama City, navigating the Cinta Costera 3 and the waterfront boulevard. Admire panoramic views of the Bay of Panama and the historic Casco Viejo, Panama’s colonial district. Finally, take a moment to capture the scenery in Amador, an area formed by the four small islands, marking the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal.

Scenic Sailing: Panama Canal
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 the Caribbean Sea
Sail through turquoise waters where legends of marauding pirates, swashbucklers and tales of hidden treasures were born. Spend a relaxing day at sea to unwind and admire the vistas from your stateroom’s floor-to-ceiling window.

Port Antonio, Jamaica
Port Antonio is the capital of Portland Parish and is home to some of Jamaica’s most stunning beauty spots. Visitors can enjoy nature in the island’s lush rainforests, or soak up the vistas from the shores of one of Jamaica’s pristine beaches; Frenchman’s Cove Beach and San San Beach are renowned for their stunning beauty and are ideal spots to while away a tranquil afternoon. The island’s iconic Blue Lagoon offers a unique bathing experience due to its mix of hot and cold waters, fed by an underwater spring, and provides the perfect place to snorkel or swim.

Shore Excursions – Zodiac Cruise
Duration: 1 hour   
Investigate the scenic coastline of Jamaica during an exhilarating Zodiac ride. Board your Viking Zodiac and set off from your Expedition ship with a small group of fellow travelers onto the waters around Port Antonio. Your Viking specialists will choose the best route along the coast based on the weather and water conditions. Cruise past Navy Island and around the headland into East Bay, with a goal of rounding Folly Point to gain views of Folly Mansion. This historic structure was built in 1905 and slowly left to crumble since 1914. Your Expedition team will answer any questions you may have along the way, as well as share stories and insights. At the end of your excursion, your Zodiac will return to your ship.

Shore Excursions – Kayaking in Port Antonio
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes      
Take to the water and explore your surroundings with a member of your Viking Expedition Team. After a thorough introduction and safety briefing, transfer from your ship to the kayak staging area, where you will receive your paddle and join a fellow traveler in a two-person kayak. Your kayak has been designed to provide a combination of stability and comfort as you paddle your way through the open water. Dressed in a kayak suit and bespoke life jacket for maximum maneuverability, you will be geared up to remain warm and dry during your expedition experience. Paddle out of West Harbor to Navy Island; once a private 64-acre resort owned by Hollywood actor Errol Flynn, it is now uninhabited. Immerse yourself in nature as you journey along its coast, keeping watch for local wildlife.

Shore Excursions – Scenic Sailing by Special Operations Boat
Duration: 45 minutes      
Experience the beauty of Jamaica’s coast from the water during a ride in a Special Operations Boat. Board your vessel from the ship’s shell door landing, with assistance by a member of Viking’s Expedition Team. Once securely on board, lines will be untethered and your thrilling journey will begin. As you motor across the water, enjoy the stunning coastline and the dramatic and diverse architecture that adorns the headlands and bays. If weather permits, the goal will be to reach Turtle Harbour. Your highly maneuverable vessel will allow you to reach less-accessible locations along the water’s edge. Knowledgeable specialists will be on hand to explain the natural world that surrounds you and to alert you of wildlife sightings. At the end of your excursion, your Special Operations Boat will return you and your fellow travelers to your ship.

Man of War Bay (Great Inagua), Bahamas
Man of War Bay is nestled within the serene expanse of the largely uninhabited Great Inagua Island. It boasts a captivating landscape, where turquoise waters lap white-sand shores, framed by lush greenery and rugged terrain. Surrounded by mangroves and saltwater flats, the bay nurtures a diverse ecosystem. Its pristine waters harbor an array of marine life, including vibrant corals and tropical fish. The surrounding wetlands are home to numerous bird species, notably flamingos, which flock to the bay’s shores, creating a picturesque scene with their striking pink plumage.

San Salvador Island, Bahamas
San Salvador, part of the Bahamas archipelago, is a hidden gem blessed with natural beauty and historical significance. Its pristine white sandy beaches and clear waters paint a serene landscape. The island’s diverse marine life, from shallow-water coral reefs to blue holes, entices both divers and snorkelers alike, while its untouched landscapes full of lush coastal areas and serene cays attract nature enthusiasts seeking tranquility. According to some historical accounts, the island was also the site of Christopher Columbus’s first landfall in the Americas in 1492.

Sail the Atlantic Ocean
Sail the Atlantic Ocean, divided in half, north to south, by the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Longer than the Rockies, the Himalayas and the Andes combined, this underwater mountain range is the longest on Earth. As you sail today, attend an informative lecture or watch a film on our 8K laser-projected panoramic screen in The Aula, one of the world’s most advanced venues for learning at sea. This indoor-outdoor experience allows nature to take center stage with its retractable floor-to-ceiling windows that unveil 270° views.

New York City, New York, United States
Bid farewell to your fellow guests and journey home. Or spend more time exploring, perhaps joining one of our extensions.