Viking Oceans Cruises – Panama Canal & the Pacific Coast (United States, Mexico, Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica) 18 Days From Los Angeles, California to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

Los Angeles, California, United States
Embark your ship and settle into your stateroom. 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.

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, 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.

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
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.

Shore Excursions – Introduction to San José del Cabo
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Get acquainted with San José del Cabo, the more subdued sister city to Cabo San Lucas. The oldest Spanish mission on the Baja Peninsula, San José was an important city during the Spanish colonization and a stopover destination for ships heading farther into the Pacific Ocean. You will tender ashore and meet your guide for a drive along the highway that connects all the resorts between Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo. Set out on a guided walk to explore its charming mission, inviting town square and low adobe homes that evoke an old colonial atmosphere. A Spanish mission here, founded in 1730, replenished galleons making the long journey to the Philippines. Walk through the main plaza, enjoy the town’s artistic flair and browse the many art galleries before returning to your awaiting 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. 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.

Puntarenas (Puerto Caldera), Costa Rica
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.

Shore Excursions – Puntarenas Panorama
Duration: 3 hours
Get acquainted with Costa Rica’s natural and cultural gifts on this scenic ride into the country’s Central Valley. Your sightseeing drive by motor coach begins by heading east to Esparza, a picturesque town founded in 1574 by the Spanish that is now known for its hardworking people. Local dancers will greet you at the city park dressed in traditional costumes, and you will also have time here to browse among the crafts stalls for the perfect handmade memento of your trip. Your picturesque roundtrip journey will take you along the deep blue waters of the Pacific Ocean and past mango farms and cashew plantations. You will also have an opportunity to admire rural homes and bucolic gardens, all while keeping an eye out for the many species of colorful birdlife.

Sail the Pacific Ocean
Sail Mar Pacífico, meaning “peaceful sea,” dubbed by Ferdinand Magellan when he crossed these waters almost 500 years ago. 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.

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.

Colón, Panama
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.

Shore Excursions – Panoramic Colón & Panama City by Foot
Duration: 6 hours
Discover Panama’s most exciting city on this excursion to the capital, Panama City. Discover Panama’s most exciting city on this excursion to the capital. A 90-minute drive from Colón brings you across the isthmus to the gleaming waterfront of Panama City, lined with modern glass skyscrapers that are reminiscent of Miami. Enjoy the sights of this vibrant cosmopolitan city, which has been likened to Singapore for its booming city skyline, and Dubai for its aspirations of becoming an economic powerhouse. Continue to Casco Viejo (Old Town), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Accompanied by your guide, stroll the old cobblestone lanes past pastel-colored colonial buildings, stopping to admire the stately cathedral. Later, enjoy free time to explore on your own; along with its antique charm, the Casco offers some of the city’s most stylish hotels, bars and boutiques.

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.

Cartagena, Colombia
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.

Shore Excursions – Panoramic Cartagena
Duration: 2 hours 45 minutes
Discover Cartagena’s past and present during a panoramic tour of this major port city. Drive with your guide to the impressive San Felipe de Barajas Fort to view its exterior. Construction began on this remarkable UNESCO site in 1536, and the fort took a total of 121 years to build. Continue to the Old City for a visit to the dungeons within the walled city. Originally built to store military provisions, today they house an upscale handicrafts market selling brightly colored cloth, woodwork and woven bags made by the Indigenous people of the region. Spend time browsing the wares made by these artisans, and if you choose, join your guide for an optional walking tour. Afterward, take a scenic drive through Bocagrande, a chic and modern beach area that mixes luxury apartments with deluxe hotels and trendy cafés. Your tour will conclude back at your ship.

Sail the Caribbean Sea
Sail through turquoise waters where legends of marauding pirates, swashbucklers and tales of hidden treasures were born. 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.

Cozumel, Mexico
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.

Shore Excursions – The Ruins of San Gervasio
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Discover the ruins of a pre-Columbian Mayan religious site during a visit to San Gervasio. Located on the northeastern side of the island of Cozumel, San Gervasio is a Mayan site dedicated to Ix Chel, goddess of the moon and fertility. Mayan women would make the pilgrimage to this site and present offerings to the goddess. Take a tour of the remains of this expansive complex; today, the stone structures are missing their roofs and upper walls; and view Las Manitas (“Little Hands”), which was the residence of the Mayan ruler of Cozumel. On your way back to San Miguel, see the many coves and strands that make Cozumel a beach-lover’s paradise. Back in town, enjoy some free time to shop and explore at your leisure, or transfer directly to your ship.

Shore Excursions – El Pueblo del Maiz: A Mayan Village
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
Discover the traditions of the Indigenous Mayan people of the Yucatán during an immersive cultural experience. Transfer to Pueblo del Maíz, a cultural park dedicated to preserving the traditions of the Yucatán’s pre-Hispanic cultures. Join your guide for a walk among the traditional huts of a reconstructed village, uncovering rich layers of heritage as you explore. Try your hand at seeding corn, revered in this region, and listen as your hosts share the story of the village’s creation. Next, observe the process of turning cocoa beans into chocolate—a sacred food in Mayan culture—and join a music workshop to discover ancestral music and use ancient instruments to create rhythms inspired by heritage and nature. Learn about the Mayan writing system during a painting activity and cap your day by watching a dance performance that honors ancestral rituals, accompanied by ceremonial music.

Sail the Gulf of Mexico
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. Enjoy the amenities of your ship as you sail. Perhaps take a breath of fresh air on a brisk walk around the Promenade or begin your day with a workout in the well-equipped Fitness Center.

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