Panama and Costa Rica by Sea: The Natural Wonders of Central America – with Smithsonian Journeys
About This Cruise
In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.
This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture.Discover Panama and Costa Rica with PONANT on this splendid 8-day cruise aboard Le Lapérouse, which explores the region’s abundant natural splendours, local indigenous communities, and the modern marvel of the Panama Canal.Your journey in Central America will start in Quepos, Costa Rica, gateway to the spectacular Manuel Antonio National Park, where you will encounter myriad tropical flora and fantastic fauna, including sloths, the noisy howler monkey, the white-faced capuchin, and the tiny squirrel monkey. The combination of forest and ocean also provides a special opportunity to observe both terrestrial and sea birds—toucans, pelicans, hummingbirds, terns, and more.Your ship calls next in the remote and magnificent Darién National Park. This little corner of paradise is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to a remarkably diverse range of plants and wildlife. Rocky coastlines, mangroves, swamps, and tropical rainforests abound and offer a feast for photographers. Here, meet members of the local Emberá community.Le Lapérouse continues to Fuerte Amador for an exploration of Panama City’s Old Quarter and of the region’s fantastic biodiversity at the superb Frank Gehry-designed Biomuseo.Here, you will also visit the Punta?Culebra Nature Center at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI), a fascinating, open-air museum dedicated to marine science?and conservation. On a specially arranged tour guided by Smithsonian staff, hear about the latest studies, observe marine species up close, and explore the unique flora and fauna of the tropical dry forest.After a daytime sailing from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean through the world-famous Panama Canal, your final call will be along the white sands and translucent waters of Holandes Cayes, one of the coral islets of Panama’s San Blas Islands. Spend a day in this tropical paradise and enjoy the opportunity to swim and snorkel. Members of the Guna community call these islands home, and you may encounter them along the beach.The encounters with the wildlife described above illustrate possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed.Type
Ocean, Luxury
Ship
Le Lapérouse
Departure Date
19 February 2027
Cruise Line
PONANT EXPLORATIONS
Duration
7 Nights
Select Your Cabin Type
Call Us at 1800 814 008Overview
In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.
This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture.Discover Panama and Costa Rica with PONANT on this splendid 8-day cruise aboard Le Lapérouse, which explores the region’s abundant natural splendours, local indigenous communities, and the modern marvel of the Panama Canal.Your journey in Central America will start in Quepos, Costa Rica, gateway to the spectacular Manuel Antonio National Park, where you will encounter myriad tropical flora and fantastic fauna, including sloths, the noisy howler monkey, the white-faced capuchin, and the tiny squirrel monkey. The combination of forest and ocean also provides a special opportunity to observe both terrestrial and sea birds—toucans, pelicans, hummingbirds, terns, and more.Your ship calls next in the remote and magnificent Darién National Park. This little corner of paradise is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to a remarkably diverse range of plants and wildlife. Rocky coastlines, mangroves, swamps, and tropical rainforests abound and offer a feast for photographers. Here, meet members of the local Emberá community.Le Lapérouse continues to Fuerte Amador for an exploration of Panama City’s Old Quarter and of the region’s fantastic biodiversity at the superb Frank Gehry-designed Biomuseo.Here, you will also visit the Punta?Culebra Nature Center at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI), a fascinating, open-air museum dedicated to marine science?and conservation. On a specially arranged tour guided by Smithsonian staff, hear about the latest studies, observe marine species up close, and explore the unique flora and fauna of the tropical dry forest.After a daytime sailing from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean through the world-famous Panama Canal, your final call will be along the white sands and translucent waters of Holandes Cayes, one of the coral islets of Panama’s San Blas Islands. Spend a day in this tropical paradise and enjoy the opportunity to swim and snorkel. Members of the Guna community call these islands home, and you may encounter them along the beach.The encounters with the wildlife described above illustrate possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed.
Owner's Suite
Details
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
- A private 430 ft² terrace with hot tub and lounge area with 2 deck chairs, sofa, and armchair
- Two sliding panoramic windows
- A bathroom with shower, spa bathtub, and smart mirror
- Butler service
- A one-hour treatment per person (for 2 people) in the wellness area, including body and facial treatments
- A private return transfer
- Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
- Champagne and fruit on arrival
- A fruit basket every day
- A living room with a convertible sofa into a double bed, armchair, and TV
- One bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
- Included premium pass: access to a selection of premium spirits at the bar
Included in all staterooms
- Minibar
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- 110V American / 220V European
- Direct line telephone
- Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
- Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- 2 ADA stateroom
- Electronic safe
- Inclusive Wifi internet
Grand Suite
Details
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
- A private 344 ft² terrace with two deck chairs and a dining table for four people
- Two sliding panoramic windows
- A bathroom with shower and spa bathtub
- Butler service
- Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
- Champagne and fruit on arrival
- A fruit basket every day
- One bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
- A living room with a convertible sofa into a double or single bed, armchair, and TV
Included in all staterooms
- Minibar
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- 110V American / 220V European
- Direct line telephone
- Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
- Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- 2 ADA stateroom
- Electronic safe
- Inclusive Wifi internet
Privilege Suite
Details
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
- Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
- Champagne and fruit basket upon arrival
- Butler service
- A fruit basket every day
- One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
- A lounge area with chaise longue and armchair
- A bathroom with shower
- A private 8 m² balcony with two armchairs
- A panoramic sliding bay window
Included in all staterooms
- Minibar
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- 110V American / 220V European
- Direct line telephone
- Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
- Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- 2 ADA stateroom
- Electronic safe
- Inclusive Wifi internet
Prestige Suite
Details
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
- A private 86 ft² balcony with four armchairs
- Two sliding panoramic windows
- Champagne and fruit on arrival (Suite Prestige deck 6)
- Priority boarding (Suite Prestige deck 6)
- Butler service (Suite Prestige deck 6)
- A fruit basket every day (Suite Prestige deck 6)
- One bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
- A living room with a convertible sofa into a king-size or two single beds, armchair, TV, and a courtesy sliding door
- Two bathrooms with showers
Included in all staterooms
- Minibar
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- 110V American / 220V European
- Direct line telephone
- Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
- Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- 2 ADA stateroom
- Electronic safe
- Inclusive Wifi internet
Deluxe Suite
Details
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
- On Decks 3, 4, and 6, a private 6m² balcony with two armchairs; on Deck 5, a private 43 ft² balcony with two armchairs
- On Deck 3, a panoramic glass door and porthole; on Decks 4, 5, and 6, a sliding panoramic window
- One king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
- An armchair and sofa
- A bathroom with shower
- Champagne and fruit on arrival for suites on Decks 5 and 6
Included in all staterooms
- Minibar
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- 110V American / 220V European
- Direct line telephone
- Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
- Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- 2 ADA stateroom
- Electronic safe
- Inclusive Wifi internet
Upper Decks Balcony Stateroom
Details
- In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
- A private 43 ft² balcony with two armchairs
- Depending on the stateroom, either a sliding panoramic window or a glass door
- One king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
- A chaise lounge
- A bathroom with shower
Included in all staterooms
- Minibar
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- 110V American / 220V European
- Direct line telephone
- Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
- Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- 2 ADA stateroom
- Electronic safe
- Inclusive Wifi internet
Lower Decks Balcony Stateroom
Details
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
- A private 43 ft² balcony with two armchairs
- Depending on the stateroom, either a sliding panoramic window or a glass door
- One king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
- A chaise lounge
- A bathroom with shower
Included in all staterooms
- Minibar
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- 110V American / 220V European
- Direct line telephone
- Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
- Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- 2 ADA stateroom
- Electronic safe
- Inclusive Wifi internet
Le Nautilus
At the back of deck 4, you will find a gourmet restaurant complete with wine cellar, offering French and international cuisine. It can accommodate all guests in a single service for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Enjoy a menu crafted by the Ducasse Conseil teams at the gourmet restaurant. At Nautilus as well as Céleste, the freedom of a generous buffet blends with the elegance of table service: your chef offers you a selection of expertly prepared hot dishes, accompanied by carefully chosen fine wines by your sommelier.
Grill Restaurant- Le Nemo
In a relaxed atmosphere, the grill restaurant located on deck 3 welcomes you for breakfast and buffet lunches as well as themed dinners.
Room Service
Whether you want to fully enjoy your cabin for breakfast, savor a peaceful snack in the middle of the day, or have your meal in complete privacy, room service is at your disposal. Treat yourself to a moment of indulgence and enjoy a diverse menu available at any time of day and night.
The Observatory Lounge
Swimming Pool
With its water blending into the surrounding landscapes, the pool is perfect for relaxing in the sun. From the marina platform, embark on your sea excursions or water activities in complete tranquility.
The Main Lounge Room
Tea room, bar, live music, dance floor, terrace: the main lounge is an essential meeting place throughout your journey.
The Theatre
Comfortably seated, you can attend conferences given by the guests and teams of naturalists, as well as the various shows, concerts, and performances organised by professional dancers and musicians.
Music and dance
Opera, jazz, piano recitals, concerts or ballets at sea or on land: musical cruises and dance cruises offer privileged experiences, in small groups, alongside prestigious partners, such as Radio Classique or the Paris National Opera and talented artists of international renown.
Art and literature
Share high-quality moments and attend conferences by curators from national and international museums, women and men from the world of culture, renowned writers, actors and philosophers. They discuss their passion during conferences or private visits. Experience the opportunity to open up to new perspectives.
The Blue Eye
Located below the waterline of the ship, the Blue Eye is an innovative underwater lounge. Its design, inspired by the beauty of cetaceans, pays tribute to oceanographic environments.
Boutique
An extension of the journey and the ship, la Boutique offers an exclusive shopping experience with a wide range of technical and casual ready-to-wear and equipment, with or without PONANT personalization. It also features unique souvenirs to extend the journey back home, as well as jewelry, accessories and luxury items. Opening hours follow the voyage schedule, including days at sea, and all purchases on board are tax-free.
PONANT Studio
A photography and videography team escort you throughout your trip. These professionals capture the most beautiful moments of your cruise, which you can share with family and friends upon your return. Meet them on DECK 5 (DECK 6 on the PONANT Explorers ships) at the photo/video area, where you can also order souvenir pictures and videos.
Excursion Reception and Office
If you have not made a pre-booking before your cruise, you can book your excursions on board during one of the daily opening times of the excursion desk (timetables available in your daily program). It is only possible to pre-book one excursion per port day. If you would like to book a second excursion on the same day, please contact the excursion desk to check availability.
Open Bar
From the moment of boarding, unlimited drinks are included at any time of the day. A drink with friends at the bar, a refreshment upon returning from an excursion, or quietly on the balcony of your cabin: enjoy a wide selection of beverages (mineral water, soft drinks, cruise wines, beer, champagne, spirits, coffee, tea).
The offer does not include premium alcoholic beverages listed on the bar menu.
The Spa
Onboard our ships, in the heart of an intimate and privileged environment with the ocean as your backdrop, discover a new way to enjoy the Spa experience.
In association with SOTHYS™ Paris, we are offering you a selection of expert face and body treatments. The “savoir-faire” and expertise of our hair professional partner DAVINES® will be able to satisfy all your expectations.
The Gym
The fitness room offers a wide range of exercises suitable for all levels to train facing magnificent views.
The Hairdressing Salon
Each product has been crafted using the most advanced cosmetic technologies and natural ingredients. Developed and packaged while minimising the environmental impact, Davines® products are inspired by the Sustainable Beauty ideal, an inseparable unit between Beauty and Being. During your cruise, treat your hair to a unique beauty experience. Our expert stylist will do an in-depth analysis of your hair and recommend the most appropriate treatment.
The Kids Explorers Club
During your cruise, PONANT EXPLORATIONS offers a program of activities dedicated to children, from 4 to 13 years old on our entire fleet.
A team of experienced facilitators on board offers daily manual activities, educational workshops, board games, introductory meditation sessions, and much more, as well as content specific to each itinerary and the number of participants.
Kid Explorers have the opportunity to extend this experience on land with the possibility of enjoying a tailor-made excursion, swimming outings, walks and scavenger hunts.
This program of activities will be offered to children every day. (The exact times will be communicated to you by the activity leaders.)
To best meet your needs, the schedule is adapted to your cruise itinerary. For more information, please contact the entertainment team beforehand.
The program of entertainment and activities is communicated daily in the logbook.
A welcome kit with gifts is offered to each child on board.