Contact UsCall Us Today
Panama, Colombia & Caribbean Islands

Panama, Colombia & Caribbean Islands

About This Cruise

Explore the breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture of the Caribbean Sea. On the Panamanian and Colombian coastlines, lush mangroves and lively towns recount the colonial past of the region, featuring Congo ceremonies and sleepy ruins. Off the coast, the turquoise sea wraps itself around stunning archipelagos, such as the San Blas Islands, home to the Kuna community, or the Grenadines, like a confetti of islets bound together by the most beautiful coral reef in the West Indies. In these crystal-clear waters, the underwater life is mesmerising, as are the panoramas provided by the Pitons of Saint Lucia and the gentle Creole way of life pervading Les Saintes.

Who Is This Cruise For?

  • Adults only

    Le Lapérouse is an adults-only ship

  • Couples

    An adults-only atmosphere made for two

  • Over 50s

    Refined, unhurried cruising with enrichment on board

  • Solo travellers

    Low or no single supplement on selected cabins

Type

Ocean, Luxury

Ship

Le Lapérouse

Departure Date

19 February 2029

Cruise Line

PONANT EXPLORATIONS

Duration

12 Nights

Select Your Cabin Type
Select your cabin type
Call Us at (01) 554 1010

Itinerary

Panama

Colón

The provincial capital of Colón, beside the canal's Atlantic entrance, is named for the Spanish-language surname of Christopher Columbus, though the Americans called it Aspinwall in the 19th century.. The city was founded in 1850 by Americans working on the Panama railroad and named Aspinwall for one of the railway engineers. Following completion in 1855, Colon gained in importance, which was furthered by the plans for an isthmian canal. During the time of the French canal attempt, a fire in 1885 burned the city nearly to the ground and left thousands of people homeless. Colon was rebuilt in the architectural style then popular in France. Buildings from that era plus the ones constructed by Americans between 1904 and 1914 are still in use today, although the majority is on the verge of collapse. In addition to its importance as a port, Colon boasts the world’s second largest duty-free zone, known as Zona Libre, which is contained in a huge fortress like, walled-off area with giant international stores. However, most of the merchandise is sold in bulk to commercial businesses throughout the country.

Panama

Portobelo

No summary for this day yet.

Panama

San Blas Islands

The San Blas archipelago is located off the Caribbean coast, east of Colon, and is made up of 365 islands that range in size from tiny ones with a few coconut palms to islands on which hundreds of Kuna Indians live. Only about fifty are inhabited. The Kuna rule the San Blas Territory with internal autonomy, and have tightly preserved their language and cultural traditions over the centuries despite influences from European colonies. In addition to their own language, Spanish is widely spoken and many men work on the mainland, but live on the islands. Women wear costumes with unique designs based on local themes, geometric patterns, and stylised fauna and flora. The island of El Porvenir is one of the main seats of government for the Kuna Indians. Many Kunas from the other islands came to settle on El Porvenir, bringing with them their traditional arts and crafts, including the famous molas. These intricately hand-sewn designs are made by the women of the tribes as part of their blouses and dresses. With the increased tourism, molas are now a favoured souvenir and craft item for visitors.

Colombia

Cartagena

A Mediterranean city and naval station located in the Region of Murcia, southeastern Spain, Cartagena’s sheltered bay has attracted sailors for centuries. The Carthaginians founded the city in 223BC and named it Cartago Nova; it later became a prosperous Roman colony, and a Byzantine trading centre. The city has been the main Spanish Mediterranean naval base since the reign of King Philip II, and is still surrounded by walls built during this period. Cartagena’s importance grew with the arrival of the Spanish Bourbons in the 18th century, when the Navidad Fortress was constructed to protect the harbour. In recent years, traces of the city’s fascinating past have been brought to light: a well-preserved Roman Theatre was discovered in 1988, and this has now been restored and opened to the public. During your free time, you may like to take a mini-cruise around Cartagena's historic harbour: these operate several times a day, take approximately 40 minutes and do not need to be booked in advance. Full details will be available at the port.

Colombia

Santa Marta

No summary for this day yet.

No summary for this day yet.

Bonaire

Bonaire

No summary for this day yet.

No summary for this day yet.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Mayreau Island

The small island of Mayreau, just one and 1/2 square miles in area (3.9 square kilometres) is the smallest inhabited island of The Grenadines, and is part of the independent state of St.Vincent in the eastern Caribbean Sea. Two of the best known islands in The Grenadines are Mustique and Bequia, the second largest island in this group. The Grenadine Islands are strung out in a gentle sweep between St.Vincent and Grenada. Most visitors to Mayreau arrive from cruise ships, on the regular ferry, or by yacht. There are no proper roads on the island, only a few vehicles, no airport and only a single unnamed village. Mayreau and the neighboring Tobago Cays are very popular for divers and snorkellers. Saline Bay, on the west coast of the island, has a wonderful broad beach and a few local vendors selling T-shirts and local craft. A climb up the road to the hilltop village on the island provides breathtaking views across Mayreau, Canouan, the Tobago Cays and Carriacou.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Port Elizabeth, Bequia

Bequia is a Carib word meaning "island of the cloud." Hilly and green with several golden-sand beaches, Bequia is 9 miles (14½ km) south of St. Vincent's southwestern shore; with a population of 5,000, it's the largest of the Grenadines. Although boatbuilding, whaling, and fishing have been the predominant industries here for generations, sailing has now become almost synonymous with Bequia. Admiralty Bay is a favored anchorage for both privately owned and chartered yachts. Lodgings range from comfortable resorts and villas to cozy West Indian—style inns. Bequia's airport and the frequent ferry service from St. Vincent make this a favorite destination for day-trippers, as well. The ferry docks in Port Elizabeth, a tiny town with waterfront bars, restaurants, and shops where you can buy handmade souvenirs—including the exquisitely detailed model sailboats that are a famous Bequia export. The Easter Regatta is held during the four-day Easter weekend, when revelers gather to watch boat races and celebrate the island's seafaring traditions with food, music, dancing, and competitive games.To see the views, villages, beaches, and boatbuilding sites around Bequia, hire a taxi at the jetty in Port Elizabeth. Several usually line up under the almond trees to meet each ferry from St. Vincent.

Saint Lucia

Pigeon Island

Pigeon Island is a 44-acre islet located in Gros Islet in the northern region of Saint Lucia. Once isolated from the country in the Caribbean Sea, the island was artificially joined to the western coast of mainland in 1972 by a man-made causeway built from dirt excavated to form the Rodney Bay Marina.

No summary for this day yet.

Guadeloupe

Îles des Saintes

This small group of islands lies opposite the western part of Guadeloupe. They were discovered in November 1493 by Columbus, who named them Los Santos. French settlers established themselves in 1648 and changed the name to Iles des Saintes, commonly known as Les Saintes. Since then the islands have been closely connected with Guadeloupe. Until a recent influx of tourism, Les Saintes were among the Caribbean’s most unspoiled destinations. Only two of the eight islands are inhabited: Terre-de-Bas and Terre-de-Haut. The latter is known for its impressive Fort Napoleon built in the early 19th century to replace an earlier 17th-century fort. From its vantage point there are fine views of the many tiny islets scattered in the bay and across to Guadeloupe. Terre-de-Haut is the main island of Les Saintes, with steeply scarped hills, scenic valleys, hidden coves and beautiful beaches. Its main settlement consists of a charming village of red-roofed houses situated along a curving bay. A number of small boutiques and gift shops invite browsing. Quaint cafés and restaurants offer food and drink. To the east of the village lies Grande Anse, a fine sand beach. Most of the attractions on this small island can be seen on foot. With just a few vehicles on the island, there are no organized tours possible. Time ashore here is at your leisure.

Martinique

Fort-de-France

The largest of the Windward Islands, Martinique is 4,261 mi (6,817 km) from Paris, but its spirit and language are decidedly French, with more than a soupçon of West Indian spice. Tangible, edible evidence of the fact is the island's cuisine, a superb blend of French and creole. Martinique is lushly landscaped with tropical flowers. Trees bend under the weight of fruits such as mangoes, papayas, lemons, limes, and bright-red West Indian cherries. Acres of banana plantations, pineapple fields, and waving sugarcane stretch to the horizon. The towering mountains and verdant rain forest in the north lure hikers, while underwater sights and sunken treasures attract snorkelers and scuba divers. Martinique is also wonderful if your idea of exercise is turning over every 10 minutes to get an even tan and your taste in adventure runs to duty-free shopping. A popular cruise-ship excursion goes to St-Pierre, which was buried by ash when Mont Pelée erupted in 1902.

Overview

Explore the breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture of the Caribbean Sea. On the Panamanian and Colombian coastlines, lush mangroves and lively towns recount the colonial past of the region, featuring Congo ceremonies and sleepy ruins. Off the coast, the turquoise sea wraps itself around stunning archipelagos, such as the San Blas Islands, home to the Kuna community, or the Grenadines, like a confetti of islets bound together by the most beautiful coral reef in the West Indies. In these crystal-clear waters, the underwater life is mesmerising, as are the panoramas provided by the Pitons of Saint Lucia and the gentle Creole way of life pervading Les Saintes.

View More Images
Suite

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

View More Images
Suite

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

View More Images
Suite

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

View More Images
Suite

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

View More Images
Suite

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

Balcony

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

View More Images
Balcony

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

View More Images
varies

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.

varies

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

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.

Lounge

The Observatory Lounge

Library, internet space, bar, occasional live entertainment, terrace: enjoy a 180° panorama of the horizon from the observatory lounge.

Sun Deck, Pool Deck

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.

Bar, Lounge

The Main Lounge Room

Tea room, bar, live music, dance floor, terrace: the main lounge is an essential meeting place throughout your journey.

Theatre

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.

View More Images
Bar, Lounge

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.

Shop

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.

Photographers, Studio

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.

Reception

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.


Bar

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.

Spa

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. 

Gym

The Gym

The fitness room offers a wide range of exercises suitable for all levels to train facing magnificent views.

Salon

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.