Panama Canal Cruise
Enjoy the wonderful experience of cruising to multiple destinations onboard the luxurious Norwegian Cruise ship, with ample time to relax and enjoy those warm days at sea. Embark in Miami and cruise to Los Angeles with a full transit of the Panama Canal. The 48-mile long Canal, one of the Seven Modern Wonders of the World, took ten years to build and was one of the most difficult engineering projects ever undertaken. 2016 was the inauguration of the new expansion project, allowing the new larger Neopanamax ships to traverse the canal. This year we will be transiting these new locks! Get more out of your vacation with our included shore excursions – visit farms growing coffee, coconuts, agave, and sugarcane, as well as city tours and more! This is the relaxing getaway you deserve!
- January 20 - February 6, 2025
Itinerary
Day 1: January 20 Omaha, NE (or your home airport) / Miami
Welcome to Miami, the starting point for your amazing Panama Canal Cruise! A shuttle will provide you with a quick ride to your hotel. Here you will check-in to your hotel room and meet your Rupiper Tour Manager. Overnight in Miami.
Day 2: January 21 Miami / Board Ship Sail at 5:30PM
This morning, prepare to board the NCL Joy. Enjoy a late checkout, as boarding the ship begins at noon. Get acquainted with the ship and all its luxurious amenities, as this will be your home for the next two weeks. Every evening you may enjoy a professional show, be it a Broadway production, musical talent, comedian, trapeze, or juggling act. With NCL entertainment, you’ll think you’re in Vegas! Visit several ports and have unique opportunities to immerse yourself in the local cultures and view many incredible sights. (B, L, D)
Day 3: January 22 At Sea
Sleep in and treat yourself to a day of relaxation. Forget the cold of winter – read a book from the ship’s library, take in a lecture, catch a movie onboard in the ship’s theater or make new friends over your favorite card game. (B, L, D)
Day 4: January 23 At Sea
Relax by the pool or get involved in one of the many activities offered, like wine tasting, karaoke, ballroom dance lessons, and guest speakers. It’s all about doing what makes you feel special and expanding your horizons! You’re encouraged to go beyond the usual and create an experience that’s uniquely your own. (B, L, D)
Day 5: January 24 Cartagena, Columbia 7:00am - 5:00pm Rupiper Tour Included
Stroll through the Bonga pedestrian pathways to watch the only “Duck Town” in Cartagena. This pond hosts a cute recreation of a town for ducks, including small buildings for them to inhabit. Conserve your energy and ride the small Iguana Train up to the reservoir tank containing 65,000 gallons of water for irrigation for the entire reservation. Visit an Eco-house that is fully powered by solar energy and stroll along the tropical fruits patio to see unique examples such as chikoo, Granada, sapodilla, star apple, and more. See cattle raised for dairy production and visit Iguana’s bridge. Here you can explore and discover local species of flora, and fauna, including iguanas, herons, sloths, ant bears, and many birds. Take a moment to connect with nature during a “Sensory Ceremony,” where we close our eyes and listen to the silence of the forest and feel the gentle touch of the humid breeze. Walk through the labyrinth of the Heliconias Garden with more than 15 species of these beautiful tropical flowers. There is free time to walk around the Teak Trees Terrace before crossing the bridge to Flower Island. This is your chance to try Columbia’s local and most emblematic drink, sugar cane and oranges picked from the garden. Also included is the Old Walled City, where we head through the narrow streets and open fortress walls. These quaint, narrow streets and balconied houses are all vivid reminders of the former colonialists. The city’s numerous monasteries, plazas and noble mansions are significant links to this region’s grand past. Upon returning to the port, you will have time to take pictures of exotic birds, flamingos, and monkeys. (B, L, D)
Day 6: January 25 Colon, Panama 9:00am-8:00pm Rupiper Tour Included
Experience the thrill of traveling from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean within a single day, showcasing Panama’s unique geographic location. Walk through Casco Viejo, established in 1673, showcasing beautiful French and American architectural styles in a vibrant historical district. Visit the Panama Canal Visitor Center at Miraflores Locks to witness the incredible engineering of this iconic waterway, and also see an informative IMAX video. Enjoy breathtaking views of Panama City’s skyline and the Pacific Ocean from the scenic Amador Causeway and Cinta Costera. Explore the historic Canal Zone, including the Panama Canal Administration Building and monuments, reflecting American influence in Panama. This tour offers a comprehensive and thrilling exploration of Panama’s rich history, diverse culture, and modern achievements. Get ready to be captivated by the stories and sights that make Panama truly unique! (B, L, D)
Day 7: January 26 Panama Canal (Full Transit) / Panama City
This is what you have been looking forward to... THE PANAMA CANAL! Although built more than 100 years ago (1904 - 1914), it offers up-to-date movement through three monstrous locks as you cross the Continental Divide. Since the Panama Canal expansion project was finished in 2016, the canal can now accommodate larger Neopanamax ships and twice the amount of traffic. See these new and larger locks up close as our ship transits all three stages of the canal. The amount of concrete and material that went into constructing this modern marvel is simply astonishing. You will want to be on deck for this unforgettable experience. (B, L, D)
Day 8: January 27 At Sea (B, L, D)
Day 9: January 28 Puerto Caldera Puntarenas 7:00am-8:00pm Rupiper Tour Included
Puntarenas is a lovely seaport town with multi-colored cottages and local markets. Costa Rica is home to Carara Tropical Rainforest, where you will find exotic flora and fauna unique to Central America. Today’s included tour takes you on a ride through the rainforest to a lofty vantage point, and we check out our lucky spot to see monkeys in the wild. Take a crocodile river boat on the Tarcoles River, cruising through a unique mangrove forest looking for crocs and wildlife. (B, L, D)
Day 10: January 29 At Sea (B, L, D)
Day 11: January 30 Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala 7:00am - 8:00pm Rupiper Tour Included
Drive on an expressway enjoying the farms and landscape of the countryside. Stop at a sugarcane plantation for a quick lesson. After a photo opportunity of their volcano (sometimes in action), we visit a local school to donate supplies and interact with the children. Next we travel to a small avocado plantation that also grows lemons. What a great place to learn how to make Guatemalan guacamole (different from Mexican guacamole) and of course sample their fresh avocados. We continue to Colonial Antigua, the capital of the Captaincy-General of Guatemala. Founded in the early 16th century and built almost 5,000 feet above sea level in an earthquake-prone region, it was largely destroyed by an earthquake in 1773 - but its principal monuments are still preserved as ruins. The city was built on a grid pattern inspired by the Italian Renaissance, and it acquired a number of superb monuments. After a light lunch at an authentic restaurant, take a short stroll through Central Plaza to admire the Arabesque architecture and their most important buildings dating back to the 1800s. (B, L, D)
Day 12: January 31 At Sea (B, L, D)
Day 13: February 1 Acapulco, Mexico 7:00am - 6:00pm Rupiper Tour Included
As one of Mexico’s oldest coastal tourist destinations, Acapulco has much to offer both tourists and travelers. Our included shore excursion will take you to an authentic bakery, a small local farm growing coconuts and other produce, as well as show you around this famous resort town. Have you ever wondered how they harvest coconuts? Here’s your chance to see this dangerous process! Later, join us to see the legendary La Quebrada cliff divers. This has long been a popular tradition in Acapulco, and it is included! Take in views of the Fuerte de San Diego “Fort San Diego,” which looks back to Acapulco’s past as an important trading center and a target for pirates and rival foreign powers. (B, L, D)
Day 14: February 2 Manzanillo, Mexico 11:00am - 8:00pm
Welcome to this picturesque fishing port-turned-tourist resort and self-proclaimed sail fish capital of the world. The waters and beautiful lagoons of Manzanillo are ideal for water sports. (B, L, D)
Day 15: February 3 Puerto Vallarta, Mexico 7:00am - 3:00pm Rupiper Tour Included
Nestled high up in the Sierra Madre is a little mining town called San Sebastian, home to about 600 citizens. This Spanish colonial town dates back to 1605, when it was a gold and silver mining center, once housing over 4,000 people. Today, San Sebastian is a retreat, hidden from the tourists of Puerto Vallarta. This historic community will show you the real Mexico. We’ll drive 4,500 feet up into the mountains, where we’ll find San Sebastian, much as it was over 400 years ago. Here you can visit one of the areas only industries, a coffee factory named La Quinta, where you’ll see how the coffee is grown, picked, and processed. Take a walking tour of the pueblo, learn about its history, see their famous church, and meet some of the local villagers. Enjoy lunch at a local Restaurant, where you’ll be treated to a full variety of exquisite Mexican plates. After the delicious lunch, we’ll visit a local tequila factory, where you can taste different types of tequila and learn how this most popular of Mexican liquors is made. (B, L, D)
Day 16: February 4 Cabo San Lucas, Mexico 7:00am - 3:00pm
Cabo’s signature landmark is El Arco (The Arch,) a rock formation at the tip of “Land’s End.” The jewel of the Baja Peninsula is famous for its world-class sportfishing, as well as its high-end resorts and exclusive gated communities that line an area simply called “the Corridor.” This is a great opportunity to enjoy whale watching, ride a pedi-cab, or take a glass bottom water taxi to Playa del Amor “Lovers’ Beach.” Or maybe walking to Medano Beach is just right for you. Many bars and restaurants near the port make this town best absorbed on foot. (B, L, D)
Day 17: February 5 At Sea
Day 18: February 6 Los Angeles, CA / Omaha, NE (or home airport) Arrive 8:00 AM
Disembark the NCL Joy with fond memories & a world of new experiences. Transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)
Rupiper Tours reserves the right to make minor adjustments to the itinerary if necessary.
What's Included
What’s Included
Round-trip Airfare from Omaha, NE
Airfare available from other airports - slight price adjustment possible
Miami Pre-Cruise Hotel and Transfers
Norwegian Cruise Fare including Port Charges and Taxes
All Meals Included (B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner)
Full Transit of the Panama Canal
Gratuities for Local Tour Guides and Motorcoach Drivers
Mandatory Gratuities to Ship Staff ($248 per person included)
Included Shore Excursions
Cartagena, Columbia
“Old Walled City” • Cattle • Exotic Bird & Monkey Sanctuary
Colon, Panama
Canal Visitor Center • Canal IMAX Video • City Tour
Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Wild Monkeys • Crocodile Boat Ride • Carara Tropical Rainforest
Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala
Sugarcane Demo • School Visit • Antigua • Avocado Farm
Acapulco, Mexico
Bakery • Coconut Farm • Cliff Divers • Panoramic Tour
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Coffee Farm • San Sebastian • Tequila Factory • Agave Farm
Special Events and Sights
Included Shore Excursions
Cartagena, Columbia
“Old Walled City” • Cattle • Exotic Bird & Monkey Sanctuary
Colon, Panama
Canal Visitor Center • Canal IMAX Video • City Tour
Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Wild Monkeys • Crocodile Boat Ride • Carara Tropical Rainforest
Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala
Sugarcane Demo • School Visit • Antigua • Avocado Farm
Acapulco, Mexico
Bakery • Coconut Farm • Cliff Divers • Panoramic Tour
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Coffee Farm • San Sebastian • Tequila Factory • Agave Farm
Testimonials
Testimonials from Panama Canal Cruise Tour Participants
“Wonderful trip! I think it was planned perfectly, and it met and exceeded our expectations!! Thank you!
- Kathy & Patrick N. (South Dakota)
"The tour manager was very pleasant and went out of her way to make our trip flow smoothly and be interesting. She made the trip more relaxing because all the details were taken care of for us. We enjoyed it all and would go again! We thoroughly enjoyed the experience. We made new friends and had a great time with them. It was a great experience. Looking forward to our trip to Alaska with you in August!”
– Ron & Marlene E. (South Dakota)
“Excellent guides – good English! Great tour and good sized group. A+ really enjoyed the school.”
- Anonymous
“The service was great – they always tried to answer questions, if they didn’t know they would find out. It was nice to meet new people and make new friends in the tour group. I liked seeing how other countries lived. The farms were the best visits!”
- Ellen W. (South Dakota)
“Rupiper Tours is Top Notch!! We were very pleased with the quality of our trip. We enjoyed the people on our tour and made many new friends. All the guides had a good sense of humor and were highly motivated to please us. We will travel with Rupiper again!!”
– Bob & Barb H. (Iowa)
“The tour guides were all excellent! Their English was good, they were very knowledgeable, organized, and they answered questions! The drivers were great also, they were careful and kept us safe. We enjoyed all our stops and the Panama Canal! Timing was great for us!”
– Mark & Pat R. (Michigan)
“We enjoyed the entire trip and don’t think we would change anything.”
– Dave & Jo N. (South Dakota)
“All was great!! We couldn’t have been treated any better. The Panama Canal was very interesting, and visiting the schools and villages mad it more personal. This was our first cruise. We had a great experience and would definitely go again.”
– Colleen S. (North Dakota)
“I will highly recommend this tour! I only wish I would have taken part in more of the ship’s activities, because there was so much going on. It was nice to have things to do, even if I was happy relaxing.”
– Larry & Cheryl B. (Illinois)
“Truly enjoyed the whole trip. Cindy was very accommodating to assist.”
– Charles R. (North Dakota)
“The whole trip was excellent. No complaints.”
– Deborah F. (Iowa)
"The guide was very knowledgeable and always available. The tour guides all seemed very knowledgeable and showed us the true flavor of the area. I loved Columbia and going through the Canal."
- Anonymous
“Everything was done very professionally. The tours went smoothly. There was not a minute wasted – very efficient. Excellent!!”
- Jim & Marlene E. (Illinois)
"The tour manager did an excellent job on everything. The local tour guides were great! I especially liked the coffee farm - so much more information than we have ever received on other coffee farm visits. Also really enjoyed the bakery in Mexico." - Cliff & Joyce B. (Ohio)
“We feel that activities were well planned and directed. Loved having the reserved evening meal, so we could meet others in our group and get information and schedules for the following day. Brent was an excellent guide for us – We’d probably still be stuck in LAX if it weren’t for his knowledge, patience, and loving guiding. It took a log of these qualities to get us non-fliers to get to where we needed to be. He is a saint! We have highly recommended Rupiper Tours to several of our friends and know they will be as happy as we are if they choose your company. Thanks for the memories!”
- Dennis & Nelann G. (South Dakota)
“From the get-go Brent told us not to worry about anything. If we had questions to be sure and ask, and we did. He had everything under control. Tour guides were knowledgeable and spoke good English. This was our first cruise but felt your company did a very good job with everything. Brent is a very nice young man and very helpful. Better keep him!!! We would travel with your company again. Thank you.”
- Jerry & Susan W. (South Dakota)
“The longer we are on this trip the more we are understanding all you and the Rupiper Company have done to make this trip trouble free. We are very glad to have discovered your organization. We have enjoyed you, our fellow members of this group and the outings we have done. The tours have been enjoyable, entertaining, and enlightening. Thank you so much for your knowledge and concern for each of us. We are very glad we have been with you the last two weeks. We appreciate and thank you.”
- Anonymous
“Very happy with the places we went. The tours were excellent! Ship was very good. Would recommend Rupiper to anyone, and if we go on another tour, you would be my first choice.”
- Jim & Maryann S. (Wisconsin)
“I wanted to tell you a HUGE THANK YOU for the trip and all the hard work, taking such good care of us and all the things we did not see you do to make this a great trip for us. We will travel with you again someday. Brent, I wanted to tell you how much I appreciated and admired your gentleness with us and some of the others who need some extra help. This aspect did not go unnoticed by me, it is a rare thing in this day and age to see someone younger be so kind and patient with older people… Kudos to you.”
- Allen & Cheryl B. (South Dakota)
“The tour manager was always there, friendly, and helpful. We really enjoyed visiting the school, and of course the canal. Thanks for the video.”
- Harold & Bonnie D. (Illinois)
"We thoroughly enjoyed Brent! He was very informative and respectful to us, as well as to the people we visited. He listened to peoples' questions and concerns and addressed them quickly and appropriately. Tour guides were great, and they were easy to understand. We enjoyed the ag slant - and definitely would go on another tour with you."
- Ed & Barb T. (New York)
"The tour manager went above and beyond!! Even though the group was scattered on the ship and were not together every day, Cindy had things organized and kept us informed. Our local guides were very accommodating and informative. They made sure to answer the group's questions. All spoke and understood English very well. The narration the day of the canal was VERY Good!!"
- Roy & Trish R. (Nebraska)
"Brent is always very pleasant and available. Enjoyed the whole trip. Any time I called or had a question, everything was handled great."
- John & Nancy E. (Illinois)
"It was a great trip, no problems. We'll enjoy the video and re-live our trip. We thoroughly enjoyed the tour manager, Cindy, she took good care of all of us."
- Linda W. (Oklahoma)
"A great tour all the way! The tour manager is a professional and in any situation she was there to help. This made our tour a success!"
- Dick G. (Minnesota)
"Brent was Spot On!! Very thorough and patient. Knowledgeable and accessible. Everything we need in a guide. Great move to meet daily for dinner. It was so nice to have reservations and not having to wait to be seated. Best thing on the ship was the evening entertainment - thoroughly enjoyed everything in the theater."
- Mike & Linda D. (South Dakota)
"Tour manager was engaging, fun, and took good care of us. All the guides were easy to understand. Really enjoyed your planned excursions and the canal crossing (it's what we signed up for)."
- Ken & Jeannie S. (Minnesota)
"The tour guides were easy to understand and able to answer all our questions. Interesting to hear about their lives also. The tour manager was very personable and knowledgeable. Kept track of everybody. Made the trip memorable. Really enjoyed the coffee farm visit."
- Roger & Gloria H. (Illinois)
"Very good experience. Loved that you helped us fly out of our home airport. Brent did an excellent job. He knew his stuff and was very kind, patient, and pleasant to us and everyone on the trip - especially in areas where some of us needed extra help. Very happy and pleased with all."
- Allen & Cheryl B. (South Dakota)
"The Panama Canal cruise was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We learned so much about the workings of the canal and about life in Central America. Seeing the way people live and work in this part of the world really made us appreciate our own country. The wonderful people we met in the Rupiper group were icing on the cake. The tour manager made it a point to connect with everyone regularly. She kept popping up all over! She was very pleasant and informative."
- Gary & Joyce R. (South Dakota)
"Couldn't have been better! We really enjoyed Columbia. Thanks again for another great trip!"
- Daniel & Zada C. (Texas)
"Guides and motorcoach drivers were all excellent. Brent was always willing to help with any needs and did an excellent job sharing information. Our favorite visits were the farms, schools, and the bakery. The food was beyond excellent!"
- David & Brenda O. (South Dakota)
"The tour manager was wonderful - very attentive to everyone and very helpful. We enjoyed all our tour guides. Everyone was always friendly and helpful. Enjoyed the trip - no suggestions for improvement!"
- Dewayne & Carolyn W. (North Carolina)
"Enjoyed the tour - met a lot of nice people! Enjoyed the coconut farm and plantain farm the most. Good Job!"
- Glenn & Fannie K. (Pennsylvania)
"Tour manager was fun - easy going - helpful - no pressure! All the guides spoke good English and answered questions. The staff was always good - available and helpful."
- Don & Sally A. (Ohio)
"Super job Brent! Thanks for everything!"
- Duane & Jan S. (South Dakota)
"Everything was great! Thanks for the DVD!"
- Ron G. (Pennsylvania)
"We want to thank you for all you did to make the cruise so enjoyable. It was a great trip and we really appreciated all you did. We really enjoyed seeing the DVD. We could relive our favorite port, Cabo San Lucas." - Larry & Maggie C. (Illinois)
"I really liked our stop in Acapulco. All the local guides showed the group interesting locations - we saw the lows of an area and the highs - friendly & considerate. I will continue to travel with Rupipers."
- Don & Jeannette D. (Nebraska)
"Suzanne was very knowledgeable and always available. The tour guides all seemed very knowledgeable and showed us the true flavor of the area. I loved Columbia and going through the Canal."
- Anonymous
"Everything was done very professionally. The tours went smoothly. There was not a minute wasted - very efficient. Excellent!!"
- Jim & Marlene E. (Illinois)
“Loved it, ready to go again!! Caught the sailing bug – will be looking into cruising with you again!! Suzanne was SUPER! Will tour with her again for sure! Was always there when needed and with answers. Very organized – made sure everyone knew when and where they had to be.”
- Kevin & Ellen S. (Wisconsin)
“The cruise was total RELAXATION! We completely lost track of time – thankfully Suzanne kept track for us. She was very knowledgeable and sought out answers for our questions. Suzanne was very friendly and welcomed everyone to her cruise ship family.”
- Robert & Phyllis B. (Iowa)
"Received the nice DVD slide show. Enjoyed the Panama Canal Cruise and your tours."
- Anonymous
“The ship was very nice, good food, great entertainment. Crew was very friendly, helpful and always making sure we were very comfortable and well fed! Tour group was much fun – great group of individuals! Suzanne was excellent in every aspect, accessible at all hours, informative, fun and organized.”
- Anonymous
“One of the better cruise lines. Larry, you and your people do a great job! Suzanne was excellent for the entire tour.”
- Kermit & Carol A. (Iowa)
