Sun-drenched beaches, colonial heritage and the mysterious temple complexes of the Maya – spend Easter on the coastline of Latin America and explore its dense jungles. The Panama Canal takes you right into the green heart of the jungle and promises an experience that will stay with you forever. “The Big Easy” awaits you in the southern USA: Experience the charm of the southern states on the Mississippi, sample Creole cuisine and swing to the jazz rhythm of New Orleans in the city’s French Quarter.
The cruise is fully booked.
For further assistance please contact us at 040 30703050.
Combine cruises EUR1604 and EUR1605 and save € 2,000 or combine cruises EUR1605 and EUR1606 and save € 950.
At anchor - If the ship anchors in open water the ferrying ashore will be done with tenders or Zodiacs.
Zodiac - Wherever our small and manoeuvrable ships cannot go further, you can safely continue your adventure in a Zodiac (robust motorised inflatable rubber boats; depending on weather conditions).
Scheduled flight from Germany to San Francisco
Transfer to embarkation point for the EUROPA
San Francisco/California/USA, departure at 23.00 hrs
Relaxation at sea
Acapulco/Mexico, 13.30 – 18.00 hrs
Acapulco/Mexico
In the 1950s, Hollywood greats such as Elizabeth Taylor and Elvis Presley brought the coastal town international renown. Nowadays the cliff divers of Acapulco* are equally legendary. During an exclusive show, watch the intrepid acrobats leap from the cliffs and dive into the narrow inlet below.
Relaxation at sea
Puerto Quetzal/Guatemala, 6.30 – 0.00 hrs
Puerto Quetzal/Guatemala
A plane flight brings you to the Maya site of Tikal*, where the magnificent temples, stelae and palaces have outlived their builders by thousands of years. Antigua* is also a living cultural heritage which has preserved its charms as a colonial capital; as you stand in the shade of its baroque churches, you half expect to come across the Spanish conquistadores.
Relaxation at sea
Puntarenas/Costa Rica, 7.00 – 18.00 hrs
Puntarenas/Costa Rica
About a quarter of this country is a protected conservation area – and rightly so: to discover the unique bird life of this place, travel by boat to explore the diverse flora and fauna found in the mangrove forest*. Walk across the 42 m high suspended rope bridge* to enjoy the sights from an unusual perspective – it yields breathtaking views across the dense treetops.
Isla de Coiba/Panama, 11.00 – 15.00 hrs
Isla de Coiba/Panama
A chorus of exotic birds in the tropical rainforest, waves gently lapping against the white, sandy shore – far away from everyday life, a relaxing time awaits you on Panama’s biggest island. The next day, you will enjoy a special seafaring experience when the EUROPA enters the Panama Canal on course for the Caribbean.
Daytime passage through the Panama Canal
The Panama Canal stands as one of the most impressive technological wonders of the modern world. This artificial waterway is a vital maritime passage that connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean, bypassing the need to navigate the dangerous and time-consuming waters around Cape Horn at the southern tip of South America. Stretching approximately 82 kilometers through the Isthmus of Panama, the canal serves as a crucial shortcut that has not only revolutionized shipping routes but also significantly influenced international trade. Sophisticated lock systems are at the heart of the Panama Canal, lifting and lowering ships to different levels of the waterway. This allows vessels of all sizes and classes to overcome the 26-meter height difference between the oceans. Through this innovation, the canal has significantly reduced navigation time and fuel consumption, leading to lower transportation costs and a more efficient international supply chain. A unique feature of the Panama Canal is its so-called mules - special towing locomotives that should not be confused with conventional trains. These powerful machines are specially designed to maneuver the massive ships precisely through the locks. Anchored on steel rails with impressive pulling power, these locomotives work in sync to keep the ship centered in the lock chamber, preventing collisions and damage.
Cartagena/Colombia, 12.00 – 20.00 hrs
Cartagena/Colombia
Discover the colonial gem in style on a carriage ride through the restored old town*. The former trading centre defied its enemies with thick fortified walls and mighty forts such as San Felipe de Barajas. And in the arcades of the former military complex of Las Bovedas, there is now a string of inviting little boutiques selling traditional regional handicraft.
Relaxation at sea
George Town/Grand Cayman/Great Britain, 12.00 – 19.00 hrs
George Town/Grand Cayman/Cayman Islands/Great Britain
There’s more to this premier address for millionaires than just being a tax haven: in the capital, you will discover fabulous colonial pearls, while further west the luminous Seven Mile Beach – the perfect place to sunbathe – awaits you.
Relaxation at sea
Playa del Carmen/Mexico, 8.00 – 10.00 hrs
Cozumel, 11.00 – 19.00 hrs
Playa del Carmen/Mexico
Follow in the footsteps of the Maya people to the ruins of Chichen Itza*. At the heart of the biggest open-air museum in the entire Mayan world is the 24 m high Kukulkan pyramid, one of this mysterious culture’s most important structures. Rising up above the turquoise blue sea is the Maya city of Tulum*. From here, it is not far to the Xel-Ha lagoon* – float away on the shallow waters of this veritable paradise.
San Miguel de Cozumel/Cozumel/Mexico
Jaques Cousteau recognised long ago the value of this island as an excellent place for diving. Snorkel around the colourful underwater world, enjoy a few relaxing hours on the beach or experience the pulsating life along San Miguel’s oceanside promenade.
Relaxation at sea
New Orleans/Louisiana/USA, arrival 12.00 hrs
New Orleans/Louisiana/USA
Look forward to thrilling sights when you cross the Mississippi and reach the “Cradle of Jazz”. So that you can immerse yourself totally in the diverse cultural offerings of New Orleans, the EUROPA will stay until the next evening. Plenty of time for an extensive discovery tour* where you can admire the picturesque balconies of the French Quarter or enjoy the view across Lake Pontchartrain. If you are looking for adventure, you’ll find it right in front of the city gates – what better way to visit the habitat of alligators than to travel across the ancient swamps* in an airboat? Perhaps you would like to get a feel for what life in the southern states was really like? Then a trip to an old mansion* and the surrounding sugar cane plantations will take you on a pilgrimage back in time to the period before the American Civil War.
New Orleans/Louisiana, departure 18.00 hrs
Relaxation at sea
Key West/Florida, 10.00 – 16.30 hrs
Key West/Florida/USA
America’s southern tip likes all things bright and colourful: stroll along the palm-fringed promenades, admire the works of the street artists and try a slice of the unique Key lime pie at one of the cafes. You can also take things really easy and ride the traditional Conch Train* alongside the restored wooden houses. The underwater world here seems to be iridescent, and you can explore it during a snorkelling trip* along the reef.
Miami/Florida, arrival 6.00 hrs
Transfer to scheduled flight to Germany
Arrival in Germany
= at anchor
= Zodiac landing
Symposium at Sea is a contemporary series of lectures bringing together experts from the worlds of economics, business, politics and culture on selected cruises on board the EUROPA to discuss some interesting current topics with you. Attend fascinating lectures given by the experts, expand your mind with some background knowledge and enjoy lively discussions with well-known personalities.