Masterpieces of humankind and nature: discover Central America in depth
Discover the premiere destination of Punta Leona on active excursions1
Daytime passage through the Panama Canal, with knowledgeable commentary from your experts
Exotic wildlife, volcanic worlds and paradise islands
Pure adventure: with the Zodiacs to stunning shores
Encounters with the traditional lifestyle of the people
1 The shore activities are not included in the cruise price and are in the planning stage. Subject to change without notice
At anchor
Further information
Premiere stop in Punta Leona. In addition to a Zodiac landing on the sandy beach of Playa Mantas, this seldom-visited destination offers a variety of exciting active excursions such as a buggy ride1, boat trips on the Rio Tarcoles1 or a canopy adventure1. The unique nature of Costa Rica, numerous suspension bridges and more than 250 bird species are waiting to be discovered by you.
The Gulf of San Miguel is located off the usual tourist paths on the Pacific coast of Panama and is a sprawling marine basin that stands out for its natural beauty and peaceful environment. This Gulf, known for its biological diversity, provides protection for the lush mangrove forests, which in turn serve as nurseries for numerous marine species. Remote and barely developed, this area is home to indigenous communities such as the Kuna and Emberá, who have preserved their traditional way of life. The Gulf of San Miguel is therefore a place to experience nature in its purest form and to develop a deeper understanding of the harmonious coexistence of humans and the environment.
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.
The itinerary depends on official approval. The natural experiences and wildlife sightings described are possibilities on this expedition and are not guaranteed.
1 The shore activities are not included in the cruise price and are in the planning stage. Subject to change.
At anchor
When the ship is anchored, there is no pier and the ship anchors in open water. The transfer to land is carried out using tender boats or zodiacs.
Golf
You head for the best and most beautiful greens in the world and are looked after by a PGA golf professional
Zodiac
Where even our small and few ships can't get any further, you can continue your adventures safely in robust inflatable boats (weather permitting).
Music
In an almost private atmosphere you can experience artists up close on the high seas or in front of the most beautiful places in the world.
Arrival and departure | optionally bookable
Fri, 07.11.2025
Scheduled flight from Germany to Panama City Overnight stay with breakfast
Sat, 08.11.2025
City tour
Wed, 19.11.2025
Journey to Panama City Day room Scheduled flight from Panama City to Germany
Thu, 20.11.2025
Arrival in Germany
Extend your trip
Our popular pre- and post-cruise programmes include a wide range of excursions and are usually guided in German language and accompanied by experienced Hapag-Lloyd Cruises tour guides. Recommended for travelers who like to share their experiences with a group of like-minded people. Experience selected highlights of your holiday destination and enjoy the amenities of a group trip - we take care of transfers, excursions and overnight stays.
Levels of difficulty
The organized land activities that we have planned for you place different demands on your physical fitness. So that you can see at a glance whether the requirement profile of your desired excursion matches your expectations, we have classified the activities in our excursion program into three levels:
easy
These programmes do not place any particular demands on your physical condition. Walks or tours take you along easy footpaths and any stairs are easy to negotiate.
moderat
These programmes place moderate demands on your physical condition. Walking for up to 2 hours (including on cobblestones) and climbing stairs should not cause you any problems. Programmes that include off-road vehicle rides on partially uneven and bumpy roads are not recommended for guests with back problems.
demanding
These programmes require a good level of physical fitness, dexterity and sure-footedness, e.g. for extended tours or city walks (sometimes on uneven surfaces and with many steps) or sporty, active hikes and kayak tours.
Price special
Limited offer: Travel for the best price with the SILVER fare
For this cruise, offers in the SILVER fare are available. You will find these under "Prices & Booking" after selecting the respective cabin/suite.
Included Services
Expedition and knowledge
All landings and rides in the ship’s own Zodiacs (Use of the Zodiacs depends on the destination and on official permits)
Experienced experts from various disciplines accompany every cruise, give presentations and multimedia lectures, provide well-informed answers to questions about the cruising area and take part in the Zodiac landings/rides and hikes from/to ship
Use of the interactive Ocean Academy with individual knowledge formats
Comprehensive information before the cruise – for example about the Arctic, Antarctic, the South Seas and the Amazon, as well as expedition maps
Cabin
In every cabin: champagne to welcome you, mini bar restocked daily with non-alcoholic beverages (additional selection in Grand Suites and Junior Suites), coffee machine (tea on request), 24-hour cabin service
Equipment for loan: one pair of binoculars and two sets of Nordic Walking poles in the cabin itself, furthermore warm parkas, rubber boots, snorkelling equipment
Flat-screen TV with information and entertainment programme, personal email account and Internet access via Wi-Fi (free of charge for one hour per guest and day, satellite-dependent especially in polar areas)
Information about harbours and destinations (where available) in the cabin
Restaurants
International gourmet cuisine – full board: breakfast (early-bird and late riser breakfast), bouillon, afternoon coffee/tea time, lunch and dinner (three restaurants to choose from in the evening with flexible opening hours)
For all cases
German ship and expedition management as well as a mostly German-speaking service crew
Harbour and airport fees
Cancellation fee insurance (20% excess) in the PLATINUM and GOLD fares
Spa and fitness
Extensive sports programme: fitness area with ocean view, course programme, additional sports activities on shore depending on the destination (Personal training for an additional charge)
OCEAN SPA with Finnish sauna with an ocean view, steam sauna, indoor and outdoor relaxation area (spa treatments and hairdresser at a surcharge)
