Panama Canal Ocean Crossing To Tahitian Dreams

The Panama Canal Ocean Crossing To Tahitian Dreams is a 29-night Panama Canal cruise aboard Wind Star, operated by Windstar Cruises. Departing Colon, Panama on January 31, 2027, the voyage visits 9 ports. Fares start from $8,159 per person.

Length: 29 nights
Departs: Jan 31, 2027
Returns: Mar 1, 2027
Ports of call: 9
Days at sea: 21

from $8,159

$281 / night per person, incl. taxes & fees

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from $8,159 pp

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Itinerary

Day 1 Jan 31, 2027 Colon, Panama Departs 18:00 Panama is synonymous with the Panama Canal. While Panama connects Central America to South America, the Panama Canal, which opened in 1914, connects the Caribbean Sea with the Pacific Ocean. The channel reduces shipping time and currently connects 160 countries and 1,700 ports around the world. Hailed as an engineering marvel, the artificial waterway with its elaborate lock system is one of the greatest achievements of the 20th century. Arriving on an MSC Caribbean and Antilles cruise into Colón, Panama’s gateway city, you’ll encounter the irresistible juxtaposition of the ancient and modern, the artificial and natural, as enormous computerized container ships transiting the canal slice through primeval rainforests teeming with fluorescent frogs and elusive wild cats. Book an MSC excursion to hop on a ferry that will take you along the length of the Panama Canal, through lakes and locks and past the Centennial and Americas bridges. Finally, you will arrive at Pacific port at the entrance to the Panama Canal, and then enjoy a 90-minute bus ride back to your ship. Not far from the ceaseless activity on the canal lies untamed nature. Take a guided eco-cruise on Gatún Lake, surrounded by rainforest. Gatún, created in 1913 to fill the fertile valley of the Chagres River, is the world's largest artificial lake, and an integral part of the dam and canal. Catch glimpses of exotic birds, monkeys, sloths, iguanas, crocodiles and more. Following your lake cruise, go on a rainforest walk and follow the eco-trail that surrounds the lake. Head off the beaten path on an MSC excursion to explore the world of the Emberá people, located only half an hour by dugout up the Chagres River. Emberá villagers, who live much as they did when the Spanish arrived in the 1500s, will welcome you in traditional dress, with dances, music and their artefacts: baskets, jewellery and the cocobolo, a small sculpture made from a special kind of wood. The Colón cruise also gives you the opportunity to discover bustling Panama City, the country’s capital, with its pleasant blend of modern and colonial architecture. Enjoy a scenic visit to Panama City’s cobblestoned historic centre, Casco Viejo, or the Colonial City, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Founded in 1673, the Casco Viejo, or Casco Antiguo as it is also called, was built following the near-total destruction of the original Panama City two years earlier, when it was attacked by an Englishman, Captain Henry Morgan. The Casco Antiguo brims with historical buildings, including a cathedral and national theatre, a French monument to the 22,000 workers who died building the Panama Canal, and the fabulous Las Bóvedas walkway. The tour also includes a quick visit to Agua Claras Locks (Expansion Centre) to see how the Panama Canal operates. Colon, Panama port guide Search cruises visiting Colon, Panama

Day 2 Feb 1, 2027 Fuerte Amador, Panama City Arrives 22:00 Expect incredible morning views as you arrive into the port for Panama City. Tinged with a silver pre-dawn light, the city will metamorphosise into a golden glow as the sun rises above it. And from then on expect one stunning view after another. Very interesting in its own right, Fuerte Amador is obviously overshadowed by its proximity to Panama City. So should the Miraflores museum of the Canal, which offers a comprehensive and immersive tour of the Canal including a 3-D experience, four exhibition halls, an observation deck, and a surprisingly good restaurant not interest you then there is always the option of lovely Casco Viejo – literally the old quartier of Panama. The grand old colonial houses, cobbled streets, independent boutiques and buzzing street scene make this a must stop on your itinerary. And if you like seafood, you will not want miss the many restaurants and market stalls serving different variations of so-fresh-it’s-still-practically-swimming ceviche. Best eaten like the Panamanians do, with salty crackers and a cold beer on the beach. And if money is no object, a cup of geisha coffee – supposedly the world’s best and definitely the world’s most expensive at $7 a shot is definitely a pick me up! Cool cosmopolitan capital aside, Panama has a skyscraper filled skyline that is worthy of some of its North American counterparts. But if urban utopia is not your scene then fear not, the sandy beaches and lush rainforests are never more than a short cab ride away.

Day 3 Feb 2, 2027 Fuerte Amador, Panama City Departs 17:00 Expect incredible morning views as you arrive into the port for Panama City. Tinged with a silver pre-dawn light, the city will metamorphosise into a golden glow as the sun rises above it. And from then on expect one stunning view after another. Very interesting in its own right, Fuerte Amador is obviously overshadowed by its proximity to Panama City. So should the Miraflores museum of the Canal, which offers a comprehensive and immersive tour of the Canal including a 3-D experience, four exhibition halls, an observation deck, and a surprisingly good restaurant not interest you then there is always the option of lovely Casco Viejo – literally the old quartier of Panama. The grand old colonial houses, cobbled streets, independent boutiques and buzzing street scene make this a must stop on your itinerary. And if you like seafood, you will not want miss the many restaurants and market stalls serving different variations of so-fresh-it’s-still-practically-swimming ceviche. Best eaten like the Panamanians do, with salty crackers and a cold beer on the beach. And if money is no object, a cup of geisha coffee – supposedly the world’s best and definitely the world’s most expensive at $7 a shot is definitely a pick me up! Cool cosmopolitan capital aside, Panama has a skyscraper filled skyline that is worthy of some of its North American counterparts. But if urban utopia is not your scene then fear not, the sandy beaches and lush rainforests are never more than a short cab ride away.

Day 7 Feb 6, 2027 Quepos 07:00 – 18:00 11.0 hrs ashore Shore Excursion Port Tips The former banana-exporting town of Quepos is your basecamp for a day of rainforest adventure. Take a walk along trails that weave up to waterfalls, or ride horseback to a beautiful jungle pool. A float trip through a mangrove swamp populated by monkeys, crocodiles, egrets, and herons is also available. Or you may choose a nature walk through Manuel Antonio National Park, with its lovely beaches, easy trails, and animal life. Quepos port guide Search cruises visiting Quepos

Quepos photo — Day 7 Feb 6, 2027 Quepos 07:00 – 18:00 11.0 hrs ashore Shore Excursion Port Tips The former banana-exporting town of Quepos is your basecamp for a day of rainforest adventure. Take a walk along trails that weave up to waterfalls, or ride horseback to a beautiful jungle pool. A float trip through a mangrove swamp populated by monkeys, crocodiles, egrets, and herons is also available. Or you may choose a nature walk through Manuel Antonio National Park, with its lovely beaches, easy trails, and animal life. Quepos port guide Search cruises visiting Quepos

Day 9 Feb 8, 2027 Caldera, Costa Rica 06:00 – 18:00 12.0 hrs ashore One of the stops along the Panama Canal Zone route, Puerto Caldera on Costa Rica's Pacific Coast isn't your ordinary port of call, positioned as it is within easy day-trip distance of the country's multiple national parks. The town itself is small, but makes for an ideal base from which travelers can venture out to explore the variety of this Central American country's outdoor attractions and activities. These include snapping photos of gushing waterfalls (and swimming at the base of one, if you bring your swimsuit!), sightseeing near active volcanoes, bird-watching in nature reserves and sanctuaries and horseback riding on Pacific beaches . . . and that's just for starters. Visitors to Puerto Caldera and the surrounding region also enjoy shopping for handicrafts that local artists sell at their cooperatives, as well as sampling traditional Tico cuisine, especially gallo pinto—a combination of rice and beans eaten at any time of the day or night. Puerto Caldera is the perfect reminder that adventure often awaits just around the bend.

Day 30 Mar 1, 2027 Papeete Arrives 07:00 In the heart of the Pacific Ocean exists a paradise of crystal clear waters, white beaches and primitive vegetation. A place of pure beauty, where every corner hides wonderful treasures. It is French Polynesia, home of the island of Tahiti and the bustling port city of Papeete. This is where your incredibly beautiful vacation with MSC World Cruise will start on a journey to discover sensational places. It is the home of pearls; in Papeete, you can visit the first museum in the worlddedicated to the processing of these natural jewels, in particular the black pearl of Tahiti, the protagonist of the museum named after one of the largest cultivators of pearls, Robert Wan. Here each step of the delicate process of harvesting and processing pearls will be explained and you can learn how they become beautiful jewels. The museum also offers a comprehensive guide to the history and legends associated with pearls, crossing various cultures and civilizations. During your MSC Cruise into this exotic land, you will have the opportunity to visit the pulsating center of the city of Papeete, famous for its market. Activity begins at first light, with fruit, vegetables, fish, flowers and crafts. It is a place not to be missed especially early in the morning to breathe in its magical atmosphere before it is full of people. The entire island of Tahiti offers visitors a hiking dream, including walks in Bougainville Park, full of flowers and manicured plants, or a ride to Marae Arahurahu, the best place to admire the old traditional Polynesian temples and learn about their history by admiring one of the best preserved on these islands. MSC Cruises also offers a fantastic tour in the sky of Tahiti to see the whole island in one fell swoop. Papeete port guide Search cruises visiting Papeete

Papeete photo — Day 30 Mar 1, 2027 Papeete Arrives 07:00 In the heart of the Pacific Ocean exists a paradise of crystal clear waters, white beaches and primitive vegetation. A place of pure beauty, where every corner hides wonderful treasures. It is French Polynesia, home of the island of Tahiti and the bustling port city of Papeete. This is where your incredibly beautiful vacation with MSC World Cruise will start on a journey to discover sensational places. It is the home of pearls; in Papeete, you can visit the first museum in the worlddedicated to the processing of these natural jewels, in particular the black pearl of Tahiti, the protagonist of the museum named after one of the largest cultivators of pearls, Robert Wan. Here each step of the delicate process of harvesting and processing pearls will be explained and you can learn how they become beautiful jewels. The museum also offers a comprehensive guide to the history and legends associated with pearls, crossing various cultures and civilizations. During your MSC Cruise into this exotic land, you will have the opportunity to visit the pulsating center of the city of Papeete, famous for its market. Activity begins at first light, with fruit, vegetables, fish, flowers and crafts. It is a place not to be missed especially early in the morning to breathe in its magical atmosphere before it is full of people. The entire island of Tahiti offers visitors a hiking dream, including walks in Bougainville Park, full of flowers and manicured plants, or a ride to Marae Arahurahu, the best place to admire the old traditional Polynesian temples and learn about their history by admiring one of the best preserved on these islands. MSC Cruises also offers a fantastic tour in the sky of Tahiti to see the whole island in one fell swoop. Papeete port guide Search cruises visiting Papeete

Pricing

Lowest fare we've tracked over the observed 78-day span: $7,915 · range $7,915–$8,499

Current prices

Per person · 2 guests · incl. taxes & fees

Inside

Not available

Oceanview

from $8,159

$281 / night

Fare rows

Stateroom

Cabin grade

Available

from $8,159

$281 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Balcony

Not available

Suite

Not available

Prices verified Jun 19, 2026

Prices come from third-party data feeds via Windstar Cruises and may differ from the cruise line's current fare. Confirm the final price before booking. How our pricing works

Price history

14 days

○ = last available date (sold out, or no longer listed).

Cabin grades

Oceanview

Lowest Oceanview $8,159 A Stateroom AX Deluxe Stateroom B Stateroom $8,159 BX Deluxe Stateroom

Lines step between recorded price changes. Plot up to 6 lines at once.

Show all 5 cabin grades

Name	Supplier code	Type
Stateroom	A	Oceanview
Deluxe Stateroom	AX	Oceanview
Stateroom	B	Oceanview
Deluxe Stateroom	BX	Oceanview
Owner's Suite	OW	Suite

Ship

Your ship Wind Star 4★ **5,307** GT **148** guests Built **1985** Wind Star is a sleek, 4-masted sailing ship accommodating 148 guests. With four decks and a gross tonnage of 5,307, Wind Star feels like your own private small ship. Wind Star features wide open, teak decks—quite unusual for small ships. Guests will find hidden nooks for private moments giving them a feeling of being on their own private veranda. All staterooms have ocean views, queen beds, flat-screen TV with DVD player, and Bose SoundDock speakers for Apple iPods. The Owner’s Suite includes a sitting area. Wind Star offers two primary dining venues. Amphora restaurant offers gourmet, course-by-course cuisine in the evenings and Veranda restaurant offers casual buffet and full-service dining for breakfast and lunch. All dining is open seating. And, for dining under the stars, make a reservation for Candles which features steaks and skewers. Wind Star amenities include: WindSpa, Watersports Platform, Lounge, Library, Pool, and Hot Tub. Wind Star ship guide Search cruises on Wind Star

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