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December 2–11, 2015
Haimark Line Saint Laurent
10-day Panama Canal crossing begining in the Spanish Colonial city of Cartagena, Colombia and ending in the lush jungles and marine parks of Costa Rica.
Natural and man-made wonders combine on this exotic all-gay cruise. The Panama Canal isn't just the shortest link between the between two great oceans, it is also the most beautiful.
This 10-day journey will expose guests aboard the MS Saint Laurent to fascinating talks and engaging stories surrounding the construction of the historic Panama Canal. Coupled with visits to Costa Rica's Manual Antonio National Park and Panama's San Blas Islands, this all-gay cruise will enjoy a daytime passage of the Panama Canal and a series of expert led Zodiac excursions to seldomly visited natural wonders.
It's the perfect combination of engineering marvels, architecture, wildlife and rich history in the comfort of an all-gay environment. Fantastic rates starting at just $3,999!
Your Ship - Haimark Line All-New MS Saint Laurent
Brand g Vacations has chartered the 110 stateroom M.S. Saint Laurent, a 4-star, intimate and charming ocean-going coastal vessel. Her spacious indoor and expansive outdoor public areas make her an ideal vessel for exploring destinations larger vessels cannot reach. Outfitted with elevator (Decks 1 to 4), as well as on-board full service salon, boutique and medical services you will find all amenities expected from a deluxe ocean vessel.
Amenities
• Spacious vessel offering accommodations from 130 to 325 Square Feet • Luxury honeycomb Robes with Slippers • Fine bath amenities • Nightly turndown service • In-room electronic safe • Individual climate control • High quality linens, with duvet • Premium mattresses • Convertible bed configuration (not applicable to category E) • Bottled water, replenished daily • Welcome flower arrangement and fresh fruit upon arrival (Owner's Suite and AA category) • Wireless Internet in All Public Areas(Minimal Charge) • Radio/Alarm with Docking Station • Hair dryer • Minibar (Owner's Suite, AA and A categories)
Complimentary Excursion Amenities
• Comprehensive shore excursion program series including all admissions • Welcome drink following excursions • Individual listening devices throughout cruise shore excursion program • New fleet of Mach5 Zodiacs for wet landing excursions • Expedition staff
Dining & Entertainment
• Expertly trained staff providing seated breakfast, lunch and dinner • Complimentary Free-Flow Beverages Throughout Your Program; coffee, tea, soft drinks, local beer, wine and spirits (house brand) • Casual outdoor cafe & grill offering; buffet breakfast and buffet lunch and seated dinner • Spacious air-conditioned lounge with nightly entertainment • Series of cultural performances, educational talks, and cooking classes
Travel Itinerary
Day 1 - Wednesday, December 2, 2015
Cartagena, Colombia
Embark ship, Passenger Safety Drill and Welcome Reception.
Day 2 - Thursday, December 3, 2015
San Blas Islands, Panama
The San Blas Islands of Panama are an archipelago comprising approximately 378 islands and cays, of which only 49 are inhabited. They lie off the north coast of the Isthmus of Panama, east of the Panama Canal and are populated by the self-governing Kuna Yala, one of the most culturally cohesive tribes of indigenous people. The native women are renowned for their intricate and very distinctive needlework. The economy of the Kuna Yala depends mainly on agriculture, fishery and tourism. Farming is mostly for subsistence. the traditional crops are guinea, corn, sugarcane and some coconut. Board our Zodiacs to explore these fantastic islands.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 3 - Friday, December 4, 2015
Panama Canal Crossing
 Sailing through the Panama Canal is a great adventure. The canal is a 77.1 km (48 mi) long that connects the Atlantic Ocean (via the Caribbean Sea) to the Pacific Ocean. The canal cuts across the Isthmus of Panama and is a key conduit for international maritime trade. There are locks at each end to lift ships up to Gatun Lake, an artificial lake created to reduce the amount of excavation work required for the canal, 26 metres (85 ft) above sea level. The current locks are 33.5 metres (110 ft) wide. A third, wider lane of locks is currently under construction and is due to open in 2015.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 4 - Saturday, December 5, 2015
Panama City, Panama
 During your excursion you will walk through the streets of "Old French Quarter of Panama City", founded in 1673 by French colonists. You will pass through El Casco Antiguo, where you will discover the tales of Gallantry and Piracy that wait in the narrow streets of Colonial Panama. During an easy 45 minutes' walk, you will explore "Old Panama", founded in 1519 and destroyed by the infamous Welsh Captain Henry Morgan in 1671. You will see the ruins of the churches and convents, colonial palaces, bridges and military buildings that attest to the grandiose past of this city.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 5 - Sunday, December 6, 2015
Darien Jungle, Panama
 The Darien Jungle is a lush rainforest surrounded by the Sierra de Jungurudo Mountains. Darien National Park is the largest in Central America and includes five distinct life zones. It was declared a World Heritage Site in 1981. The people of the Darien Jungle are the semi-nomadic Wounaan and Embera, who often decorate their bodies with black geometric tattoos. Their dugout canoes can navigate every stream, and they still use blowpipes for hunting. Explore the Jungle in one of our Zodiacs and maybe you have the chance to see Weaverbirds, Yellow-bellied Great Kiskadees, Red-cheeked Woodpeckers plus many other species.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 6 - Monday, December 7, 2015
Coiba Island, Panama
 Coiba Island, an UNESCO World Heritage site, is located 14 miles off the mainland and is the largest uninhabited tropical forested island in the Americas. 85% of the island's forests are primary and almost untouched, serving as a haven for birds and mammals found nowhere else on earth, as well as for species that have largely disappeard from the mainland. Travel by Zodiac to explore this unique National Park.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 7 - Tuesday, December 8, 2015
Golfito, Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica
 Our Zodiacs will bring us ashore to walk through lush rainforest, looking for indigenous plants, colorful birds, four species of monkeys and countless reptiles and amphibians. On the way to the island keep your eyes open for sea turtles, dolphins and whales.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 8 - Wednesday, December 9, 2015
Marenco, Rio Claro, Costa Rica
 Marenco sits at the northern end of the Osa Peninsula on the Pacific coast, adjacent to Corcovado National Park and has a protected rainforest of its own - the Marenco Biological Reserve. It is laced with trails and encompasses beach, jungle and forest, along with a fresh-water pool at the mouth of Rio Claro. The forest is home to three species of monkeys, toucans, parrots and other exotic wilflife. Manta rays, dolphins and olive ridley sea turtles are frequently spotted near the sandy beaches of the peninsula.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 9 - Thursday, December 10, 2015
Manuel Antonio Park, Costa Rica
 Manuel Antonio National Park is a small National Park in the Central Pacific Conservation Area located on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, just south of the city of Quepos. Established in 1972 this park is well known for its beautiful beaches and hiking trails. In 2011, Manuel Antonio was listed by Forbes among the world's 12 most beautiful national parks. This park has one of the most impressive landscapes of the world and has several coves with many white sand beaches and lush foliage amidst great mountains and forests that reach the beaches. Additionally, it is located in the tropical forest. It has a large land and marine biodiversity with beautiful coral reefs. Board our Zodiacs which will bring you right to the entrance of the park from where you will start exploring the nature.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 10 - Friday, December 11, 2015
San Jose (Porto Caldera), Costa Rica
Disembark the ship.
Meals: B
Add-Ons
Cartagena, Colombia, Pre-Cruise Extension
2 Nights Pre-Cruise Extension, November 30 - December 2, 2015
Day 1 - Monday, November 30, 2015
Arrive Cartagena, Colombia
• Meet and Greet pickup at the Airport.
• Transfer to Hotel Hilton Cartagena, check in. Transfer time 25 mins.
• Enjoy time at leisure in the hotel.
• Lunch and Dinner are on your own.
Day 2 - Tuesday, December 1, 2015
Cartagena, Colombia
• Breakfast at your hotel.
• Half Day tour as follows: "Tour to the most important monuments of the city. Drive through the Bocagrande neighborhood to you first excursion; a guided tour of the Convent of La Popa built at the beginning of the 17th century on the hill of the same name. From there a magnificent view of the city and the bay can be seen. You will then continue on to San Felipe's Fort, built in the 17th century to protect the city from marauding invaders. After a tour of this impregnable fortress, there will be a stroll to the walled colonial city and stop at the colorful handicraft stores of Las Bovedas where the local artisans display their ware. Walk through the Old Walled City, along interesting streets to admire old houses, beautiful balconies and different little squares. Arrive at the Plaza of San Pedro Claver, named in honor of the Spanish born monk who was known as the 'Apostles of Blacks' with some free time for pictures. Finally, walk to an artisan popsicle shop where you will enjoy a cool local specialty before returning to your hotel."
• Lunch and Dinner are on your own.
Day 3 - Wednesday, December 2, 2015
Cartagena, Colombia
• Breakfast at your hotel.
• Enjoy time at leisure in the hotel, check out.
• Transfer from Hotel to the Ship.
Hotel: Two nights at the Hilton Cartagena (or similar)
Double occupancy price: $529 per person
Costa Rica Post-Cruise Extension (Porto Caldera - San Jose)
3 Nights Post-Cruise Extension, December 11 - 14, 2015
Day 1 - Friday, December 11, 2015
Arrive Porto Caldera - Monteverde, Costa Rica
• Transfer from ship to hotel in Monteverde. Transfer time 2.5 hrs.
• Check into hotel. Enjoy time at leisure in the hotel.
• Lunch and Dinner are on your own.
• Hotel: Hotel Fonda Vela, Monteverde (or similar)
Day 2 - Saturday, December 12, 2015
Monteverde – Arenal, Costa Rica
• Breakfast at your hotel.
• Half Day tour (7:30am - 12:30pm): Begin the day with a guided walking tour (2 hours) in the Monteverde Biological Reserve. Monteverde is recognized worldwide as the perfect destination for those looking to spend some real time surrounded by nature. This region is considered to be one of the most biologically diverse areas in the country. Chosen as one of Costa Rica's Seven Wonders and one of the most important private reserves in the country, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve has over 10,500 hectares and is located 6 km from the small town of Santa Elena. Located at an altitude between 1,200 and 1,600 m, this cloud forest gives you the chance of exploring a different type of forest, allowing you to make your very own comparison between the biodiversity found in a rainforest and a cloud forest, proving that Costa Rica is full of natural treasures. Then transfer to Arenal, by boarding a ferry boat to cruise on the Arenal Volcano Lake (1 hour boat ride), enjoying incredible views of the impressive Arenal Volcano along the way.
• Lunch and Dinner are on your own.
• Hotel: Arenal Springs Resort & Spa, Fortuna (or similar)
Day 3 - Sunday, December 13, 2015
Arenal - Tabacon Hot Springs - Arenal Volcano National Park - La Fortuna - Sarchi - San Jose
• Breakfast at your hotel.
• Full Day Tour: Start the day at Tabacon Hot Springs. There, you will find a hot river that flows through lush tropical gardens, pools and waterfalls where swimming will be possible (1.5 hours swimming, bring swimsuit). The water has been heated by magma in the earth's interior, it percolates through the mineral-laden crust and then rises to the surface, bringing these benefits to your body as you absorb both the temperature and the rejuvenation. Lunch is at the Ave del Paraiso Restaurant in Tabacón Springs Resort. Then, transfer to Arenal Volcano National Park for a guided walk (1.5 hour walk). Known worldwide for its near perfect cone shape, Arenal Volcano has become a must-see destination when coming to Costa Rica. Its symmetrical profile reaches 5,437 feet.
 Once one of the most active volcanoes in the world; in 1968, it suddenly exploded, destroying all vegetation that covered the cone and burying three villages (it is now in a resting stage). Pass through the town of La Fortuna before visiting the town of Sarchí to see artists in their workshops as they make famous oxcarts, choose your favorite souvenir to take home. Sarchi is known for it's handcrafts, as it is the home of many craftsmen who work fine woods. The famous oxcarts, declared a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Finally, transfer to San Jose to check into your hotel for the night.
• Lunch is included, Dinner is on your own.
• Hotel: Real Intercontinental Costa Rica (or similar)
Day 4 - Monday, December 14, 2015
San Jose, Costa Rica
• Breakfast at your hotel.
• Enjoy time at leisure in the hotel, check out.
• Transfer from Hotel to the Airport. Transfer time 20 mins.
Double occupancy price: $829 per person
Single occupancy price: $1,098
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