7-night Panama and Colombia – Exploring the Caribbean Coast Cruise

The Signature Collection – Exclusive Amenities
The Signature Collection Sailings offer Exceptional Value and Exclusive Amenities.

Cruise Inclusions

7-nights accommodations
All meals aboard ship
And more

Available Add-Ons

Optional roundtrip airfare
Optional pre or post cruise nights

Destination Guide
Suggested Shore Excursions

Destination	Arrival	Departure
Balboa Balboa 10/13/2024 Upon arrival in Panama City, transfer to the port in Balboa and embark our ship. (D),	10/13/2024	10/13/2024
Panama City Panama City 10/13/2024 Upon arrival in Panama City, transfer to the port in Balboa and embark our ship. (D),	10/13/2024	10/13/2024
Panama Canal Panama Canal 10/14/2024 By special permission, our ship anchors overnight in Gatún Lake, a vast artificial lake that forms a major part of the Panama Canal. In the morning, disembark on Barro Colorado, a hilltop transformed into an island by the damming of the Chagres River to build the Panama Canal. Visit the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and learn about initiatives to protect the incredible biodiversity of the surrounding Barro Colorado Nature Monument, one of the most studied areas of tropical forest on the planet and the site of various National Geographic-supported studies. Later, choose to hike into the jungle, navigate the lake by Zodiac, or take a boat ride to the mouth of the Chagres River to explore the Panama Rainforest Discovery Center. Tonight, cruise onward through the complex lock system of the Panama Canal, taking advantage of the nighttime lull in cargo activity. Completed in 1914, the canal is about 50 miles long and sees some 14,000 ships pass through every year. Witness this astonishing feat of engineering under the dramatic golden glow of floodlights. (B,L,D),	10/14/2024	10/14/2024
Gatun Lake (Panama) Gatun Lake (Panama) 10/14/2024 By special permission, our ship anchors overnight in Gatún Lake, a vast artificial lake that forms a major part of the Panama Canal. In the morning, disembark on Barro Colorado, a hilltop transformed into an island by the damming of the Chagres River to build the Panama Canal. Visit the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and learn about initiatives to protect the incredible biodiversity of the surrounding Barro Colorado Nature Monument, one of the most studied areas of tropical forest on the planet and the site of various National Geographic-supported studies. Later, choose to hike into the jungle, navigate the lake by Zodiac, or take a boat ride to the mouth of the Chagres River to explore the Panama Rainforest Discovery Center. Tonight, cruise onward through the complex lock system of the Panama Canal, taking advantage of the nighttime lull in cargo activity. Completed in 1914, the canal is about 50 miles long and sees some 14,000 ships pass through every year. Witness this astonishing feat of engineering under the dramatic golden glow of floodlights. (B,L,D),	10/14/2024	10/14/2024
Portobelo Portobelo 10/15/2024 This morning, we arrive along Panama's Caribbean coast and step ashore at the historic town of Portobelo. Named by Cristopher Columbus in 1502, Portobelo, or "beautiful port", was one of the most important Spanish trading centers in the New World. Explore the town's 17th- and 18th-century Spanish colonial fortifications, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later, hike into Portobelo's lush jungles in search of mantled howler monkeys, toucans, and a variety of parrots. In the afternoon, our ship sails further down the Panamanian coast, where we'll set out with snorkel and fins to explore the vibrant undersea world of the Caribbean. (B,L,D),	10/15/2024	10/15/2024
Guna Yala Guna Yala 10/16/2024 Wake up amid the archipelago of Guna Yala (also known as the San Blas Islands), a constellation of 368 tiny white-sand isles scattered off the northeast coast of Panama. Get to know the indigenous Guna people, one of the first native groups to achieve political autonomy in Latin America. Spend the morning among the thatched huts of an island village, learning about Guna culture and handicrafts. Marvel at the intricate designs of handmade textiles called molas, which harken back to a female tradition of body painting. In the afternoon, explore the vibrant marine world around the islands by snorkel, kayak, and stand-up paddleboard. (B,L,D),	10/16/2024	10/16/2024
Necocli Necocli 10/17/2024 Discover the little-explored coastal community of Necoclí and the surrounding region. Our exploration begins with Zodiac excursions into lagoons fringed by mangroves, part of a protected coastal wetlands area. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including a variety of colorful bird species such as great and snowy egrets, and Amazon and green kingfishers. After lunch, visit a local cocoa farm, where residents are striving to incorporate the UN's Sustainable Development Goals into their agricultural community. (B,L,D),	10/17/2024	10/17/2024
Tuchin Tuchin 10/18/2024 Santa Cruz del Islote is one of the most densely populated islands on Earth, where some 600 inhabitants live squeezed together in an area the size of two soccer fields, surrounded by turquoise seas and coral reefs. Stroll the island's motor-free streets, past brightly painted houses and bustling docks; and experience daily life on this unusual island as you chat with local residents. Later, as we enjoy lunch onboard, we cruise through the San Bernardo archipelago calling at San Antero. Our afternoon excursion takes us to Tuchín, an indigenous village celebrated as the birthplace of the sombrero vueltiao, a type of hat considered a national symbol of Colombia. Observe vueltiao makers at work, and then meet with members of the local Zenú community, known for their ingenious irrigation systems. Return to National Geographic Quest which will stay at anchor tonight in San Antero. (B,L,D),	10/18/2024	10/18/2024
San Antero San Antero 10/18/2024 Santa Cruz del Islote is one of the most densely populated islands on Earth, where some 600 inhabitants live squeezed together in an area the size of two soccer fields, surrounded by turquoise seas and coral reefs. Stroll the island's motor-free streets, past brightly painted houses and bustling docks; and experience daily life on this unusual island as you chat with local residents. Later, as we enjoy lunch onboard, we cruise through the San Bernardo archipelago calling at San Antero. Our afternoon excursion takes us to Tuchín, an indigenous village celebrated as the birthplace of the sombrero vueltiao, a type of hat considered a national symbol of Colombia. Observe vueltiao makers at work, and then meet with members of the local Zenú community, known for their ingenious irrigation systems. Return to National Geographic Quest which will stay at anchor tonight in San Antero. (B,L,D),	10/18/2024	10/18/2024
Santa Cruz del Islote Santa Cruz del Islote 10/18/2024 Santa Cruz del Islote is one of the most densely populated islands on Earth, where some 600 inhabitants live squeezed together in an area the size of two soccer fields, surrounded by turquoise seas and coral reefs. Stroll the island's motor-free streets, past brightly painted houses and bustling docks; and experience daily life on this unusual island as you chat with local residents. Later, as we enjoy lunch onboard, we cruise through the San Bernardo archipelago calling at San Antero. Our afternoon excursion takes us to Tuchín, an indigenous village celebrated as the birthplace of the sombrero vueltiao, a type of hat considered a national symbol of Colombia. Observe vueltiao makers at work, and then meet with members of the local Zenú community, known for their ingenious irrigation systems. Return to National Geographic Quest which will stay at anchor tonight in San Antero. (B,L,D),	10/18/2024	10/18/2024
Cispata Bay Cispata Bay 10/19/2024 Disembark this morning for our short drive to Santa Cruz de Lorica, a charming riverside town influenced by several waves of immigration from France, Belgium, England, Syria, and Lebanon. Stroll through the central square, overlooked by a stunning Spanish-colonial cathedral and historic buildings in colorful Arabic styles. Return to the ship for lunch and time to relax before embarking on a late afternoon cruise in the rarely-explored Cispatá Bay, timed for optimum wildlife spotting, as native creatures emerge from their mid-day rest. (B,L,D),	10/19/2024	10/19/2024
Santa Cruz de Lorica Santa Cruz de Lorica 10/19/2024 Disembark this morning for our short drive to Santa Cruz de Lorica, a charming riverside town influenced by several waves of immigration from France, Belgium, England, Syria, and Lebanon. Stroll through the central square, overlooked by a stunning Spanish-colonial cathedral and historic buildings in colorful Arabic styles. Return to the ship for lunch and time to relax before embarking on a late afternoon cruise in the rarely-explored Cispatá Bay, timed for optimum wildlife spotting, as native creatures emerge from their mid-day rest. (B,L,D),	10/19/2024	10/19/2024
Covenas Covenas 10/19/2024 Disembark this morning for our short drive to Santa Cruz de Lorica, a charming riverside town influenced by several waves of immigration from France, Belgium, England, Syria, and Lebanon. Stroll through the central square, overlooked by a stunning Spanish-colonial cathedral and historic buildings in colorful Arabic styles. Return to the ship for lunch and time to relax before embarking on a late afternoon cruise in the rarely-explored Cispatá Bay, timed for optimum wildlife spotting, as native creatures emerge from their mid-day rest. (B,L,D),	10/19/2024	10/19/2024
Cartagena (Colombia) Cartagena (Colombia) 10/20/2024 After breakfast onboard, disembark in Cartagena and transfer to the airport to connect with your flight home. (B),	10/20/2024	10/20/2024

Lindblad Expeditions: National Geographic Quest

Purpose-built to deliver the best possible expedition cruising experience, the National Geographic Quest recently wrapped up her inaugural voyages, spending the summer and early fall exploring the northern reaches of Alaska's Inside Passage and the remote islands and charming towns of the Pacific Northwest. With that noteworthy milestone under her belt, Quest will soon venture south to the tropical coasts of Costa Rica, Panama, and through the Canal to Belize. And as spring arrives she'll return north to make her maiden journey on the Columbia & Snake Rivers. To build her cruise turned to Nichols Brothers Boat Builders, the company that built the beloved National Geographic Sea Bird and National Geographic Sea Lion—vessels that, with regular maintenance schedule and recent refurbishment, have been operating successfully for decades. Proudly she was built entirely in the USA. Additionally, the Quest cruise ship achieves some other notable firsts. She is the first ship in the fleet voyaging in these geographies with step-out balconies (available in 22 of the 50 spacious cabins), plus 6 sets of connecting cabins perfect for families and groups; and a designated mudroom for expedition gear.

Ship Statistics

Maiden Voyage: 2017
Registry: Alaska

Passenger Capacity: 100

Dining

Bars & Lounges

Onboard Activities

Entertainment

Internet Access
There are wireless access points onboard located in various public spaces and outside decks. They are available for guests' use 24 hours a day. Each cabin is also wired for internet access via an ethernet cable located within the cabin. Wireless access may occasionally be accessible from a cabin but is not reliable. Wireless access will be stronger and more reliable is designated public areas, which are described onboard each ship in the Guest Directories.
Classes and Workshops
Guest Lecturers

Oceanview

Outside Cabin (01) $6,612

Category: 01

Cabin#301-306. These Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk and two portholes. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hairdryers are also available in each cabin.

Outside Cabin (02) $7,856

Category: 02

Cabin #307-315. These cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk and two portholes. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hairdryers are also available in each cabin.

Outside Cabin (03) $8,489

Category: 03

Cabin #201-206. These cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk and a large view window. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hairdryers are also available in each cabin.

Outside Cabin (04) $9,632

Category: 04

Cabin#207-229. These cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk, sliding glass door and small, private balcony. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.

Suite

Price is per person, double occupancy.

Cost Includes: All accommodations aboard ships or in hotels per itinerary or similar, all meals and nonalcoholic beverages aboard ship, meals on land as indicated, air transportation where indicated as included, shore excursions, sightseeing and entrance fees, special access permits, transfers to and from group flights, use of snorkeling equipment and wet suits, use of kayaks (where available), tips (except to ship’s crew), taxes and service charges, services of a ship physician on most voyages, and services of our expedition staff.

Not Included: Air transportation (except where shown as included), extensions, passport, visa, immigration fees, scuba diving (where available), meals not indicated, baggage/accident/travel protection plan, items of a personal nature, such as alcoholic beverages, e-mail, laundry. Gratuities to ship’s crew at your discretion.

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.

Observation Deck