March
28 - April 11, 2000
Cruise the Crystal Clear Waters of the Caribbean Coasts of:
Panama, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala and Belize
This fascinating small ship cruise features many off-the-beaten-path Ports of Call,
far away from the tourist traps that the bigger cruise lines visit.
| Tue Mar 28 |
PANAMA: Panama City
Meet & Greet on arrival at the Toucomen International Airport in Panama City and transfer to the Plaza
Paitilla Hotel for an overnight stay. Pre-Cruise Tours in Panama are
available for those who wish to arrive a few days early. Details on request.
Cruise Map
|
| Wed Mar 29 |
PANAMA: Colon
Transfer by road to the Duty Free port of Colon on the Caribbean Coast of
Panama to board the "GRANDE MARINER". As the ship only
accommodates 100 passengers this cruise offers a cozy, informal atmosphere
that encourages you to meet new people and make new friends.
|
| Thu Mar 30 |
PANAMA: Bocas del Toro
In a land already rich in colourful biological and cultural diversity, one
isolated area stands out. On the remote northwest coast of Panama is the
archipelago of Bocas del Toro, visited by Christopher Colombus on his fourth
and final voyage to the New World in 1502. The islands have provided a
protected anchorage for ships throughout history. Famous pirates such as
Englishman Sir Francis Drake and
Welshman Henry Morgan have sought
sanctuary here.
Cruise Map
|
| Fri Mar 31 |
PANAMA: Bocas del Toro
Bocas del Toro has had a see-saw existence over the years. Founded in the early 1800's by Scottish and American Slavers, exploited by the Banana Barons at the
turn of the century and finally finding its niche in the world of ecotourism.
More than a dozen coral reefs
protect a marine environment unequaled in most of the Caribbean because of its remote location. From October to
April, four of the world's eight species of sea turtles nest in and around the Bastimentos National Park.
|
| Sat Apr 1 |
NICARAGUA: Bluefields/El Bluff - Corn Islands
The Caribbean Coast of Nicaragua was never colonised: it remained a British Protectorate
until the late 1800s and even today is English speaking. The main town, Bluefields and El Bluff, across the bay, are a fascinating mix of ethnic groups.
On to the beautiful Corn Islands, little changed since they were a haven for buccaneers and pirates
during the 17th Century. In more recent times the islands were the site of a
US Naval Base. Cruise Map
Nicaragua is slow to realise its most valuable asset but the islanders are
gradually turning towards tourism. How long will the idyllic Islas del Maiz
remain unspoilt and undeveloped - it can only be a matter of time!
|
| Sun Apr 2 |
NICARAGUA: Corn Islands - Pearl Islands
Morning to relax in the Corn Islands. The islanders have a very relaxed lifestyle with reggae and rum
being the highest priority next to "chilling out". Warm turquoise water, coral reefs, white sandy beaches fringed with coconut
palms - everyone's dream of the Caribbean.
 The next stop is at the amazingingly beautiful Pearl Islands.
This massive marine lagoon is over 30 miles long and is ringed by 18 picture-perfect islands dotted
with small, isolated Creole, Garifuna and Indian villages. This is one of
the best places to see authentic Atlantic Coast culture. Cruise Map
|
| Mon Apr 3 |
NICARAGUA: Pearl Islands
Morning in the Pearl Islands. Afternoon cruising at sea. An Underwater Video Camera is linked to the
Video screen in the Lounge so you can simply sit back, relax and watch the underwater world go by.
|
| Tue Apr 4 |
NICARAGUA: Miskito Islands
Early morning arrival at a cluster of coral islands - The Miskito Islands - which are isolated and remote
and inaccessible to most travellers. Home of the Misquito Indians, Nicaragua's largest indigenous group,
who also live in coastal villages all along the northern coast of Nicaragua
and Honduras.
A British Protectorate from 1687 to 1894 it was known as the Miskito Kingdom. The Miskito Kings took their children to be baptised at St. John's Cathedral
in Belize City and held their coronations there in deference to the British Crown. Cruise Map
|
| Wed Apr 5 |
HONDURAS: Cruising the Coast of Honduras
Departure from the Miskito Islands during the early hours and all day at sea. Another good opportunity to
"SCUBA DIVE" from your armchair!
|
| Thu Apr 6 |
HONDURAS: Roatan / Fantasy Island
Arrive early morning at Roatan the largest of the Bay Islands of Honduras.
The Islands' history
includes many disputes between the Spaniards and the British during
colonial times which has given the islands a unique heritage. The British
actually controlled the islands most of the time and English is widely spoken.
Joined to the main island by a causeway is Fantasy Island - the name speaks for itself!! Cruise Map
|
| Fri Apr 7 |
HONDURAS / GUATEMALA: Roatan / Fantasy Island - Livingston
Depart the Bay Islands and head for Livingson, a Garifuna village that can
only be reached by boat, located at a point were the Rio Dulce empties into
the Amatique Bay on the Caribbean Coast of Guatemala. It's an ideal place to relax. Small restaurants and bars
line the streets offering their main dish, seafood. Sunsets at Livingston
are spectacular. Groups of birds fly high over the ocean waves as the sky
show begins.
|
| Sat Apr 8 |
GUATEMALA: Rio Dulce
Today we will sail in the path of the pirates down the dramatic Rio Dulce
which flows through spectacular deep gorges with tropical vegetation and
vines clinging to sheer cliff faces. Along the banks are a strange mix of
the luxurious homes of wealthy Guatemalans and the simple huts of the
local families who by night fish the river that is their only link with the
outside world. Civilisation seems a long way away...
In a tranquil setting on the banks of Lake Izabal is the historic
Castillo San Felipé which was built in the 1600s by the Spaniards
in a vain attempt to stop the maurading British pirates from plundering the
gold and other treasures collected by the Conquistadors.
This beautiful little fort is the only one of its kind in Guatemala. Cruise Map
|
| Mon Apr 9 |
BELIZE: Punta Gorda / West Snake Caye
Arrive Punta Gorda, the most southerly town of Belize before
continuing northwards. A stop is made at West Snake Caye - one of
a group of coral islands. Early evening set sail along the Belize Barrier
Reef, world famous for its idyllic tropical islands, crystal clear waters,
pristine coral reefs and abundance of marine life.
|
| Mon Apr 10 |
BELIZE: Goff's Caye
Sitting virtually on top of the Belize Barrier Reef is idyllic little
Goff's Caye. White sand beaches, palm trees, and the closeness to the
Barrier reef makes this island the ideal stop. Go ashore and relax under a
palm tree or take along your mask, snorkel, and fins to do some fantastic
snorkeling right from the beach, excellent for those snorkelling adventurers
who want to see the reef fish and add to their life lists of fish.
Between here and Belize City are the hunting grounds for the elusive, yet endangered,
West Indian Manatee. Watch out for these and dolphins on the way into dock at Belize City. Arrive
late afternoon and enjoy an early evening walking tour of the historical sites of the City. Cruise Map
|
| Tue Apr 11 |
Disembarkation
Passengers disembark at Belize City and transfers are arranged to the International Airport for those
who are heading for home. There are a wide range of optional add-on tours including
dive or relax packages on the islands or fascinating inland adventure tours to
the rainforests. Full details on request. |
| Grand Mariner : Panama to Belize Cruise 2000 |
| Cabin # | Deck | Description | Rate |
80B + 81B
60A, 61A + 62A
70A + 70B
|
Sun Deck
| Features two lower berths, private facilities, sliding picture window, door leading to outside deck. Option of being made up with a double berth. |
3,150 |
| 50 - 57 A & B |
Sun Deck |
Two lower berths, sliding picture window, private facilities, door leading to interior hallway. Option of being made up with a double berth.
|
3,150 |
| 82A + 82B |
Sun Deck |
Permanent double bed, sliding picture window, private facilities, door leading to outside deck.
|
2,925 |
| 40 - 45 A+B |
Main Deck |
2 lower berths, fixed window, private facilities, option of being made up as a double berth,
door to interior hallway. Note: 45A, 45B, 41A and 41B are permanent double berths. |
2,925 |
| 30A + 30B |
Main Deck |
Upper single and lower double berths, porthole, private facilities, door to interior hallway. |
2,775 |
| 31A + 31B |
Main Deck |
Two lower berths, porthole, private facilities, door to interior hallway. |
2,775 |
| 10A, 10B |
Main Deck |
Upper and lower berths, porthole (no window), private facilities. Door leading to interior hallway |
2,550 |
| 11C |
Main Deck |
Two lower berths, private facilities, no window, door leading to interior hallway |
2,550 |
20A + 20B
21A + 21B
22A + 22B |
Lower Deck |
Upper single berth, lower double berth, private facilities, no window, door leading to interior hallway. |
2,550 |
|
Copyright © 1999, © 2000 Global Travel Club (BELIZE). All Rights Reserved.
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