By Michael Jones
The Panama Canal ranks among the most complex engineering projects ever built. Why not experience its full worth with a cruise down the Canal, taking in all the lush, natural greenery that surrounds this man-made waterway? You have a choice of either going from the
Caribbean to the Pacific Ocean or vice versa. You will enjoy a full day of cruising down the Panama Canal with one of these great cruise lines.
Celebrity 14-Night Westbound Cruise
Celebrity has been providing world-class travel for years. Its Millenium Fleet, introduced in 2000, features plenty of amenities and luxuries, and has been called the most technologically advanced fleet of all cruise ships. The Infinity, built in 2001, is no exception. You will notice the prestige and elegance exerted by this ship at first glance. It's covered in marble, wood and etched glass, giving you a relaxing stay in the utmost luxury.
A two-week cruise from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to San Diego, California offers a delightful way to cruise the Panama Canal. You'll enjoy seeing the sights while your ship docks at Cartagena in Colombia, Costa Rica's Puntarenas, Huatulco, Acapulco and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and tenders at Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. The ship cruises for 12 hours westbound through the Panama Canal, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. You can take advantage of meals, beverages and entertainment aboard the vessel.
The staterooms offer eight accommodation options, with the Penthouse Suites featuring a veranda, whirlpool, baby grand piano and personal butler. When you need a bite to eat, the SS United States Restaurant is sure to hit the spot, and you'll never lose connection from the world with Infinity's Online@Celebrity cafe. The lush, flourishing conservatory features an exclusive collection from famed floral designer Emilio Robba. And if that's not enough to set your mind at ease, try some of Infinity's Aqua Spa treatments, where you can order everything from acupuncture to tooth whitening. Teens can also enjoy treatments specially created for them, like an acne attack facial or a safe tanning session.
Celebrity Cruises
(877) 202-4345
www.celebritycruises.com
Royal Caribbean 14-Night Eastbound Cruise
Royal Caribbean International enjoys a long-established and trusted name in cruising services. When you want to enjoy the beauty of the Panama Canal, take a look at RCL's 2-week, eastbound cruise aboard the 2,435-guest Vision of the Seas.
The trip starts in Los Angeles with stops in Cabo San Lucas, Acapulco, Huatulco, Puntarenas, Cristobal Pier, Puerto Limon and Montego Bay, ending in Santo Domingo. You will always have something to do. During the day you can take part in activities ranging from ice skating to salsa lessons, and you can party 'til the early morning in one of the clubs. The music ranges from Latin to country, with something for everyone's taste.
To get your adrenalin pumping, risk some money in the Casino Royale. And if you're looking for fun for the whole family, theater shows, ice shows, parades, scuba diving and rock climbing are just a few of the options.
Royal Caribbean International
Corporate Guest Relations
1050 Caribbean Way
Miami, FL 33132
(866) 562-7625
www.royalcaribbean.com
Norwegian 13-Day Eastbound Cruise
Norwegian claims to be the youngest fleet on the planet, and a 13-day cruise aboard the Norwegian Star will let you feel like a kid again. The trip starts in Los Angeles, makes stops in Cabo San Lucas, Acapulco, Huatulco, Puntarenas and Cartagena, and ends in Miami. You make a daytime transit through the Panama Canal, where you'll enjoy the lush scenery.
Enjoy comfortable accommodations, all the food you can eat, drinks, movies, spa treatments, use of pools and gyms and tons of fun. The Star has 13 restaurants and room service, 10 bars and lounges, 3 pools, 6 hot tubs, a spa, a casino, a theater and much more. Each of the four accommodation options are good size, so you're likely to be very comfortable relaxing in the privacy of your own room.
Norwegian Cruise Line
7665 Corporate Center Drive
Miami, Florida 33126
(866) 234-7350
www.ncl.com/nclweb/home.html
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