Grenadines, Colombia & Panama Canal transit

Your Caribbean cruise begins in alluring Barbados and its bustling capital, Bridgetown. From here, you’ll be transferred to your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht and embark on an exciting voyage in search of paradise and adventure.

Please book your flight to arrive into Bridgetown prior to 04:00 PM.

Today, you’ll discover Bequia Island, a hidden paradise amid Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, revealing tranquil, secluded spots and a distinct lack of traffic. This beautiful island offers visitors a chance to experience an authentic Caribbean lifestyle, without the hustle and bustle of mainstream beach tourism.  Delight in exploring untouched pristine beaches and truly relax and unwind in stunning nature.

Welcome to Mayreau, the smallest of the Grenadines’ uninhabited islands, with a surface area of just four-square kilometres (1.5-square miles). The population of Mayreau is no more than 250 residents, who live in the village located on the island’s highest point, Station Hill. The charming little church and community centre at the top of the hill provide spectacular views across the islands. On a clear day, you can observe both Grenada and Saint Vincent, as well as other nearby islands, showcasing the vivid colours of the reefs and waters surrounding the Tobago Cays.

This island group makes an attractive destination for nature lovers and eco-tourists alike, as all the islands offer excellent opportunities for snorkelling and swimming, as well as hiking. Bonaire, just off the north coast of Venezuela, is famous for its pioneering conservation efforts, with a large section  of the island under protection status. Today, enjoy exploring Kralendijk, the colourful capital of Bonaire, famous for its heritage architecture and lovely sandy beaches. In the evening, you’ll set sail for Willemstad.

The charming capital of Curaçao, Willemstad, is a vibrant port city renowned for its stunning blend of culture, rich history, and colourful architecture. Nestled along the southern coast of the island, Willemstad is divided into two main districts, Punda and Otrobanda, which are connected by the iconic Queen Emma Bridge, a pontoon bridge that swings open for ocean-going ships.

Today, you’ll arrive in the capital of Aruba, Oranjestad,  a unique blend of old and modern that lends a special charm to this c bustling harbour city. Leisurely stroll along the streets lined with a variety of  boutiques and  striking residential buildings. Among the remarkably well-preserved buildings is the green ‘Stadhuis,’ which houses the City Hall. Another interesting siteis the Aloe Museum and Factory, which dates back to 1890 and illustrates the fascinating story of aloe production, on which the economy was once dependent.

The welcome sign to Santa Marta reads, “Here you can have it all”.  Alongside its beautiful beaches and vibrant city life, Santa Marta boasts a rich history and culture – the oldest remaining city in Colombia, dating back to 1525 and the nation’s first Spanish settlement.

Located along the coast of the Caribbean Sea, Cartagena de Indias uniquely combines the charm of colonial architecture and the vibrancy of modern life. This dynamic port city is well- known for its fascinating cultural festivals, breathtaking landscapes and excellent cuisine. It also bears the legacies of storied Latin American history within its UNESCO World Heritage-listed walled Old Town and narrow stone walkways. As one of the most well-preserved cities in the Americas, Cartagena de Indias has inspired many artists throughout the ages.

Welcome to the San Blas archipelago, a group of islands located just north-west of Panama in the sparkling Caribbean Sea. There are 378 islands within the archipelago, spread across an area of roughly 259-square-kilometres (100-square-miles). Most of these islands are uninhabited, but on some of the larger ones, you may get an opportunity to meet the native people, known as the Kunas. Formally called Kuna Yala (”Land of the Kuna”), San Blas is an autonomous territory of Panama, famed for its untouched nature and traditional culture.

Today, we pass through the Panama Canal, the most famous attraction in Panama. Considered one of the ‘Seven Wonders of the Modern World,’ this man-made canal was built to significantly decrease the travel time for ships between the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. Since its completion in 1914, the Panama Canal has seen well over 900,000 vessels and is considered by many as a feat of engineering, which was originally considered impossible to construct... On board your luxury yacht, you’ll experience this historic waterway for yourself.

Your time onboard your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht comes to an end in Panama City, the dynamic capital of Central American nation, Panama. After bidding farewell to the crew and your fellow guests, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your return flight home, or to continue your holiday.

Please book your flight to depart out of Panama City after 11:00 AM.

This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such, Emerald Cruises cannot guarantee the cruise will be operated unaltered from the itinerary stated above.