7-night Costa Rica and the Panama Canal 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
Panama City Panama City 12/14/2024 Upon arrival in Panama City, transfer by land to Colón and embark the National Geographic Quest. Stretching more than 50 miles, the Panama Canal was a colossal engineering feat completed in 1914. It is still traversed by some 14,000 ships every year. As cargo ships tend to pass through the canal during the day, we'll most likely begin our crossing at night, when the canal is dramatically lit. (D),	12/14/2024	12/14/2024
Cruise Starts (Embarkation) Cruise Starts (Embarkation) 12/14/2024 Upon arrival in Panama City, transfer by land to Colón and embark the National Geographic Quest. Stretching more than 50 miles, the Panama Canal was a colossal engineering feat completed in 1914. It is still traversed by some 14,000 ships every year. As cargo ships tend to pass through the canal during the day, we'll most likely begin our crossing at night, when the canal is dramatically lit. (D),	12/14/2024	12/14/2024
Colon (Panama) Colon (Panama) 12/14/2024 Upon arrival in Panama City, transfer by land to Colón and embark the National Geographic Quest. Stretching more than 50 miles, the Panama Canal was a colossal engineering feat completed in 1914. It is still traversed by some 14,000 ships every year. As cargo ships tend to pass through the canal during the day, we'll most likely begin our crossing at night, when the canal is dramatically lit. (D),	12/14/2024	12/14/2024
Gatun Lake (Panama) Gatun Lake (Panama) 12/15/2024 By special arrangement, National Geographic Quest will anchor in Gatún Lake near the Barro Colorado Nature Monument overnight. Today, choose hikes and Zodiac cruises at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute facility on Barro Colorado Island, or take a boat ride to the mouth of the Chagres River and hike on the Panama Rainforest Discovery Center trails. This evening, continue through the complex lock system of the canal. (B,L,D),	12/15/2024	12/15/2024
Panama Canal Panama Canal 12/15/2024 By special arrangement, National Geographic Quest will anchor in Gatún Lake near the Barro Colorado Nature Monument overnight. Today, choose hikes and Zodiac cruises at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute facility on Barro Colorado Island, or take a boat ride to the mouth of the Chagres River and hike on the Panama Rainforest Discovery Center trails. This evening, continue through the complex lock system of the canal. (B,L,D),	12/15/2024	12/15/2024
Pearl Island Pearl Island 12/16/2024 Today, explore the tiny islets of the Gulf of Panama by Zodiac or kayak. Here we might spot frigatebirds, brown pelicans, neotropic cormorants, and brown boobies. (B,L,D),	12/16/2024	12/16/2024
Coiba Island Coiba Island 12/17/2024 We begin our day at the remote Isla Coiba, one of the many islands of Coiba National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once a penal colony, the island has long been protected and accessible by special permit only. Among its many endemic species are the Coiba Island agouti and the mantled howler monkey, as well as four varieties of sea turtle. Discover rich marine life while snorkeling, go kayaking or hiking, try stand-up paddleboarding, or simply relax on the beach. (B,L,D),	12/17/2024	12/17/2024
Golfo Dulce (Puerto Jimenez) Golfo Dulce (Puerto Jimenez) 12/18/2024 Enter the mangrove-fringed Golfo Dulce along the southwestern edge of Costa Rica as our nimble expedition ship takes us into the remote upper reaches of this placid bay. Exploring by Zodiac, paddleboard, and kayak, we encounter Pacific Costa Rica's dazzling avifauna as we watch for golden-hooded and Cherrie's tanagers, yellow-throated toucans, fiery-billed aracaris, and crimson-fronted and orange-chinned parakeets, constantly chattering in flight above the jungle treeline. The flora is a kaleidoscope of tropical color with bromeliads, heliconias, and orchids set against the verdant green of the tropical forest. Later, jump into the cool, refreshing waters of the bay for an afternoon swim. (B,L,D),	12/18/2024	12/18/2024
Playa Blanca (C.R.) Playa Blanca (C.R.) 12/19/2024 Go ashore on the western side of the bay, in the pristine waters of Playa Blanca, on the Osa Peninsula. Head inland to meet and share with inspiring local families living in remote communities and working with cocoa, heart of palm, and sugar cane. Hike mature rainforest or kayak in peaceful waters in Golfo Dulce. By special arrangement, visit Latin American Sea Turtles (LAST) Association on the Osa Peninsula and assist researchers with data collection and hear presentations by the staff at LAST including a talk by the dedicated researchers, working so hard to positively impact sea turtle conservation. At the end of our visit, we will be invited to participate in the release of rehabilitated, healthy turtles back into the Pacific—a truly poignant moment. In the evening, enjoy a beautiful sunset. (B,L,D),	12/19/2024	12/19/2024
Corcovado National Park Corcovado National Park 12/20/2024 Anchor off the Osa Peninsula to see some of the most pristine lowland rainforest on the Pacific coast. In the environs of Corcovado National Park, swim in waterfall pools, take an optional horseback ride on the coast, or trek through the rainforest for a chance to see four species of monkeys—howler, spider, squirrel, and capuchin. (B,L,D),	12/20/2024	12/20/2024
Puerto Caldera (Puntarenas) Puerto Caldera (Puntarenas) 12/21/2024 Disembark after breakfast in Puerto Caldera. Drive to the airport in San José for flights home. (B),	12/21/2024	12/21/2024
Cruise Ends (Debarkation) Cruise Ends (Debarkation) 12/21/2024 Disembark after breakfast in Puerto Caldera. Drive to the airport in San José for flights home. (B),	12/21/2024	12/21/2024
San Jose (C.R.) San Jose (C.R.) 12/21/2024 Disembark after breakfast in Puerto Caldera. Drive to the airport in San José for flights home. (B),	12/21/2024	12/21/2024

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) $6,456

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) $7,016

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) $7,576

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) $8,521

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