Cruise Advice
Duration
8 Nights
Journey Type
Cruise only (Please call for flight options)
Ports
5 Ports
1 February
Setting sail from Oranjestad
The tiny Dutch Caribbean island of Aruba, located just off the coast of Venezuela, lies outside of the hurricane belt, meaning it enjoys a largely dry climate, and boasts some of the best beaches in the region, if not the world. The capital, Oranjestad, is home to some appealing colonial architecture and plenty of shops, but it's the fine white sands of the northwest coast that attract most visitors to the island. To the east, the protected Arikok National Park is home to some interesting flora and fauna, as well as caves, sand dunes and ancient Arawak petroglyphs.
Our tip
Aruba is rightly known as one of the safest islands in the Caribbean – make time to speak to the friendly local people. Their local language is Papiamento but speaking English is just fine.
2 February
At sea
3 February
Colombia: Santa Marta
Situated on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, Santa Marta is the oldest surviving Spanish colonial city in South America. The modern city lacks some of the charm of nearby Cartagena, but tourism has come on leaps and bounds in recent years, with a number of ambitious regeneration projects and a host of new restaurants and bars.
4 February
Colombia: Cartagena
Cartagena was founded by Spanish conquistadors in 1533, and the beautifully preserved centre is a real highlight of Colombia’s Caribbean coast. The walled old town, the Ciudad Amurallada, is a camera-friendly collection of cobbled streets and colourful, colonial-era buildings.
5 February
At sea
6 February
Panama: Bocas del Toro
The Bocas del Toro archipelago is one of Panama’s most appealing tourist destinations, a collection of idyllic Caribbean islands blessed with beautiful beaches, lush mangroves and wildlife including sloths, iguanas and turtles.
7 February
At sea
8-9 February
Arriving in Colón
Situated at the Atlantic entrance to the Panama Canal, Colón takes its name from Christopher Columbus, known in Spanish as Cristóbal Colón, although it's hard to imagine the famous explorer would find much reason to linger here nowadays. Once a thriving port, the city is now in a state of seemingly terminal decline, its colonial architecture crumbling and the modern city beset by social problems. It's not somewhere you will want to hang around for long, and serves merely as a gateway to the Canal, which will carry you to much nicer places.
Don't miss
The Historical Panama Canal Railway goes from the Pacific coast to the Atlantic coast – the journey time is about one hour, and the views are amazing.
Your home from home
Windstar’s flagship sailing yacht is a stunning sail assisted cruise ship, which combines the refinement of a modern vessel with the romance of a tall ship.
What we love
Gracious staterooms provide a compact yet comfortable retreat. Facilities include several dining options and a variety of bars and lounges, a small swimming pool with two whirlpools and even a watersports platform. The décor is fresh and modern throughout.
| Capacity | 342 Guests |
|---|---|
| Crew | 210 International Staff |
| Style | This is laid-back luxury at its best with relaxed informal days, refined yet comfortable evenings and a friendly and welcoming crew. |
| Inclusions |
|
Tailor-make your trip
Ways to make it better
Stay a little longer in Aruba
Go for the romantic (and adult only) Bucuti and Tara Beach Resort – paradise!
Go off road in Aruba
Offroading is great fun in Aruba, so a tour by four wheel drive is the perfect way to explore the island.
Stay a little longer in Panama
It’s not in Colón, but if you want to extend your stay we propose Isla Palenque, off the Pacific coast of Panama – tricky to get to, but not to be missed.
Explore the Panamian jungle
Take a canopy tour and swing between great trees, seeing the wildlife as you go. Watch out – it’s not for the faint-hearted!
