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.
Day 1 Panama City
The sights of Panama City are many, but much of it can be seen on foot. The Plaza de Francia is dedicated to the 22,000 workers who perished while building the Panama Canal. The ruins of the Church of Santo Domingo features an arch that has stood unsupported for hundreds of years. The golden altar of the Church of San Jose is the only original piece of architecture completely in tact after the Pirate Henry Morgan destroyed the city. There are many museums to explore in Panama City including: the newly restored Museum of Religious Art; the Museum of the History of Panama; the Atnthropology Museum; and the Museum of Natural Science. At Panama Viejo, view all the remains of the city’s original site.
Day 1 Balboa
Balboa, sited at the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal was founded in 1914 and named after Vasco Núñez de Balboa, European discoverer of the Pacific. Balboa is noted for its orchid gardens, with more than 400 varieties. It is separated from Panama City by Ancón Hill.
Day 2 Gatun Lake (Panama)
This small family recreational area is used by residents of the Atlantic community and employees of the Panama Canal Commission. While ashore experience folk dances and entertainment, marvel at excellent handicrafts or just relax. Nature walks are available from the club every hour and last from 30 to 40 minutes. The small lagoon is reputed to be home to an alligator. A local expert who will point out the flora and fauna of the area will accompany you. Gatun Lake abounds with fresh water peacock bass - avid fisherman may wish to join the fishing excursion. Go on wildlife watching expedition by boat and sail along the shore in search of the area's myriad species of birds, caiman, howler monkeys, and sloths. Visit Mono Island with its three capuchin monkeys. Another outstanding opportunity is to see Gatun Locks and the ships passing through. Visit Fort San Lorenzo, the Chagres River and surrounding rain forest.
Day 2 Barro Colorado Island
Barro Colorado, the largest forested island in the Panama Canal waterway, is part of the Barro Colorado Nature Monument and is the site of an internationally recognized biological research station. Only a limited number of visitors may visit the island with a guide making this a very unique experience for any traveller. As you tour the island through thick jungle, you may see white-faced and tamarin monkeys, anteaters, tropical birds, exotic plants and flowers, and you will occasionally encounter scientists from around the world doing their research.
Day 2 Panama Canal
Linking the Atlantic to the Pacific, the Panama Canal provides one of cruising's most unforgettable experiences. Over 10 years were needed to complete the canal's 51 miles in 1914 - so avoiding the lengthy and often dangerous voyage around Cape Horn. 'The Big Ditch' lifts vessels by a fascinating feat of mechanics aided by on-shore 'mule' locomotives through three great locks, traversing man-made lakes, channels blasted through rock, and the dense jungle. Two other special highlights of the canal are Gatun Lake and the Gaillard cut. Gatun Lake is one of the world's largest man-made lakes covering 163 square miles. Gaillard Cut is an 8 mile channel built through solid rock which was the most difficult excavation in the canal construction.
Day 3 Portobelo
On the edge of 86,000 acres of protected forest and with endless beaches, Portobelo and the neighboring national park have much to offer those passionate about conservation, diving and the outdoors. Visitors come for the food, for the Afro-Caribbean lifestyle and the watersports. Divers will enjoy exploring the myriad of underwater sites: sixteen significant dive sites are scattered off Portobelo's coast, including a sunken C-45 twin engine plane and massive cargo ship. To experience the city in a different way, visit in October for the lively Festival de Cristo Negro, a national, spiritual celebration of one of the region's most honored symbols.
Day 4 Guna Yala (formerly San Blas Islands)
The friendly Cuna Indians live quietly on these primitive islands off Panama's Caribbean coast. The arrival of visitors to their home is still a special occasion for these isolated island dwellers. They are happy to be photographed in their colorful attire, for perhaps a small tip. Bargain for one of their fancifully designed handmade embroideries called molas.
Day 5 Capurgana
Day 5 Sapzurro
Day 6 Santa Cruz de Lorica
Day 6 San Antero
Day 6 Tuchin
Day 7 Cispata Bay
Day 7 Sanguare National Reserve
Day 8 Cartagena (Colombia)
Cartagena is full of history and charm. At La Popa Monastery, you will have a panoramic view of the city and harbor. Enjoy the artisan center of Las Bovedas (The Dungeons), Plaza Bolivar, the Palace of Inquisition and the Church of San Pedro Claver, and shop for Colombian emeralds - the finest in the world.