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 San Jose (C.R.)
The sophisticated capital of Costa Rica, San Jose, has been endowed with a vibrant street life as well as a refined cultural life. You'll see contemporary structures of glass and steel, as well as colonial, Victorian, and classical architecture, exotic birds, giant butterflies, and picturesque scenery. Costa Rica offers some of the world's most thrilling sights to those who seek a new adventure.
Day 1 Puerto Caldera (Puntarenas)
From Costa Rica's central coastal city of Puerto Caldera visitors can explore the mountainous countryside and travel inland to the cosmopolitan capital of San Jose.
Day 2 Corcovado National Park
Considered one the most virgin regions of the country, the south Pacific encompasses one of the areas of major biodiversity in Costa Rica, the Corcovado National Park. Nature in its maximum expression… alive, exuberant, greened in every detail of the jungle growth. This, and more, is offered in the region that extends from the Barú River to the Panamanian border, and from the Talamanca mountain range to the Pacific coast.
Day 3 Golfo Dulce (Puerto Jimenez)
Monkeys, parrots, jaguars, tapirs, and toucans inhabit the primitive rain forest of Costa Rica which lines the Golfo Dulce, or Sweet Gulf. Nature preserves and isolated beaches provide sanctuary for a great diversity of wildlife. The Golfo Dulce is home to the highest concentration of biodiversity in Costa Rica. The tropical haven includes species and habitats such as sea turtles, dolphins, humpback whales, mangrove forests and estuaries.
Day 4 Osa Peninsula
The pristine rainforests and the rugged natural beauty of the Osa Peninsula make this region among the most beautiful areas in Costa Rica. Declared ‘one of the most biologically intense places on earth’ by the National Geographic Magazine, the Osa Peninsula along with Drake Bay have today, become the premier eco-tourism destination in the county.
Day 5 Isla Coiba
Isla Coiba boasts 1,450 animal species. Among them whales, manta rays, parrots, and hump backed whales. Don’t miss the exotically feathered Guacamya Royal as she flits above the treetops looking for her prey. Isla Coiba’s volcanic soil makes for verdant jungle forests and darkly beautiful sandy beaches. Nature, and more nature dressed in an impressive raiment of tropical glory.
Day 6 Gulf of Panama Islets
This cluster of Islands in the Gulf of Panama was once home to pre-Columbian pearl divers, and in Colonial times it was a rest stop for pirates. Today the islets are a nature lovers dream. With over 30 beaches, hidden coves, clear blue waters, thick green vegetation, and a variety of bird life, there is plenty to keep visitors entertained.
Day 6 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 7 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 7 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 8 Colon (Panama)
There’s more to Panama than the canal. Panama’s ethnic mix is reflected in its arts. This is a proud nation that honors its many Indian tribes and its rich Spanish legacy. And with some of the finest deep-sea fishing, snorkeling and birding, once you embrace Panama, you’ll find it hard to leave.
Day 8 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.