Norwegian Cruise Line, Panama Canal from Tampa, January 3, 2025

Cruising from: Tampa, Florida;

Departure Date: 3 January, 2025;

Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line;

Cruise Ship: Norwegian Jewel;

Duration: 14-day cruise;

Ports of Call: Tampa, George Town, Ocho Rios, Cabo Rojo, Curacao, Aruba, Santa Marta, Cartagena, Panama Canal, Puerto Limon, Tampa;

Day 0 Tampa, Florida

Tampa, Florida, is exciting departure point for your Caribbean cruise adventure. Situated on Florida's stunning Gulf Coast, Tampa offers a perfect combination of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and a thriving cruise port.

Day 1 At Sea

During your cruising day, enjoy state-of-the-art facilities, exquisite dining options, and an array of onboard activities as you sail forward to the next town or island.

Day 2 George Town, Cayman Islands

Due to the delicate nature of the coral reefs surrounding George Town, cruise ships anchor offshore and passengers are tendered to the port via smaller vessels. Typically, ships arrive early in the morning and leave in the late afternoon, providing ample time for you to immerse yourself in the numerous activities available. Once ashore, you'll find yourself in close proximity to various facilities including information centers, restaurants serving delightful local cuisine, high-end shops, and various tour operators offering exciting local excursions. From swimming with stingrays to exploring marine life through scuba diving or snorkeling, a plethora of ocean-based adventures can be started right from the port.

Day 3 Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Cruise ships conveniently dock directly at the Ocho Rios port, offering passengers easy access to the heart of the action. Arrival times typically fall in the morning hours, with departures in the evening, ensuring a full day's worth of exploration. The harbor bustles with activity, housing a shopping complex, local craft markets, and a spectrum of eateries offering mouth-watering Jamaican specialties. Additional services such as tour operators and transportation rentals are readily available, making your excursion planning a breeze. The port's strategic location serves as an ideal springboard to some of Ocho Rios' most famous attractions.

Day 4 Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico

The Cabo Rojo harbor welcomes cruise ships directly at its docks, eliminating the need for tenders. This creates a seamless transition from sea to land, providing passengers more time to explore the abundant local attractions. Ships often arrive early in the morning, allowing ample time to take full advantage of the day before departing in the late evening. The port itself is equipped with modern facilities, ensuring a comfortable and convenient experience for all passengers. You can take a leisurely stroll around the harbor, relax in nearby cafes, or take the short ride into the heart of the city.

Day 5 At Sea

During your cruising day, enjoy state-of-the-art facilities, exquisite dining options, and an array of onboard activities as you sail forward to the next town or island.

Day 6 Curacao, ABC Islands

Cruise ships dock right at St. Anna Bay Harbor, conveniently located in the heart of Willemstad. The harbor, with its impressive Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge and charming waterfront, welcomes ships early in the morning, allowing passengers a full day to explore the city and surrounding areas. With the city's main attractions within walking distance, it is easy to start your adventure right from the port. The harbor area boasts a range of facilities, including an information center, a variety of restaurants and cafés, and several shops selling local crafts and specialty items. A variety of tours and excursions can also be booked from the harbor, catering to all types of travelers.

Day 7 Aruba, ABC Islands

As cruise ships arrive in Aruba, they dock at the port Oranjestad, providing easy access for passengers to embark on their island explorations. Ships usually arrive in the morning, allowing ample time to discover the wonders of Aruba. The port can accommodate large cruise ships and is equipped with modern facilities, including a duty-free shopping center, restaurants, and restrooms. The port is within walking distance of the city's main attractions, making it easy to explore the city on foot. With an average stay of eight hours, you'll have the opportunity to delve into the island's treasures and create lasting memories.

Day 8 Santa Marta, Colombia

Cruise ships dock directly at the port of Santa Marta, providing convenient access for passengers to explore the city and its surroundings. Ships usually arrive in the morning, allowing ample time to discover the wonders of Santa Marta. With an average stay of 6 to 8 hours, you'll have the opportunity to explore the port's facilities, which include shops, restaurants, and amenities to enhance your visit. The harbor offers picturesque views of the Caribbean Sea and is surrounded by vibrant markets, enticing you to immerse yourself in the local culture.

Day 9 Cartagena, Colombia

In Cartagena, your ship will dock at the terminal, conveniently located about 2 miles from the historic old town. This modern port usually sees ships arriving in the early morning, with departures in the evening, providing ample time to explore. At the terminal, you'll find amenities like a tourist information center, shopping facilities, and cafes. You may even be greeted by local performers showcasing traditional dances. From here, taxis and local guides are readily available to take you into the city, or to other attractions such as the nearby beach or the iconic San Felipe de Barajas Castle.

Day 10 Panama Canal, Panama

As your cruise ship makes its way through the canal, you'll have the chance to witness the impressive lock system in action. Arrival times vary depending on the canal's busy schedule, but rest assured, every moment spent traversing the 50-mile waterway will captivate your imagination. Cruise ships usually commit a full day to the transit, allowing passengers plenty of time to marvel at the spectacle and enjoy onboard amenities. The canal transit isn't just about traversing a waterway; it's about engaging with history, watching a spectacular show of human tenacity and innovative spirit.

Day 11 Puerto Limon, Costa Rica

Cruise ships dock directly at the port of Puerto Limon, allowing easy access for travelers to explore the city and its surroundings. Ships usually arrive in the morning, ensuring a full day of exploration. With an average stay of 8 to 10 hours, you'll have ample time to discover the treasures of this captivating destination. The port offers a range of facilities, including shops, restaurants, and cafes, where you can sample local cuisine and find unique souvenirs. The surrounding area is filled with picturesque views of the coastline, tropical landscapes, and vibrant markets, providing a delightful setting for your visit.

Day 12 At Sea

During your cruising day, enjoy state-of-the-art facilities, exquisite dining options, and an array of onboard activities as you sail forward to the next town or island.

Day 13 At Sea

During your cruising day, enjoy state-of-the-art facilities, exquisite dining options, and an array of onboard activities as you sail forward to the next town or island.

Day 14 Tampa, Florida

Tampa, Florida, is exciting departure point for your Caribbean cruise adventure. Situated on Florida's stunning Gulf Coast, Tampa offers a perfect combination of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and a thriving cruise port.