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Le Champlain, 7 Night Panama and Costa Rica by Sea: The Natural Wonders of Central America – with Smithsonian Journeys ex Puntarenas, Costa

7 Night Cruise Only


Cruise Itinerary
Date Port Arrive Depart
26 Feb 2026 Puntarenas, Costa Rica 6:00 PM
27 Feb 2026 Quepos, Costa Rica 6:00 AM 6:00 PM
28 Feb 2026 At Sea    
1 Mar 2026 Playa Muerto, Darien National Park 12:00 PM 6:00 PM
2 Mar 2026 Flamenco Island, Panama 7:00 AM
3 Mar 2026 Panama Canal 6:00 PM 6:00 PM
4 Mar 2026 San Blas Islands, Panama 6:00 AM 6:00 PM
5 Mar 2026 Colón, Panama 7:00 AM
In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.

This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture.

Discover Panama and Costa Rica with PONANT on this splendid 8-day cruise aboard Le Champlain, which explores the region’s abundant natural splendours, local indigenous communities, and the modern marvel of the Panama Canal.

Your journey in Central America will start in Quepos, Costa Rica, gateway to the spectacular Manuel Antonio National Park, where you will encounter myriad tropical flora and fantastic fauna, including sloths, the noisy howler monkey, the white-faced capuchin, and the tiny squirrel monkey. The combination of forest and ocean also provides a special opportunity to observe both terrestrial and sea birds—toucans, pelicans, hummingbirds, terns, and more.

Your ship calls next in the remote and magnificent Darién National Park. This little corner of paradise is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to a remarkably diverse range of plants and wildlife. Rocky coastlines, mangroves, swamps, and tropical rainforests abound and offer a feast for photographers. Here, meet members of the local Emberá community.

Le Champlain continues to Fuerte Amador for an exploration of Panama City’s Old Quarter and of the region’s fantastic biodiversity at the superb Frank Gehry-designed Biomuseo.

Here, you will also visit the Punta Culebra Nature Center at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI), a fascinating, open-air museum dedicated to marine science and conservation. On a specially arranged tour guided by Smithsonian staff, hear about the latest studies, observe marine species up close, and explore the unique flora and fauna of the tropical dry forest.

After a daytime sailing from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean through the world-famous Panama Canal, your final call will be along the white sands and translucent waters of Holandes Cayes, one of the coral islets of Panama’s San Blas Islands. Spend a day in this tropical paradise and enjoy the opportunity to swim and snorkel. Members of the Guna community call these islands home, and you may encounter them along the beach.

The encounters with the wildlife described above illustrate possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed.

Featuring innovative and environmentally-friendly equipment, elegantly designed cabins, spacious suites with large windows, and lounge areas that open onto the outside, this new limited-capacity yacht boasting just 92 cabins and suites will offer you a truly unique cruising experience.

As the first ship in a new series that remains true to the Ponant spirit, Le Champlain will embody the unique atmosphere that is the cruise line’s hallmark: a subtle blend of refinement, intimacy and comfort.

Aboard this ship that flies the French flag, you will experience the incomparable pleasure of an intimate cruise, with the possibility of exploring an ever-increasing range of destinations in an ethnic-chic ambiance with 5-star service.

Experience a luxurious setting where the accent is on authenticity and passion for travel.


Ship Profile & Stats
  • Maiden voyage: October 2018
  • Length: 131 metres
  • Ship registration: France
  • Passenger capacity (dbl): 184
  • Officer nationality: French
Ship Amenities
  • 110/220 volts outlet
  • 24hr room service
  • Bath Robes
  • Flat Screen Television
  • Hair Dryer
  • Individually Controlled Air Conditioning
  • Internet acces wifi
  • Ipod Players
  • Mini Bar
  • Safe
  • Satellite direct line telephone
  • Satellite Television
  • Video on Demand
Ship Facilities
  • Boutique
  • Main Lounge
  • Panoramic Lounge
  • Pool Bar & Lounge
  • Pool Deck
  • Reception Desk
  • Restaurant
  • Solarium
  • Spa & Fitness Centre
  • Swimming Pool
  • Theatre
  • Water Sports including Kayaking & Paddle-Boarding
  • Zodiac
EXPERIENCE CRUISING ANOTHER WAY, DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF YACHT CRUISES.

Our mission is to transport you to mythical destinations and secret ports only accessible to small capacity ships.

To offer the delights of a French-inspired cuisine in an intimate environment - a discreet service where no attention to detail is spared - and unforgettable moments of relaxation on board elegant yachts of character.

To combine sophistication and conviviality, with priority given to authentic experiences, emotions and the ongoing quest for excellence.

Yacht cruises: more than a cruise, a privilege...

Attentive, professional, discreet and elegant, the fully bilingual service on board will meet your every desire. Our unique atmosphere is filled with a signature sentiment: a warm welcome from an experienced crew who are passionate about what they do, in the tradition of private yachting.

In the dining areas, our gourmet cuisine is worthy of top fine dining restaurants: exquisite wines are available, and menus are created with expertise by our skilled chefs with a French-inspired menu enhanced by specialties from our various ports of call.

Pleasure, enrichment, discovery: relax - we take care of everything...

Deck 02

Deck 03

Deck 04

Deck 05

Deck 06

Deck 07

Prestige Deck 4

Privilege Suite Deck 5

Deluxe Suite Deck 4

Privilege Suite Deck 6

Prestige Deck 5

Prestige Deck 6

Prestige Deck 5 Suite

Prestige Deck 6 Suite

Owner's Suite

Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6
108 sq.ft. private balcony
Individually-controlled air-conditioning
King-size bed or twin beds
Bathtub
Minibar
Flat screen
Satellite TV
Desk with stationery
Ipod(TM) players
Video on demand
Safe
Hairdryer
Bath robes
Satellite direct line telephone
110/220 volts outlet
French bath products
24hr room service
Internet acces wifi

Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 5
108 sq.ft. private balcony
Individually-controlled air-conditioning
King-size bed or twin beds
Bathtub
Minibar
Flat screen
Satellite TV
Desk with stationery
Ipod(TM) players
Video on demand
Safe
Hairdryer
Bath robes
Satellite direct line telephone
110/220 volts outlet
French bath products
24hr room service
Internet acces wifi

Deluxe Suite Deck 6
Private balcony
Individually-controlled air-conditioning
King-size bed or twin beds
Shower
Minibar
Flat screen
Satellite TV
Desk with stationery
Ipod(TM) players
Video on demand
Safe
Hairdryer
Bath robes
Satellite direct line telephone
110/220 volts outlet
French bath products
24hr room service
Internet acces wifi

Deluxe Suite Deck 5
Private balcony
Individually-controlled air-conditioning
King-size bed or twin beds
Shower
Minibar
Flat screen
Satellite TV
Desk with stationery
Ipod(TM) players
Video on demand
Safe
Hairdryer
Bath robes
Satellite direct line telephone
110/220 volts outlet
French bath products
24hr room service
Internet acces wifi

Deluxe Suite Deck 3
Private balcony
Individually-controlled air-conditioning
King-size bed or twin beds
Shower
Minibar
Flat screen
Satellite TV
Desk with stationery
Ipod(TM) players
Video on demand
Safe
Hairdryer
Bath robes
Satellite direct line telephone
110/220 volts outlet
French bath products
24hr room service
Internet acces wifi

Deluxe Stateroom
Private balcony
Individually-controlled air-conditioning
King-size bed or twin beds
Shower
Minibar
Flat screen
Satellite TV
Desk with stationery
Ipod(TM) players
Video on demand
Safe
Hairdryer
Bath robes
Satellite direct line telephone
110/220 volts outlet
French bath products
24hr room service
Internet acces wifi
From

AU $8,360

per person
*All prices are per person twin share unless stated as solo, triple or quad share.
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