Secret Worlds of Two Oceans

Overview
Dates & Prices
Itinerary
Maps
Ship Information
Highlights

That great engineering feat, the Panama Canal, makes an itinerary such as this possible. We start on the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica and make our way down to Panama and across to the Pacific side of Panama and Costa Rica before heading out into the ocean to the little known Cocos island. This tiny dot on the map is the tip of a volcano and shares many wildlife similarities with its island neighbour to the south, the Galapagos Islands. Like the Galapagos, many species have evolved here after their arrival, growing into distinct forms that are not found anywhere else in the world.

The first portion of our voyage concentrates on Costa Rica and Panama, an area rich in the wonders of the natural world both on land and sea. It is an area becoming increasingly popular with travellers from the UK because of its natural beauty and diverse range of flora and fauna. In Costa Rica, one of the most advanced countries in Central America, there is so much to see. Mist shrouded cloud forests, lush rainforests, fast flowing rivers, seemingly endless white sandy beaches and a simply spectacular wildlife of forest mammals, turtles, iguanas, frogs, butterflies and some 850 species of birds.

Neighbouring Panama also offers marvellous wildlife together with indigenous cultures in remote jungle and island locations and the navigation of the Panama Canal alongside vast cargo vessels is a sight not to be missed. The swashbuckling history of the Spanish Main adds another dimension. Spanish exploitation and the riches plundered from South American gold and the resulting pirate ring all make a visit to Pacific and Caribbean Panama a great experience.

In Ecuador we will land at Manta for a day in the Machalilla National Park, a protected coastal haven for over 200 species of birds and wildlife. There will also be time to explore Manta, founded by the conquistadors in 1535. Our cruise ends in the Ecuadorian port of Guayaquil from where you have the option of visiting the Galapagos Islands for a few days or returning to the UK.

Secret Worlds of Two Oceans itinerary:

Day 1 - LONDON HEATHROW TO SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA.

Fly by scheduled indirect flight. Upon arrival transfer to the Real Intercontinental hotel or similar for an overnight stay.

Day 2 - SAN JOSÉ TO PUERTO LIMON.

Morning visit to the Gold Museum and brief city tour of San José. After lunch join the scenic drive through the hills to Puerto Limon on the Caribbean coast. Embark MS Caledonian Sky and sail in the early evening.

Day 3 - BOCAS DEL TORO, PANAMA.

Bordered by Costa Rica to the west, the Caribbean Sea to the north and the Cordillera Central mountains to the south, the pristine islands of Bocas del Toro are part of a marine national park and are simply beautiful. Visit the town of Bocas del Toro on Isla Colon, a charming place untouched by mass tourism.

Day 4 - PANAMA CANAL TRANSIT.

A highlight of the expedition, the Panama Canal transit takes between eight and ten hours including crossing Lake Gatun, one of the largest man-made lakes in the world. A daylight transit cannot be guaranteed as cargo vessels have priority. Depending on our schedule we hope to visit either the vibrant metropolis of Panama City or the once important 17th century trading and military Caribbean port of Portobello with its defensive forts and burial site of Sir Francis Drake.

Day 5 - ISLA COIBA.

After a morning at sea we land on this once infamous prison island, now a National Park that has reverted to an island paradise. Explore some of the 38 tiny surrounding islands dotted along the northern coast with their amazing beaches and coral reefs alive with all manner of fish. Later, explore the main island which boasts some 147 species of birds, and walk up to the top of the observation tower.

Day 6 - GOLFO DULCE, COSTA RICA.

Visit the famous gardens at Casa Orquideas (Orchid House), see a profusion of orchids and look out for tanagers, parrots and colourful toucans. After lunch, cruise the beautiful Golfo Dulce and head out into the Pacific.

Day 7 - AT SEA.

Day 8 - COCOS ISLAND.

We are very privileged to be landing at this remote Costa Rican island located over 300 miles out from the mainland between Costa Rica and the Galapagos Islands. Sharing many similarities with the Galapagos, this dot in the Pacific Ocean is the tip of an ancient volcanic mountain. Covered in dense rain forest, it is home to many species that evolved here after their arrival, changing into distinct forms that are found nowhere else in the world. Once the haunt of pirates, it is today only inhabited by wardens and because of its remote location without any transport links, it is an untouched natural world offering fascinating walks, superb bird watching and marvellous swimming and snorkelling. These waters were much favoured by Jacques Cousteau and are known for their sea turtles, rays, dolphins and hammer head sharks.

Day 9 - AT SEA.

Day 10 - MANTA, ECUADOR.

After a morning at sea we arrive in the Ecuadorian port of Manta. This important centre of the Manta culture thrived in this area from approximately 50 A.D. The conquistadors arrived in 1535. This afternoon we drive along the scenic seaside promenade and through the suburbs of Manta to charming Montecristi which still retains the atmosphere and faded elegance of its Spanish heritage. We will stop by Montecristi´s central square which holds a cornucopia of artisan stalls selling straw baskets, jewellery, colourful handicrafts and Panama hats and we will also visit the Tagua factory.

Day 11 - MACHALILLA NATIONAL PARK.

The highlight of coastal Ecuador is the Machalilla National Park, an area of great diversity on the juncture of the cold Humboldt current flowing north and the warm El Nino current flowing south. Here, we find one of the world’s largest tropical dry forests and offshore islands which are a sanctuary for sea birds such as the red footed, blue footed and Nazca boobies who share the steep cliffs with frigate birds, albatrosses and the red-billed tropic birds.

Day 12 - GUAYAQUIL, ECUADOR TO LONDON

Arrive this morning and disembark after breakfast. Return to London or take advantage of an optional extension to the Galapagos

Day 13 - LONDON HEATHROW.

Caledonian Sky

The MS Caledonian Sky accommodates a maximum of 114 passengers in 57 spacious outside suites. Many have walk-in wardrobes and some feature tub baths. There will be seven categories of suites and sixteen suites will have private balconies. For those familiar with the MS Island Sky she will feel like a second home, although there are some differences. The dining room, lounge, Lido Deck and bar are all similar. However, the ‘Club’ on the MS Caledonian Sky has been transported to the very top deck. Here, there is a library and bar which leads out on to a lovely forward deck. The ‘Club’ has wonderful views with ceiling to floor windows.

If you like the MS Island Sky, we are sure you will also approve of her sister. And, of course it is important that we offer the very best of facilities. However, equally as important are the staff on board whether they are the vessel’s crew or our own expedition staff. Noble Caledonia’s reputation has been built on providing the very best in all areas. Their crew of 74 not only offer an excellent service they are also noted for their kindness and attention to detail. A well run ship with a warm atmosphere is what we are known for, and it is because most of our crew have been with us for many years that we are able to engender such an atmosphere.

Your Suite
Onboard there are 57 exceptionally spacious and well designed suites. The passenger accommodation is arranged over four decks and all suites have outside views. All feature a sitting room area and some have private balconies. Each affords considerable comfort with en-suite bathroom featuring a country style wash basin, hot towel rack and vanity unit with sink and walk-in shower and/or bath tub.

Facilities in the suites also include walk-in or spacious wardrobes, dressing table with large mirror and stool or desk, mini-fridge, flat screen television, telephone, programmable electronic safe, hairdryer, assorted toiletries, air-conditioning and heating. Bottled water, towelling dressing gowns and slippers are also provided for your comfort.

Your space
The spacious and finely decorated public rooms include a large lounge where daily briefings and talks will be provided throughout the voyage and an elegant bar where a pianist plays periodically throughout the day. The bar also features a 24-hour tea and coffee station. In addition there is the Club Lounge on the Panoramic Deck which features a bar. The onboard travel library is the perfect place to relax with a book and is stocked with reference books pertaining to the places the vessel is visiting along with a selection of games and two computers with internet access. Daily newspapers and magazines are also placed in the library depending on local availability. Outside there is a rear Lido deck where meals are served in warm weather under shade. On the top deck there is a further observation and sun deck with bar service and comfortable deck furniture for sun bathing or relaxing with a book. There is also a small gymnasium onboard and hairdressers with appointments made on request.

Your dining
With only one sitting and a maximum of just over 100 passengers, the quality of cuisine will be of a consistent superior quality. Where possible and when it meets his high standards, our accomplished chef will obtain local produce in markets or buy the catch of the day from a passing fishing boat. Such purchases enhance the well stocked larders and bring a local touch to the varied menus. In the main elegant dining room, breakfast is served buffet-style, with certain items cooked to order and lunch and dinner is à la carte. When weather permits, breakfast, a buffet-style lunch and dinner are also served on deck. To enhance your dining experience even further a selection of wines are included with lunch and dinner. Afternoon tea is served in the lounge and tea and coffee are available 24 hours. With sufficient notice, most diets can be catered for on board.

For your comfort, safety and security
The vessel is equipped with the latest safety, navigation and communications equipment along with roll stabilisers to minimise the ship’s motion. The Captain and officers operate an open-bridge policy that allows passengers onto the bridge at most times with the exception of arrival and departure from port and during times of complicated navigation. Here you can check the ship’s progress by charts and learn more from the officers about your journey. There is also a dedicated channel on your television in your suite showing the routing of the vessel along with technical information and estimated times of arrival and departure from port. On board you will also find a clinic and doctor and a lift that serves all decks. Smoking on board is restricted to outside decks only.

Gratuities
Unlike many other cruise vessels, onboard the MS Caledonian Sky you do not need to worry about tipping staff as we have included them in your holiday price. In addition we tip all their guides and drivers along the way, thereby taking away the hassle of always having to remember to have some small change with you.