MS Caledonian Sky - Noble Caledonia

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The Secret Worlds of Two Oceans A voyage through the Panama Canal linking the natural wonders of Costa Rica, Panama and Ecuador 6th to 18th November 2012 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 Bocas del Toro of Guayaquil from where you have the option of visiting the Galapagos Islands for a few days or returning to the UK. The 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 PA C I F I C O C E A N C A R I B B E A N S E A COSTA RICA Puerto Limon San Jose Bocas del Toro Golfo Dulce PANAMA Panama Canal V Isla Coiba Cocos Island Machalilla National Park 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 manmade 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 Manta ECUADOR Guayaquil COLOMBIA For many Cocos Island will be the highlight of the trip, but the extraordinary places and wildlife we will encounter both before in Central America and after in Ecuador will be as equally fascinating. 38 www.noble-caledonia.co.uk
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. Prices per person Based on double occupancy. Tour Code: SCCSK061112 Occupancy Double Sole Panama Canal Red-footed booby Frigate bird Cocos Island, Costa Rica Deck/Suite Category Castle Std Forward £4695 £5695 Castle Standard £4995 £6195 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. Arrive this afternoon. Caledonian Superior £5295 £6795 BOOK BEFORE 31 MAy 2012 AND SAVE £500 PER PERSON OFF THE PRiCES SHOwN BElOw Promenade Premium £5695 - Bridge Deluxe Balcony £6595 - Optional Pre & Post Cruise Extensions For those who wish to explore the Monteverde Cloud Forest in Costa Rica we are offering a pre-cruise extension. Details of which are shown on page 70. In addition, there is a marvellous opportunity to enjoy an optional post-cruise island hopping voyage in the Galapagos Archipelago, details shown on page 69. Promenade Premium Balcony £7195 - Promenade Owner’s Corner £7695 - Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel, 10 nights aboard the MS Caledonian Sky on full board with house wine, beer or soft drinks with lunch and dinner onboard, expedition team, shore excursions, overnight night hotel accommodation in San Jose on bed and breakfast basis, gratuities to crew and whilst on shore excursions, transfers, port taxes, airport taxes. Not Included: Travel insurance, visas, local departure tax. NB. Ports subject to change. All special offers are subject to availability. +44 (0)20 7752 0000 39 The Secret Worlds of Two Oceans
Page 1 and 2: MS Caledonian Sky Exploring the Wor
Page 3 and 4: Contents 04-09 Vessel Information 1
Page 5 and 6: Your Suite Panorama Deck edonian Sk
Page 8: Gratuities Unlike many other cruise
Page 11 and 12: Expedition Team Many of the voyages
Page 13 and 14: Pamela Le Noury Circumnavigation of
Page 15 and 16: the spectacular gardens at Mount Co
Page 17 and 18: Day 5 - Seydisfjordur. Today, we re
Page 19 and 20: Lofoten Islands Beluga Whales, Whit
Page 21 and 22: has served as a monastery, prison a
Page 23 and 24: Day 7 - Mykines. Spend the morning
Page 25 and 26: Cruising on the Zodiac Lake Myvatn
Page 27 and 28: Prins Christian Sund Ilulissat afte
Page 29 and 30: Cruising in the Zodiac small but th
Page 31 and 32: transfer to the MS Caledonian Sky a
Page 33 and 34: Church in New England
Page 35 and 36: Martha’s Vineyard Bellamy Mansion
Page 37: Mayan site of Tulum is perched 40 f
Page 41 and 42: This afternoon join the city tour t
Page 43 and 44: Chilean fjords in Tierra del Fuego
Page 45 and 46: We will experience a Pitcairn welco
Page 47 and 48: Bouma Waterfall, Taveuni, Fiji Expl
Page 49 and 50: Deco, the style of the 20th Century
Page 51 and 52: Milford Sounds
Page 53 and 54: use our Zodiacs around Half Moon Ba
Page 55 and 56: Day 8 - Dunedin. Morning cruising.
Page 57 and 58: The Twelve Apostles
Page 59 and 60: coastline for stellar sea lions and
Page 62 and 63: Fire & Ice in the Far Arctic Cruise
Page 64 and 65: Great Land of Alaska A voyage from
Page 66 and 67: Natural Wonders of Alaska An expedi
Page 68 and 69: Extensions Before embarking or afte
Page 70 and 71: Costa Rica - Monteverde Cloud Fores
Page 72: 2 Chester Close, Belgravia, London,

MS Caledonian Sky - Noble Caledonia

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