San Francisco (california) to Cartagena Cruise

Day 1 - San Francisco, California

Arrive: Sun 26 May 2024 / Depart: Sun 26 May 2024 at 23:00

San Francisco's bounty overflows. Everywhere you look, every place you go, there's something to see or something interesting to do. The "City by the Bay" combines a splendid setting with cultural and historical elements, making San Francisco one of the finest and most beloved cities in the world. Visitors to San Francisco find themselves faced with very difficult decisions - what to see and do first. There are so many possibilities that its virtually impossible to see and do everything in one visit. The city itself is relatively small; many of the areas of interest are in close proximity of each other. From downtown to Chinatown and from North Beach to Fisherman's Wharf, there are numerous historical monuments, modern buildings, Victorian masterpieces, museums, parks, gardens and ethnic neighborhoods. Its no wonder that San Francisco captures the heart of all who visit.

Day 2 - At Sea

Day 3 - San Diego

Arrive: Tue 28 May 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Tue 28 May 2024 at 23:00

Free from smog and jungle-like freeways, San Diego sits gracefully around a beautiful curving bay. Although affluent and conservative, this second largest city in California is also amiable and easygoing. San Diego has a vibrant and active downtown area, and since the late 1970s several blocks of early 20th century architecture have been stylishly renovated, while the sleek modern bank buildings symbolize the city's growing economic significance on the Pacific Rim. San Diego is the birthplace of California. Portuguese explorer Juan Rodrigues Cabrillo landed here in 1542; since then, San Diego has been under Spanish, Mexican and after 1846, American rule. The city really took off with the arrival of the Santa Fe Railroad in the 1880s, but in terms of trade and significance it has long played second fiddle to Los Angeles. However, during World War II the U.S. Navy made San Diego their Pacific Command Center and the military continue to dominate the local economy, along now with tourism. Within easy reach of the downtown area, encompassing 1,400 acres of cultural, recreational and environmental delights, San Diego's Balboa Park is a sumptuous place with trees, gardens, traffic-free promenades and a large concentration of Spanish-colonial style buildings. The Hillcrest area is the lively and artsy center of the city, and Old Town San Diego is now a historical park where the city's Spanish and Mexican history and heritage are most evident. The Gaslamp Quarter, once the heart of frontier San Diego, is today filled with smart streets lined with chic cafés, antique stores, art galleries and gas lamps (powered by electricity). Most of the eastern part of the county is taken up by the 600,000-acre Anza-Borrego Desert. Another must-see is the city's most famous attraction, the San Diego Zoo.

Day 4 - At Sea

Day 5 - At Sea

Day 6 - Cabo San Lucas

Arrive: Fri 31 May 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Fri 31 May 2024 at 15:00

Found at the tip of Baja California, Cabo San Lucas is where the desert meets the ocean. Although it has received a makeover of modern Americana in recent years, this place is still a world away from everywhere else in Mexico. A trip to Cabo (the San Lucas is optional) will not leave you disappointed. With swaying palm trees, turquoise seas and long ribbons of white sand, this is a resort that ticks every box: great food, great nightlight which equal great times – for some. Others may prefer to scratch the surface just a bit deeper and travel along the peninsula that is known for its dramatic scenery of desert terrain and rugged coastline marked by many unusual formations. The sweeping views of the bay are simply sensational. A quick turn inward takes you to San Jose del Cabo, Cabo San Lucas’ older and more grown up sister. Offering a very much calmer and much more authentic atmosphere, just half an hour along the coast leaves you in its desert terrain, and leaves a very different impression from the lively beachfront bars and cafes of San Lucas. Perhaps one of the most stunning ways to see Cabo though is from the water. With the Arco de Cabo San Lucas featuring highly on many must-see lists, a trip around the bay is a must. The braver among you might also like to indulge their inner adrenalin junkie and swim with whale sharks – a memorable and totally risk-free experience if there ever was one. End your day of sightseeing with a fabulous sunset, a (tequila) sunrise in hand, watching the fishermen come home from their adventures.

Day 7 - At Sea

Day 8 - Acapulco

Arrive: Sun 02 June 2024 at 10:30 / Depart: Sun 02 June 2024 at 18:00

Whether going loco down in Acapulco fills you with dread or delight is up to you. The Mexican city is as famed for its spring breaker as for its splendid beauty. The lively promenade gives travellers a sense of modern Mexico; a creative food scene, excellent shopping and the world’s longest over the water zipline. Venture a little further from the waterfront for a taste of colonial architecture, artwork by Diego Rivera and a chance to snorkel in crystalline waters far from the madding crowd. The city is located on a deep seawater port, around 380 km south of Mexico City. Its history dates back to the 8th century, although it was not until the pre-Hispanic era – around 1520 – that the village began to expand. The Aztecs had ruled the city for a brief period, although lack of military organisation proved no match for the Spanish. Acapulco quickly became the second most important port of Mexico, welcoming ships from Europe on their return from Asia. The port was soon being targeted by buccaneers, thus the San Diego Fort was built in 1616 in an effort to stave off pirate attacks. The original fort was destroyed by an earthquake in 1776 and was rebuilt between 1778 and 1783 – this is the version that is still standing intact today. No one could visit Acapulco without witnessing the dramatic performances of the world-famous cliff divers. Standing poised at the edge of a 35 metre cliff, the divers soar into the crashing surf below. It is true entertainment, both nerve-wracking and impressive at once.

Day 9 - At Sea

Day 10 - At Sea

Day 11 - Puntarenas, Costa Rica

Arrive: Wed 05 June 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Wed 05 June 2024 at 18:00

Costa Rica's major Pacific port on the Gulf of Nicoya is renowned for its unspoiled nature and beautiful scenery, and is a convenient departure point for trips into Costa Rica's interior. Volcanic beaches along the coast give way to verdant jungle and coffee plantations further inland.

Day 12 - At Sea

Day 13 - Panama Canal Transit

Day 14 - Cartagena, Colombia

Arrive: Sat 08 June 2024 at 12:00 / Depart: Sat 08 June 2024

Get your sunglasses ready, because Cartagena is a riot of colour, charisma and Caribbean charm. The best way of seeing the city is by foot and soaking up the uniquely South American atmosphere. Stroll through the jumble of cobbled streets, step back in time, and enjoy one of the Caribbean’s loveliest destinations. Cartagena was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984 as a shining example of an extensive and complete system of military fortifications in South America. The city’s strategic location, on a secluded bay facing the Caribbean Sea, meant that it was an essential stop from Europe to the West Indies during the time of commercial and naval exploration. Vestiges of this time are still to be found on the walls of several of the beautiful buildings lining the streets of the old town. The magnificent city is a walled fortress that stretches for 11 kilometres, dating from 1533 and once played host to Sir Francis Drake, who passed through in 1586 (and set fire to 200 buildings during his visit). Despite its 16th century roots, Cartagena today is a modern and glorious riot of colour. Fuchsia pink bougainvillea tumbles down from turquoise painted balconies, while well-preserved colonial buildings painted in vibrant colours line the streets. Take shelter from the heat and enjoy the sensual atmosphere that is so exclusively Colombian by grabbing a seat in a local bar, ordering a plate of Empanadas and enjoying a Guaro—the colloquial name for aguardiente — the country’s national spirit.