Cruise West enhances its Panama and Costa Rica itineraries

Six themed cruises, two additional departures and new land tours to enjoy!

Cruise West has enriched its 2008/09 season in Panama and Costa Rica with numerous enhancements to its 2008 and 2009 Between Two Seas itineraries. In addition to added departures and six themed cruises, travellers will also have the option of taking on one enhanced and two new land tours which highlight the stunning flora and fauna native to Panama and Costa Rica.

The 10-day Between Two Seas voyages onboard the 100-guest Pacific Explorer travels the entire Panama Canal to take in such sights as the San Blas Islands and Kuna Indian Village, Portobelo. Guests continue to the remote Emberá Village in the Darién Jungle, Coiba National Park, Golfo Dulce, Caletas Beach and Manuel Antonio National Park, which offer prolific wildlife viewing opportunities.

Departures are available from Panama to Costa Rica on 10 November; 11, 29 December in 2008 and 16 January; 3, 21 February; 11, 29 March; 16 April; 4 May; 9 November; 28 December in 2009. Meanwhile, reverse sailings from Costa Rica to Panama are available on 1 November; 2, 20 December in 2008 and 25 January; 12 February; 2, 20 March; 7, 25 April; 31 October; 19 December in 2009.

At no additional cost, Cruise West will offer two exclusive PENTAX photography cruises on 2 December 2008 and 2 March 2009 which are co-hosted by professional PENTAX photographer Kerrick James. James will conduct hands-on workshops throughout the cruise to help guests capture unmissable highlights from their South America adventure. Guests also have the option of travelling in the company of a Panama Canal expert on 11 December 2008 and 7 April 2009. The guide will share knowledge about the history and future expansion of the canal.

Cruise West will also be offering two new land tours: a 3-day visit to Monteverde Cloud Forest and a 5-day stay in the Tortuguero National Park. Guests will immerse themselves in the serenity of the Monteverde Cloud Forest with a guided walk through its butterfly and hummingbird gardens. Alternatively, they can observe nesting turtles on boat excursions to Tortuguero National Park.

The enhanced Costa Rica land tour will offer six days in Sarapiqui and Arenal, Costa Rica. Guests visit the world-class Gold Museum, the majestic La Paz Waterfall Gardens and an Eco-Center tour in the company of local school children. At the Hacienda Pozo Azul, guests have the option to participate on the thrilling canopy zip line tour, a float or river rafting trip or a chocolate and pineapple plantations tour.

Prices start at US$3,799 per person based on double occupancy. Guests can take advantage of early booking incentives of US$350 per person when booking the cruise and paying in full by 27 March, 2009 for departures October through December 2009.

Travel the World can assist with bookings for Cruise West, as well as put together combined flight/cruise packages. Please contact Travel the World on 1300 766 566 or visit the website www.traveltheworld.com.au.