Don't miss
The Historical Panama Canal Railway goes from the Pacific coast to the Atlantic coast – the journey time is about one hour, and the views are amazing.
From Colón to Panama City
Festive Holidays With The Scent Of Tropical Nature
From Colón to Panama City
Festive Holidays With The Scent Of Tropical Nature
Voyage Itinerary
17 December
Setting sail from Colón
Situated at the Atlantic entrance to the Panama Canal, Colón takes its name from Christopher Columbus, known in Spanish as Cristóbal Colón, although it's hard to imagine the famous explorer would find much reason to linger here nowadays. Once a thriving port, the city is now in a state of seemingly terminal decline, its colonial architecture crumbling and the modern city beset by social problems. It's not somewhere you will want to hang around for long, and serves merely as a gateway to the Canal, which will carry you to much nicer places.
18 December - At sea
19 December
Colombia: Santa Marta
Situated on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, Santa Marta is the oldest surviving Spanish colonial city in South America. The modern city lacks some of the charm of nearby Cartagena, but tourism has come on leaps and bounds in recent years, with a number of ambitious regeneration projects and a host of new restaurants and bars.
20 December to 21 December
Colombia: Cartagena
Cartagena was founded by Spanish conquistadors in 1533, and the beautifully preserved centre is a real highlight of Colombia’s Caribbean coast. The walled old town, the Ciudad Amurallada, is a camera-friendly collection of cobbled streets and colourful, colonial-era buildings.
22 December
Panama: San Blas Islands
Situated just off the coast of Panama, the idyllic San Blas islands are home to the Kuna Indians, who enjoy political autonomy from the mainland and have an unusual degree of control over tourism to their homeland. Visiting these simple island communities is a privilege, and an insight into an indigenous way of life unsullied by mass tourism.
23 December to 24 December - At sea
25 December
Panama: Isla Parida
Beautiful Isla Parida lies within the protected Gulf of Chiriquí National Park, its tranquil beaches lapped by warm, crystal clear waters where you’ll find an abundance of marine life. This is a great place to kick back and chill out for a day, in idyllic tropical surroundings.
26 December
Costa Rica: Puerto Jimenez
27 December
Costa Rica: Quepos
The little town of Quepos is the gateway to Manuel Antonio National Park, a nature-lover’s paradise that’s home to monkeys, iguanas and the reclusive three-toed sloth. The area around Quepos also boasts some of the best beaches in Costa Rica, and the town itself has some nice restaurants.
28 December
Costa Rica: Marina Flamingo
29 December
Costa Rica: Tortuga Island
Tortuga Island is actually made up of two separate islands just off the coast of the Nicoya Peninsula, both uninhabited and both absolutely stunning. Enjoy swimming and snorkelling in the clear, coral-rich waters, or relax on pristine white sand beaches.
29 December to 30 December
Costa Rica: Puntarenas
Situated on a peculiarly shaped peninsula on the Gulf of Nicoya, Puntarenas is a popular weekend beach destination for residents of Costa Rica’s capital, San José. The port itself is not pretty, but the beachfront Paseo de los Turistas is a nice place to relax with a drink or enjoy a seafood lunch.
31 December - At sea
1 January
Panama: Chapera Island
2 January to 3 January
Arriving in Panama City
The port of Fuerte Amador sits at the southern edge of Panama City, near the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal. The shining skyscrapers of the Panamanian capital are a testament to the city’s status as a key financial centre, while the tiny Casco Viejo is home to pretty colonial streets, hip hotels and happening bars.
The ship
MS Europa
- Capacity:
- 400 Guests
- Crew:
- 285 Staff
- Style:
- For the young and young at heart, the laid-back ambience is elegant but totally informal.
Part of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises' award-winning fleet, MS Europa will operate bilingually in German and English beginning in January 2026, opening a whole host of exciting voyages for the English-speaking market and offering a laid-back small ship cruising experience.
What we love
MS Europa, like the rest of the Hapag-Lloyd Cruises fleet, is awarded five stars year after year by Insight Guides Cruising & Cruise Ships, formally the Berlitz Cruise Guide, and offers a relaxed and stylish ambience on board. From January 2026, MS Europa will operate bilingually, in German and English, opening up plenty of exciting itineraries for our discerning guests.
inclusions
- Dining in five gourmet restaurants
- Show productions and concerts
- Zodiac rides (where applicable)
- Bicycle & snorkelling equipment hire
- Well equipped gym and spa
Tailor-make your trip
Ways to make it better
Stay a little longer in Panama
It’s not in Colón, but if you want to extend your stay we propose Isla Palenque, off the Pacific coast of Panama – tricky to get to, but not to be missed.
Explore the Panamian jungle
Take a canopy tour and swing between great trees, seeing the wildlife as you go. Watch out – it’s not for the faint-hearted!
How can we help?
Our frequently asked questions
From cruise tips to travel protection, here are some of our most-asked questions
visit our faqs
Will I save by booking with Mundy Cruising?
Absolutely. You'll save money and time by booking with us rather than directly with the cruise line and enjoy more flexibility in your travel arrangements. We have access to preferential rates and exclusive offers, and we offer expert advice on how to get the best value.
Can you help with pre and post-cruise arrangements?
From flights and transfers to hotels and tours, we can help with all your travel needs to make sure your trip is exceptional. What's more, we are members of ABTA and also offer full ATOL protection, not to mention a 24hr emergency contact, so we offer complete peace of mind.
What are the benefits of a small luxury ship?
Because small ships are able to reach smaller ports of call and provide a higher level of service than their big ship counterparts, we believe that small ship cruising is the very best way to travel. Usually they offer more space per person, and an attentive team to make sure you have the very best experience. Small ship cruising offers the very best of the best.
Why Mundy?
Who we are
Founded in 1970, we have sold more luxury cruises for more years than anyone else in the UK.
Mundy Cruising was the very first cruise specialist in the UK. We have been making the best cruise holidays even better since 1970.
How? Simply by offering our clients more expertise, more personal service, more unique ideas, more fascinating add-ons, more fabulous freebies and more peace of mind.
We're happy to do all of that over the phone. But if you prefer to chat face to face, why not visit us at our comfortable offices on London's High Holborn - we'd be delighted to see you.
