10 Nights Adventures in Panama & Costa Rica

Type of Vessel

With only 212 guests, you begin to feel like it's your own private yacht almost as soon as you step aboard. The sitting area of your spacious suite gives you an expansive ocean view, making it a welcome retreat. When you're ready to make an appearance, the lounges, club, casino and library are waiting to be explored. Take some "you" time in the tranquil WindSpa, enjoy a dip in the pool, work off that decadent dessert in the Fitness Center and, of course, you are always welcome to visit the Bridge to examine navigation charts with the Captain. Star Breeze is large enough to pamper and entertain you, yet small enough to tuck into delightful tiny harbors and hidden coves that others can’t reach.

Itinerary

Day 1 | Colon, Panama: Explore the inner workings of the Panama Canal, head into the jungle to meet with Embera Indians, or take an aerial tram ride through the rainforest canopy.

Day 2 | Bocas Del Toro, Panama: Bocas del Toro, better known as Bocas town was visited by Columbus in 1502 and then built up with colorful and Caribbean-style clapboard houses by the United Fruit Company in the early 20th century. Situated on the beautiful Bocas del Toro archipelago, the laid-back and friendly community is a great combination of races and ethnicities living harmoniously. West Indians, Latinos and Extraneros (the resident gringos) make this an easy place to feel right at home and embrace the relaxed Caribbean vibe of the town. Not far from town is the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, as well as two national parks, Isla Bastimentos and La Amistad and many banana plantations.

Day 3 | Panama Canal, Panama: At nearly 48 miles long, on your transit through the Panama Canal you will enter three sets of locks that raise and lower the vessel 85 feet between the calm Pacific Ocean and the shimmering waters of the Atlantic. Your voyage features a daylight hours transit with numerous observation vantage points for outside viewing and comfortable indoor air-conditioned lounges. Expert onboard commentary enhances your journey as you watch the day to day workings of this bucket list experience.

Day 3 & 4 | Balboa/Fuerte Amador, Panama: One of the entrances to the Panama Canal on the Pacific side, Balboa/Fuerte Amador was founded in 1519 and is a short distance from Panama City. In 2012 Balboa was ranked #1 in Latin America in the category of world's busiest container ports. Sightseeing highlights include the colonial homes, the Administration Building, the Goethais Memorial, the Prado, and the local handicraft markets of traditional Panamanian crafts.

Day 5 | At Sea: Guests can enjoy a day aboard the Star Breeze as well as the activities and amenities.

Day 6 | Isla Parida, Panama: Located within a Nature Preserve of 50 islands, and part of Chiriqui Marine National Park lovely Isla Parida boasts magnificent white-sand beaches, one of which is over 1,300 feet long. The crystal clear waters stay at 82 degrees year round and are filled with marine life. This island is close to some of the best big game fishing of marlin, sailfish, tuna and jacks in the world. There are numerous hardwood trees like teak, mahogany, and eucalyptus, and fruit trees like mango, banana and coconut trees. Wildlife here includes white-faced and howler monkeys, parrots and toucans. Here you will be treated to a delicious barbecue hosted by Windstar on a secluded beach that faces the Pacific Ocean.

Day 7 | Puerto Jimenez (Golfo Dulce), Costa Rica: Picture Jurassic foliage growing down steep hillsides all the way to the waterline, the hoots of monkeys echoing through trees choked by orchids. Golfo Dulce is one of Costa Rica’s most biodiverse areas, where both the jungle and the sea brim with life. Explore the canals by kayak in search of javelinas, butterflies, and more bird species than in all of North America.

Day 8 | Quepos, Costa Rica: The former banana-exporting town of Quepos is your basecamp for a day of rainforest adventure. Take a walk along trails that weave up to waterfalls, or ride horseback to a beautiful jungle pool. A float trip through a mangrove swamp populated by monkeys, crocodiles, egrets, and herons is also available. Or you may choose a nature walk through Manuel Antonio National Park, with its lovely beaches, easy trails, and abundant animal life.

Day 9 | Bahia Herradura, Costa Rica: The coastal area of Bahia Herradura is known worldwide as the fishing capital of Costa Rica. It is a popular tourist destination with close proximity to Jaco Beach, with its excellent surfing conditions. This area offers many other outdoor recreational options along the black-sand beaches lined with palm trees. You will not have to worry about running out of daylight regardless of the time you visit because the sun rises and sets at the same time in Costa Rica all year long.

Day 10 | Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica: Playa Flamingo is considered one of Central America’s most beautiful beaches with it pristine blue water, exotic marine life, and some of the best deep sea fishing to be found. Located in Punta Salinas on the country’s Gold Coast, Playa Flamingo is the only full-service marina between Acapulco and Panama. Other water activities include year-round SCUBA diving, swimming, and snorkeling. The stunning and unspoiled white-sand beaches will remain in your memory for years to come.

Day 11 | Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica: Absorb Costa Rica’s magnificent biodiversity by adding a land package to your cruise. Venture to the Monteverde Cloud Forest, where 300-year-old trees and orchids form a spectacular backdrop to resplendent quetzals, tapirs, monkeys, sloths, and other rainforest residents. Or head to Tortuguero National Park, one of the most remote places in Costa Rica, known for being a primary nesting site of endangered green turtles.

Food and Dining

All meals in all venues at all times, including room service menu available 24 hours. All non-alcoholic beverages, including cappuccino, espresso, and other specialty non-alcoholic drinks are offered to guests. There is also a welcome cocktails reception as well.

Onboard Activities/Events

Guests are allowed unlimited access to use all water sports equipment and there is also on board entertainment. A casino, library/business center, lounge, pool, whirlpool, and screening room are also available for guests at their leisure.

Staterooms or Cabins

Guests can enjoy amenities including a queen size bed with luxurious linens, a waffle weave robe and slippers, a flat screen TV with DVD player, a full stocked minibar and refrigerator, safety deposit box, direct dial phone, luxury bath amenities, Wi Fi access, fresh flowers and fruit, granite vanity with makeup mirror, wake in closet with ample drawer space, bathroom with granite countertop, full size tub and a shower, and hairdryers.
Gracious Balcony and Ocean View Suites are where stylish comfort and ocean views welcome you in 277 square feet. Your queen bed, which can be separated as twins if you prefer, features luxurious Egyptian cotton linens. Enjoy a luxurious soak in your full-size tub or an invigorating shower, then wrap up in your waffle-weave robe and slippers, savor a treat from the fresh fruit bowl, or simply stretch out and enjoy the fresh flowers.
Classic Suites allow you to relax in 400 to 530 spacious square feet. Your living area offers beautiful views from the forward-facing window and French doors onto your private veranda. Two spacious closets give you plenty of room to unpack.
Owner’s Suites with 575 square feet, your Owner’s Suite offers separate living room and dining areas. A veranda, two flat-screen TVs and DVD players, and a full master bath and separate powder room indulge you in spacious comfort.

Spa

WindSpa is available to guests who wish to take time and relax after an adventurous day out exploring Panama or Costa Rica.

Fitness

There is a fitness center on board for guests who want to continue their workout while sailing.