Rose Parade and Panama Canal Cruise

22 days
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4.2/5 Great
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Small Ship Cruise
The Panama Canal has captured people's imagination since the first ship, the SS Ancon, transited it's 48 mile length 103 years ago. This incredible feat of engineering shaved 7,800 miles off of the trip from New York to San Francisco! Since you are checking the Rose Parade off your bucket list this year, why not extend your trip and check off the Panama Canal...
From$4,998
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Overview

Trip type
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

    • Enjoy an exclusive private viewing of the Rose Parade floats and the parade from reserved grandstand seats
    • Travel along the Southern California coast through Santa Barbara to Solvang and Pismo Beach
    • Enjoy an included guided tour of Hearst Castle
    • While cruising, visit ports in five countries: Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Colombia
    • Witness the Panama Canal transit in daylight

What's this trip about?

    The Panama Canal has captured people's imagination since the first ship, the SS Ancon, transited it's 48 mile length 103 years ago. This incredible feat of engineering shaved 7,800 miles off of the trip from New York to San Francisco! Since you are checking the Rose Parade off your bucket list this year, why not extend your trip and check off the Panama Canal too?

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityLos Angeles
End CityMiami

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural
  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

Activities

  • Culture
  • History
  • Nature

Trip includes

    • 14-Night Cruise: Aboard Norwegian Star. All meals onboard are included.
    • 7-Night Hotel Accommodations: Based on twin/double accommodations in moderate hotels
    • Sightseeing: Special events as listed on land portion.
    • Baggage Handling: To and from your hotel room and cruise ship cabin throughout your land tour for one piece of checked baggage per person.
    • Service: A professionally trained Tour Director during the Rose Parade and California land tour and a dedicated Cruise Host during the cruise both of whom are knowledgeable on the local area will provide you with a wealth of information. Their friendly service will make your trip a memorable experience

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Itinerary

Day 1 – 5

Los Angeles and Pasadena

Join YMT for the annual New Year’s tradition as only YMT can present it: Five days in Los Angeles filled with activities around the parade. Includes a private evening presentation by the Tournament committee with dinner, exclusive evening access to the float barn wher...

Day 6

Santa Barbara and Solvang

Head north along the beautiful coastline to Santa Barbara, known as “the American Riviera.” Enjoy a walking tour and an opportunity for lunch on your own before continuing a bit inland to nearby Solvang, which is Danish for “sunny fields.” Situated in the Santa Ynez V...

Day 7

Hearst Castle and Pismo Beach

After a leisurely morning, head to the coast for an early afternoon visit of famous Hearst Castle. The vast and beautiful former estate of legendary media mogul William Randolph Hearst turned California State Historic Park offers breathtaking views over the coastline ...

Day 8 & 9

Embarkation of Norwegian Star and at sea

After a leisurely morning, transfer to San Pedro and embark the Norwegian Star. Onboard, you’ll find 16 unique places to eat and 10 exciting bars and lounges! Remember all your meals onboard are included.

Day 10 & 11

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico (10:00 AM–6:00 PM) and At Sea

The Los Cabos region of the Southern Baja Peninsula is home to the bustling towns of San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas. In the past few years, swanky new hotels and sleek condos have been added to round out this vacation destination. Day 11 at sea will let you take full advantage of the “freestyle” life — try your luck in the casino or enjoy the spectacular entertainment.

Day 12 & 13

Acapulco (8:00 AM–6:00 PM) and At Sea

La Quebrada where the cliff jumpers of Acapulco hurl themselves into the ocean is the most iconic site here. Be sure to visit it during the day in port, or enjoy some last opportunities for Mexican souvenir shopping. On Wednesday, enjoy another relaxing day at sea and check out the many entertainment options on board.

Day 14

Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala (8:00 AM–4:00 PM)

The somewhat sleepy port of Puerto Quetzal showcases the vibrant colors of Guatemala’s culture and takes you away from the hustle and bustle of more populated ports. Perhaps choose an excursion to nearby Colonial Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or visit a coffee plantation.

Day 15

San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua (10:00 AM–5:00 PM)

Welcome to Nicaragua! A lush, tropical landscape in and around port will greet you. Take advantage of the many activities, such as a tour to the nearby Lake Nicaragua or the conquistadores founded settlement of Granada.

Day 16

Puntarenas, Costa Rica (8:00 AM–6:00 PM)

Sitting amid some of the most beautiful rainforests in the country, Puntarenas is a city in transition from the important historical shipping port to tourist mecca.

Day 17

At Sea

After three days of port activities, it is time to sit back, relax with a book or perhaps get pampered in the spa.

Day 18

Scenic Cruising off the Panama Canal

Linking the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean, the Panama Canal provides one of the cruising’s most unforgettable experiences. After over 10 years in the making, the canal was finally completed in 1914.

Day 19

Cartagena, Colombia (10:00 AM–7:00 PM)

Cartagena is full of history and charm. For example, from La Popa Monastery, you have a panoramic view of the city and harbor. You can enjoy the artisan center of Las Bovedas (The Dungeons), Plaza Bolivar, the Palace of Inquisition, and the Church of San Pedro Claver.

Day 20 & 21

At Sea (10:00 AM–7:00 PM)

The day is yours to enjoy—that is what “freestyle” cruising is all about! Two final days to relax and take in everything the Star has to offer before it is time to say goodbye!

Day 22

Disembarkation and Depart Home from Miami

Please note that this is a proposed itinerary; the actual itinerary may vary due to the season, special events, or weather. Because our tour arrangements are often made a year or more in advance, YMT Vacations reserves the right to alter the itinerary. Itinerary chang...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $4,998
Price per day$227
Single supplement (single occupancy)$1,100
Last Updated: 2/23/2024

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with YMT Vacations.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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We started in 1967 in Michigan as “Your Man Tours” arranging tours to Hawaii for Veterans of Foreign Wars. The “Your Man” was reference to our Polynesian guides who greeted guests at the Honolulu airport with beautiful and fragrant flower leis. Our guides created a warm and engaging atmosphere as they introduced YMT guests to their beautiful island paradise.

Today we are known as YMT Vacations to reflect worldwide expertise in Alaska, Europe, and the domestic United States. Our staff have decades of experience as tour operators and take pride in making your vacation memorable and rewarding.

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Trip ID
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