Panama and Peru: Panama Canal and San Blas Islands
From the Wild Beauty of Panama to the Fascinating Shores of Peru
When the sun sinks into the sea and steeps the sky in colours no evening repeats.
Interested in this voyage?
Personal advice, no call centre - a reply within 24 hours.
Colón → Callao
Ten days between the Caribbean and the Pacific, from Panama to the coast of Peru. Your Ponant Classic sister ship for 184 guests links the Atlantic side of the isthmus with the South Pacific through one of the most famous waterways in the world. With premium all-inclusive service, a marina platform and Zodiacs you discover tropical island archipelagos, deserted beaches and ancient cultural landscapes. The crossing of the Panama Canal is one of the great maritime experiences of our time. The ship then follows the Pacific coast of South America southwards to Callao, the port of Lima.
Route highlights
- Colón: Caribbean entrance to the Panama Canal with colonial heritage and access to the Soberanía rainforest.
- San Blas Islands: Autonomous Guna Yala territory with white palm beaches and intricate mola textiles.
- Panama Canal: Passage through the Gatun and Miraflores locks, an engineering marvel set against tropical scenery.
- Playa del Muerto: Remote Pacific bay in the Darién district, ideal for Zodiac landings and encounters with Embera culture.
- Salaverry: Gateway to the ancient Chimú capital of Chan Chan and the mud-brick pyramids of the Moche.
- Callao: Historic Pacific port of Lima with the Real Felipe fortress and a bridge to the Peruvian capital.
The Route
Colón
10 nights
Callao
-
Colón (Panama) · Embarkation
Colón sits at the Caribbean entrance of the Panama Canal. The canal - opened in 1914 and 80 kilometres long - is one of the great engineering wonders of humankind; 35 to 40 ships pass through it every day.
-
San-Blas-Inseln
Over 300 islands and islets belonging to the indigenous Guna people - an autonomous territory of Panama. The San Blas Islands combine palm-fringed beach paradise with vibrant Guna culture and crystal-clear water.
-
At sea
-
Fuerte Amador, Flamenco Island
The Fuerte Amador anchorage lies along the Amador Causeway near Panama City, where a raised roadway links several islands at the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal. From here the view reaches across the old town skyline and the Bridge of the Americas.
-
Playa Muerto, Nationalpark Darién
-
At sea
-
Salaverry
On Peru's northern Pacific coast, Salaverry serves as the port for nearby Trujillo. From the dock visitors can reach the pre-Columbian adobe ruins of Chan Chan and the Moon and Sun temples.
-
Callao · Disembarkation
L'Austral
L'Austral belongs to Ponant's Odyssée class: 264 guests, ice-reinforced hull, French cuisine with wine at dinner. Large enough for comfort on the open sea, small enough for fjords, pack ice boundaries and islands without a harbour.
The Ship
Cabins
Owner's Suite
The most exclusive suite on board, located on Deck 6. Separate bedroom, balneo bathtub, panoramic views, butler service and personalised attention from the crew.
Cabin layout
Prestige Suite with Balcony
Elegant suites on Decks 5 and 6. Separate living and sleeping areas, two dressing rooms, generous balcony. Round-the-clock butler service.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Suite with Balcony
Spacious suites on Deck 6 with a separate bathtub and shower, sitting area and a private balcony. Butler service included.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Cabin
Outside cabin with a large panoramic window on Deck 3. Ideal for solo travellers or couples. All on-board amenities included.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Cabin with Balcony
Comfortable outside cabins on Decks 3 and 4 with a private balcony. Convertible twin or double beds, shower bathroom.
Cabin layout
Prestige Cabin with Balcony
The most popular category: premium cabins on Decks 4-6 with a private balcony, sitting area and convertible beds. Unobstructed views of the destination.
Cabin layout
Deck plan · L'Austral
Cabin prices
Prices per person in double cabin (suites: based on double occupancy), all-inclusive. Subject to availability.
| Category | Price p.P. | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Superior Aussenkabine | € 5.420 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Balkonkabine | € 5.840 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Kabine Deck 4 - CHANDERNAGOR | € 6.430 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Kabine Deck 5 - BENGALE | € 6.730 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Kabine Deck 6 - MAHE | € 7.080 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite - MAHE | € 9.100 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Suite Deck 5 | € 10.890 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Suite Deck 6 | € 11.360 | Available | Enquire |
| Owner's Suite - MAHE | € 15.580 | Available | Enquire |
Prices as of: 14.08.2026
Standard inclusions of the ship voyage
On board
- Full board in gourmet and À-la-carte restaurants
- Afternoon tea and pastries
- Open bar: water, soft drinks, wines, champagne, spirits, beers, coffee and tea
- Minibar in cabin, regularly refilled
- 24-hour cabin service
- All gratuities for crew and service staff
- Complimentary WiFi onboard (standard usage)
- Butler service (in higher suite categories on select ships)
- Zodiac excursions with experienced guides (on Expedition voyages)
- Expert lectures by scientists, marine biologists and historians
- Water sports equipment: kayaks, stand-up paddling, snorkelling gear (subject to weather and region)
Not included
- Flights
- Travel to/from ship (transfers, pre- or post-programmes)
- Some special shore excursions
- Spa treatments
Frequently asked questions
How do I book this voyage?
Send us a non-binding enquiry via the form on this page. Our team replies personally within 24 hours with availability, cabin options and a tailored offer. No enquiry fee, no upfront payment.
What is included in the price?
The base price per person (twin cabin) includes the cabin in your chosen category, full board, all port fees and the onboard programme. Flights and transfers are quoted separately. 10 nights from EUR 5.050 p.p. With Ponant, selected wines and beverages at meals are included.
How many guests sail on the L'Austral?
A maximum of 264 guests - extraordinarily intimate compared to standard cruise ships. The high crew-to-guest ratio ensures personal attention throughout the voyage.
Can the itinerary change?
Yes - all itineraries are subject to weather, port availability and the captain's decisions. This is part of the charm of small-ship cruising: flexibility allows for unexpected discoveries.
Are there specials for early bookers or solo travellers?
Yes. Early bookers receive discounts for timely booking. Solo travellers often benefit from a reduced or waived single supplement. Simply mention your preferences in the enquiry.
Is my booking protected?
Yes. As a German tour operator, ivent-sailing provides a travel protection certificate (Reisesicherungsschein) under German law. Your payment is fully insured.
What about flights and transfers?
We arrange flights and transfers on request as part of your personal offer. This allows us to find the best connections for your specific departure date and home airport.
Are there shore excursions?
Yes. All cruise lines offer shore excursions - from guided cultural tours to nature experiences. The concepts vary by fleet. We are happy to provide details on available excursions for your chosen voyage.
What water sports and activities are available?
Depending on the ship and route: snorkelling, kayaking, stand-up paddling, diving, and Zodiac landings (on expedition voyages). Many ships have a marina platform for direct access to the water. We will be happy to tell you exactly what is available on your voyage.
Non-binding enquiry
Your enquiry reaches a person familiar with this voyage and ship.
