Panama Cruisin'

I haven’t seen cruise prices like this in … forever! Maybe since I was a travel agent in the 70’s. An email arrived in my inbox from Princess Cruises offering – and I quote - a "10-day Panama Canal cruises from $599*". Brochure rates start at over $1,000.

Of course, that’s plus tips, taxes, surcharges and airfare to Ft. Lauderdale/ Acapulco. (air add-ons are available from $399.) And it’s an inside cabin. But bargain hunter/cruisers should check this out quick! Departures are Mar. 23 and April 2.

Cruise 51 miles from Atlantic to Pacific through the jungles of Central America. The Canal celebrates it’s 95th birthday this August. Ports of call include Puntarenas, Costa Rica (visit the Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve); Fuerte Amador (Panama City’s port) on the Pacific side of the canal; Ocho Rios, Jamaica (and famous Dunn’s River Falls); and Puerto Quetzal, Guatamala (tour the capital or Lake Azitlan’s volcanoes).

Bon voyage!