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Between the Caribbean and the Maya

Between the Caribbean and the Maya

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Description

PONANT brings you an itinerary in the Caribbean Sea, sailing along the Mexican peninsula of Yucatán to Panama, via Guatemala and Belize. In Cozumel, you will board Le Bellot for a 10-day cruise combining idyllic beaches and Pre-Columbian sites.

First of all, you’ll discover Belize, with its Mayan sites lost in tropical jungle and, seen from the sky, its marvellous coral reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is home to the emblematic Blue Hole, a splendid underwater cenote that stands out like a sapphire set upon the reefs of the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. An extraordinary natural phenomenon that you will have the possibility of admiring from the sky.

The next port of call will be Santo Tomás de Castilla. From there, you will be able to discover the pyramids of Tikal, a major site of the Maya civilisation, or the palaces, pyramids and sanctuaries of the Archaeological Park and Ruins of Quiriguá, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Le Bellot will then sail to Costa Rica and Puerto Limón, not far from the island named Tortuguero. Literally “the Land of Turtles”, the village and the National Park are key nesting sites for four species of sea turtle, including two critically endangered species.

You will finally discover the clear waters of Panama and the San Blas archipelago, composed of more than 300 islands and cays. The Kuna live among the palm trees and pirogues; this people perpetuates, among other things, the traditional craft of molas, weaved textiles in sparkling colours.

Trip Name
Between the Caribbean and the Maya
Days
10
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition / Cruise Ship Length: 131 metres Passenger Capacity: 184 Built: 2019-2020 Featuring innovative and environmentally-friendly equipment, elegantly designed staterooms, spacious suites with large windows, and lounge areas that open onto the outside, this new limited-capacity yacht boasting just 92 staterooms and suites will offer you a truly unique cruising experience. As the first ship in a new series that remains true to the Ponant spirit, Le Bellot will embody the unique atmosphere that is the cruise line’s hallmark: a subtle blend of refinement, intimacy and comfort. Aboard this ship that flies the French flag, you will experience the incomparable pleasure of an intimate cruise, with the possibility of exploring an ever-increasing range of destinations in an ethnic-chic ambiance with luxury service. Experience a luxurious setting where the accent is on authenticity and passion for travel. RESTAURANTS As it is an essential part of French culture, gastronomy will naturally have pride of place aboard this new ship. To the back of Deck 4, you will find a 260 m² panoramic restaurant which can accommodate all of our passengers in a single sitting. Designed differently to that on our other ships, this dining area, which opens onto the outside, will have a buffet of salads, desserts and cheeses at your disposal. Our discreet and attentive crew will provide table service for hot meals. In a relaxed atmosphere, an outdoor grill on Deck 3 will serve grilled meats with a variety of salads and desserts. PUBLIC AREAS Le Bellot has many common areas that are designed and equipped to meet all of your needs while preserving the intimacy of each passenger. A 140 m² reception area includes: A reception/concierge desk, An excursions desk, The ship’s administrative services, The sales office, manned by our Guest Relations Officer, Our 50 m² boutique which sells clothing, jewellery, beauty products, postcards and various accessories, Toilets accessible to passengers with reduced mobility. A new hydraulic platform with adjustable height provides:   Easier boarding than on any other cruise ship, Easier Zodiac embarkation and disembarkation for expeditions, Easier access to the sea for swimming and practising various water sports such as kayaking or paddle-boarding. A pool deck offering: A pool with a panoramic view, equipped with a counter-current swimming system, A pleasant solarium, An outdoor bar and lounge with armchairs and sofas. A 200 m² main lounge which can accommodate all of our passengers to share convivial moments and to host activities organised during the day or evening. Lastly, a theatre that seats 188, equipped with: The latest sound and lighting technology, A LED wall as the stage backdrop, for the projection of high-resolution images and videos.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 COZUMEL
Off the Riviera Maya, Cozumel is Mexico’s second largest island. Located at the northern extremity of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the island is renowned for its snorkelling and diving sites and the incredible clarity of its waters protected by a marine park. The island’s coasts and interior are also full of treasures: sacred Maya sites devoted to medicine, love and fertility; cenotes; a museum; an ecological reserve; mangroves; lagoons; coastal dunes; long unspoiled beaches. Don’t hesitate to climb to the top of the lighthouse in the Punta Sur Nature Reserve in the island’s south, to admire the panorama of these wild expanses from above.
Day 2 - Day 2 AT SEA
During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Day 3 - Day 3 BELIZE CITY
Belize City is the former capital and the country’s largest town. Located on the Caribbean Sea, this lively little town symbolises the fusion of British, Spanish and Maya cultures. The departure point for flights over the Great Blue Hole and the barrier reef, it’s also the ideal gateway for discovering the treasures of Maya architecture: in the heart of the jungle, the grandiose and mysterious ruins of temples and palaces at the Lamanai and Xunantunich sites await you. Another unmissable experience: a trip to the mouth of the Belize River: with a little luck and care, you’ll get a glimpse of manatees, dolphins, crocodiles, iguanas and many aquatic bird species.
Day 4 - Day 4 SANTO TOMÁS DE CASTILLA
A port city located in the north-east of Guatemala, on the coast of the Amatique Bay, Santo Tomás de Castilla offers exceptional access to the fabulous Mayan archaeological site of Quiriguá. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981, this place takes you back in time, deep into a décor of ruins and vestiges from the 8th century.
Day 5 - Day 5 WATER CAYE, ISLA UTILA
The Bay Islands archipelago is home to stunning cays, sheltered coral islets with warm, crystal-clear turquoise waters. Off the island of Utila, the white-sand beaches lined with palms and coconut trees and the reefs of the deserted islet called Water Caye offer a picture-postcard setting that will delight fans of swimming and snorkelling.
Day 6 - Days 6 - 7 AT SEA
During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Day 7 - Day 8 PUERTO LIMÓN
We’re pretty sure the little coastal town of Puerto Limón will completely win your heart. It is located on the Caribbean sea. Just beyond the harbour, Playa Bonita creek opens its arms to a haven of beauty rimmed by clear blue waters and shaded by giant peach-palms. If you wish to explore the lush green areas in the town, it’s worth taking a stroll through the lemon groves that give Puerto Limón its name. You’ll have all the time in the world to mosey around the streets scattered with multicoloured wooden makeshift stalls. These makeshift bars with their raffia roofs offer fresh juices blended just for you.
Day 8 - Day 9 SAN BLAS ISLANDS
Located on the north-east coast of Panama, the San Blas archipelago is a string of coral islands in the heart of the Caribbean Sea. More than 300 islands and cays cover an area of 300 square kilometres offering travellers a multitude of treasures. Sheltered behind a long coral reef, the San Blas Islands are full of enchanting anchorages. The long sandy white beaches bound by crystal-clear waters will allow you to relax and enjoy incredible marine fauna before engaging with the Kunas Indian community. Still subsisting on hunting and fishing, they will welcome you in their villages of bamboo houses gathered near the beaches.
Day 9 - Day 10 COLÓN
Colón is the second largest city in Panama, at the Caribbean entrance of the Panama Canal. Colón is today an important port, and the free trade zone created in 1953 contributed greatly to the development of the city. Colón was founded in 1850 by Americans working on the Panama railroad connecting the Atlantic and Pacific coasts through the isthmus of Panama; the city rapidly overshadowed the older Caribbean ports of Panama when the canal opened.
Day 10 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type

Inclusions

    • A cruise to six Central American countries between idyllic beaches and pre-Columbian sites
    • UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Tikal by plane and the archaeological park and Mayan ruins of Quiriguá from Santo Tomás de Castilla; the Belize Barrier Reef with (flight over the Great Blue Hole).
    • Visit of the Mayan sites of Xunantunich and Lamanai in the Belize jungle.
    • The lush tropical forests of Costa Rica, from Puerto Limón.
    • The idyllic islets of Water Caye and the San Blas archipelago and their magnificent seabeds.
    • The possibility of discovering the crafts and traditions of the Kuna people in the San Blas Islands.

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