From the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal to Costa Rica's lush rainforests and incredible wildlife, this 7-night cruise combines adventure, natural beauty, and unforgettable experiences!
We'll begin our journey in Colón, Panama, and sail through the famous Panama Canal during daylight hours. Imagine watching the massive locks in action as our ship makes its way between the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean. It's one of those bucket-list experiences that's even more impressive in person!
From there, we'll explore the tropical coastlines of Panama and Costa Rica, visiting secluded beaches, dense rainforests, and destinations teeming with wildlife. We'll even enjoy Windstar's Signature Beach Party on a beautiful tropical island!
Experience a daylight transit through one of the world's greatest engineering wonders! Watch the enormous locks raise and lower our ship as we travel from the Caribbean Sea to the Pacific Ocean.
Turquoise waters, secluded beaches, and tropical scenery await! We'll visit this beautiful island in Chiriquí Marine National Park and enjoy Windstar's Signature Beach Party on the beach.
Discover one of Costa Rica's most biodiverse regions, where dense rainforests meet the ocean. Keep an eye out for monkeys, colorful toucans, and other wildlife along this beautiful, remote coastline.
Explore beautiful beaches and jungle trails in one of Costa Rica's most famous national parks. Look for sloths and playful monkeys, or take your adventure to new heights with a zip-lining excursion!
Windstar’s Star Pride is an all-suite yacht, so every guest enjoys a spacious ocean-view suite, larger than typical cruise cabins you’ll find on regular ships.
Cruise Pricing
(Pricing per person, based on double occupancy. Our 10% group discount is already included!)
• Porthole Suites: starting at $2,625 per person (limited availability)
• Ocean View Suites: starting at $2,783 per person
• Balcony Suites: starting at $3,507 per person
Traveling Solo? Single-occupancy suites start at $4,272.
Deposit & Payment Terms
• Deposit: 15% of the reservation total is required within 3 days of booking to secure your suite.
• Payment Plan: An optional payment plan is available, with scheduled payments every 4 months.
• Final Payment: Due 90 days prior to departure.
• Cancellation Policy: If the reservation is cancelled before final payment, a $50 per person cancellation fee applies.
Since our Panama Canal & Costa Rica cruise begins in Panama and ends in Costa Rica, you'll need to book multi-city flights rather than a traditional roundtrip ticket.
Flying into Panama
Our cruise departs from Colón, Panama, on January 31, 2028. The best airport to fly into is Tocumen International Airport (PTY) in Panama City.
I strongly recommend arriving at least one day before our cruise, on January 30. This gives you a little breathing room in case of flight delays and a chance to rest before boarding.
Colón is approximately 1 to 1½ hours from Panama City by car, depending on traffic. You'll need transportation from your hotel to the cruise port on embarkation day.
Flying Home from Costa Rica
Our cruise ends on February 7, 2028, at Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica. The best airport for your return flight is Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), near San José.
The airport is approximately 1 to 2 hours from the cruise port, depending on traffic. I recommend allowing plenty of time for disembarkation, transportation, and airport check-in rather than booking an early-morning flight.
What About Airport Transfers?
I'm looking into transportation options, including transfers offered through Windstar, to help make getting to and from the ship as easy as possible. I'll share more information as we get closer to sailing.
Flights, hotels, and airport transfers are not included in the cruise fare.
And of course, if you'd like to arrive early to explore Panama City or spend a few extra days in Costa Rica after our cruise, I'm happy to help with hotel arrangements and travel planning!
Windstar’s size allows for:
Easier embarkation and disembarkation
Less time waiting, more time exploring
A quieter onboard environment
Access to ports and locations that feel less crowded
This creates a smoother, more relaxed experience overall, especially in a destination known for dramatic landscapes and changing weather.
Your Windstar cruise includes:
Yacht accommodations
All meals onboard
Specialty dining at no extra charge
Port fees and taxes
Windstar’s attentive, small-ship service
Flights, shore excursions, and travel insurance are typically additional and can be added based on your preferences.
This cruise is a wonderful fit for travelers who:
Love nature, wildlife, and exploring new destinations
Enjoy a little adventure mixed with relaxation
Appreciate good food and comfortable accommodations
Prefer smaller groups and a more personal experience
Want to experience the Panama Canal and Costa Rica without constantly packing and unpacking
Whether you're an experienced cruiser or trying small-ship cruising for the first time, this itinerary offers a wonderful combination of exploration and relaxation.
Life aboard Star Pride is relaxed, comfortable, and refreshingly uncrowded. Rather than big productions and packed entertainment schedules, you'll find:
Live music and casual evening entertainment
Interesting destination talks and enrichment programs
Comfortable lounges and beautiful outdoor decks
A pool, whirlpools, and spa
Opportunities to socialize or simply enjoy some quiet time
It's a lovely way to unwind after a day of exploring Central America.
One of the biggest surprises for first-time Windstar guests is just how spacious the suites are!
Every accommodation aboard Star Pride is a suite, starting at approximately 277 square feet.
You'll enjoy:
A comfortable sitting area with a sofa and chairs
A walk-in closet with plenty of storage
A spacious bathroom with double sinks
Large windows or portholes, depending on your suite category
Balcony Suites feature French balconies with floor-to-ceiling sliding doors that open to the fresh ocean air. Unlike traditional balconies, they don't have outdoor seating.
All dining is included with your cruise fare and offers a variety of venues from relaxed outdoor grills to more refined specialty restaurants. Reservations are recommended for specialty venues once you are onboard
Meals onboard Windstar are an experience! As the Official Cruise Line of the James Beard Foundation featuring locally inspired cuisine, developed by a list of culinary all-stars using new flavors and fresh ingredients.
Windstar offers an open seating program allowing guests to dine when and with whom they like. Light and plant-based cuisine available on request.
- Amphora: Amphora presents a contemporary, international menu and fresh local dishes. The room features mirror panels with Murano glass, soft lighting, and wall coverings. Dishes by James Beard Foundation affiliated chefs are served nightly.
- Candles: A romantic setting offers alfresco dining with fine steaks and grilled skewers on the menu, where guests can dine under the stars. No charge reservations required once on board.
- Star Grill by Steven Raichlen: Discover classic barbecue and grilling with a new twist in a casual, outdoor atmosphere at the new Star Grill by Steven Raichlen, the global grilling authority.
- Veranda: An inviting breakfast and lunch buffet with outdoor seating offers a variety of options including many local ingredients.
- Yacht Club Café: A chic lounge and all-day snack bar, the perfect place to relax, features new flooring, and an open layout that embraces the view.
Complimentary in-room: 24-hour room service menu for in-room dining features a coursed menu from the main Amphora dining room during dining hours.
Dining is included with your cruise fare, but reservations are strongly recommended at the specialty restaurants.
Dress Code for Evening Meals:
Windstar’s dress code is best described as casual elegance in the evenings. For men, slacks or neat pants with a collared shirt or polo are typical. Women often wear slacks, skirts, or casual dresses. Designer denim (without holes or heavy distressing) can work too. There are no formal nights and no requirement for jackets or ties.
Room Service is available 24/7, even for snacks like popcorn or chips and guacamole—perfect for a cozy movie night.
Windstar’s onboard experience is intentionally low-key. You will not find big stage shows, casinos, or nonstop entertainment schedules. Instead, the focus is on the destination, meaningful moments, and a relaxed pace that complements full days ashore.
Here’s what you can expect onboard:
Live music and relaxed social time
Evenings often include soft live music in the lounge and casual gatherings where conversation comes naturally. Many guests enjoy unwinding with a drink, chatting with fellow travelers, or simply taking in the views as the ship sails along Iceland’s coastline.
Public Areas: Entertainment lounge, Compass Rose bar, Star Bar, Yacht Club Cafe, screening room, fitness center and motion studio, WorldSpa by Windstar, infinity pool, two whirlpools, generous open deck space, Star Boutique.
Destination enrichment talks
Onboard lectures and informal talks offer insight into the country's history, geology, culture, and wildlife. These are designed to add context to what you are seeing, not overwhelm your schedule.
Open Bridge visits
Guests are often invited to visit the ship’s bridge when conditions allow. This gives you a behind-the-scenes look at how the yacht is navigated and a chance to ask questions of the officers, something rarely offered on larger ships.
World Spa by Windstar: Full-service salon, spa and barber shop featuring treatments based on the ship’s destination. Offerings include massages, body treatments, facials, manicures, pedicures, aromatherapy, acupuncture, Complimentary access to the fitness center, motion studio, relaxation studio, rainfall shower, sauna, steam room.
Quiet moments that feel unplanned
Many guests say some of their favorite moments happen between activities. A conversation over coffee, watching the scenery change from the deck, or relaxing after a full day of exploring often become highlights of the trip.
This style of onboard life is a great fit for travelers who value atmosphere over activity and prefer a calm, thoughtful experience that lets the destination remain the focus.
While this is a hosted group sailing, you are always free to experience the cruise entirely at your own pace. There is never an expectation to spend time with the group or follow a shared schedule. Many guests enjoy the benefit of group pricing and advisor support while still exploring independently and creating their own experience onboard and in port.
Traveling with the group:
Some guests enjoy connecting with fellow travelers along the way, sharing conversations, excursions, or meals when it naturally happens. Or not!
Traveling solo:
Solo travelers are always welcome. I often travel solo myself, and many guests join these trips without knowing anyone beforehand. You’ll have the comfort of built-in support while still maintaining complete independence, and most travelers find they naturally connect along the way if they choose to.