Central America Cruise Guide
Although covering a more diminutive area and comprised of only seven smaller countries, Central America offers an outsize variety of lush natural beauty, from jungles and rainforests to stunning beaches, Mayan ruins, and charming towns. The best Central America cruises let you take in as much as possible.
What are the best Central America cruise ports?
Most Central America cruises focus on Panama and Costa Rica. Some others make stops in Belize, Honduras, Guatemala, or Nicaragua.
- Costa Rica: Puerto Limon is located on Costa Rica’s Caribbean side, an incredibly biodiverse area filled with rainforest adventures, ziplining excursions, and natural wonders. Puntarenas is a port town on the Pacific side, smaller than the nearby capital city of San Jose. Here you can experience magnificent beaches, the Monteverde Cloud Forest, and other ecological attractions.
- Panama: You’ll get to experience the engineering marvel that is the Panama Canal, and the port city of Colón, with Panama City only a day trip away.
What are the best Central America cruises for seniors?
Different types of cruises cater to different types of travelers, whether you’re craving adventure, culture, local cuisine, or unusual excursions. Whatever cruise line you pick, you’re sure to get some of the best senior cruise deals and discounts on cruise packages with your AARP membership.
- Holland America: The average passenger age for the Holland America Line is 55, with these cruises especially catering to retirees. Holland sails to Central America & the Panama Canal. You’ll find lots of culinary enrichment on board, with cooking classes and demonstrations. Ships offer a main dining room, two casual dining options, plus multiple specialty venues on board, featuring different kinds of cuisines. The line also provides the most disability-friendly ships in the industry.
- Crystal Cruises: This line provides all-inclusive luxury, with ships that are the most spacious in the industry. Guests are typically 45 and over, and all ships provide wheelchair accessibility. Excellent cuisine is a focus on board, with many restaurant choices, including a main dining room, Brazilian steakhouse, Italian and Chinese restaurants, a sushi bar, as well as Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine. Crystal Cruises sail in Central America, and one itinerary option travels from Costa Rica to Nicaragua and El Salvador, and ends in Mexico.
What should I bring on a cruise to Central America?
A South American cruise vacation is a warm affair any time of the year. Plan for toasty temps and humidity. Some key essentials include:
- lightweight walking pants
- breathable short-sleeve and long-sleeve t-shirts or tank tops
- shorts
- waterproof jacket
- lightweight jacket or sweater
- sunglasses and hat
- hiking boots, walking shoes, sandals, flip flops
- bathing suits and cover-ups
Many cruise lines have more formal dining options, so a jacket and dress shirt for men and evening wear for women may be required.
*Prices are cruise only, per person, double occupancy. Taxes, fees and port expenses not included. Rates are valid for US and Canadian residents only. Fuel supplement may apply. Savings advertised and Expedia Extras are based on specific cabin types and sailing dates, and may not be available for all cabin types/sailings.