Costa Rica & Panama Canal

Detailed Itinerary

Day-by-day description of your cruise and cruise activities.

Day 1

Colón

Explore the inner workings of the Panama Canal, head into the jungle to meet with Embera Indians, or take an aerial tram ride through the rainforest canopy.

Day 2

Panama Canal

At nearly 48 miles long, on your transit through the Panama Canal you will enter three sets of locks that raise and lower the vessel 85 feet between the calm Pacific Ocean and the shimmering waters of the Atlantic. Your voyage features a daylight hours transit with numerous observation vantage points for outside viewing and comfortable indoor air-conditioned lounges. Expert onboard commentary enhances your journey as you watch the day to day workings of this bucket list experience.

Day 3

Balboa / Fuerte Amador

One of the entrances to the Panama Canal on the Pacific side, Balboa/Fuerte Amador was founded in 1519 and is a short distance from Panama City. In 2012 Balboa was ranked #1 in Latin America in the category of world's busiest container ports. Sightseeing highlights include the colonial homes, the Administration Building, the Goethals Memorial, the Prado, and the local handicraft markets of traditional Panamanian crafts.

Day 4

Balboa / Fuerte Amador

Day 5

Day 6

Isla Parida

Located within a Nature Preserve of 50 islands, and part of Chiriqui Marine National Park lovely Isla Parida boasts magnificent beaches, one of which is over 1,300 feet long. The crystal clear waters stay at 82 degrees year round and are filled with marine life. There are numerous hardwood trees like teak, mahogany, and eucalyptus, and fruit trees like mango, banana and coconut trees. Here you will be treated to Windstar's Signature Beach Party on a secluded beach that faces the Pacific Ocean.

Day 7

Golfo Dulce

Picture Jurassic foliage growing down steep hillsides all the way to the waterline, the hoots of monkeys echoing through trees choked by orchids. Golfo Dulce is one of Costa Rica’s most biodiverse areas, where both the jungle and the sea brim with life. Explore the canals by kayak in search of javelinas, butterflies, and more bird species than in all of North America. This port is accessed with a wet landing.

Day 8

Quepos

The former banana-exporting town of Quepos is your basecamp for a day of rainforest adventure. Take a walk along trails that weave up to waterfalls, or ride horseback to a beautiful jungle pool. A float trip through a mangrove swamp populated by monkeys, crocodiles, egrets, and herons is also available. Or you may choose a nature walk through Manuel Antonio National Park, with its lovely beaches, easy trails, and abundant animal life.

Ship

Your cruise ship

About this ship

Star Legend

Star Legend is a boutique, all-suite yacht that exemplifies Windstar Cruises’ signature style of immersive, small-ship luxury. Carrying just 312 guests, the vessel offers a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere, designed for discerning travelers who seek personal space, attentive service, and the ability to reach off-the-beaten-path destinations in comfort and style.

Originally launched in 1992 and transformed in 2021 as part of Windstar’s ambitious $250 million Star Plus Initiative, Star Legend emerged from its renovation with a new vitality. The ship was lengthened by 84 feet, allowing for expanded public areas, new dining concepts, and additional all-suite accommodations—all while preserving the sense of intimacy that defines the Windstar experience.

The 156 suites onboard range from 277 to 820 square feet, all offering sweeping ocean views. Interiors are designed with a contemporary, understated elegance, featuring warm wood tones, plush furnishings, and a palette drawn from the sea and sky. Many suites include private verandas or French balconies, while all offer walk-in closets, marble bathrooms with dual vanities, and fine details such as L’Occitane bath amenities, high-thread-count linens, and Illy espresso machines.

Dining on Star Legend is a true highlight. Guests enjoy a variety of culinary venues, all included in the fare and all rooted in Windstar’s commitment to quality and creativity. Amphora, the main dining room, serves globally inspired dishes in an open-seating setting. Candles, the ship’s romantic outdoor venue, offers expertly prepared steaks under the stars. Cuadro 44 by James Beard Award–nominated chef Anthony Sasso presents modern Spanish cuisine in a cozy, wine-bar-style space, while the Star Grill by Steven Raichlen delivers global barbecue flavors in an al fresco setting. The Yacht Club Café provides a more casual option for coffee, pastries, and light bites throughout the day.

Life onboard is designed for both enrichment and relaxation. The World Spa by Windstar offers a full menu of treatments, a thermal suite, and a serene atmosphere, while the fitness center features modern equipment and instructor-led wellness classes. The open decks include an infinity-style pool and whirlpools with panoramic views, while the ship’s watersports platform at the stern offers complimentary access to kayaks, paddle boards, snorkeling gear, and more—available when anchored in select destinations.

Because of its size and advanced maneuverability, Star Legend is uniquely equipped to access smaller ports and remote harbors. Whether exploring the storied coastlines of the Mediterranean, the rugged beauty of Northern Europe, or the exotic islands of Southeast Asia, the ship brings guests closer to the cultures and landscapes they’ve come to discover.

Blending elegance, intimacy, and destination-driven itineraries, Star Legend offers a yachting experience that is as enriching as it is indulgent—perfect for travelers who seek the freedom of the open sea without sacrificing the comforts of modern luxury.

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