7 Night Costa Rica & Panama Canal

7 Night Costa Rica & Panama Canal on Rhapsody of the Seas from Colón, Panama Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica

The 7 Night Costa Rica & Panama Canal from Colón, Panama visits Cartagena, Colombia; Panama Canal (Cruising), Panama; Puntarenas, Costa Rica; Quepos, Costa Rica; Panama City (Fuerte Amador), Panama. Explore our cruise itineraries and choose from a variety of rooms depending on your needs and budget. Start planning your next cruise vacation by selecting a destination and departure port.

Royal Caribbean Cruises

Priced from: $743.0 per person 4 sailing dates available

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7 Night Costa Rica & Panama Canal

Leaving from

Colón, Panama

Onboard

Rhapsody of the Seas

Day	Port
1	Colón, Panama Departs at 4:00 PM
2	Cartagena, Colombia From 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
3	Panama Canal, Panama Sightseeing from 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
4	Cruising Day at sea
5	Puntarenas, Costa Rica From 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
6	Quepos, Costa Rica Tendered from 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
7	Cruising Day at sea
8	Panama City (Fuerte Amador), Panama Arrives at 7:00 AM
	*Port sequence may vary by sailing date.

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Your ship Rhapsody of the Seas

Your ship

Rhapsody of the Seas

SAY YES TO ADVENTURE

Seize adventure at the Rock Climbing Wall. Catch a movie under the stars. Rock the kitchen in a culinary class or break a sweat at Vitality℠ at Sea Spa and Fitness Center. It's all here on Rhapsody of the Seas®.

Adventure Ocean^®

“Are we there yet?” is a thing of the past. We keep every kid entertained with games, events, age-appropriate activities and more in our award-winning youth program.

Rock Climbing Wall

Rise to the occasion and take on the signature Rock Climbing Wall. From beginners to speed climbers, everyone can enjoy an unparalleled view from 40 feet above deck. Included in your fare, no reservation required.

Pools

Soak up the sun or savor the shade on expanded pool decks, with complimentary loungers, live music, and the opportunity to enjoy a frosty cocktail.

Solarium

Slip away to this adults-only indoor and outdoor retreat. The Solarium is your slice of paradise, with soothing whirlpools, warm sunshine and a refreshing water mist.

HIGH FLYING FLAVOR TRYING

From exotic Asian flavors at Izumi and reimagined steakhouse classics at Chops Grille℠, to traditional Tuscan dishes at Giovanni's Table, this is one flavor fest you definitely want to try.

Chops Grille℠

For more than a decade, the chefs at Chops Grille have specialized in serving up quality, hand-cut meat. Dinner at this hallmark Royal Caribbean specialty restaurant goes far beyond the typical steakhouse experience, though, with reimagined classics like succulent Maine lobster, gruyere cheese tater tots, white truffle-scented mushroom soup, and of course, expertly prepared prime beef.

Park Cafe

In the mood for deli classics that knock it out of the park? Head to Park Café, where you’ll find quick bites to please every palate. Crisp made-to-order salads? Check. Fresh-pressed paninis and sandwiches? Double check. And don’t miss the legendary Royal Kümmelweck roast beef sandwich — it’s a guest favorite (and a rite of passage for cruising foodies).

Chef's Table

Welcome to Chef’s Table, the most exclusive and elevated dining experience on our fleet. Join an intimate group of fellow foodies on a private epicurean journey led by the ship’s Chef de Cuisine. You’ll sit down to a white tablecloth dinner spotlighting five exquisite courses that range from scallop carpaccio with yuzu vinaigrette, to grilled filet mignon served with truffle potato puree — each expertly paired with the perfect wine to highlight every flavor on the menu.

Izumi

From delicious sushi rolls to fresh sashimi and nigiri, Izumi serves up an exotic Asian-inspired dining experience. Savor izakaya-style appetizers and rolls that range from classic to imaginative. No matter what you order, you’re in for a far out, Far East feast filled with incredible flavors from Tohoku to Tokyo.

SENSATIONAL SHOWS

Ready to be dazzled? Piano Man revisits memory lane with classics on the keys. And throughout the ship, you'll find performances by onboard guest entertainers, like piano sing-alongs at the Schooner Bar.

R Bar

Swanky, sophisticated, and suffused with retro style, R Bar serves up classic cocktails garnished with vintage vibes. Whether your drink of choice is a dry gin martini, an expertly mixed old fashioned, or the perfect gin and tonic, you’ll find plenty to savor here.

Ballroom Fever

You'll feel every beat as you waltz, tango, and jive your way through Ballroom Fever.

Schooner Bar

Wrap up your night at Schooner Bar, where perfectly mixed cocktails and live entertainment come together in a warm-lit nautical-themed lounge. Cozy up in a seat under the mast, by the portholes, or right by the gleaming grand piano. The sing-along's about to begin.

Explorer of the Seas Pool Deck Night Time Outdoor Movie

Outdoor Movie Nights

Watch first-run movies and big time sporting events the way they were meant to be seen - on a 220 square foot outdoor movie screen above the main pool area. On select ships.

Day 1: Colón, Panama

Day 1

Colón

Panama

Home to the Panama Canal's Atlantic Ocean entryway, Colón is the second-largest city in Panama. Start your adventure at the Gatun locks, where you can watch ships being raised by water lifts to the higher elevation of the canal. Then, visit the Portobelo Natural Park and take in the beauty of its 16th century forts. Or head to the beach at Playa Maria Chiquita for clear Caribbean Sea waters and white sands. Cruise to Colón, Panama and check out Portobelo National Park, where you can see 17th-century Fort San Lorenzo or go bird-watching along the Achiote Trail in San Lorenzo Protected Forest. Or take the one-hour trek to Panama City, the Caribbean's urban heartbeat.

Colon, Panama Canal — The second lock of the Panama canal from the Pacific ocean

Lock in the Wonder

Experience the Panama Canal in all its engineered glory as you witness ships being lifted in the Gatun locks to enter Gatun Lake. Ships then traverse through the lake and exit the canal on the Pacific Ocean side, going down again in the Miraflores locks.

Insider tip

Only in Panama can you watch the sun rise on the Pacific Ocean and set on the Atlantic Ocean. All it takes is a 50-mile taxi ride from one side of the country to the other.

Colon, Panama, San Lorenzo Fort — The San Lorenzo fortifications in Portobelo National Park in Colon, Panama

Naturally Fortified

Head to the Portobelo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and find yourself surrounded by historic fortifications like the ruins of San Lorenzo Castle and Fort. Don't miss San Lorenzo Protected Forest, which houses many hiking trails and marine flora and fauna, like mangroves and sea turtles.

Colon, Panama Beaches — Tropical paradise of sandy beaches with clear blue water in Panama

Colon, Panama Cathedral — The Panama Cathedral in Colon

The Beat of the City

Drive for just an hour and find arguably the most visually appealing city in Central America: metropolitan Panama City. Cruise to Colón and walk by impressive skyscrapers like the Vitri Tower, feed your artistic side with a visit to BioMuseo museum, and shop for souvenirs in the historic streets of Panama Viejo.

Tropical eco resort with thatched cabins over the sea, Colon island

Colon, Panama Empanadas — Young woman holding in hands wicker basket with freshly baked empanadas

Local Cuisine

Seafood in its many forms is the staple cuisine of Colón. Sample shrimp and coconut rice or white fish ceviche marinated in lime and habanero. Not feeling like fish? Seek out golden-brown empanadas stuffed with meat and cheese or sancocho, a hearty chicken stew with corn, squash and herbs. Finish your meal with raspados, the local dessert of grated ice sweetened with condensed milk.

Colon, Panama Hats — Panama Hats sold in Colon, Panama

Shopping

The Colón Free Zone is one of the biggest duty-free markets in the world. Head here to find wholesale stores selling everything from clothes to shoes and jewelry during your Colón cruise. If you're heading to Panama City, don't miss out on the shopping there. Shops like Karavan, Beermarkt and Papiro y Yo selling indigenous art, local beer and the ever-popular Panama hats.

Day 2: Cartagena, Colombia

Day 2

Cartagena

Colombia

Cartagena de Indias boasts romantic colonial architecture and a Caribbean coast glittering in shades of bright white and aquamarine. Saunter through the leafy Plaza de Bolivar, photographing multicolored streets like Calle Segunda de Badillo. Cruise to Cartagena to dance to the beat of merengue, salsa and Colombia's very own cumbia at places like Bazurto Social Club. Discover Proclamation Square, where the town people gathered in 1811 in support of the declaration of independence from Spain, and walk the 16th-century fortifications of Castillo San Felipe de Barajas. Enjoy Cartagena's natural grandeur on its many beaches, like Bocagrande, Playa Blanca and placid Rosario Islands National Park, just 45 minutes away from the city.

Cartagena, Colombia, Street view — Buildings with balconies lining a street in Cartagena, Colombia

Walk This Way

Get to know Cartagena by foot with any of the many walking tours available and learn about the city's history and charm while discovering every colonial nook. Visit the Palace of the Inquisition, the San Felipe de Barajas Castle and the chocolate or emerald museums. Only a walk will allow you the time and space to see them.

Insider tip

Gabriel Garcia Marquez wrote extensively about Cartagena. Bring with you some of his quotes and try to find the spots he wrote so passionately about.

Cartagena, Colombia, Isla de Rosario — Small boats anchored close to shore at Islas de Roasario, Colombia

Soothing Shores

Get to Bocagrande and see a Colombian version of a Miami strip, clad with trendy shops and stylish sky-rises. Or head to Playa Blanca or Rosario Islands for clear waters and blinding bright sand and be lulled by the gentle waves.

Insider tip

Take a short cooking class and learn some Colombian recipes you can take home with you.

Cartagena, Colombia, Market — An outdoor market under a covered walkway in Cartagena, Colombia

Market Finds

To get a real local experience head to the bustling Mercado de Bazurto, where you can find fresh local fruits like Mamey, Cherimoya and Lulo or have a plate full of seafood — try the popular crab rice — for less than $5.

Insider tip

Discover the natural benefits of a mud bath at Volcan de Lodo el Totumo — an active mud volcano 30 miles outside of Cartagena.

Cartagena, Colombia, Arepas rellenas — Two arepas rellenas filled with shredded beef

Local Cuisine

Cartagena proudly serves some of the best seafood in the country. Caribbean and Latin American flavors blend in dishes like ceviche, arepas rellenas (corn pancakes filled with meat) and pandebono (cheese bread). Don't miss Mila Pasteleria and Gelateria Paradiso for local sweets like coconut cake layered with dulce de leche and gelato made with mamey, a local fruit with a creamy texture and sweet pumpkin-like flavor.

Cartagena, Colombia, San Felipe de Barajas castle — San Felipe de Barahas castle in Cartagena, Colombia

Cartagena, Colombia, Traditional hats for sale — Traditional hats for sale in Cartagena, Colombia

Shopping

Walk to Casa Chiqui, This is Cartagena or Abaco Libreria and Cafe for local books, crafts and coffee. Cruise to Cartagena and stroll the Mercado for trinkets like traditional Colombian hats. If you're looking for jewelry, Cartagena is one of the world's largest producers of emeralds. Go to Lucy Jewelry to find your very own precious stone.

Day 3: Panama Canal, Panama

Day 3

Panama Canal

Panama

A voyage through the Panama Canal is filled with views of lush terrain and calm waters. This marvelous achievement of modernity is best witnessed from the bow of the ship, where you'll see the revolutionary mechanism of the canal at work when it elevates the vessel up 85 feet. The ship reaches the canal's higher elevation and is able to sail swiftly through its tranquil waters. As you make your way between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans with your Panama Canal cruise, you'll pass by Soberania National Park, a lush region of protected rainforest — you may even spot one of the many species of rare birds that inhabit the forest.

Panama Canal, First Lock — The first lock of the Panama Canal from the Pacific Ocean with a view from a ship

Get Swept Up

The man-made system of locks are where the Panama Canal works its magic by lifting passing ships up to the canal's main elevation, then letting them down again. You'll see three lock systems as you make your way through the canal: Miraflores, Pedro Miguel and Gatun.

Insider tip

Record the Panama Canal crossing during the ship's elevation, an unforgettable experience to keep for years to come.

Panama Canal, Yellow Black Bird — A yellow-backed bird found in the Soberania National Park that can be seen from the Panama Canal

Exotic Views

From the ship, you'll get great views of Soberania National Park, a 55,000-acre area of protected rainforest that's home countless species of birds, mammals and reptiles. See if you can catch a glimpse of an orange-chinned parakeet or a white-faced capuchin monkey.

Panama Canal, Bridge — A bridge spanning over the Panama Canal

Lake Gatun

Be sure to look for the islands that surround Lake Gatun during your Panama Canal cruise. See the lush forests and colorful birds, and get to know the impressive body of water itself — at the time it was created, it was the largest man-made lake in the world.