New Boat trip in Panama

[bonniejoy03]

Noticed a new package for a cruise throughout Panama. Cuna de Vida is the company. I did call them because I believe the boat is the previous Temptress that we used in Guatemala and Belize. Looks like the company just purchased this boat. This looks like a great deal and great trip on a small boat. (66 passenger max.) The company also has real estate in Panama for vacationing. Very interesting and a nice new offer!

[kyshel]

I called them, too, BJ03!!
Shirley was very helpful with helping me find online links and emailed me some pics for the cabins, which from what I saw, are far from luxury or relatively spacious (compared to various cruise lines).
I'll go back to some ship reviews and see if there are Temptress posts.
The biggest issue I had was that DL flights arrive late PM and depart early AM--you have to add hotel stays on each end which almost negates the transfers, as there are few quality hotels near PTY airport). The city is WAY far away. I suppose you could arrange the transfers to a city hotel and then head for the ship the next day. We encountered a lot of aggravation and costs transiting thru Panama to Manaus, Brazil for Ariau Towers. (guess who has nonstop service from ATL to Manaus now?? tada!)
For a short cruise, the logistics/details leave much to be desired for me...
Loved the idea of Christmas Day on the beach grilling seafood, tho!

[bonniejoy03]

Great minds think alike! There seems to be activity on the package. I was still trying to find out more about the company. Looks like they have properties to stay in the Panama area. The Temptress was not luxurious at all but a lot of fun. (if this is the same boat.) VERY informal. No formal wear for dinner, etc. It was quite comfortable. I think I'll still watch the cruise for the end of 2010. Nice to see LL add this Panama option though.

[[email protected]]

I was also looking at this cruise - itinerary suits me well and I don't really need a fancy cabin. The hubby and I like small, informal ships - keeping an eye on this as well as an auction listed in Costa Rica

Denise

[bonniejoy03]

It is very interesting. I really believe it is the old "Temptress" boat that we took in the 90's. Nice itinerary. Not bad price. I still am trying to figure out the relationship of the boat with the real estate? Looks like their real estate would be a nice place also to stay.

[disneygal]

This cruise caught my eye too (a little late - haven't been paying attention for a while!). Found on some website that this boat was indeed the Temptress Voyager that was sold to Lindblad, and is now leased to Cuna de Vida. The cruise stops at the resort. So there should be a chance to check it out. Are the cabins really small? The itinerary looks very appealing!

[bonniejoy03]

Hi D...glad you verified what I thought. We enjoyed the Temptress because it was quite initmate. The cabins are basic but are fine size. It is not fancy like a regular cruise lines. We didn't lock our doors and could keep our shoes in the hall....Almost felt like you were staying with friends. I thought the price of the auction increased since it was offered...anyone else notice that?

[disneygal]

Hi bonniejoy3 and thanks for your reply. I'm intrigued - wish there was a report back from someone who has done this cruise since the boat changed hands. Maybe that's part of the adventure, not knowing too much. I didn't see it before, so not sure if the price has increased. Right now there's a bid, so I'll wait and hope that it comes around again.