Ultimate America's Historic Journey to Panama: 22 days New York City to Panama City

Welcome to New York City. From the bright lights of Broadway to leafy Central Park and the glitzy boutiques of Fifth Avenue, the Big Apple is an unmissable experience. Plan your flight to spend the day exploring before we depart this evening.

On board Scenic Eclipse, you'll meet the cCaptain, the crew and your butler. Settle into your spacious suite and join your fellow guests and Scenic Group Chairman & Founder Glen Moroney for welcome drinks in the Scenic Lounge Bar at the Sky Bar for Champagne before setting sail on your unforgettable journey celebrating the 250th anniversary of the USA, taking in the iconic New York City skyline and the Statue of Liberty.

Please book your flight to arrive into New York City prior to 01:00 PM.

Located at the confluence of the Christina River and Brandywine Creek, Wilmington is a city rich in heritage. Delve into history at Hagley Museum and Library, take a leisurely stroll through Brandywine Park, or immerse yourself in the city's vibrant arts scene.

A visit to Philadelphia offers the chance to explore the birthplace of American independence. Discover iconic landmarks like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall or take in the renowned Philadelphia Museum of Art and its famous “Rocky Steps.” You may also enjoy visiting the city’s historic sites or a panoramic drive showcasing its most celebrated landmarks.

This evening, cruise through the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal, which connects Chesapeake Bay with the Delaware River.

Named one of the best places to visit in America, Baltimore is a dynamic city that honours its past while embracing the present. Explore the city’s famed Inner Harbor, visit the National Aquarium, or step back in time at historic Fort McHenry.

For those looking to explore beyond Baltimore, a visit to Washington, D.C., provides the opportunity to experience the grandeur of the nation’s capital. From the historic monuments and memorials to world-renowned museums and the iconic Capitol Hill district, there are many ways to discover this fascinating city.

This evening, cruise through the Chesapeake Bay, the nation’s largest estuary, home to thousands of wildlife species, including osprey, blue crabs, and sea turtles.

Embark on a journey along the historic York River, following the path of early American settlers and Civil War heroes. In Yorktown, immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of American history, where colonial landmarks, a charming waterfront, and pivotal battle sites bring the past to life. As the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary, this historic town offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Guests looking to further explore America’s colonial past can step into history with a Revolutionary War reenactment, enjoy a wine tasting experience at a premier Virginia winery, or uncover the living history of Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement. Strolling through Colonial Williamsburg or exploring the Museum of the American Revolution will provide a deeper perspective on the nation’s founding.

This remarkable destination allows you to experience the legacy of America’s earliest days, from its indigenous roots to its revolutionary triumphs.

Kickstart your day with a freshly squeezed juice, a steaming barista-made coffee or tea delivered by your butler. Then head to the gym or the studio for a Pilates class, some guided stretching or yoga.

Enjoy an al fresco lunch today at the Yacht Club with your fellow voyagers and spend the afternoon nestled into one of the cabanas on Deck 10. Tonight, enjoy world-class, engaging performances in the state-of-the-art theatre before a nightcap brought to your suite by your butler.

This morning, cruise the Cape Fear River before arriving in Wilmington, a charming riverside city were history and Southern hospitality blend seamlessly. Stroll its brick-lined streets shaded by moss-draped live oaks and explore one of the largest National Register Historic Districts in the country, spanning 230 blocks of beautifully preserved architecture, from Colonial Revival to Victorian-era mansions.

Wilmington’s past is deeply intertwined with key moments in American history, from the Revolution and Civil War to World War II. The city is home to the USS North Carolina, a historic battleship that serves as a tribute to the bravery of those who served.

Take a guided walk-through Wilmington’s historic district, a visit to the famed Airlie Gardens or a step aboard the USS North Carolina to explore its decks and gun turrets. Enjoy in the local flavours with a brewery and distillery tour, discovering Wilmington’s vibrant craft beverage scene. This picturesque Southern city offers a perfect blend of history, charm, and coastal beauty, making for a truly enriching visit.

Charleston exudes Southern charm with its well-preserved historic architecture, picturesque scenery, and rich cultural heritage. Founded in the 17th century, this harbor city invites you to stroll along cobblestone streets lined with moss-draped oaks, pastel-coloured waterfront houses, and grand antebellum mansions. Horse-drawn carriages clip-clop through the historic district, while white-sand beaches and sprawling plantations offer a glimpse into Charleston’s storied past.

History comes alive at landmarks such as Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired, the Charleston Museum, and Boone Hall Plantation — one of America’s oldest working plantations.

Delve deeper into Charleston’s charm with a horse-drawn carriage ride before visiting Fort Sumter, take in the beauty of nearby Beaufort and Savannah, or step aboard the USS Yorktown, a legendary WWII aircraft carrier. A visit to the International African American Museum provides meaningful perspective on the resilience and contributions of African Americans throughout history.

After a day of exploration, enjoy some relaxation at sea. Join your new friends over a relaxed meal at the Azure Bar & Café. Enjoy Scenic Eclipse’s all-inclusive premium beverages, ensuring you’ll find something that suits your taste.

Tonight, settle in at the spacious Scenic Lounge Bar to enjoy your beverage of choice, whether it be aged whiskey—there are over 130 varieties—or a glass of wine, while reflecting on your journey's discoveries.

Florida’s subtropical metropolis is a vibrant fusion of palm-lined beaches, pastel-hued Art Deco architecture, and a cosmopolitan high-rise skyline. Miami’s dynamic energy extends beyond its sun-soaked shores—it is a city rich in culture, art, and history. The influence of Cuban heritage, dating back to the 1950s Cuban Revolution, is woven into the city’s character, with Latin restaurants, cigar shops, rum bars, and the rhythms of Afro-Cuban music filling the streets of Little Havana.

Soak in the Miami’s Cuban culture and flavours with a unique tasting experience in Little Havana, skimming across the Everglades on an exhilarating airboat ride, or admiring the city’s famous Art Deco landmarks on a guided walking tour.

This evening, you might gather with new friends for dinner at Sushi @ Koko’s, enjoy entertainment in the state-of-the-art theatre, or unwind with a nightcap at the Scenic Lounge Bar.

The island of Key West, the southernmost point of the United States, is a tropical paradise where Caribbean and American cultures blend seamlessly. Part of a coral cay archipelago stretching 325 kilometres off the Florida coast, Key West has long been a haven for artists, sailors, and treasure hunters. From Ernest Hemingway to Jimmy Buffett, creative spirits have been drawn to its laid-back charm.

Strolling through the historic Old Town, you’ll find charming conch-style houses, an old lighthouse, and even a museum home to dozens of cats. Beyond its rich history, the island’s turquoise waters and lush landscapes provide endless opportunities for exploration. Depending on your interests, you may choose to visit Hemingway’s legendary home and gardens, embark on a guided eco-tour through serene mangroves, or sail into the open waters on a catamaran for an unforgettable snorkelling experience among vibrant coral reefs.

Start your day with an energising workout in the PURE: Yoga & Pilates Studio or the POWER: Gym. Afterwards, relax in the sauna or dip into the Vitality pool.

Thanks to the Captain’s open bridge policy, guests are welcome any time to learn more about the technical abilities of Scenic Eclipse, The World’s First Discovery Yacht. The bridge is also one of the best viewing areas on the ship.

Wake up at leisure and enjoy breakfast at the alfresco Yacht Club or in the relaxed Azure Café & Bar. Spend another blissful day in beautiful Nassau. This popular island playground has many world-class resorts and casinos and is much-loved for its white sand beaches lapped by crystal-clear water. Roll out a towel on the beach for a day of sun, sand and sea or wander around Downtown to see the rainbow-hued buildings and vibrant murals that bring the streets to life.

Part of Exuma Cays, Staniel Cay is a hidden gem in The Bahamas, south of Nassau. It is home to a small village, a yacht club and is famous for the swimming pigs, who have become an attraction paddling in the translucent water of nearby Pig Beach. On Staniel Cay guests can enjoy sun-kissed beaches and a rustic and authentic Bahamian lifestyle.   

Tonight, settle in at the spacious Scenic Lounge Bar to enjoy your beverage of choice, whether it be aged whiskey- there are over 130 varieties, or a glass of wine, while reflecting on the day's discoveries.

You’ll spend the day at San Salvador Island today, an island rich in history, including its significance as the first landfall of Christopher Columbus in the New World. The island is an aquatic wonderland, fringed by pristine sand beaches, with a series of inland lakes and some 50 dive sites to explore reefs and wrecks, as well as a medley of marine life. You can also wander through charming coastal villages and fall into the island’s languid pace.

Today enjoy some indulgent relaxation. Join your new friends over a relaxed meal at the Azure Bar & Café, and enjoy Scenic Eclipse’s all-inclusive premium beverages ensuring you’ll find something that suits your taste perfectly, each moment of your day.

Tonight's entertainment promises magical moments before retiring to your ultra-luxury suite. Alternatively, choose to dine in the comfort of your suite and have your evening nightcap brought by the butler.

After a restorative night of rest in your ultra-luxury suite, wake up on your own time. The day is yours to spend exactly as you wish. Perhaps ask your butler for breakfast in bed, or enjoy a quiet morning spent on your sumptuous verandah. Indulge in the 550m2 Senses Spa#, reinvigorating your mind, body and soul.  

In the afternoon, settle in at the Sky Bar on Deck 10 to enjoy your beverage of choice while appreciating inspiring sunset views.

Embark on a cultural odyssey at Cabo de La Vela, where the indigenous Wayuu people welcome you to their ancestral lands. Learn about their rich traditions, from vibrant handicrafts to ancient rituals. Engage with locals and share stories during a visit to the local school. Cabo de La Vela is a place of striking beauty where the rugged desert landscape is adorned with windswept dunes and lapped by crystalline waters.

Cartagena is a beautifully preserved and colourful Caribbean city oozing colonial charm. This World Heritage-listed walled city is looked over by a great 17th century hilltop fortress, and is crammed with churches and monasteries, bustling plazas where traditional musicians and dancers entertain and candy-coloured buildings with balconies draped in bougainvillea. 

Renowned for vibrant festivals and exquisite cuisine, Cartagena is a treasure trove of Latin American culture and history. Wander its Old Town, with cobblestone streets that are frequented by artisans, hawkers and food vendors touting tropical fruits. The surrounding landscape of pristine beaches and tropical forests adds to its allure.

The San Blas archipelago is a group of islands located just north-west of Panama in the Caribbean Sea. Also known as Kuna Yala (‘Land of the Kuna’), San Blas comprises 365 islands and Cays, most of which are uninhabited. But on some of the larger ones, guests can meet the indigenous people, known as the Kunas.

Experience the rich culture of the Kuna people, view handicrafts such as the mola, intricate hand-woven textiles and savour the flavours of local traditional cuisine.

Discover the enchanting beauty of Bocas del Toro, a destination with lush forests and mountains on one side and pristine beaches on the other. It has an Afro-Caribbean culture with a very distinctive language that blends English, French and Spanish, where calypso and reggae music fills the streets and dishes are created with seafood, coconuts and spices.

Spend the day exploring colourful reefs, unwinding on white sandy beaches or discovering the picturesque villages.

Today, you’ll pass through the Panama Canal, considered one of the ‘Seven Wonders of the Modern World’. Built between 1904 and 1914 to significantly decrease the travel time between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, it has seen more than 900,000 vessels and counting.

Experience this engineering marvel as you relax on board Scenic Eclipse. Spend time on the verandah of your spacious suite with a coffee delivered by the butler or take in the scenery of the Panama Canal from the Sky Deck & Bar.

Your cruise will come to an end in the capital of Panama, Panama City. This cosmopolitan city, which comprises a juxtaposing skyline of skyscrapers, 17th century churches and colonial-style buildings, is steeped in history and boasts a happening culinary scene.  

Savour one last luxurious breakfast on board your 6-star Discovery Yacht before saying farewell to the crew and new friends who have shared this remarkable journey with you. As you disembark, know you have created unforgettable memories. 

Please book your flight to depart out of Panama City after 12:00 PM.

+All drinks on board, including those stocked in your mini bar, are included, except for a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, Champagnes and spirits. #Spa treatments at additional cost. ~Kayak and stand-up paddleboard may not operate in all locations.

Please note the itinerary is a guide and may be subject to changes for operational reasons. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.