Frequently Asked Questions

Panama Canal & Costa Rica

General	Alaska	British Columbia	Columbia & Snake Rivers	California Wine Country
Grand Asia	Japan	Panama Canal & Costa Rica	Mexico's Sea of Cortes	Ring of Fire	South Pacific

Activity Level
Q. How active are the tours?
A. The activity level of this itinerary varies day by day, and by what you are most comfortable with. There are snorkeling, kayaking and nature walks that are included in your cruise, however it is your option if you would like to participate or just relax on the beach. This cruise is best enjoyed if you are in good health, fit and able to enjoy comfortably paced, moderate walks over some uneven terrain and on paths and trails, which are sometimes slippery. Nature walks are offered at a variety of distances and activity levels.

Arrival
Q. How are the transfers from the airport handled?
A. Transfers in Costa Rica are provided between San José and the dock, located in Los Sueños, approximately 3 hours away. In Panama, transfers are provided between Panama City and the dock in Colón, approximately 2 hours away. To ensure these transfers, please make sure that you have provided us with your flight schedules and pre- and post-cruise plans.

Children
Q. Are there any children’s activities?
A. While we do not have any specific children’s programs onboard, our trips appeal to children and families who have an interest in learning about cultures, history and wildlife.

Diving
Q. Can I bring my own scuba diving equipment?
A. Scuba diving is not permitted from the ships and this itinerary does not offer opportunities for diving. There will be opportunities for snorkeling however, and gear is provided on the vessel.

Money
Q. Can we use U.S. dollars?
A. Yes, U.S. dollars are accepted in both Costa Rica and Panama. However, in Costa Rica if you pay in U.S. dollars you can expect to get change in colones, the local currency. A fair exchange conversion is used by the locals. In Panama, U.S. dollars are the accepted form of currency.

Onboard
Q. What do we do in the evening?
A. Each evening after dinner, our onboard naturalists offer a presentation about Costa Rican or Panamanian history or natural history. The bar area on the sun deck is open late in the evening and the sun deck is an excellent place to spend time with your fellow travelers, stargaze and revel in the warm weather.

Q. Is there air conditioning on the boat?
A. Yes, the cabins and enclosed public rooms are all air-conditioned.

Q. Are there laundry facilities onboard your ships?
A. We do have fee-per-item laundry service available on the Pacific Explorer, and  complimentary dryers available for guest use.

Q. Is the Pacific Explorer wheelchair accessible?
A. Cruise West appreciates the differences in accommodation needs of our guests wishing to travel with us. However, the Pacific Explorer does not meet all applicable standards of the ADA Accessibility Guidelines for buildings and facilities.  Furthermore, guests should be aware that ships and operating conditions can always present challenges to wheelchairs or those with limited mobility and participation may not be possible for some activities and events. Ship interiors often have raised door thresholds, steep stairs and narrow passageways that can prevent wheelchair passage.  Gangways between the ship and docks can be steep due to variable tide conditions. Inflatable excursion craft that do not accommodate wheelchairs are used for all shore visits.  These conditions and guest expectations should be discussed in detail at the time of booking and confirmed in writing to ensure travelers will get the most out of their Cruise West experience.

Packing
Q. You say casual, but just how casual do you mean?
A. We believe in traveling in comfort. Come as you are - you'll feel at home in shorts and t-shirts during the day and the evening. Even at dinner time, no jackets, ties, or formal dress are required.

Q. What clothes should I pack?
A. We suggest packing casual, lightweight, quick drying attire, including a lightweight jacket. Being in tropical rainforest vegetation and on the beach, it can be wet and humid. You may find yourself changing clothes often! There are complimentary clothes dryers onboard for guest use.

Passport
Q. Do I need a passport?
A. Yes, all passports must be valid a minimum of 6 months past your return date of travel.

Shore Excursions
Q. How do we get ashore in remote areas?
A. Virtually all transfers from the ship to the shore on this cruise are via inflatable, motorized landing craft.  These transfers are considered "wet" landings on beaches where guests may have to step out of the craft and into shallow water.  Crew will always be on hand to assist in embarkation and disembarkation but guests should have confident mobility and footing to participate.

Q. How do we know if we have time for optional shore excursions?
A. There are 2 optional excursions available for purchase - a zipline tour and a canopy rainforest tour. They are available on different days so you can do them both and many of our guests do. Just be aware that when you purchase an optional excursion you may miss scheduled activities in that location.

Shots
Q. Do I need any shots?
A. We encourage guests to check with their personal physicians regarding immunization recommendations.

Weather
Q. What’s the weather going to be like?
A. In tropical areas the weather can change unexpectedly. The average temperature year round is 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit, but it is very humid. The cabins and enclosed public rooms on the Pacific Explorer are all air conditioned.  The rainy season is May-November. Although we operate most of the trips during the time of year when it rains the least, tropical showers are expected, particularly in the late afternoon. Rain does not mean it will be cold and most often rain is welcomed. Temperatures are moderate in the evening, with cool breezes when we’re sailing and you're out on deck.