Luxury Cruise Vacations Your Way

Sometimes the best way to see a country’s true colors is along its rivers or coastline by boat. Watch the destination reveal itself through the windows, stopping off to get up close to the culture, history and wildlife.

We can seamlessly pair the world’s finest cruises with our luxury tailormade trips on land, creating our bespoke Journeys by Land & Sea. Let our cruise experts reveal a world of travel, where terra and tide meet.

Cruise Holidays

Scott Dunn Choice Cruises

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Ponant Le Dumont-d’Urville

Central America Jewels & Panama Canal with Ponant Le Dumont-d’Urville

7 nights
Departing 19th December 2025 from Colón

Let yourself fall under the spell of an itinerary whose every port of call unveils its finest assets, between the lushness of the Costa Rican jungles and the magic of Panama’s crystal-clear waters. During an unforgettable 8-day journey between Colón andPuntarenas aboard Le Dumont-d’Urville, you will set off to discover these wild regions where nature reigns supreme, but also to encounter the ancestral people who are guardians of age-old traditions and this unique biodiversity. Sail between two worlds, where the ocean whispers ancient secrets and the tropical forests shelter an infinity of wonders.

At each port of call on your trip, each guest will be able to choose one included activity from the selection offered by PONANT. During this cruise, set off to encounter an Emberá community in the heart of the Darien Park jungle, from Playa Muerto; or discover the beauty of the San Blas archipelago, between idyllic beaches and an encounter with the Kuna community, from Holandes Cayes. The diversity of options on offer promises intense and varied experiences. (Find the full list of excursions under the Itinerary tab.)

Your journey in Central America will start with the discovery of Holandes Cayes’s white sands and paradisiacal waters, right in the heart of the coral islets of the San Blas archipelago.

You will then sail towards the Panama Canal, the legendary maritime route crossing the Isthmus of Panama and linking the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. You will navigate the Miraflores locks , which make up the canal’s final section before the Pacific Ocean, and arrive in Fuerte Amador. On this artificial peninsula on Flamenco Island, you will be captivated by the dense, pristine vegetation and its unique biodiversity.

Then, Le Dumont-d’Urville sails to the beautiful Darién National Park in Panama. This little corner of paradise is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to remarkable plants and wildlife. Sandy beaches, rocky coastlines, mangroves, swamps and tropical rainforests vie with each other for beauty. This will also be an exceptional opportunity to journey back in time as you discover the Embera tribe. These proud people have successfully preserved their traditions and their ancestral way of life.

Sailing northwest! You will leave the Panamanian shores to head for the Costa Rican coast. In Golfito, admire unique tropical vegetation. As the gateway to explore one of Central America’s largest primary tropical forests, Golfito represents a veritable enchanted interlude.

As a grand finale, you will arrive in Puntarenas, which is the end of your journey between the Panamanian shores and the Costa Rican coastline.

  The encounters with the wildlife described above illustrate possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed.

$5,500 pp

Luxury Cruise FAQs

  • Which cruise line offers the finest luxury experience?

    Silversea stands as the epitome of traditional luxury cruising, renowned for its impeccable service and refined onboard atmosphere. While some guests appreciate the formal elegance, others may find it quite traditional in approach.

    Explora Journeys delivers the same exceptional luxury standards as Silversea but with a refreshingly contemporary and relaxed ambiance, perfect for those seeking sophistication without formality.

    The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection offers an ultra-intimate experience aboard smaller vessels that feel more like private superyachts. While the experience is undeniably exclusive, the premium pricing reflects this heightened level of intimacy and personalized service.

  • What are the best luxury cruises for adult travelers?

    While none of our luxury cruise partners operate adult-only vessels, Silversea and Seabourn naturally attract a more mature, sophisticated clientele. These cruise lines focus on creating refined atmospheres with world-class spa facilities, cultural enrichment programs, and elegant social spaces designed for discerning adult travelers seeking tranquil, sophisticated voyages.

  • Which luxury cruises work best for families?

    Explora Journeys excels as the premier choice for luxury family travel. Their ships feature thoughtfully designed spaces for all ages, including a comprehensive kids' club with age-appropriate programming, multiple swimming areas, and active recreation facilities, including pickleball, paddle tennis and basketball courts. The line successfully balances family-friendly amenities with the sophisticated luxury experience parents expect.

  • What makes a cruise ideal for couples seeking romance?

    Every luxury cruise line creates a naturally intimate atmosphere - perfect for couples. While Explora serves families beautifully, Silversea, Seabourn and Four Seasons cater to a more mature clientele, creating inherently romantic environments.

    Four Seasons particularly shines for couples, offering an intimate ship atmosphere with exceptional attention to romantic details, making it ideal for honeymoons, anniversaries or simply reconnecting in an elegant setting.

  • What defines a true luxury cruise experience?

    Luxury cruising is characterized by several key elements that distinguish it from mainstream travel:

    • Intimate Ship Size: Fewer than 1,000 guests ensure personalized attention and uncrowded spaces.
    • Spacious Accommodations: Every suite features significantly more space than traditional cruise cabins, with no interior staterooms - every accommodation includes a private terrace or balcony.
    • Exceptional Dining: World-class restaurants helmed by renowned chefs offer diverse culinary experiences throughout your voyage.
    • Personalized Service: High staff-to-guest ratios ensure attentive, individualized care throughout your journey.
    • All-Inclusive Luxury: Most onboard amenities, dining, and beverages are included, eliminating unexpected expenses.
    • Award-Winning Spas: Full-service wellness facilities offering rejuvenating treatments and relaxation spaces.
    • Curated Shore Excursions: Small-group, culturally immersive experiences designed to provide deeper destination connections, with options for completely private tours.

  • Which luxury cruise lines offer the most enriching cultural experiences?

    Explora Journeys stands out for its extensive portfolio of culturally immersive shore excursions. Their destination experts design experiences that go beyond typical tourist attractions, offering authentic encounters with local traditions, cuisine, art and history that provide meaningful connections to each port of call.

  • What are the best options for educational and expedition cruising?

    For travelers seeking intellectual enrichment and natural discovery, AE Expeditions leads in expedition-style luxury cruising. Their vessels feature dedicated naturalists, historians and regional experts who provide fascinating insights into wildlife, geology and cultural history -particularly in polar regions.

    Silversea and Seabourn also offer expedition programs with onboard experts and specialized expedition teams, combining luxury amenities with educational exploration for those who want to learn while they travel in comfort.

Meet Our Cruise Travel Specialists

Our team of specialists are waiting to help you book your next adventure. Contact us today to start planning your tailor-made trip.

Why Book a Cruise with Scott Dunn?

Why SD and In the Know Icons_Unique
Unique to You
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  • We listen to you, and tailor your cruise to your travel style, pairing you with the right ship and the right destinations.
  • We can make your itinerary as relaxing, active or cultural as you like. There is no one size fits all when it comes to cruising with Scott Dunn – it’s all about you.

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Seamless Service
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  • We take care of all the logistics, including your cruise, flights, transfers, and luxury hotels, ensuring a smooth journey from start to finish.
  • You are always in safe hands with us and our trusted worldwide partners. As with any Scott Dunn trip, we are just a phone call away 24/7.

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Carefully Curated Collection
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  • Whether before, after or during your luxury cruise, we curate the best experiences on land to compliment your journey by sea, accompanied by our expert local guides.
  • We only partner with small-ship luxury cruise lines with high staff to guest ratios – designed to never feel crowded.

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Luxury in Every Sense
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  • Our cruises are carefully chosen for their five-star offering: fine dining, luxe facilities, attentive staff, and personal in-cabin butler service.
  • We have personally experienced these ships and will only suggest those that meet the level of service and luxury that our guests expect.

Call us on 858 345 1751 to start planning