Sapphire Princess
March 21, 2025

San Antonio, Chile, offers docking at San Antonio Port. Travelers explore Maipo Valley’s vineyards and Pomaire’s pottery villages. Excursions visit Valparaíso’s colorful hills. Local markets sell empanadas. The peak season, December to March, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures vine-covered hills and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes pastel de choclo, a Chilean favorite. Souvenirs, like clay crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Chilean history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance vineyard walks. San Antonio’s coastal charm offers a vibrant Chilean stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of wine culture and scenic beauty, making San Antonio an engaging destination for exploration.

Coquimbo, Chile, has docking at Coquimbo Port with excursions to La Serena. Travelers explore La Serena’s colonial churches and Elqui Valley’s vineyards. Excursions visit Isla Damas’ penguins. Local markets sell pisco. The peak season, December to March, brings warm weather. Photography captures Pacific shores and Andean foothills. Dining onboard includes pastel de choclo, a Chilean dish. Souvenirs, like lapis lazuli, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Atacama history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the arid climate. Binoculars enhance wildlife spotting. Coquimbo’s coastal charm offers a vibrant Chilean stop, blending history with scenic beauty.

Genoa, Italy, has docking at Genoa Port. Travelers explore the historic Porto Antico and Palazzi dei Rolli. Excursions visit Cinque Terre’s colorful villages. Local markets sell focaccia. The peak season, May to September, brings warm weather. Photography captures medieval streets and Ligurian coastlines. Dining onboard includes pesto pasta, a Genoese specialty. Souvenirs, like ceramic tiles, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover maritime history. Light clothing suits the Mediterranean climate. Comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Genoa’s rich history and coastal charm offer a vibrant Italian stop, immersing travelers in its cultural legacy.

Callao, Lima, Peru, docks at Callao Port, 12 kilometers from Lima’s center, with taxis for 20-minute rides. Lima, population 9 million, features Plaza de Armas and the 16th-century cathedral. Travelers visit Larco Museum for pre-Columbian artifacts. Local markets sell ceviche. Excursions to Pachacamac, 45 minutes south, explore Inca ruins. Peak season December to March; taxis 10-20 PEN. Dining includes lomo saltado at Miraflores cafes. Souvenirs feature alpaca textiles.

Returning to Callao — see Day 6 above for port info.

Manta, Ecuador, offers docking at Manta Port. Travelers explore Montecristi’s Panama hat workshops and Pacoche Wildlife Refuge. Excursions include snorkeling at Isla de la Plata, known as the “Poor Man’s Galapagos.” Local markets sell ceviche. The peak season, June to November, brings milder weather for coastal tours. Photography captures Pacific beaches and artisan markets. Dining onboard features locro de papa, an Ecuadorian potato soup. Souvenirs, like woven hats, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Manta’s fishing heritage. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while snorkeling gear enhances marine exploration. Manta’s coastal vibrancy offers a dynamic Ecuadorian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of artisanal crafts, wildlife, and marine adventures, making Manta a compelling destination for exploring Ecuador’s Pacific coast and cultural traditions.

Puntarenas, Costa Rica, offers docking at Puntarenas Port. Travelers explore Paseo de los Turistas and Carara National Park. Excursions include zip-lining in Monteverde. Local markets sell gallo pinto. The peak season, December to April, brings dry weather for coastal tours. Photography captures mangroves and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes casado, a Costa Rican favorite. Souvenirs, like coffee crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Tico history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while sturdy shoes enhance rainforest hikes. Puntarenas’ natural charm offers a vibrant Costa Rican stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of wildlife and scenic coasts, making Puntarenas an engaging destination.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, offers docking at Puerto Vallarta Port. Travelers explore Malecón and Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe. Excursions include snorkeling at Los Arcos. Local markets sell pozole. The peak season, November to April, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures colorful boardwalks and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes birria, a Mexican favorite. Souvenirs, like huichol crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Jalisco history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while water shoes enhance reef exploration. Puerto Vallarta’s coastal charm offers a vibrant Mexican stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of cultural landmarks and marine adventures, making Puerto Vallarta an engaging destination for exploration.

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, offers docking at Cabo San Lucas Port. Travelers explore El Arco and Lover’s Beach. Excursions include snorkeling at Santa Maria Cove. Local markets sell fish tacos. The peak season, November to April, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures rock formations and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes ceviche, a Mexican favorite. Souvenirs, like silver crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Baja history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the arid climate, while water shoes enhance reef exploration. Cabo San Lucas’ coastal allure offers a vibrant Mexican stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of iconic landmarks and marine adventures, making Cabo an engaging destination.

San Pedro (Los Angeles), California, offers docking at San Pedro Port. Travelers explore USS Iowa and Cabrillo Marine Aquarium. Excursions visit Hollywood’s Walk of Fame. Local markets sell fish tacos. The peak season, May to September, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures historic ships and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes avocado toast, a Californian favorite. Souvenirs, like surf-themed crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Chumash history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. San Pedro’s maritime charm offers a vibrant American stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of naval history and scenic coasts, making San Pedro an engaging destination.