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See some of the world’s great wonders: Machu Picchu, the Panama Canal and the Caribbean in six-star luxury aboard Regent Seven Seas Mariner with a trip on the famous Hiram Bingham, a Belmond train: this is a wonderful way to combine some of the world’s wonders with a sun-kissed Caribbean cruise taking in two jewels of the seas, Belize and Honduras, a South American idyll to Peru, Ecuador, Panama, Honduras, Costa Rica and Mexico, ending the trip in Miami. Florida: sun and sea, wine and gourmet cuisine, archaeology, history and culture at the best club price
Aug
We are thrilled to announce an amazing new cruise to some of the world’s great wonders: The opening scene is a four-day trip to include the iconic Machu Picchu, Lost City of the Incas. There’s spectacular voyage through the Panama Canal by day, a sun-kissed Caribbean cruise, plus one of the world’s great train journeys and an exploration of important Mayan sites of 600BC. It’s a 19-night holiday including the Caribbean islands of Belize and Honduras and fascinating visits to the highlights of South America, its culture, colonial history, cuisine, beaches, mountains and wildlife, in six nations—Peru, Ecuador, Panama, Honduras, Costa Rica and Mexico, ending the trip in Miami. Florida, USA. And you have the best price available. For details, read on . . .
This amazing holiday includes a 16-night, all-inclusive cruise from Lima to Miami, with free flights and a four-day trip to Cusco and Machu Picchu including the historic Belmond Hiram Bingham train, one of the world’s great luxury trains, and Monasterio Hotel, a national monument. This has to be the most relaxing way to see some of the world’s most elusive wonders: and as a Club Member you can save up to £6,000pp off the full rates.
The dates are March 7 to 26, 2027. Everything is included: your luxurious suite with your private veranda on the 700-passenger Regent Seven Seas Mariner, return flights and transfers, excellent and unlimited wines, fine dining in a collection of gourmet speciality restaurants, 85 free port excursions, gratuities and more . . . plus your three-night, four-day pre-cruise holiday to Machu Picchu including additional flights, hotels and the famous rail journey to and from the Inca citadel . . . all that is left to do is relax and immerse yourself in the joys of your travels.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises wins the most coveted awards: Best for Accommodation: Best for Luxury: Best for Excursions: Best Luxury Cruise Line: Favourite Cruise Line and more. And for all this fully-inclusive luxury you have exclusive access to special rates available only to you as a CountryClubuk Member. You can save anything from £4,724 to £6,000 per person off the rack rates—and save from £1,574 to £2,850 per person off the very best rates available anywhere on the web. So please read on—and enjoy!
We cannot resist letting you know about this fabulous cruise holiday. Two of the world’s wonders are included: A visit to Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas, and a navigation of the Panama Canal—often considered the Holy Grail of cruising. Plus a Caribbean cruise, a tropical sun, sand and sea voyage taking in two jewels of the Caribbean, Belize and Honduras: A South American idyll on the Caribbean and Pacific sides of the Panama Canal, taking in the beauty, history, archaeology, culture, wildlife and romance of Peru, Ecuador, Panama, Costa Rica and Mexico before arriving in Florida. Plus a trip on one of the world’s great luxury train journeys, Belmond’s historic Hiram Bingham train between Machu Picchu and Cusco.
Our journey encompasses 19 blissful days in all, flying from the UK to Lima and cruising to Miami through the Pacific Ocean, Panama Canal, Caribbean Sea and Straits of Florida. And at this time of year, the sunshine, relaxation and thrilling spectacles hold great attraction. This is a cruise to please tropical sunseekers, lovers of history, exploration and archaeology, and those who want a close encounter with one of the world’s engineering feats, all in the same holiday.
We shall sail with six-star Regent Seven Seas Cruises aboard their luxury ship Mariner, fresh from a refit creating an almost brand new ship. If an ocean cruise is the way to see wonders of the world which otherwise we might never witness, and to do so in total safety and at our ease—then Regent Seven Seas is the way to see them with elegance and style, taking advantage of the Club’s all-inclusive rates which give you complimentary flights, excellent wines, fine food in a variety of speciality restaurants, six-star private suites with private verandas and multiple free top-grade shore excursions, and in this case an exciting extra—a pre-cruise holiday to Cusco and Machu Picchu—all at exclusive advantageous Club rates. We set up our arrangement to give our Members unique benefits—and we are thrilled to see how many Members are already sailing with Regent at our unbeatable Club rates.
These cruises give you the pleasures of the world in comfort and safety, with none of the associated hardships of attempting to reach multiple destinations by other means. It would otherwise be extremely difficult to combine a holiday to the Caribbean, South America and in particular Machu Picchu, with a voyage down the Panama Canal. We chose Regent’s Lima to Miami cruise for all of the above benefits—and for its exceptional itinerary.
And before we board Mariner we shall embark on a three-night, four-day holiday visiting the Inca Empire sites, the highlight being Machu Picchu, including internal flights, luxury rail journey and hotel stays, all included for you as a Club Member. This spectacular trip, another experience of a lifetime, begins with a stay in Lima and internal flight to Cusco, followed by guided tours which highlight the Incas’ sophisticated construction techniques and architectural skills.
On arrival in Lima we shall check-in to the Country Club Hotel, built in 1927 and one of the Leading Hotels of the World. With a colonial atmosphere, it feels as much like a club as a modern hotel. Elegantly styled, with one of Cusco’s only hotel pools, it’s an impressive place to stay. Dinner will be on our own—and next morning we shall wake early to start our trip towards Machu Picchu. Getting there is exciting in itself and we shall begin with the flight to Cusco followed by our first explorations of the local culture— including the sacred site of Koricancha Temple and Sacsayhuaman Fortress—before checking-in to the famous Monasterio, a Belmond hotel and a national monument.
This former monastery dates from 1592 and offers luxurious colonial-style accommodation set around a courtyard. Old-world charm meets contemporary indulgence in this elegant hotel in the heart of Cusco. Religious art covers the walls and rooms are equipped not only with all mod cons but your Deluxe Room is enriched with oxygen to promote better sleep and faster adjustment to the high altitude. A delicious dinner is included.
Next morning we shall take the First Class Train to Aguas Calientes, its large panoramic windows allowing superb views of the spectacular landscape on this journey through the Sacred Valley and the cloud forest that is home to the ancient Inca ruins. The train ascends and descends via special zig-zag tracks that allow it to traverse the steep gradients—while we look out for spectacled bears which roam the river banks, and orchids which carpet the trees. From Aguas Calientes we board the bus to take us to the Machu Picchu citadel.
The vista is magnificent—but nothing can quite prepare us for the spectacle of Machu Picchu itself. No matter how many photographs we have seen, or documentaries we have watched, the experience of actually witnessing this famous ‘Lost City of the Incas’, first hand, is out of this world.
Machu Picchu is also highly protected, and endangered by its very popularity—so that now visitor numbers are restricted and there has in past years been an outright ban. Future visitors may have to look at Machu Picchu from afar. But we shall walk in the footsteps of the Incas, guided, but also able to simply stand and stare, seeing every detail in close up, with time to fully appreciate this symbol of wonder and beauty which takes the breath away.
After several hours at Machu Picchu we shall take one of the world’s great trains, the Hiram Bingham Train, named about the American who rediscovered Machu Picchu, back to Cusco, to our comfortable hotel, and perhaps an evening of quiet reflection. Next day, we shall fly from Cusco back to Lima, where we shall board Seven Seas Mariner.
Seven Seas Mariner awaits us at Calleo and we’ll look forward to relaxing on board ship, enjoying the delights of Mariner before setting out next day to fully explore the wonders of Lima, its food, its colonial history, culture and the surrounding area. Beyond the history and archaeology there is the delicious Peruvian cuisine, perhaps the best in Latin America. We shall enjoy gourmet dishes in the top restaurant, Pescados Capitales, chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino’s famous establishment, which aims to dazzle by means of delicious food, the best piscos and finest wines in Peru. Pedro Miguel will accompany us for lunch—a gourmet experience! Another exquisite pleasure is to see the ‘Caballo de Paso’, including the Marinera dance, Peru’s most emblematic, in which horse and rider move in time with a female partner, to traditional music. If you ride, you will be invited to do so.
Our inspirational journey to Machu Picchu and the Peruvian capital are a fitting opening to capturing the heart of South America in any way we choose. As with so much about Regent Seven Seas Cruises, the choices are great, the style elegant and relaxed, with freedom to do as you please and to be yourself. And there is so much more to come!
Next day, we begin our epic voyage. As we sail on within Peruvian waters, we shall continue to discover a feast of archaeological sites. First port of call, Salaverry, for Trujillo, a charming colonial outpost founded by the conquistador Diego de Almagro in 1534. Trujillo, with its backdrop of the Andean foothills, is an historic place in itself—but beyond it lies Chan-Chan, one of the most spectacular cities and the largest mud construction in the New World. Once capital of the Chimu Civilization, predecessors of the Incas, Chan-Chan is a city of palaces. Then there is the ancient Moche culture at El Brujo (‘The Sorcerer’), which flourished until the 9th century. Excavations revealing its archaeological wonders are still ongoing. Another visit will take us to see the Peruvian Paso horses—a display of the skills of these extraordinary horses will be arranged. And as we are in Peru, it is time we enjoyed some ceviche, the national dish, prepared by a master chef. After which, it’s off to the beach!
Sailing on through the Pacific Ocean, we can relax and let the experience of Machu Picchu and Peru—and the prospect of the Panama Canal and Caribbean ahead—sink in as Mariner sails on to our first port of call in Ecuador. This is Guyaque, known as the ‘Pacific Pearl’. Stroll along the Río Guayas’ malecón, the riverfront town square which defines the city. From here there are orchid farms, iguana parks, art and archaeological sites to explore—or fly to spectacular Cuenca, a World Heritage site high in the southern Andes, and enjoy the boundless charms of Ecuador’s most European city and the rural villages nestled in the mountains.
Then we shall sail on to Ecuador’s Manta, and nearby lies famous Montecristi, birthplace of the Panama hat. Colourful fishing villages, unspoiled beaches and unusual tropical dry forests make Manta the starting point for exciting trips—a visit to Isla Corazón, a heart-shaped bird-lover’s paradise, and of course Montecristi. This is the place to seek a genuine superfino—look carefully and you will find the real thing—an ivory Panama hat, a work of art which will have taken an artisan weaver days, even weeks to perfect. That’s the souvenir to bring home from Montecristi!
Panama City itself will be our last port of call before we take our breathtaking voyage through the Panama Canal. Dynamic Panama City boasts a shimmering skyline, cobblestone streets lined with rooftop bars, and centuries of intact ruins to explore. Founded in 1519, the original Panama City—Panamá Viejo—was abandoned in the mid-17th century and replaced by a historic district—Casco Viejo—which are together now recognised as a Unesco Cultural World Heritage site. Discover a trove of artefacts and information on the planning, construction and operation of the ‘Big Ditch’ at the interactive Panama Canal Museum—and the Plaza de Francia is where visitors pay their respects to the 22,000 workers who died building it.
That night, back on board Mariner, we shall wine and dine—and prepare ourselves to experience the full glory of the Panama Canal. It is probably the world’s most famous engineering marvel, a multibillion-dollar commercial behemoth which joins the Atlantic to the Pacific. Moving mountains and carving through dense jungle, the creation of the canal in 1914 literally reshaped the natural landscape and the world’s shipping routes. The statistics are extraordinary, and so is its beauty. From deep water in the Atlantic (more specifically, the Caribbean Sea) to deep water in the Pacific, the length is about 50 miles (82 km). Ships sailing between the east and west coasts of the USA, which otherwise would have to round Cape Horn, shorten their voyage by about 8,000 nautical miles (15,000 km).
Our eight-hour trip between the Bridge of the Americas and Gatun Lake will cover the full 50 miles. Ships transiting the canal must be raised 85ft to cross the Continental Divide, and then be lowered again to sea level. Three sets of locks are used to raise and lower the ships. The lock gates range from 47ft to 82ft high, are 65ft wide, and 7ft thick. Not surprisingly, they weigh from 400 to 700 tons each. These great gates are filled and emptied by gravity, water flowing through a series of 18ft diameter tunnels allowing the filling and emptying of a lock chamber in about 10 minutes. Each ship passing through needs 52 million gallons of fresh water to operate the locks. This water then flows into the sea.
The rules require that all ships be in hand steering—no autopilot—and the Canal Pilot, who boards at the outset, is in total charge. The precision required in the locks is tremendous. There is only about 1ft on each side of a large ship—you can easily touch the side of the lock—and seamen speak proudly of having handled a ship through the Panama Canal. On our voyage, Mariner will transport us through all six locks (three on each side), and sail through Gatun Lake and the Culebra Cut. For all who are interested in seeing, up close, the world’s great feats of engineering, the Panama Canal is the experience of a lifetime.
Next morning, we awake to a different beat: the lapping waters and soft swaying palms of the Caribbean, with its rich overlay of Mayan civilisation and Spanish colonialism. We begin in Puerto Limon, Costa Rica, close to where Christopher Columbus landed in 1502. Founded on the banana trade, it is now a city buzzing with shops and markets, fascinating architecture and museums. Go for Nature and ride on the aerial tram through the rainforest canopy at Braulio Carillo National Park, or take a boat through the Tortuguero Canals or the Estero Negro Estuary, the rich jungle tapestry all around while watching colourful birds, monkeys, iguanas, sloths and the legendary iridescent Blue Morpho, the largest butterfly in South America. Visit an historic banana plantation or sway to live calypso music, dance, and sample classic Costa Rican dishes, including freshly made chocolate. Or simply enjoy the sandy beaches and clear turquoise waters: it’s your choice.
Then it’s on to Roatan, Honduras. Bright with colour and tradition, Roatan is beloved for its fashionable Caribbean seaside vibe, its Bay Islands, sandy beaches and underwater environment, both rich and extensive. Coral reefs surround the islands, often in swimming distance from the shore. Caves and caverns abound, with the best collection of pillar coral. We might take a catamaran voyage here, or cruise across the bay and walk the white sand beaches. Play golf at Pristine Bay & Golf Course. Ride a horse to a remote beach and swim in the surf. Or set off into waters that offer the best chance of catching blue marlin and kingfish. It’s a great time to relax and take stock of our travels so far.
And then we sail on through the Caribbean Sea to beautiful Belize, its tropical islands, white sand beaches and crystal clear waters underpinned by the spectacular ruins of another lost civilisation, that of the Maya. Our port of call is Harvest Caye, a pristine, mangrove-covered private island where we can bask in the warm Caribbean sun on untouched sandy beaches, explore mangrove estuaries, snorkel along the reef, enjoy water sports on the lagoon, or take a relaxing stroll. The mysteries of the Mayan civilisation are also here to explore in the nearby city Lim Ny Punit, its well-preserved Mayan ruins revealing the ceremonial history of the site and its astronomical observatory.
A feast of Mayan civilisation awaits us as next day we reach Costa Maya, Mexico, the closest port of access to many of the important Mayan ruins in the Yucatan, including Dzibanche and Kohunlich, both of which reveal fascinating insights into Mayan life and culture.
Dzibanche was a significant ancient Maya city, holding the title of early capital for the Kaanul dynasty. It reached its peak during the Classic period (250-900 AD). The site is known for its impressive architecture, its palaces, temples and plazas, and for the discovery of royal tombs laden with rich artefacts. The city boasts impressive structures like the Temple of the Owl and other palaces and temples, showcasing the architectural prowess of the Maya. Excavations have also revealed tombs of important individuals, including a queen, providing valuable insights into Maya burial rituals and social hierarchy. Kohunlich too is a significant Mayan archaeological site, known for its well-preserved structures and unique architectural style. Its importance stems from its role in understanding the Mayan civilisation’s development, particularly its architectural styles and its connections to other Mayan regions. This is a unique opportunity to explore and appreciate the ruins without the crowds often found at other popular Mayan sites.
There are many more things to do in Costa Maya, from exploring the exhilarating tropical scenery of Uchben Kah Eco Park, set in the rain forest along the banks of Bacalar Lagoon, or snorkelling, swimming and strolling along the beach and in the local villages. Yet to explore the mysteries of the lost Mayan civilisation within these sacred sites and more is a perfect finale to a trip which began with an exploration of the lost Inca world of Machu Picchu. This will indeed be a spectacular trip and one to remember for ever.
The all-inclusive price often sounds expensive, but as the savvy traveller knows, this in fact makes a Regent Seven Seas cruise work out financially more advantageous than cruises where you must pay for things separately. Everything is included on this cruise. As you can tell, these are important benefits—particularly with these seriously advantageous Club savings—on this voyage our Members save from £4,724 to £6,000 per person off the full brochure rates, making this the perfect time to join us on what promises to be that longed-for phrase—literally, the cruise of a lifetime.
HOW TO BOOK AND SAVE UP TO £6,000 AS A MEMBER: COUNTRYCLUBUK MEMBERS RECEIVE BEST CLUB RATES
As a Club Member you have the best rates on all Regent Seven Seas Cruises, including this special 19-night holiday, which comprises a 16-night cruise from Lima to Miami, with a three-night pre-cruise land programme taking in Machu Picchu and including internal flights, hotel stays and train journeys including the famous luxury Hiram Gingham, a Belmond train (RR £3,149 per person). Below are some of the suite categories and Club savings. Rates are per person for two sharing. Those who book Concierge suites and above receive an extra five-star night in Lima prior to the trip to Machu Picchu. Some categories are already fully booked and waitlisted, and only 10 places remain on the Machu Picchu pre-cruise holiday. So even though the sailing is for 2027 it is very special—and very popular. Please don’t delay!
Deluxe Veranda Suite H (limited availability): Full fare £16,858. Current best available rate £13,708. CCUK from £12,133 (saving up to £4,724 per person). Click here to register your interest and for details.
Deluxe Veranda Suite F: Full fare £17,628. Current best available rate £14,478. CCUK from £12,849 (saving up to £4,778 per person). Click here to register your interest and for details.
Concierge Suite E, including additional free one-night pre-cruise luxury hotel stay and more: Full fare £18,088. Current best available rate £14,938. CCUK from £13,233 (saving up to £4,854 per person). Click here to register your interest and for more details.
Penthouse Suite A, including additional free one-night pre-cruise luxury hotel stay, personal butler and more (limited availability and Penthouse B and C are already waitlisted): Full fare £23,318. Current best available rate £20,168. CCUK from £17,317 (saving up to £6,000 per person). Click here to register your interest and for more details.
For named suites and for more details, please call us on 020 7399 2960. To request more luxury cruise destinations and dates, click here.
This is a great trip—and it’s one of many! As a Club Member you have exclusive best rates on all Regent Seven Seas Cruises sailings and dates—saving you literally thousands of pounds. Some sailings are last-minute. Others are already open for early booking. All are available for you to choose at exclusive Club rates.
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