Fly Stay Cruise - 27 Day Pacific to Atlantic: LA to New York via the Panama Canal

Today your journey begins as you depart Australia on your included flight to Los Angeles. Thanks to crossing the International Date Line, you arrive in Los Angeles on the same calendar day as your departure. Upon arrival, make your way to your accommodation for a two-night stay at the Hotel Indigo Los Angeles Downtown by IHG. Set in the lively heart of downtown Los Angeles, your hotel places you within easy reach of LA Live, Grand Central Market, the Walt Disney Concert Hall and the city's celebrated Arts District. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax after your journey or begin exploring the city at your own pace.

Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore the dynamic neighbourhoods of downtown Los Angeles. You may wish to browse the historic stalls of Grand Central Market, walk the iconic Broadway theatre district, take in a show at LA Live or visit The Broad and MOCA contemporary art museums. For something different, head up to Griffith Observatory for sweeping views over the city, or take a short ride to Olvera Street for a taste of LA's Mexican-American heritage. Return to your hotel and enjoy your final evening before embarking on your cruise tomorrow.

Today, check out of your hotel and transfer to the World Cruise Center in San Pedro to embark Norwegian Bliss, your home for the next 20 nights. After settling into your stateroom, take time to explore the ship's facilities including a wide variety of restaurants, lounges, entertainment venues and relaxation spaces before sailing from Los Angeles later today. Your cruise fare conveniently includes onboard gratuities. Guests also have the option to upgrade to a premium package, which includes a drinks package, a WiFi package, US$50 shore excursion credit per port per stateroom and two speciality dining experiences onboard, creating a more all-inclusive cruising experience.

Enjoy a relaxing first day at sea as Norwegian Bliss sails south along the Mexican coastline. Take advantage of the many amenities onboard. Relax by the pool, attend onboard entertainment, enjoy world-class dining or unwind while admiring sweeping ocean views from the deck.

Today your cruise arrives in Cabo San Lucas, the sun-drenched resort town at the southern tip of Mexico's Baja California Peninsula. The ship anchors offshore and tenders guests to shore. You may choose to relax on Medano Beach, browse the lively marina, catch a glimpse of the famous El Arco rock formation or join an optional excursion to nearby Todos Santos.

Another relaxed day at sea as the ship sails towards Acapulco. Enjoy the onboard dining options, take a fitness class, treat yourself at the spa or grab a sunlounger and soak up the Pacific sunshine.

Today your cruise arrives in Acapulco, Mexico's original Pacific resort city, known for its sweeping bay, lively waterfront and year-round sunshine. You may choose to take in the famous cliff divers at La Quebrada, wander the historic centre or join an optional excursion to explore the surrounding area.

Enjoy a full day at sea as the ship continues south towards Guatemala. Norwegian's Freestyle Dining means you can choose where and when to eat, with no fixed seating times.

Today you arrive in Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala's main Pacific port and gateway to some of the country's most rewarding sights. Optional excursions provide opportunities to visit the colonial city of Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage Site framed by volcanoes, or explore the surrounding coffee-growing highlands.

A relaxed day at sea as the ship sails towards Costa Rica. Take advantage of the time onboard to enjoy the entertainment, dining and leisure facilities at your own pace.

Today you arrive in Costa Rica. The ship docks at Puerto Caldera, around 30 minutes from the coastal city of Puntarenas. Costa Rica is famed for its lush rainforests, wildlife and adventure activities, with options ranging from gentle walks along the seafront to full-day excursions inland to the cloud forests or wildlife reserves.

Another day at sea as you make your way towards Panama. With the Panama Canal transit just two days away, take some time to settle in and prepare for one of the most memorable days of the cruise.

Today you arrive in Panama City, where modern skyscrapers rise alongside Spanish colonial ruins. The ship docks at the Pacific Cruise Terminal, with shore excursion options including the historic Casco Viejo old town, the Miraflores Locks visitor centre and the rainforest-fringed Panama Canal Railway. With a late evening departure, you'll have a full day and into the evening to explore.

Today is the highlight of your cruise. Norwegian Bliss enters the Panama Canal and begins the full daylight transit between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, an 80-kilometre journey through three sets of locks: Miraflores, Pedro Miguel and Gatun. Find a spot on deck early and watch as the ship is raised and lowered through the locks, sailing past the lush Panamanian jungle and across Gatun Lake. Fascinating commentary is provided onboard throughout the day.

Today your cruise arrives in Cartagena, Colombia's most beloved coastal city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Step ashore to discover a walled colonial old town of cobbled lanes, brightly painted buildings and flower-draped balconies. You may choose to visit the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, wander Plaza Santo Domingo or simply soak up the rhythm of this lively Caribbean city.

Today is the highlight of your cruise. Norwegian Bliss enters the Panama Canal and begins the full daylight transit between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, an 80-kilometre journey through three sets of locks: Miraflores, Pedro Miguel and Gatun. Find a spot on deck early and watch as the ship is raised and lowered through the locks, sailing past the lush Panamanian jungle and across Gatun Lake. Fascinating commentary is provided onboard throughout the day.

Today your cruise arrives at the historic port of Falmouth on Jamaica's north coast. Set between Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, Falmouth is known for its 19th-century Georgian architecture and as a launchpad for some of Jamaica's most popular sights, including Dunn's River Falls and the Martha Brae River. Spend the day exploring on your own or join a shore excursion.

A leisurely day at sea as the ship sails towards Norwegian's private Bahamian island. Enjoy the pool decks, browse the onboard boutiques or treat yourself at Mandara Spa.

Spend the day at Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas. White sand beaches, turquoise water and a relaxed island vibe make this the perfect day in the sun. Tender ashore from the ship to enjoy a beachside lunch, take a swim in the calm waters or simply relax on the sand before sailing on this evening.

Today the ship calls at Miami, Florida's most colourful coastal city. With the ship docked from morning until late afternoon, you'll have time to step ashore and explore. You may wish to stroll along Bayside Marketplace, take in the Art Deco architecture of South Beach's Ocean Drive, browse the colourful murals of Wynwood Walls or simply enjoy the warm Florida sunshine. Return to the ship for a late afternoon departure as Norwegian Bliss sets sail north towards New York.

Enjoy a relaxed day at sea as the ship sails north along the eastern seaboard of the United States. With the cruise drawing to a close, this is a perfect day to enjoy the pool decks, take in a final show or treat yourself to a meal at one of the speciality restaurants.

Your final full day onboard Norwegian Bliss. Take time to enjoy the ship's facilities one last time, indulge in a Mandara Spa treatment, settle your onboard account and pack your bags ahead of arrival into New York tomorrow morning.

Your cruise concludes today as Norwegian Bliss sails into New York Harbor. After breakfast onboard, it is time to disembark in the heart of one of the world's most iconic cities. Make your way to your hotel in the heart of Times Square, perfectly placed for exploring the city on foot. The remainder of the day is at leisure to settle in and begin discovering the energy of the Big Apple.

Today, set out to discover New York at your own pace with your included Hop-On, Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour by open-top bus. With multiple loops covering Uptown, Downtown and Brooklyn, the tour brings you within easy reach of the city's most famous landmarks including Times Square, Central Park, the Empire State Building, Fifth Avenue, Greenwich Village and the Brooklyn Bridge. Hop off whenever something catches your eye, then jump back on the next bus to continue exploring.With your day of sightseeing self-paced, you'll have plenty of opportunity for shopping, dining and discovering the neighbourhoods of Manhattan. You may wish to take in a Broadway show this evening or enjoy a meal at one of the city's many celebrated restaurants. Optional Activity: 15-Minute New York Helicopter Flight See New York from a thrilling new perspective on an optional 15-minute helicopter flight over the city skyline. Lift off from the Manhattan heliport and soar above iconic landmarks including the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the Brooklyn Bridge, Empire State Building and Central Park. With huge windows and panoramic views, this is one of the most memorable ways to take in the scale of the Big Apple.

This morning, make your way to Lower Manhattan to visit the 9/11 Memorial. Set on the footprint of the original Twin Towers, the twin reflecting pools and surrounding plaza pay tribute to those lost on September 11, 2001 in a quiet and moving setting. Your included tickets give you entry to the Memorial. Afterwards, head a short walk to One World Trade Center for your included entry to the One World Observatory. Rising above the Manhattan skyline, the observatory offers sweeping views in every direction, with interactive exhibits bringing the city's story to life as you ascend. The remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy more of New York's celebrated dining, theatre and museums. You may wish to visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art, walk the High Line elevated park or take in the views from the Top of the Rock observation deck.

This morning, check out of your hotel and make your way to the airport for your return flight to Australia. Your journey home will typically include a connection on the West Coast of the United States before continuing across the Pacific. Return Journey to Australia Please note: Due to crossing the International Date Line travelling west, your return journey to Australia spans multiple calendar days. Depending on your specific flight scheduling and connection times, your arrival back in Australia may fall on Day 28 of the journey rather than Day 27. Final flight times and arrival day will be confirmed prior to travel.

Your unforgettable journey draws to a close as you arrive back in Australia. Welcome home, having travelled along the Pacific coast, through the Panama Canal, across the Caribbean and into the energy of New York City. Please note that depending on flight scheduling, your arrival back in Australia may fall on the following day due to the International Date Line crossing.