We invite you to join Scot and Maurine Proctor, publishers and editors of Meridian Magazine and long-time Come Follow Me Podcasters on this exciting expedition from US coast to coast via the Panama Canal! This will be their first travel group out after their full-time mission in Puerto Rico for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and promises to be a journey of inspiration, gospel learning and just plain fun.
Set sail with Scot and Maurine on the award-winning Norwegian Joy for a Panama Canal cruise. On this itinerary starting in Los Angeles, you can enjoy the vacation cities of coastal Mexico, hang with sloths and toucans in Soberanía National Park, and discover the history behind the Panama Canal during your overnight stay in Panama City. Your cruise continues with a stop in George Town, Jamaica to dive into a vibrant underwater world as you snorkel with sea turtles and colorful tropical fish. Your cruise will end in Miami with easy flights back home.
Along the way, the Proctors will offer faith-building seminars during our sea days with time for making new friends along with great stories, and testimony-strengthening times. Fill your spirit while filling your travel bug at the same time!
Don't miss this opportunity to recover from the holiday season and winter weather of the Northern Hemisphere relaxing on this amazing cruise ship being warmed by the Caribbean sun.
Tour ID #9225A05
To book this tour contact your favorite Morris Columbus Travel Advisor or the Group Tour Manager listed below:
Questions? Contact:
Sarah Wangsgard, Tour Manager
Tel: (801) 483-6473
Email Sarah
Day 1: Sunday, January 5, 2025
Los Angeles, California
Today is our boarding day! Be sure to arrive with enough time to relax and explore the ship before the “sail-a-way” party on deck.
Meals : Dinner
Day 2: Monday, January 6, 2025
Fun Day at Sea
Today you get to explore the newly reimagined NCL Joy with all her beautiful cafes, shows, and activities on board. Why not stop by the Aqua Park! Swirl down a double loop waterslide over the side of the ship on the Ocean Loop. Twist and shout while rushing down the Aqua Racer. And splash around at the family-friendly Aqua Park. And today will be our first meeting as a group with your hosts Scot and Maurine Proctor. They will start with their signature getting-to-know-you gathering and then they will give their first lecture. They are master teachers and love to share their knowledge and love of the gospel. They bring a lifetime of intense studies to the theme for this cruise which will center on Joseph Smith and the Restoration.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Tuesday, January 7, 2025
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Cabo's signature landmark is El Arco ("The Arch"), a rock formation at the tip of "Land's End." The jewel of the Baja Peninsula is famous for its world-class sportfishing, as well as its high-end resorts and exclusive gated communities that line an area simply called "the Corridor."
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Wednesday, January 8, 2025
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Smaller and more subdued than Acapulco, Puerto Vallarta has retained a good deal of its small village charm along with 26 miles of spectacular beaches along the Banderas Bay. Stroll the cobblestone streets to the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Or peruse the many local wares for sale at the open-air markets.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Thursday, January 9, 2025
Fun Day at Sea
Today is our second sea day! Want to have some fun? Take the Joy Speedway for a spin! Zoom around hairpin turns as you race for the checkered flag. Experience the thrill of driving a race car at sea only with Norwegian. You will also be fed in the second gathering with the Proctors as they continue their themed lectures on the Prophet Joseph and the Restoration. You are guaranteed to learn things you have never known before. They may even share with you some insights into their current massive project of the series of 65 - 70 mini-documentaries they are doing on the life of the Prophet Joseph!
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Friday, January 10, 2025
Acapulco, Mexico
As one of Mexico's oldest coastal tourist destinations, Acapulco has much to offer both tourist and traveler. Shop, swim or simply take a siesta on the beach. But be sure not to miss the legendary La Quebrada cliff divers.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Saturday, January 11, 2025
Fun Day at Sea
Like mini golf? You're in luck cause there's one on board! Play 9 holes on the mini golf course with obstacles for all skill levels. And since you are traveling with Morris Columbus’s Escorted Tours, today will be day three with the Proctors and their amazing lectures. You won’t want Lecture Number 3 in the series as you will feast on the Spirit together and the Proctors will open your view to the Restoration as you’ve never heard before.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Sunday, January 12, 2025
Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala
This port city was constructed in 1984 to help connect nearby cities. Travelers often venture out to Antigua, a 90-minute trek to where 17th century colonial facades beckons and Guatemalan history comes alive. Depending on the arrival and departure times (and the shore excursions) we can try as a group to attend Sacrament Meeting either at the Puerta de Hierro Ward or the Puerto San José Branch (both have Sacrament Meeting at 9:00 AM). If the schedule does not work, we can gather for a devotional honoring the Sabbath (we will let you know the time).
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Monday, January 13, 2025
Day at Sea
Today is our 4th sea day, and though the onboard schedule varies per ship and itinerary, it will be posted in the Freestyle Daily. There are fun gatherings including art auctions and sometimes cooking demonstrations. And again, YOU have the privilege today of gathering with the Proctors for Lecture number 4 on the Prophet Joseph and the Restoration. Imagine sailing in these exotic waters and past the lands where the blood of Lehi is so prevalent! There are or will be 22 temples in these Central American lands (so far)!
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Tuesday, January 14, 2025
Panama City (Pacific Cruise Terminal), Panama
A vibrant metropolis, historic city and your gateway to tropical adventures — Panama City has it all and it’s all waiting for you to discover. Founded in 1519, Panama City is the oldest continuously occupied European settlement on the Americas’ Pacific Coast. Lose yourself in the region’s dramatic past while touring historic sites intertwined among the buzzing cosmopolitan atmosphere. Visit the world-famous Panama Canal or feel a world away lounging on a pristine beach or hiking among lush rainforest that’s home to an assortment of colorful flora and fauna.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Wednesday, January 15, 2025
Panama City (Pacific Cruise Terminal), Panama
We're here at Panama City for another day and this is an amazing place! Want to try some of the best oysters in the world? Why not? Panama City has them! Want to cruise this gorgeous bay in a private boat adventure? You can arrange that! Do you want to do an e-bike exploration of some parts of the city? It’s easy to do. Do have a seafood penchant more than just for oysters? Try the amazing, unforgettable taste of fresh-caught Red Snapper, or Grouper, or any of a number of wonderful fish! Want to blow you own glass? That is available. Want to go see a hidden rainforest waterfall and do a jungle trek? It’s easy to make that happen! You can even go to Monkey Island to a wildlife safari! You can either arrange excursions through the ship or just hop online and book your own pleasures (we recommend doing that in advance of the trip so private tours don’t sell out early)! You have a full day here today!
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: Thursday, January 16, 2025
Daylight Transit Panama Canal
Experience one of the world's best short cuts! Journey 40 miles through the Panama Canal for an unforgettable experience. Witness first-hand one of the world's manmade short cuts that has changed travel and the transport of goods worldwide. Don’t forget to check off “Sailing through the Panama Canal” on your lifetime bucket list!
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13: Friday, January 17, 2025
Cartagena, Colombia
The old walled city of Cartagena reflects a turbulent history of conquistadors and pirates. Climb "las murallas" for an unforgettable view of the harbor. Shop for emeralds and leather goods along the cobblestone streets of this enchanting city.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14: Saturday, January 18, 2025
Fun Day at Sea
Today is our 5th Sea Day and another opportunity to be with the Proctors for Lecture 5 in the series of Joseph Smith and the Restoration. One on their lectures will cover the exciting topic of the recent acquisition by the Church of the Kirtland Temple and various Nauvoo properties. Little do people know the overwhelming significance of this March 5, 2024 purchase!
After the lecture, why not visit the theater and experience ELEMENTS! From mesmerizing magic to the visual feast of flying to exciting music and dance, this dazzling show will revel in the four elements of Earth, Air, Water & Fire.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 15: Sunday, January 19, 2025
George Town, Grand Cayman
The largest of the Cayman Islands, Grand Cayman is famous for its Seven Mile Beach, the popular Stingray City and its excellent diving. Both nature and history are preserved underwater with a collection of easily viewed shipwrecks. Some time during this day we will gather as a group for a devotional honoring the Sabbath.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 16: Monday, January 20, 2025
Fun Day at Sea
Did you bring kids with you on this cruise? Need one last thing to do before the tour is over? Why not check out the Kids' Aqua Park! They’ll splish. They’ll splash. They’ll definitely have a blast. Kids will have the best of times at the interactive Kids’ Aqua Park. This will also be Lecture 6 of the six-part lecture series from the Proctors. You won’t want to miss this final time together. We’ll exchange addresses and contact information (with your permission) so that we can stay in touch with each other and our newly-acquired group of best friends!
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 17: Tuesday, January 21, 2025
Miami, Florida
We arrive in Miami this morning with a full heart and fond memories of a wonderful Canal crossing, new friends and memories to last a lifetime.
Meals : Breakfast
Included:
- 16-night Panama Canal Cruise on the Norwegian Joy Ship with special group amenities
- Hosted by Scot and Maurine Proctor from Meridian Magazine and "Come Follow Me" Podcast
- On board faith building seminars and group activities
- Cruise cost for chosen cabin
- Group director while on your cruise for travel and group assistance
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks daily while on board the ship
Not Included:
- Required Government Taxes and fees of $655.23 based on the number of ports included on this itinerary
- Optional Pre-paid cruise gratuities $320.00.
- Round Trip airfare from your home city to Los Angeles and return from Miami - NCL has special 2-for-1 pricing - ask for details at booking!!
- Transfers to and from the cruise ship. Available to purchase transfers from LA airport to the ship and from the ship to the Miami airport for $25 a person
- Optional Excursions in ports
- Trip cancellation/Trip interruption coverage
- Special, private group excursions at multiple ports not on the ship excursion schedule *Coming Soon!
Optional Pricing:
- ***The following rates are per person, based on double occupancy in cabins (2 people sharing a room)
- Inside Cabin $1,438 - based on IA cabin, subject to availability at booking - per person based on 2 sharing cabin
- Balcony Cabin $2,344 - based on a BB cabin, subject to availability at booking - per person based on 2 sharing cabin
- Balcony Cabin $2,925 - based on a BA cabin, subject to availability at booking - per person based on 2 sharing cabin
- Outside cabin pricing is subject to availability at the time of booking, call for details.
Payment Terms:
- A deposit of $500 per person is due at the booking
- The final payment is due August 30, 2024
NOTE: Fares shown are in U.S. dollars and are per person, based on double occupancy. Government taxes, fees, and fuel supplements (where applicable) are additional
NOTE: Cruise ports are subject to change before notice by the cruise lines and are beyond the control of the booking agency.