Panama Canal - Book of Mormon Cruise
Join John Bytheway on a Book of Mormon cruise adventure. This 10-night cruise departs Panama City, Panama, and ends in Miami, Florida. It includes a daylight transit of the Panama Canal and stops in Costa Rica, Honduras, Guatemala, and Mexico. During the days on the ship, you will have the opportunity to attend Book of Mormon classes taught by John. You will love the private tours we offer in each stop. John will bring the scriptures to life as he teaches onboard the ship and on site. Join us on a Book of Mormon cruise as we explore the Caribbean and traverse the Panama Canal.
This cruise is a little bit more expensive than a typical Book of Mormon or Panama Canal Cruise. Oceania Cruise Line is a fairly high-end cruise line with very good food. Come join us :).
Day 1WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15
Panama City, Panama
Embark in Panama City and meet up with us onboard the Oceania Marina.
Day 2THURSDAY, MARCH 16
Panama Canal Daylight Transit
Today we watch with fascination as our ship transits the Panama Canal.
This man made waterway opened up maritime travel and transport. Enjoy the daylight transit as we pass through the locks.
Day 3FRIDAY, MARCH 17
At Sea
Book of Mormon Seminars at Sea with John Bytheway.
Day 4SATURDAY, MARCH 18
Puerto Limon, Costa Rica
Limón is the capital of Costa Rica.
The options for today are seemingly endless. The hardest part is deciding what to do for the day. Go on a jungle adventure or take a city tour. You are on your own in this beautiful place.
Day 5SUNDAY, MARCH 19
At Sea
Book of Mormon Seminars at Sea with John Bytheway.
Day 6MONDAY, MARCH 20
Roatan, Honduras
Today we enjoy a tour around the island.
We also visit the monkey and sloth reserve. You won't be able to hold the sloths, but you can get close enough for some great pictures. We then spend time relaxing and enjoying time on the beach. You will have your own beach chair. We also eat lunch here. Lunch and a beverage are included with your tour. You can rent snorkeling equipment for an additional fee.
Day 7TUESDAY, MARCH 21
Santo Tomas, Guatemala
We travel into the heart of Guatemala and embark on a great adventure.
We learn about interesting aspects of the local culture and customs. We stop at a local fruit stand and you can buy all sorts of exotic fruits. We travel to Quiriguá Mayan UNESCO site and visit these ruins. We have lunch together on the banks of the Rio Dulce. Then we board a boat and travel the Rio Dulce.
We take in contrasting sites such as the ancient San Felipe de Lara Castle and the modern bridge spanning the river. After filling our eyes with the wonders of the diverse flora and fauna of the area, we arrive at the town of Livingston. After this stop, we return to our boat and make our way back to the port.
Day 8WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22
Costa Maya, Mexico
On this tour we enjoy the jungle setting of Chacchoben and its majestic ruins.
This site existed during the late Book of Mormon times. Learn how the structures and rituals of the Maya relate to the Book of Mormon and LDS beliefs. After visiting the ruins, we travel to a little Maya village where we have the opportunity to see how the Maya lived. We enjoy an amazing, traditional Maya lunch and may even join in making the corn tortillas. The Maya experience at the village has become a favorite for many guests.
Day 9THURSDAY, MARCH 23
Cozumel, Mexico
We take a ferry from Cozumel to the mainland and visit the ruins of Tulum.
The Tulum Mayan ruins offer an amazing view of the Caribbean Sea and transport you back to ancient times. Our LDS guide offers many insights as we walk around the ruins and imagine what life was like in those times. We enjoy lunch on our tour and spend time learning about those who lived here.
We also visit a cenote and those who wish to enjoy the cool waters should come prepared with a towel and swimwear.
Day 10FRIDAY, MARCH 24
At Sea
Book of Mormon Seminars at Sea with John Bytheway.
Day 11SATURDAY, MARCH 25
Miami, Florida
Disembark in Miami. Make your own way to the airport for your flights home.
Ship Information: Oceania Marina
The Marina is the epitome of the Oceania experience. It is a luxurious cruise ship and holds up to 1,250 guests. The decor is elegant and filled with beautiful finishing touches. Enjoy fresh baguettes day and night. Delicious food abounds as you sail in luxury.
Oceania Cruises · Marina
Oceania's Marina is a smaller, upscale ship — roughly 1,250 guests — built around fine cuisine and unhurried days at sea. Its restaurants include the Grand Dining Room, the Polo Grill steakhouse, Toscana for Italian, Red Ginger for Asian dishes, and Jacques, the French venue created by chef Jacques Pépin. The pace is quiet and refined rather than flashy: attentive service, generous public rooms, and time to linger. A ship this size makes it simple to keep our group close, share a table, and get to know fellow travelers over the course of the voyage.
What's included
- Port charges
- $200 onboard credit per stateroom
- Book of Mormon seminars at sea
Not included
- Shore excursions
- Airfare to and from the tour
- Gratuities
- Optional activities (Roatan zipline $45, cash on-site)
- ID / Passport
- Passports are required for this sailing.
- Tips & Gratuities
- Terms and Conditions: Advertised rates INCLUDE port charges but DO NOT INCLUDE shore excursions, airfare, or gratuities.
- Physical Requirements
- Ability to walk unassisted 2-5 miles per day on cruise excursions
- Cancellation Policy
Cancellation fees are charged per person as follows:
- Prior to August 11, 2027: $150 cancellation fee per person
- August 11 - September 9, 2027: $500 cancellation fee per person
- September 10, 2027 - March 15, 2028: All payments are completely non-refundable
- Airfare
Guests are responsible for arranging their own airfare to the tour’s starting destination and home from its ending destination. Airfare is not included in the trip price.
This trip follows our standard physical requirements and cancellation policies. See our Terms & Conditions. Anything specific to this trip is noted above and takes precedence.
| Price per person | |
|---|---|
| Inside · Double occupancy | Starting at $3,000 |
| Call for triple and quad pricing. | |
| Balcony · Double occupancy | Starting at $4,620 |
| Call for triple and quad pricing. | |
| Window · Double occupancy | Starting at $3,900 |
| Call for triple and quad pricing. | |
Reserve with a $500 deposit per person; final payment due 09/10/2027.
*Prices are per person, based on double occupancy.
John Bytheway
Born and raised in Salt Lake City, John Bytheway served a mission in the Philippines before attending the University of Utah and graduating from Brigham Young University (BYU). Since 1996, John has taught Book of Mormon and New Testament courses at BYU and the BYU Salt Lake Center. He earned a master’s degree in Religious Education in 2003. John is the co-host of the Follow Him podcast with Hank Smith and the author of more than two dozen books and CDs. Through his teaching, writing, and podcasting, he enjoys sharing his love of the gospel with others. Outside of his professional pursuits, …
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