Journey to the Amazon – Panama City to Panama City

The Panama Canal is an artificial 82 km waterway in Panama that connects the Atlantic Ocean with the Pacific Ocean. The canal cuts across the Isthmus of Panama and is a conduit for maritime trade

While the city exhibits beautiful examples of both Dutch and Spanish architecture, it is now a Dutch city, taking its name from the Dutch royal house of Orange, and became the capital Aruba in 1979. When not heading for the famed beaches, the first spot most visitors enjoy is Wilhelmina Park, a lovely tropical garden by the waterfront, great for catching the Caribbean breezes. From here, travel on to the Archaeological Museum of Aruba or the Numismatic Museum of Aruba. The first offers an historical perspective; the latter, a fascinating display of coins from over 400 countries. Fort Zoutman (1796) is the oldest example of Dutch architecture on the island. In 1867, Willem III tower was added. Not only an excellent vantage point for photos, the fort also hosts music festivals and craft fairs.

Discover colorful Port of Spain with its rich multicultural heritage, skyscrapers, lush gardens, and early 20th Century mansions. Explore The Savannah, a vast 260-acre park and its orchid house. Indulge in a chilled fresh coconut from one of the park’s vendors. Visit the National Museum and Art Gallery, The Red House and The Magnificent Seven, a row of beautifully restored mansions dating from the Colonial era. Admire the clock tower in the Queen’s Royal College. Frederick St. offers fabulous restaurants, galleries and world-class shopping. Look for local artwork, fine clothing and other unique souvenirs. Enjoy fresh seafood, roti or callaloo while moving to the rhythm of Calypso music in this dynamic setting.

Please be advised that the ship stops in Macapa only to clear customs, and guests may not disembark.
Please be advised that due to the under-developed nature of this destination, organized tours are not available.

The first settlement in Santarem was a Jesuit mission built in 1661. Today, Santarem is one of the Amazon’s most important trading centers, and is rich in legend and nature. The town is situated at the point where the Tapajos and the Amazon waters meet. This is called the “Wedding of the Waters” and is one of Santarem’s major attractions. The lakes and forests of this area are home to numerous species of birds, particularly the white egret.

We travel to experience life beyond the ordinary. Nestled on a 400 ft hill overlooking the Amazon, Boca Da Valeria is an Indian village located between Parintins and Santarem. This is an opportunity for you to wander at leisure through the small settlement or simply relax on board and take in up-close views of the rich equatorial vegetation from the ship. Ashore, you will find log canoes, grass huts, and a life of hunting and fishing unchanged since the time of the early explorers. Please be advised that due to the under-developed nature of this destination, organized tours are not available.

Manaus, the “Paris of the Jungle,” is the capital of Brazil’s state of Amazonas. The former river village rests along the left bank of the Rio Negro, which merges with the mighty Amazon. Carved from the dense jungle by rubber barons in the 19th century, Manaus has become an ideal starting or ending point for visitors to the mid-Amazon region. Riverboats can be taken through the myriad of tributaries, estuaries and small creeks, where the richest wildlife can be seen. Attractions include the stunning Renaissance-style Opera House and the Customs House, prefabricated in Liverpool England complete with clock tower and known as “Little Big Ben.”

The small village of Parintins on Tupinambarana Island is situated in the largest river archipelago of the mid-Amazon. Steeped in centuries-old Indian culture, this village is celebrates an annual “Boi Bumba” festival. The yearly folkloric festival, considered second only to Carnival in Rio, is held in June but the townspeople reenact the festival for visitors throughout the year.

Twenty-five miles from the city of Santarém in Brazil is the Amazon River community of Alter Do Chao, named after the flat-topped hill that provides a natural backdrop. This small island is located on the Rio Tapajos, offering quaint cottages along the white-sand beaches lined with leafy palm trees. Thanks to its Indian handicrafts, lush vegetation, turquoise lagoon and amazingly clear water, Alter Do Chão has become a popular destination for travelers. Please be advised that due to the under-developed nature of this destination, organized tours are not available.

Please be advised that the ship stops in Macapa only to clear customs, and guests may not disembark.
Please be advised that due to the under-developed nature of this destination, organized tours are not available.

Dating back to 1609 when the Sea Venture wrecked off the coast, the first settlement of Bermuda began here at this north end of the archipelago. St. George’s parish is comprised of two large islands, St. George’s and St. David’s. The town of St. George’s is the second-oldest English town in the New World, and for almost two centuries, was the capital of Bermuda. It is named for both Sir George Somers, the founder of Bermuda, and Saint George, the patron Saint of England.

Discover a touch of old Amsterdam transported to an island paradise. Pastel-hued buildings decorate the waterfront of this very Dutch Caribbean island. Don’t miss a visit to the colorful floating market, just a short walk from the Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge. A World Heritage site, the Punda district preserves hundreds of buildings as national monuments including Fort Amsterdam, the Governor’s Palace, Mikve Israel-Emanuel Synagogue, one of the first synagogue’s in the New World, and the waterfront’s colorful Penha building.