Bridgetown, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a refined capital city that elegantly showcases its four centuries of British lineage. This charming island was initially inhabited by Amerindian communities 1,500 years ago, but in the 17th century, Barbados emerged as one of the most prolific sugarcane producers worldwide. At its zenith, the revenue from this sweet crop surpassed the combined income of all other British colonies.

A stroll through Bridgetown is a journey through time. From the statue of Admiral Horatio Nelson to the stately Parliament Buildings, the imposing St. Michael's Cathedral and St. Mary’s Church, and the tranquil Jubilee Gardens, each step is steeped in history. Your exploration continues over the picturesque Chamberlain Bridge and along a scenic seaside boardwalk, leading you to an array of exquisite shoreline cafes and restaurants.

Witness the ancient Baobab trees in Queen's Park—the Caribbean's largest—standing as silent sentinels to the island's vibrant past. Take time to unwind on a peaceful beach, delve into the history of a plantation, encounter majestic sea turtles, and even indulge in a tasting at one of the island's famed rum distilleries.

At the southernmost fringe of the Caribbean Sea, the independent Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is a cultural mosaic with roots tracing back to Spain, Africa, India, and the indigenous communities that called these islands home long before European settlers arrived.

INCLUDED SHORE EXCURSIONS:
Option 1: Port of Spain Panorama & Angostura Distillery Experience
A half-day exploration encompassing the highlights of the Port of Spain culminates in a visit to the renowned Angostura Distillery. Enjoy a picturesque drive passing some of the city's most iconic sites, then ascend to Lady Young Lookout for panoramic views of the city below. Your journey continues to the celebrated House of Angostura, the cradle of Trinidad’s prime rum. Here, you can delve into the complexities of rum production and gain insight into the creation of two of the Caribbean’s most venerated rum brands: Fernandes and Old Oak.

Option 2: Caroni Swamp Bird Sanctuary:
A sunset tour of the Caroni Nature Sanctuary, a globally lauded natural wonder. A short drive from Port of Spain transports you to this maze of mangrove-bordered waterways.  Board a spacious flat-bottomed boat and glide through this serene, picturesque wetland. The pièce de résistance is the Scarlet Ibis, the nation’s emblematic bird that nests and feeds in this sanctuary. Dressed in vivid red plumage with black-tipped wings, these birds create a mesmerizing spectacle at sunset, when hundreds, even thousands, descend upon the swamp to roost in the mangrove trees.

Spend your day at sea, enjoying the many facilities available.

Your voyage continues to the petite Republic of Suriname, a former Dutch colony prized for its sugar cane production. This rich history, rooted in the 16th century and powered by West African and East Indian labor, is reflected in Suriname's vibrant blend of cultures and traditions, evident in its cuisine, architecture, and art.

INCLUDED SHORE EXCRUSIONS:
Option 1: Paramaribo Experience
Embark on a morning journey to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Paramaribo. This bus tour takes you through the city's historic heart, showcasing its unique wooden architecture, Fort Zeelandia, the Palm Garden, and a harmonious synagogue-mosque duo. Continue to the Commewijne district, exploring colonial plantations and the open-air museum in Nieuw Amsterdam. Savor an Indonesian lunch in Tamanredjo, a Javanese town, before a brief stop at Nature Park Peperpot.

Option 2: Paramaribo City Tour and Koto Museum
Explore the streets of Paramaribo, with their mix of colonial-style buildings and modern architecture. Visit Fort Zeelandia, enjoy a stroll around Independence Square, and step inside the majestic Peter and Paul Cathedral. The tour continues with a scenic drive past notable landmarks, including a synagogue, mosque, and central market. Conclude your excursion at the Koto Museum, a treasure trove of Afro-Surinamese women's festive costumes, with the oldest dating back to 1898.

Before they were a notorious penal colony, the Îles du Salut (Islands of Salvation) provided French colonists with a welcome escape from the fever-ridden jungles of the Guiana mainland. Lying ten miles off the coastline and swept by treacherous ocean currents, the trio of small islands provided a perfect isolated location for incarcerating criminals without danger or expense, since the shark-infested sea and the trackless jungles ashore precluded any possibility of escape.

All three islands, popularly known as Devil's Island, were used as prisons from 1852 to 1953.

INCLUDED EXPEDITIONS:​
Devil's Island Tour:
Although the group is commonly called ''Devil´s Island'', visitations are permitted only to Île Royale and Île St. Joseph. Join the expedition team to explore ashore and learn about the history and natural history of the area. Monkeys, agates, and other animals have been introduced to the island and can be observed when visiting.

Spend your day at sea, enjoying the many facilities available.

Macapá, the capital of the Amapá state in northern Brazil, is located in the Amazon delta along the river’s northern channel, where it feeds into the Atlantic. It also sits directly on the Equator, a distinction marked by the 98-foot-high Marco Zero monument where you can stand astride the Northern and Southern hemispheres. Portuguese settlers established an outpost here in the early 18th century; the Fortaleza de São José, dating from 1782, stands as a symbol of the city’s colonial past and one of the best-preserved military structures in Brazil. Macapá, which is accessible only by boat or plane, serves as a pitstop for migrating birds, seen feeding alongside flamingos, ibises, and other local species that inhabit its rich wetlands. Surfers flock here for a chance to ride the Pororoca, one of the longest tidal bores in the world, with waves that reach 12 feet in height. Less extreme activities include relaxing on a wide river beach like Fazendinha and Araxá, browsing Casa de Artesão for unusual handcrafts made by the area’s indigenous people, and visiting the nearby village of Apa do Curiaú, home to descendants of escaped slaves.

Depending on the water levels and other changing conditions, your captain and veteran expedition leader will choose from among the innumerable fascinating sites along this particular stretch of the Amazon River to plot itineraries for Zodiac and kayak explorations, treks, and visits to places and people of interest. Expedition team members will also be on deck and in observation lounges, offering insights into the passing terrain and pointing out wildlife and other highlights while the ship is at anchor or cruising the river.

Situated at the confluence of the Amazon River and the Tapajos River, Santarém provides easy access to two of Brazil's most significant waterways. The city's laid-back daily life offers a relaxed backdrop for exploration. Santarém enjoyed prosperity during the Rubber Boom Era in the late 1800s and even attracted the attention of Henry Ford. He invested substantially in the city, establishing the town of ''Fordlandia''. This commercial venture was designed to harvest and export rubber for the burgeoning vehicle industry's tire manufacturing.

INCLUDED EXPEDITIONS:
Ponta Negra/Santarém Nature Exploration by Zodiac
Navigate the narrow channel opposite the city of Santarém; this channel meanders along Ponta Negra, a quaint peninsula nestled between the Amazon and Tapajos Rivers. Witness the mesmerizing flooded forest, a thriving ecosystem teeming with tropical birds. By the end of this expedition, you can gain a deeper understanding of how local people harmoniously live, interact, and utilize this environment.

Depending on the water levels and other changing conditions, your captain and veteran expedition leader will choose from among the innumerable fascinating sites along this particular stretch of the Amazon River to plot itineraries for Zodiac and kayak explorations, treks, and visits to places and people of interest. Expedition team members will also be on deck and in observation lounges, offering insights into the passing terrain and pointing out wildlife and other highlights while the ship is at anchor or cruising the river.

Situated near the border of the states of Para and Amazonas, Parintins is a charming town that proudly wears the title of the 'Capital of Folklore.' It is renowned for hosting the 'Boi-Bumba' festival, a vibrant celebration that unfolds over three days at the end of June each year. The magnitude and reach of this event are akin to the Brazilian Carnaval that takes place across the country in February or March.

Visitors can independently explore Parintins, where they can discover quaint souvenir shops scattered throughout the town. A special presentation is arranged for guests in a private area near the floating pier.

INCLUDED SHORE EXCURSIONS:
Boi Bumba Show:
The Boi Bumba is among Brazil's most celebrated folk festivals. It's a magical world filled with vivid colors, enchanting music, dance, and folklore—a true sensory feast.

INCLUDED EXPEDITIONS
Zodiac Cruise:
Embark on a Zodiac cruise for an immersive nature experience, guided by the onboard expedition team.

*Experiences subject to change.

Depending on the water levels and other changing conditions, your captain and veteran expedition leader will choose from among the innumerable fascinating sites along this particular stretch of the Amazon River to plot itineraries for Zodiac and kayak explorations, treks, and visits to places and people of interest. Expedition team members will also be on deck and in observation lounges, offering insights into the passing terrain and pointing out wildlife and other highlights while the ship is at anchor or cruising the river.

Manaus, at first glance, appears as a beacon of civilization amidst the untamed wilderness. Nestled at the confluence of two major rivers and nearly at the heart of the Amazon, the city surprises visitors with its bustling metropolis, complete with towering structures, shopping centers, and a vibrant population of approximately 2 million residents, all immersed in their daily routines.

Manaus serves as a pivotal industrial hub for Brazil, contributing to the country's production of electronic appliances as well as playing a crucial role in the tourism and natural extractivism sectors. Echoes of the Rubber Boom Era are evident in the city's colonial architecture, with the Amazonas Opera House standing as a testament to its opulent past.