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The meeting of the waters of the Rio Negro and Rio Solimões is really something: different colours, different speeds and different temperature too.
From Manaus to San Juan
A Journey from Amazon Adventures to Caribbean Charms
From Manaus to San Juan
A Journey from Amazon Adventures to Caribbean Charms
Voyage Itinerary
17 February
Setting sail from Manaus
Situated near the confluence of the Rio Negro and Amazon rivers, and surrounded by thick jungle, Manaus is a remarkable place, a sweltering, steamy city in the heart of the Brazilian rainforest. It first came to prominence as the centre of the rubber trade around the turn of the twentieth century, but these days it's a major port, despite its location some 1,000 miles from the sea, and it's also the centre of the Amazonian tourism industry. It's an interesting place and there are a few sights worth seeing before you venture into the jungle, including the famous Teatro Amazonas, a beautiful 19th century opera house.
18 February
Brazil: Parintins
The little island town of Parintins is famous for its annual Boi Bumbá festival, the biggest folk celebration in Brazil after Rio Carnival. Cruise ship visitors are usually met by Bumbá dancers at the port, and it’s a great place to get a feel for everyday life in the Amazon region.
19 February
Brazil: Alter do Chão
The laid back riverside village of Alter do Chão is sometimes known as the ‘Caribbean of the Amazon’ thanks to its white sand beaches, clear waters and chilled out vibe. Beyond the beach the main activities are exploring the surrounding rainforest and shopping for local handicrafts.
20 February
Brazil: Macapá
Bisected by the Equator, the city of Macapá commands a strategic position on the northern side of the Amazon estuary, and is the site of an impressive 18th century Portuguese fort. There is also a pleasant riverfront area cooled by ocean breezes, and the surrounding region is rich in birdlife.
21 February - At sea
22 February
French Guiana: Devil's Island
The Iles de Salut, a trio of islands more popularly known as Devil’s Island, were the site of a French penal colony which gained notoriety thanks to the harsh treatment of inmates. As well as the overgrown ruins of the prison, which closed in 1953, the islands are today also home to a surprisingly rich variety of wildlife.
23 February - At sea
24 February
St. Vincent & Grenadines: Bequia
Bequia is an incredibly friendly, laid-back island blessed with pristine golden sand beaches and some excellent restaurants. It’s also a popular sailing destination; the yachts tend to congregate around Admiralty Bay, where you’ll find the little waterfront town of Port Elizabeth.
25 February
Barbados: Bridgetown
There’s more to Barbados than just beaches; the delightful architecture of the old garrison in Bridgetown, the capital, is fully deserving of its UNESCO World Heritage status, and the island interior is littered with old sugar plantations and natural wonders such as Harrison’s Cave.
26 February
Saint Lucia: Castries
Castries, Saint Lucia’s diminutive capital, is home to some interesting markets and colonial buildings. The island’s highlights are situated elsewhere, however, and we’d recommend either heading south towards Soufrière, where the iconic Piton mountains guard a beautiful bay, or north to the bars, restaurants and beaches of Rodney Bay.
27 February
Saint Barthélemy: Gustavia
Gustavia is the chic and petite capital of Saint Barths, a tiny French Caribbean island that’s renowned as a haunt of the rich and the famous. You can certainly live well here if you’ve got the means, with an array of gourmet restaurants and luxury boutiques aimed squarely at the A-list. The beautiful beaches, on the other hand, are free and open to all.
28 February
Saint Kitts and Nevis: Basseterre (Saint Kitts)
Laid back and low key, Saint Kitts is an island typified by rolling green hills, characterful beach bars and the lingering remnants of the sugar cane trade that once dominated here. Attractions include the UNESCO-listed Brimstone Hill fortress, the 18-mile Scenic Railway and the faded Georgian elegance of the capital, Basseterre.
1 March
Arriving in San Juan
Founded by the Spanish in 1521, Puerto Rico’s capital is the second oldest European settlement in the Americas. Modern San Juan is a bustling city, home to over a third of the island’s population, but the cobbled streets of the Old Town remain the biggest tourist draw.
Our tip
Hunt out the very best chuletas Can-Can and pastelillos – local food at its best is great. Don’t settle for sorry imitations.
The ship
Explora I
- Capacity:
- 922 Guests
- Style:
- Aiming for the feel of a 'luxury resort at sea' these ships offer sleek and stylish décor, spacious public areas and accommodation, and an abundance of choice.
Explora I launched in 2023 with Explora II following in 2024, and these luxury all-inclusive resort-style vessels marked the entrance of new cruise line Explora Journeys into the luxury cruise market.
What we love
These identical ships feature spacious accommodation, generous outdoor areas, a huge choice of restaurants, an attractive guest to crew ratio of 1.25 to 1, three outdoor pools and a fourth with a retractable glass roof, these ships really have it all.
inclusions
- Meals in a choice of venues including room service
- Open bar policy throughout the ship
- Onboard entertainment and enrichment programme
- WiFi
- Onboard gratuities
Tailor-make your trip
Ways to make it better
Where to stay in Manaus
You may enjoy the Tropical Manaus Ecoresort, a few miles outside the city. To be frank in Manaus hotel quality is poor.
Excursions from Manaus
Go to Presidente Figueiredo to see the falls and enjoy extraordinary scenery and a taste of the rainforest.
Extend your stay in Puerto Rico
If you want to stay in San Juan itself, El Convento is definitely the nicest choice. For resort hotels, we love the Ritz Carlton Reserve at Dorado Beach.
Recommended excursions from San Juan
In the El Yunque rainforest you will find the habitat of Puerto Rico's endangered wildlife - not to mention beautiful views.
How can we help?
Our frequently asked questions
From cruise tips to travel protection, here are some of our most-asked questions
visit our faqs
Will I save by booking with Mundy Cruising?
Absolutely. You'll save money and time by booking with us rather than directly with the cruise line and enjoy more flexibility in your travel arrangements. We have access to preferential rates and exclusive offers, and we offer expert advice on how to get the best value.
Can you help with pre and post-cruise arrangements?
From flights and transfers to hotels and tours, we can help with all your travel needs to make sure your trip is exceptional. What's more, we are members of ABTA and also offer full ATOL protection, not to mention a 24hr emergency contact, so we offer complete peace of mind.
What are the benefits of a small luxury ship?
Because small ships are able to reach smaller ports of call and provide a higher level of service than their big ship counterparts, we believe that small ship cruising is the very best way to travel. Usually they offer more space per person, and an attentive team to make sure you have the very best experience. Small ship cruising offers the very best of the best.
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Why Mundy?
Who we are
Founded in 1970, we have sold more luxury cruises for more years than anyone else in the UK.
Mundy Cruising was the very first cruise specialist in the UK. We have been making the best cruise holidays even better since 1970.
How? Simply by offering our clients more expertise, more personal service, more unique ideas, more fascinating add-ons, more fabulous freebies and more peace of mind.
We're happy to do all of that over the phone. But if you prefer to chat face to face, why not visit us at our comfortable offices on London's High Holborn - we'd be delighted to see you.
