Our tip
Don’t come to the Amazon expecting to see loads of wildlife and tribesmen, especially not in Manaus which is busy, hot and dirty. Keep your mind open and your expectations realistic and you will have a great time.
From Manaus to San Juan
A Journey through Amazonian Mesmerising Wonders to the Caribbean Sunlit Landscapes
From Manaus to San Juan
A Journey through Amazonian Mesmerising Wonders to the Caribbean Sunlit Landscapes
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 to 22 February - At sea
23 February
Trinidad and Tobago: Scarborough
Scarborough is the capital of Tobago, a sleepy island where tourism remains mostly low key. The town has a few interesting colonial era sights, but we’d recommend exploring Tobago’s natural treasures instead, including stunning reefs, secluded waterfalls and a rainforest reserve that draws birdwatchers from around the globe.
24 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.
25 February
Dominica: Roseau
The island of Dominica stands out from the rest of the Caribbean, a rugged natural paradise that remains blissfully free of mass market tourism. The capital, Roseau, is pleasant enough, but the island interior offers so much more, including thick jungle, bubbling hot springs, cascading waterfalls and abundant birdlife.
26 February
Sint Maarten: Philipsburg
Philipsburg is the gateway to an intriguing little Caribbean island with a dual personality: the Dutch side, St. Maarten, is the livelier of the two, with shopping malls, casinos and more of a nightlife scene, while French-speaking St. Martin is a more refined (and more expensive) affair, with a laid-back, continental air and a host of exclusive resorts and restaurants.
27 February
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.
Don't miss
Here in Puerto Rico it’s all about the history and the sea – you can’t miss the fabulous beaches, and you will enjoy the historic military buildings.
The ship
Explora II
- 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.
cruise news
Latest news and travel inspiration
News, trip reports, cruising advice and industry insight brought to you from our expert team.
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.
