Duration
18 Nights
Journey Type
Cruise only (Please call for flight options)
Ports
11 Ports
29-30 January
Setting sail from Lima (Callao)
Peru's underrated capital enjoys a fine setting on the Pacific coast, and the handsome colonial-era buildings surrounding the Plaza de Armas give clues to Lima's distinguished history. For three centuries this was the capital of the Spanish Americas, when the city grew rich on the back of plundered Inca gold. Modern Lima can be a little hectic, the roads often clogged with traffic, but the historic centre has an undeniable charm to it, and in recent years a clutch of innovative restaurants have helped to put Peruvian cuisine on the map.
Our tip
This is the hop-off point to fly to Cusco and Machu Picchu, which is obviously a must-do, but schedule time in Lima too if you can, it’s a fascinating city.
31 January
Peru: Trujillo (Salaverry)
Salaverry is the nearest port to Trujillo, northern Peru’s most important city. Located amongst the verdant Andean foothills, Trujillo is home to a host of beautiful colonial buildings, and is also known for the spectacular nearby ruins of Chan Chan, the largest pre-Columbian city in South America.
1 February
At sea
2 February
Ecuador: Machala
Machala is often described as the ‘banana capital of the world’, and hosts the World Banana Fair every September, when buyers from across the globe come in search of the perfect banana. As well as banana plantations, the area is also home to nature reserves rich in birdlife and the Puyango petrified forest.
3-4 February
Ecuador: Guayaquil
Guayaquil is Ecuador’s largest city and most important commercial centre, and acts as the gateway to the Pacific coast and the wildlife haven of the Galapagos Islands. It’s a busy, buzzing sort of place, centred around the pleasant riverfront Malecón promenade.
5 February
Ecuador: Manta
The Ecuadorian port of Manta is known as the “tuna capital of the world”, and you’ll see plenty of fishing boats as you arrive. The beach is a popular destination for local tourists, but you may find that the nearby town of Montecristi, home of the Panama hat, makes for a more interesting excursion.
6-8 February
At sea
9 February
Panama: Colón
Situated at the Atlantic entrance to the Panama Canal, Colón is not somewhere you will want to hang around for long, and serves merely as a gateway to the Canal, which will carry you to much nicer places.
10-11 February
Panama: Fuerte Amador (Panama City)
The port of Fuerte Amador sits at the southern edge of Panama City, near the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal. The shining skyscrapers of the Panamanian capital are a testament to the city’s status as a key financial centre, while the tiny Casco Viejo is home to pretty colonial streets, hip hotels and happening bars.
12 February
At sea
13 February
Panama: Isla Parida
Beautiful Isla Parida lies within the protected Gulf of Chiriquí National Park, its tranquil beaches lapped by warm, crystal clear waters where you’ll find an abundance of marine life. This is a great place to kick back and chill out for a day, in idyllic tropical surroundings.
14 February
Costa Rica: Puerto Jimenez
15 February
Costa Rica: Quepos
The little town of Quepos is the gateway to Manuel Antonio National Park, a nature-lover’s paradise that’s home to monkeys, iguanas and the reclusive three-toed sloth. The area around Quepos also boasts some of the best beaches in Costa Rica, and the town itself has some nice restaurants.
16 February
Arriving in Puerto Caldera
Puerto Caldera is a major port on Costa Rica's Pacific coast, about an hour and a half from the capital, San José. Caldera itself is an industrial port with little to detain you, but the nearby city of Puntarenas is a popular beach destination, with a nice seafront promenade where you can relax with a drink or enjoy a seafood lunch. Other local attractions include the fantastic flora and fauna of the Carara Biological Reserve and beautiful Tortuga Island, a great spot for snorkelling.
Your home from home
Star Pride, Legend and Breeze are hugely popular little vessels, for good reason.
What we love
These small ships accommodate 312 guests in large all-suite accommodation, following the completion of the Star Plus refurbishment programme in 2021. There's a choice of restaurants and comfortable lounges and plenty of deck space, while the ship's marina ensures you can enjoy the complimentary watersports when anchored in hidden bays and tiny coves.
Capacity | 312 Guests |
---|---|
Crew | 190 International Staff |
Style | This is laid-back luxury at its best with relaxed informal days, refined yet comfortable evenings and a friendly and welcoming crew. |
Inclusions |
|
Tailor-make your trip
Where to stay in Lima
We like the Country Club Lima Hotel for a bit of colonial style.
See more of Peru
Travel south from Lima to Nazca to see the extraordinary Nazca Lines – well worth the journey, and stay on at the beach if you have time to spare.