Amazon and Central America

A cruise to the Amazon River, Caribbean and Central America. Read more

Follow Insights Calendar Share

Footprints
Photos

Trip start
January 3, 2019
Amazon and Central America Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 1
Thursday, January 3, 2019
⛅ 4 °C
Altitude: Sea level
England Netley 50.866668, -1.37401550°52’0” N 1°22’26” W
Southampton
January 3, 2019 in England ⋅ ⛅ 4 °C
Boarded the ship ‘Aurora’ in good time with a minimum of fuss and headed off to the restaurant for lunch. Pretty good with a waiter who kept filling up the wine glass. I shall have to look out for him again! Our friends Ian and Clare were on the QE2 heading to Perth, Australia and which was berthed just in front of us. Just before we both departed there was a good fireworks display which set the scene for our adventure. They left just before us and we departed at approx 1740 hrs. The weather forecast is pretty good with a slight swell and some movement expected as we enter the Bay of Biscay tomorrow.Read more
TravelerEnjoy your cruise. 😃
1/3/19Reply
TravelerThank you.
1/7/19Reply
1 like
Amazon and Central America Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 5
Monday, January 7, 2019
☀️ 19 °C
Altitude: 11 m
Spain Iglesia de la Concepción 28.46432, -16.24944728°27’52” N 16°14’58” W
Santa Cruz, Tenerife
January 7, 2019 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C
We had a good journey from Southampton to our first port of call, Santa Cruz in Tenerife. The Atlantic was generally calm with only a little movement through the Bay of Biscay. En route, we spotted our first whale about 100m from the ship. It came to the surface twice so we had a good view. The further south we travelled the warmer it slowly became. Today it is expected to reach 21 degrees with some sun. We will be delayed leaving port until late this evening because it appears a rogue fishing net has become entangled in one of the propellers and divers need to go down to investigate.Read more
TravelerGreat you spotted the whale
2/1/19Reply
3 likes
Amazon and Central America Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 8
Thursday, January 10, 2019 at 11:05 AM
🌬 25 °C
Altitude: 21 m
Cape Verde Pontinha 16.889476, -24.98754116°53’22” N 24°59’15” W
1
Mindelo, Cape Verde Islands
January 10, 2019 in Cape Verde ⋅ 🌬 25 °C
Arrived in Mindelo, Cape Verde Islands, this morning after a very calm journey from Tenerife. There is a north east wind blowing, bringing sand and dust from Africa which cast a strange hue to the weather early on. Now clear and about 24 degrees. An interesting place. Looks like a small corner of Africa. Everybody is very friendly and approachable. Only problem with FindPenguins is that I cannot write off line so must wait until I find a free wifi cafe. Hence now in hotel drinking cold beer writing this. It’s a hard life! It transpires that the fishing net caught up in one of the propellors caused some damage and we are now having to stay overnight in Mindelo to await the delivery of a particular type of oil to lubricate the damaged propellor. It was due to arrive in the early hours but, in fact did not arrive until after 10am in the morning because the cargo plane delivering the oil had to be refuelled in Morocco and we did not depart until 1.30pm, almost 24 hours after our scheduled departure. Our itinerary has been amended slightly. We will now be arriving in Manaus on 17th, not 16th. Fortunately, we will not be missing any of the places on the itinerary. We are now making good progress across the Atlantic with light winds and a calm sea and a temperature of 25 degrees.Read more
TravelerFinally got to speak. Pleased you are having a lovely time in the heat! x
1/10/19Reply
Traveler 👍
2/1/19Reply
2 likes
Amazon and Central America Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 16
Friday, January 18, 2019 at 4:55 PM
🌧 31 °C
Altitude: 47 m
Brazil Manaus -3.130823, -60.0228123°7’51” S 60°1’22” W
Manaus, Brazil
January 18, 2019 in Brazil ⋅ 🌧 31 °C
Had a very calm journey across the Atlantic to Brazil. About 200 miles from the Amazon river delta the sea turned brown, which are the waters flowing from the Amazon. At 7.30am the ship dropped anchor in the river to await immigration clearance. This was slightly delayed but then we set off cruising up the river towards Manaus, approx 800 miles upstream. The river is immense. It is really awe inspiring. Very wide, deep and fast flowing. It is the wet season here so the Amazon has overflowed its banks, making it appear even more vast. There is a constant stream of floating vegetation, tree trunks and branches. We arrived in Manaus at 3pm this afternoon and disembarked to walk around the city and particularly the Opera House. It is hot and humid. The following day we took a tour to see the meeting of the waters between the Rio Negro river, which is black because of the high content of tannin in the water and the Amazon, which is brown. These waters do not merge for several miles. We then took a boat tour around Lake January to see the birds but we also spotted two small alligators and a pink dolphin as well as a family of monkeys.Read more
1 like
Amazon and Central America Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 17
Saturday, January 19, 2019
🌧 32 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Brazil Vila do Mucajá 0.014244, -51.0573170°0’51” N 51°3’26” W
1
Parintins, Brazil
January 19, 2019 in Brazil ⋅ 🌧 32 °C
Stopped here for the day but it is not a particularly interesting place although we had a good look around. We stopped for a beer with a friend Philip in quite a good bar overlooking the river and this was pleasant enough. When the cruise ships are in these places do good business.Read more
Traveler Great picture
2/1/19Reply
1 like
Amazon and Central America Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 19
Monday, January 21, 2019
⛅ 3 °C
Altitude: 11 m
England Westminster Abbey 51.4964, -0.122451°29’47” N 0°7’21” W
Santarem, Brazil
January 21, 2019 in England ⋅ ⛅ 3 °C
Our final destination along the Amazon. We had booked a tour to go walking in the rainforest so we boarded a bus and travelled no more than about 50k until we arrived at the home and property of an American ecologist, Stephen Alexander, who owned a large area of the forest which he is trying to maintain and develop into as diverse a forest as possible. We had a fascinating walk through the forest with a guide who was very helpful in pointing out various trees and other flora which are of interest. The animals kept to themselves. On the way back we stopped at a fish market where somebody was feeding the pink dolphins, so we were able to have a good look at these creatures.Read more
TravelerI didn’t know there were pink dolphins. Must have been great to see.
2/1/19Reply
0 likes
Amazon and Central America Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 23
Friday, January 25, 2019 at 11:42 AM
⛅ 28 °C
Altitude: 10 m
Barbados Carlisle Bay 13.089816, -59.60940513°5’23” N 59°36’34” W
Bridgetown, Barbados
January 25, 2019 in Barbados ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C
After sailing out of the Amazon, we headed north towards Barbados, a journey of three days. The weather was quite windy, force 7, but the ship was not travelling fast so it was quite comfortable. En route, we slowly sailed by Devil’s Island off the coast of French Guyana. This is one of a small group of three islands close together and formed a French penal colony on which criminals from France were imprisoned. A film was made called ‘Papillon’ which related the story of one prisoner who escaped. This morning we arrived in Bridgetown, Barbados to warm sunny weather. We intend to spend the day on the beach.Read more
0 likes
Amazon and Central America Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 25
Sunday, January 27, 2019 at 2:16 PM
🌧 25 °C
Altitude: 10 m
Saint Lucia Castries River 14.011124, -60.99106214°0’40” N 60°59’28” W
Tobago
January 27, 2019 in Saint Lucia ⋅ 🌧 25 °C
A very good day at Pigeon Point beach.
3 likes
Amazon and Central America Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 25
Sunday, January 27, 2019 at 2:19 PM
🌧 25 °C
Altitude: 10 m
Saint Lucia Castries River 14.011058, -60.99099514°0’40” N 60°59’28” W
St Lucia
January 27, 2019 in Saint Lucia ⋅ 🌧 25 °C
Took a boat trip in the drizzle, but some sunshine, to the Pietons. Exceptional.
TravelerThat’s an awesome picture!
1/28/19Reply
TravelerAmazing picture, lovely light as well.
2/1/19Reply
2 likes
Amazon and Central America Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 26
Monday, January 28, 2019 at 10:24 AM
⛅ 26 °C
Altitude: 8 m
Antigua and Barbuda St Johns 17.119991, -61.8458417°7’12” N 61°50’45” W
St John's Antigua
January 28, 2019 in Antigua and Barbuda ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C
Good, smooth journey from St Lucia, arriving in port early this morning. Taking a long, leisurely stroll around town, ending up having a beer while catching up with emails. Taking a trip this afternoon to see the sights and Nelson’s Dockyard.Read more
2 likes
Amazon and Central America Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 27
Tuesday, January 29, 2019 at 11:08 AM
⛅ 26 °C
Altitude: 17 m
British Virgin Islands Garden Ghut 18.42544, -64.65749118°25’32” N 64°39’27” W
1
Tortola, BVI
January 29, 2019 in British Virgin Islands ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C
Good short journey from Antigua, arriving in Tortola this morning. This island hopping is fine but the destinations begin to morph into each other. We have a day at sea tomorrow, which I am looking forward to. Tortola is a beautiful island, very mountainous and green and Cain Garden Bay is lovely.Read more
Traveler Wow
2/1/19Reply
TravelerLooks wonderful. I wish I was there right now!
2/1/19Reply
2 likes
Amazon and Central America Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 29
Thursday, January 31, 2019 at 9:17 AM
⛅ 24 °C
Altitude: 9 m
Dominican Republic Cruceros Amber Cove 19.833227, -70.77352919°49’60” N 70°46’25” W
Amber Cove, Dominican Republic
January 31, 2019 in Dominican Republic ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C
We had berthing issues in Grand Turk so the ship has docked here. A modern complex but actually quite attractive. Have booked a tour to the beach later so will see what that is like. Facilities at beach good but the beach itself was uninspiring and not at all photogenic.Read more
TravelerHi, your trip looks great so far and the places look lovely. We had snow here yesterday and it’s cold so you are definitely in the right place. 😄
2/1/19Reply
0 likes
Amazon and Central America Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 31
Saturday, February 2, 2019 at 9:12 AM
☀️ 27 °C
Altitude: 23 m
Cayman Islands Salt Creek 19.349428, -81.38365219°20’58” N 81°23’1” W
Georgetown, Grand Cayman
February 2, 2019 in Cayman Islands ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C
Very smooth journey from Dominican Republic to Grand Cayman, cruising past the southern part of Cuba. We have found a very nice spot on 7 mile beach, where we will spend a few hours. The water is very clear and excellent for snorkelling.Read more
0 likes
Amazon and Central America Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 32
Sunday, February 3, 2019
☀️ 29 °C
Altitude: 14 m
Colombia Plaza San Diego 10.428226, -75.54753610°25’42” N 75°32’51” W
Ocho Rios, Jamaica
February 3, 2019 in Colombia ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C
Not able to find good WiFi in Ocho Rios so had to wait until travelled to Colombia. Ocho Rios not what I had expected. It is a lovely place, safe, verdant, very pretty with great beaches and countryside. People friendly and helpful. Took a tour to Konoko Botanical gardens. Cost $20 US admission but worth it.Read more
TravelerSounds like you enjoyed your trip there. When we were there I walked up the falls. Talk about health and safety!!
2/5/19Reply
3 likes
Amazon and Central America Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 34
Tuesday, February 5, 2019 at 9:47 AM
☀️ 30 °C
Altitude: 13 m
Colombia Plaza San Diego 10.428127, -75.54757610°25’41” N 75°32’51” W
Cartagena, Colombia
February 5, 2019 in Colombia ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C
First time in this lovely place. Old town fascinating with with plenty of interesting and colourful buildings. People very friendly. However very hot. Temp to reach 33 later so walking around early with plenty of stops for drinks.Read more
TravelerHave you tried any chocolate and coffee yet?!
2/5/19Reply
TravelerI am drinking fruit drinks but will try coffee later.
2/5/19Reply
1 like
Amazon and Central America Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 35
Wednesday, February 6, 2019 at 11:35 AM
⛅ 28 °C
Altitude: 34 m
Panama Isla Egronal 9.311081, -79.8687689°18’40” N 79°52’8” W
Colon, Panama
February 6, 2019 in Panama ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C
At present, Colon is undergoing a lot of reconstruction work so it is not at all attractive. Give it another 6 or 7 years and things might look different. Went on a trip to visit an Embera Indian village to see their way of live. We had to take a boat along Lake Gatun to reach the village. Very friendly people who spent a lot of time describing their history and customs. Took part in some dancing with them and really enjoyed ourselves. This was a very memorable trip.Read more
1 like
Amazon and Central America Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 36
Thursday, February 7, 2019
⛅ 26 °C
Altitude: 9 m
Honduras Bahía Dixon Cove 16.322944, -86.49635616°19’23” N 86°29’47” W
Limon, Costa Rica
February 7, 2019 in Honduras ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C
Beautiful coastline as we approached Limon. Did not have time to visit the town as we went on an excursion to have an aerial gondola ride through the rainforest. It took over two hours to reach the national park but it was stunning. Dense tropical rainforest. The ride took an hour but it was slow and virtually silent. There were six of us in the gondola and a guide who explained about the trees and plants we were passing. Saw no animals but did see toucans and humming birds. Then did a short walk to see butterflies. A very rewarding day.Read more
0 likes
Amazon and Central America Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 38
Saturday, February 9, 2019 at 10:07 AM
🌧 26 °C
Altitude: 9 m
Honduras Bahía Dixon Cove 16.322967, -86.49627416°19’23” N 86°29’47” W
Roatan, Honduras
February 9, 2019 in Honduras ⋅ 🌧 26 °C
An island off the coast of Honduras. A day to be spent relaxing swimming and snorkelling. Sea warm and clear but I have not seen many fish yet.
0 likes
Amazon and Central America Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 39
Sunday, February 10, 2019 at 2:19 PM
⛅ 26 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Belize Haulover Creek 17.492337, -88.18321317°29’32” N 88°10’60” W
Belize City, Belize
February 10, 2019 in Belize ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C
A short, calm journey from Roatan to Belize. 29 degrees but a risk of showers. Took a trip to the Mayan Temple Site at Altun Ha. Only took an hour by coach but as soon as we arrived it rained hard for about ten minutes and then the sun came out and we felt the heat again. This is a well preserved site still undergoing archaeological work but was has already been uncovered is very impressive.Read more
0 likes
Amazon and Central America Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 40
Monday, February 11, 2019 at 10:00 AM
🌧 26 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Mexico Punta Majagual 18.714479, -87.70856518°42’52” N 87°42’31” W
Mahahual, Costa Maya, Mexico
February 11, 2019 in Mexico ⋅ 🌧 26 °C
Arrived at a cruise terminal obviously made for cruise passengers so headed off to the nearest town of Mahahual just along the coast. The taxi fare cost only US$2 each. Very undecided what to say. Hotel where we are having excellent coffee lovely, people very friendly, beach poor and not sure about the town. Need to spend more time here.Read more
3 likes
Amazon and Central America Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 41
Tuesday, February 12, 2019 at 9:50 AM
🌧 24 °C
Altitude: 14 m
Mexico Laguna San Miguel 20.51004, -86.95069920°30’36” N 86°57’3” W
Cozumel, Mexico
February 12, 2019 in Mexico ⋅ 🌧 24 °C
We had nothing planned here so left the ship and just walking around the town. Weather very changeable today, heavy rain followed by warm sunshine. The town of Cozumel is not, in any way, historic but it is not without its charm. Lots of side streets to wander around and although the locals want you to buy everything, a polite ‘no thank you’ and they stop. Everybody very friendly.Read more
TravelerYou can save money following our restaurant guide in Cozumel - https://stingrayvilla.com/3-day-dining-guide-to…
5/31/19Reply
2 likes
Amazon and Central America Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 43
Thursday, February 14, 2019 at 11:16 AM
☁️ 23 °C
Altitude: 9 m
Bahamas Bell Channel 26.513381, -78.64238526°30’48” N 78°38’33” W
Freeport, Bahamas
February 14, 2019 on the Bahamas ⋅ ☁️ 23 °C
It was quite a bumpy journey from Cozumel to the Bahamas due to strong winds and the Captain putting his foot down but now a pleasant day on the island. Temp near to 25, so not hot, but mainly sunny. We do not have long here so took a taxi to a pleasant mall close to the sea and enjoying the shopping and wandering around. Have to be back on board by 1.30pm for the ship to depart to Bermuda.Read more
1 like
Amazon and Central America Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 46
Sunday, February 17, 2019 at 11:55 AM
⛅ 22 °C
Altitude: 8 m
Bermuda Ordnance Island 32.380939, -64.67661332°22’51” N 64°40’36” W
St George's, Bermuda
February 17, 2019 in Bermuda ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C
Good journey from Bahamas to Bermuda. We have docked at the old Dockyard but as we are here for two nights, we are spending today exploring the island on public transport. Took the ferry to Hamilton and then the bus to St George, the former capital and UNESCO world heritage site. Lovely buildings.Read more
TravelerGlad you had a better sailing to Bermuda. We were there a few years back, really liked it. Enjoy the rest of your cruise.
2/18/19Reply
0 likes
Amazon and Central America Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 52
Saturday, February 23, 2019 at 7:48 AM
🌧 14 °C
Altitude: 18 m
Portugal Porto Praia da Vitoria 38.713688, -27.05007438°42’49” N 27°3’0” W
Praia Da Vitoria, Azores
February 23, 2019 in Portugal ⋅ 🌧 14 °C
We left Bermuda in sunshine and warmth but had a very rough crossing to the Azores. A lot of crockery and bottles of alcohol have been broken in the storm. Wet and windy day in prospect but determined to see something of the town. Now been advised that because of the high winds the port has been closed to all traffic and so nobody is able to leave the ship at present! As luck would have it, during the morning the wind changed direction and lessened and so off we went. We needed the walk on ground that did not move. Very pleasant town and attractive in the sun. Very reasonably priced coffee and pastries! We depart early this evening and although the sea will be quite turbulent to begin with, the forecast is for it to calm down during tomorrow.Read more
TravelerLooks a pretty place. Glad you managed to get to dry land.
2/25/19Reply
1 like
Amazon and Central America Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 56
Wednesday, February 27, 2019 at 6:43 AM
🌙 0 °C
Altitude: Sea level
England Southampton Cruise Port 50.905598, -1.43159850°54’20” N 1°25’54” W
Southampton
February 27, 2019 in England ⋅ 🌙 0 °C
Ship crept in at about 4am and we got up at 6.45 for an early breakfast and, as luck would have it, an early get away. Had a fantastic time, a real adventure.
TravelerSounds like you had a great time. Look forward to hearing about it.
2/27/19Reply
2 likes
Trip end
February 27, 2019