Hurtigruten Expeditions Tropical Waters and Remote Island Communities of the Caribbean

13-day itinerary

Day 1: A night in Miami

There is no better way to kick off your Caribbean expedition than with an overnight stay in America’s ‘Magic City’, Miami. A vibrant and bustling city fused by Latin American, Asian, Caribbean, and European influences, ‘the city of neon’ is undoubtedly one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations.

Along with the eye-catching white sandy beaches and clear teal waters, you will also be able to enjoy the Latin beats of the glamourous south beach or discover rich Cuban culture in Little Havana.

There is so much to do in this popular destination, so if you can’t fit everything in on this first day, why not take advantage of the optional pre-programme packages available to travellers, in order to enjoy more of what Miami has to offer.

Day 2: Beginning of the expedition

Spend the morning immersing yourself with the colourful Miami Beach or Downtown Miami, before embarking on your expedition cruise from Florida to the Caribbean Islands.

As part of your cruise package, enjoy an included excursion exploring the highlights of Miami and Little Havana, with lunch at the hotel or during the excursion available.

The fabled MS Roald Amundsen then awaits you, with many exhilarating experiences and adventures still to come. Familiarise yourself with the onboard crew and Expedition Team, who will be your guides and mentors on this exciting journey.

Day 3-4: Tranquillity at sea

Take the opportunity to relax and acquaint yourself with the ship’s facilities and activities during your first two days at sea. At the Spa and Wellness Centre, passengers can choose to indulge in a wide variety of different treatments, while the Expedition Team helps you prepare for your adventure by histing lectures on Oceanography, Mayan culture, coral reefs and much more.

Dine in-style at one of the three excellent restaurants onboard the Roald Amundsen, and spend time on deck scanning for the captivating wildlife on show during the journey. The onboard photographer will also be available to offer tips and insights into improving your photography skills, so that you can capture the best possible images while on your expedition.

Day 5: Ancient Mayan Heritage

After two-day journey at sea, your expedition cruise will arrive in Belize city. Belize’s capital is a vibrant hub of shopping areas and seaside parks surrounded by colourful colonial architecture, with the Old Belize train ride offering travellers the perfect introduction to the city.  The journey will take you through five extensive exhibitions displaying Belizean history and natural beauty, with passengers having the opportunity to immerse themselves in authentic Belizean culture.

You will also be visiting the well-preserved Altun Ha ruins, which was formerly a wealthy trading town dating back 2,000 years. The area now has two main plazas and 13 structures, including ancient temples, whilst also being rich in wildlife. A bird-enthusiasts’ utopia, there have been over 200 species of bird that have been spotted here, as well as armadillos, tapir, and the white-tailed deer.

Day 6: The natural wonder of Belize

Regarded as the country’s piece de resistance, Belize’s famous barrier reef is a habitat for a captivating variety of sea life, including hundreds of fish species, exotic birds and endangered animals such as American crocodiles, West Indian Manatess and sea turtles.

The expedition will stay on the barrier for a day to fully experience the incredible biodiversity which thrives beneath and above the surface in this unique environment. On this day, you’ll discover why Belizeans widely consider their barrier reef to be most important natural asset.

Day 7: Stunning Utila

Explore this largely unfrequented underwater paradise, which is also considered to be one of the best places to dive in the world. Utila is a remote utopia of mesmerising tranquillity, being as stunning on the surface as underneath the water.

The Island only has one town and this is where most of Utila’s inhabitants dwell. Due to being located on the southeastern shore, the island is surrounded by swamps and wetlands which are home to an abundance of bird species.

During your day visit here, you will gain insights into what makes Utila unique, learning about its extensive history, whilst also exploring one of the best snorkelling destinations in the entire Caribbean.

Day 8: Guanaja

Located around 70 kilometres off the north coast of Honduras, Guanaja is another stunning island that will be explored on this expedition cruise. Home to the world’s second largest barrier reef, Black Rock Cay, Guanaja is a lesser-known utopia for activities such as diving, snorkelling and hiking.

With the vast majority of the islands’ population living in the densely populated area called ‘The Cay’, the area has been referred to as being the ‘Venice of Honduras’ due to its many waterways running through the island. Travellers can experience the joys of island life before the trip to Bobel Cay, soaking in the hidden natural beauty of the region’s landscapes.

Day 9: Isolated Bobel Cay

The next destination on your breathless expedition cruise will be a day of exploration around the small island of Bobel Cay, located off the coast of Honduras.

Previously used as a resting place for lobster fishermen, the plan for day nine is to anchor off the shallows and use the small expedition boats to explore the island, scan for marine life, and experience the tranquillity of the warm tropical waters.

Day 10: Isla de Providencia

Previously a base for pirates, the real treasures of this isolated Caribbean island are its scenic beaches, crystal blue waters and tropical wildlife. Take the opportunity to hike to the highest point of the island’s to see remarkable panoramic views, whilst also potentially encountering iguanas and electric blue lizards.

The island is still reeling from the aftermath of Hurricane Iona in 2020, with a significant emphasis during the visit being on supporting local business and helping the community to recover.

Witness the stunning coral reefs which are part of UNESCO’s Seaflower Biosphere Reserve, referred to as ‘The Sea of Seven Colours’, and make the most of the chance to snorkel among clownfish, turtles and manta rays.

Day 11: UNESCO Marine Park

Your expedition cruise continue on towards the crystal blue waters and forested isles of Bocas del Toro, which is now an official UNESCO World Heritage Site. While here, you’ll be exploring one of Earth’s most biologically diverse places, with a stunning archipelago to discover which is made up of nine main islands and hundreds of smaller ones.

Possible destinations include Red Frog Beach and the tropical rainforest of Solarte Island, and why not visit an authentic cacao farm, snorkel in Zapatilla Cay – the isolated location for the successful TV show, ‘Survivor’.

Day 12: Escudo De Veraguas – The final hidden paradise

Traditionally considered as being the birthplace of the Indigenous Ngöbe–Buglé people, Escudo De Veraguas is an island renowned for its abundant forests and clear waters. Due to the geographical location of the island, it is difficult for many travellers to actually visit this utopia which is concealed within the Bocas del Toro region.

The Island is the exclusive destination where tourists can potentially catch a glimpse of the extremely rare three-toed pygmy sloth. During this day of exploration, the MS Roald Amundsen will be navigating through yhe serene channel system of the island, before executing planned landings to meet with the Ngöbe community.

Day 13: Arriving in Colon

Colon, the vibrant corridor to the Panama Canal, will be the final destination on your expedition cruise. Still feel as though you have a thirst for more adventure? Travellers will be able to add on three extra nights to their trip through the optional post-programme package, where you’ll be staying in a jungle lodge nestled in a rainforest next to Chagres River.

Alternatively, add a trip to the charismatic neighbourhood of Casco Viejo to your itinerary, located in Panama City. You will also have the option to book another expedition cruise that takes you through the locks of the Panama Canal and to the Pacific Ocean on the other side.

Hotel

• Overnight in Miami before the expedition cruise, including breakfast and lunch

Transfers

• Transfer from the hotel to the ship in Miami including an excursion before the expedition cruise and lunch

Expedition Cruise

• A stay in a cabin of your choice
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner including beverages* in restaurants Aune and Fredheim
• À la carte restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests
• Complimentary tea and coffee
• Complimentary Wi-Fi on board†
• Complimentary reusable water bottle
• English-speaking Expedition Team who organise and accompany activities on board and ashore
• Range of included activities

Onboard Activities

• In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by experts on the Expedition Team
• Full use of our Science Center, small library and advanced biological and geological equipment
• Citizen Science Programme where you can assist with ongoing scientific research
• Photography tips and techniques for capturing landscape and wildlife from our onboard professional photographer
• Use of ship’s hot tubs, infinity pool, panoramic sauna, outdoor and indoor gyms, and running track
• Yoga and meditation sessions with an instructor
• Informal gatherings with the crew for daily briefings

Landing Activities

• Escorted landings with small expedition boats
• Loan of boots, trekking poles and all equipment for activities
• Complimentary wind- and water-resistant expedition jacket
• Expedition photographers on hand to assist you

Notes

• All planned activities are subject to weather conditions
• Excursions and activities are subject to change
• Please make sure you meet entry and boarding requirements
• No gratuities expected

What’s not included

• International flights
• Travel insurance
• Luggage handling
• Optional shore excursions with our local partners
• Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team
• Optional treatments in the onboard wellness and spa area

MS Roald Amundsen