Road Scholar : Home
Amazon Explorer

Program Number: 19625RJ
Start and End Dates:
11/29/2012 - 12/22/2012; 11/26/2013 - 12/22/2013;
Duration: 23 nights
Location: United States/ French Guiana/Brazil/St. Barts/St. Vincent & The Grenadines/Barbados/Aruba
Price starting at: $7,047.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Adventure Afloat Study Cruise; Ocean Cruises
Meals: 68; 23 Breakfasts, 22 Lunches, 23 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

Journey into the heart of the Amazon as you sail along its legendary river, meet local people who inhabit many of its islands and see plant and animal species that make this region like no other. Excursions to St. Lucia, Bonaire, and Barbados offer a first-hand look into the natural beauty of these exquisite islands.




Activity Particulars

Participants must be able to walk up and down the gangway, uneven terrain throughout program. Elevator on ship.



Itinerary At-a-Glance

Aboard ms Prinsendam, 11 nights; Amazon Jungle, 1 night; aboard ms Prinsendam, 11 nights.



Days 1-5:
Arrival Fort Lauderdale / embark ms Prinsendam / At Sea / St. Lucia

Sail along the Florida Straits and the Caribbean Sea before arriving at the port of Castries, St. Lucia. Visit the ruins of Pigeon island National Landmark with local historian. Experience the panoramic views by coach, then board the ship for scenic cruising by the Souffre.



Days 6-8:
At Sea / Devil’s Island, French Guiana/ At Sea

Explore Devil’s Island — once a French penal colony — and learn its haunting history at your own pace.



Day 9:
Macapa (Brazil) / At Sea

Relax on the Amazon River in a traditional Amazon boat as you visit small villages along this magnificent river. Meet native peoples who show traditional medicinal plants, how they make their dishes, hand woven baskets, shrimp traps and boats.



Days 10-11:
Santerem, Brazil/ Boca de Valeria, Brazil

Discover the “meeting of the waters,” an unusual phenomenon that occurs when the Amazon and Tapajós Rivers meet. Look for exotic species of birds throughout the Amazon Basin, and try your hand at piranha fishing. Visit the Monkey Forest, a center for rehabilitation and re-introduction of wild animals, and enjoy an evening canoe ride along the Amazon River.



Days 12-13:
Manaus (Brazil) / Jungle Trekking

Disembark and travel by coach to EcoPark lodge for an overnight stay. Visit the Monkey Forest, a center for rehabilitation and re-introduction of wild animals, and enjoy an evening canoe ride and alligator spotting along the Amazon River.Go jungle trekking before returning to Manaus, "The Little Paris of the Jungle," to discover the city by coach.



Days 14-18:
Paratins (Brazil) / Alter do Chao (Brazil) / Amazon River / At Sea

Via decorated tricycles, explore the major highlights of Paratins including Liberty Square and the Bumbódromo. A coach ride to Bosque Santa Lúcia reveals more than 200 species of trees.



Days 19-21:
Bridgetown (Barbados) / Caribbean Sea/ Kralendijk, Bonaire

Wind your way through the greenery of Fisherpond Sugar Cane Estate and Coffee Gully via 4x4 open-back jeeps. Journey along the scenic coastline to Farley Hill National Park in Barbados. Take a cultural tour of Bonaire and see Rincon Valley, traditionally home to the Arawak Indians, passing candelabra cacti and ocean views along the way.



Days 22-24:
Caribbean Cruising / Fort Lauderdale/ Disembark/ Departure

Cruise along the Caribbean sea, taking in the views and marine life. Attend the final lectures on the Scenic, Cultural and Wildlife Highlights of the region, disembark in Ft. Lauderdale for departure.



ms Prinsendam

Designed expressly to explore the rare corners of the world, the Prinsendam accommodates fewer than 800 guests, offering the intimate feel of a yacht with the spaciousness of a large cruise ship

Road Scholar Instructors
These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.
Peter Alden
Peter Alden is a world renowned naturalist, lecturer, ecotourism expert and author of 15 books on American and African wildlife, including the National Audubon Society’s Regional Field Guide Series. He is considered to be an authority on birds and larger mammals of the world and is often consulted by the media for his expertise. Peter is also a highly entertaining and widely sought after lecturer on topics that include world wildlife, the Polar regions and biodiversity of the northeast.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   MS Prinsendam
  ms Prinsendam, At Sea 11 nights
   Amazon Eco Park Jungle Lodge
  Amazon Jungle, Brazil 1 night
   MS Prinsendam
  ms Prinsendam, At Sea 11 nights
 MS Prinsendam
Type: Cruise Ship
  Description: Designed to explore the remote corners of the world in elegance and style, the ms Prinsendam is our most intimate ship. Accommodating just 835 passengers, she gives guests the feel of a classic yacht with the spaciousness of a cruise ship. The ms Prinsendam offers many cozy areas in which to find your favorite spot, most of her staterooms feature commanding ocean views and many have private verandahs. A special signature sculpture dominates the three-story atrium featuring etched fish, turtles and dolphins climbing a stunning cylinder of Bolle glass and lit with state-of-the-art fiber optics. Other works of art include a remarkable abstract marble sculpture of a Viking ship by contemporary Norwegian artist Nicholas Widerberg, a series of paintings by impressionist painter Neil Pinkett, and an outstanding collection of Roman Amphorae from 50 - 150 AD. The ms Prinsendam, or "Princes" ship, is truly a classic ship worthy of her name.
  Ship Information: Ship's Registry: The Netherlands Passenger capacity: 835 Crew members: 470 Gross Tonnage: 37,983 grt. Length: 669 feet Beam: 106 feet Maximum speed: 22 knots
  Contact info: 300 Elliott Avenue West
Seattle, WA 98119 USA
phone: 206-281-3535
web: www.hollandamerica.com/cruise-vacation-onboard/Prinsendam
  Room amenities: With 25 percent more living space than any other ship in its category, enjoy elegant and refined details such as fine linens, fluffy Egyptian cotton towels and bathrobes, massage showerheads and flat-screen televisions.
  Facility amenities: The ms Prinsendam boasts 22 spacious public rooms, features commanding ocean views in 93 percent of her staterooms and private verandahs in 67 percent of her staterooms. The two-tier La Fontaine Dining Room features impeccable service and an extensive wine list, and offers five-course menus, from continental cuisine to vegetarian and low-carb options. The intimate reservations-only Pinnacle Grill offers an elegant, sophisticated dining experience and features premium hand-selected cuts of Sterling Silver beef, inspired seafood dishes and many select wines rated "Excellent" by Wine Spectator - as well as distinctive Bvlgari china, Riedel stemware and Frette linens. The Lido Restaurant offers a relaxed ambiance for all three meals and features a variety of fresh, cooked-to-order specialties. The Culinary Arts Center, presented by Food & Wine magazine, is the setting for gourmet cooking demonstrations and interactive classes. The Queen's Show Lounge features Las Vegas-style productions, talented vocalists, illusionists, comedians and variety acts.
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes

 Amazon Eco Park Jungle Lodge
Type: Lodge
  Description: Ecopark Jungle Lodge is located on the Tarumă River, approximately one hour from the Manaus airport.There is unlimited opportunity for guests to view different bird spieces, giant trees, exotic orchids, medicinal plants, and much more! All bungalows are comfortable and pleasantly decorated, while maintaining a rustic and original atmosphere.
  Contact info: Avenida Eduardo Ribeiro
Amazon Jungle,  69005-1 Brazil
phone: +55 92 9146 0594
web: www.amazonecopark.com.br/en/the-hotel
  Room amenities: air conditioning, electric showers and screened windows
  Facility amenities: Pier for embarking and disembarking of guests; large open air reception area with bar; handicraft and convenience boutique; open air, thatched roof restaurant (kitchen is open to guests); air conditioned events salon; games salon; air conditioned TV and meeting salon; thatched roof hammock area; 4 natural bathing pools and private beach.There are several fresh water streams, jungle trails with diverse vegetation, including virgin forests, natural savannas, and creeks for canoeing.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Bathroom: All bathrooms have showers only.


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
This program starts in Ft. Lauderdale on Nov. 29, 2012. You will be staying at MS Prinsendam that night.
  End of Program:
The program ends in Ft. Lauderdale on Dec. 22, 2012. You will be staying at MS Prinsendam the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. A Yellow Fever certificate or an official waiver is required to embark the ship. Please consult with your doctor or a travel clinic and check the CDC website for updates. 1. Navigate to the Holland America Lines website at www.hollandamericalines.com 2. Click the link on the upper right-hand corner of the page that says “Check-in Online”. 3. Scroll down and click on the blue button in the right-hand side panel that says “LOGIN”. 4. If you have already created an account with Holland America, you may log-in using the username and password you created. If you have not already created an account with Holland America, you will need to do so by clicking on the underlined text at the top of the page that says please register now. 5. You may be prompted for your booking number. Please refer to your final information packet for that number. If you are unable to remember your booking number, you may call your provider office at 866-359-5966 for that information. 6. Follow the steps on the Holland America Lines website to complete your online check-in.
  Required innoculations:
Yes: A Yellow Fever certificate or an official waiver is required to embark the ship. Please consult with you doctor or a travel clinic and check the CDC website for updates and details of suggested shots. The CDC reports a risk of malaria in the Brazilian Amazon.
  Parking availability:
The Ft. Lauderdale Airport has long term parking available at Airport Economy Parking. Please see the following website for more information: www.fortlauderdaleinternationalairport.com/parking.php
Transportation (For Independent Travelers)
  Train or bus availability: Taxis are available to the cruise terminal.
To Start of Program
  Location:  ms Prinsendam
  Transportation to site: Transfers from the airport to the ship are included for all participants through Holland America if you are arriving on the group date unless you specifically requested otherwise. Please avoid arriving after 3 PM if possible. The ship is currently scheduled to leave at 10:00 PM but this is subject to change.
  From End of Program
  Location:  In flight
  Transportation from site: Transfers from the ship to the the airport are provided by the Holland America Lines for all participant departing on the group departure date. Avoid scheduling flights prior to 12:30. The ship is scheduled to arrive at 7:00 but this is subject to change.


Required innoculations:

Yes: A Yellow Fever certificate or an official waiver is required to embark the ship. Please consult with you doctor or a travel clinic and check the CDC website for updates and details of suggested shots. The CDC reports a risk of malaria in the Brazilian Amazon.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Arrive Ft. Lauderdale
(Thursday, November 29)
   
 Afternoon: Arrive Ft. Lauderdale Airport, transfer to the ship to embark. Transfer information will be provided in the final material, but avoid arriving prior to 10 AM or later than 3 PM.
 Dinner: Dinner onboard.
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Accommodations: MS Prinsendam
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: At Sea (Florida Straits)
(Friday, November 30)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast onboard.
 Morning: Meet with your group for the scheduled Road Scholar Orientation. This morning we will review the program details take time to introduce each other and review our lecture series with Peter Alden. Our theme is the Scenic, Cultural and Wildlife Highlights of the Caribbean, the Amazon and South America.
 Lunch: Lunch onboard.
 Afternoon: Enjoy a lecture on the Greater Antilles: Cuba, Jamaica, Hispanoila, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Spend the rest of the day exploring the shipboard activities and lecture series while cruising through the Florida Straits.
 Dinner: Dinner onboard.
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Accommodations: MS Prinsendam
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: At Sea (Caribbean Sea)
(Saturday, December 1)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast onboard.
 Morning: Enjoy a lecture on underwater marine life of the area with your study leader while cruising Caribbean waters.
 Lunch: Lunch onboard.
 Afternoon: Enjoy the rest of the day with your fellow Road Scholar travelers or other passengers and participate in the broad choice of activities, including the ship's special guest speaker series (these are announced in the daily program when on board). Later before dinner join together as a group for a special wlecome cocktail party hosted by your Study Leader.
 Dinner: Dinner onboard.
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Accommodations: MS Prinsendam
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: At Sea (Caribbean Sea)
(Sunday, December 2)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast onboard
 Morning: Enjoy a morning lecture with your study leader on: The other Lesser Antilles: The Leewards and the Windwards from Antigua to Grenada.
 Lunch: Lunch onboard.
 Afternoon: Enjoy a lecture about St. Lucia and enjoy the other shipboard activities and lecture series.
 Dinner: Dinner onboard.
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Accommodations: MS Prinsendam
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Castries, St. Lucia
(Monday, December 3)

Note: Participants with limited mobility may find it difficult to embark or disembark due to steep gangways and steps. Walking for up to 1 mile.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast onboard.
 Morning: Enjoy a panoramic overview of the lush island of St. Lucia, from the capital of Castries on the coast, to the farming community of Baboneau inland. Visit Pigeon Island, which was home to Carib Indians, pirates, and the British navy. A local historian leads a walk through the ruins on the island and the interpretation center. Then meet with a minister of the government who will explain the political system of St. Lucia.
 Lunch: Lunch onboard.
 Afternoon: Afternoon Cruising by the Souffiere. Enjoy sunset along the scenic coast.
 Dinner: Dinner onboard.
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Accommodations: MS Prinsendam
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: At Sea (Atlantic Ocean)
(Tuesday, December 4)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast onboard.
 Morning: Enjoy a lecture led by your study leader: An Overview of the Amazon: The river, its cities, its people, its issues and threats.
 Lunch: Lunch onboard.
 Afternoon: Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
 Dinner: Dinner onboard.
   
Accommodations: MS Prinsendam
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Devil's Island, French Guiana
(Wednesday, December 5)

Note: Participants with limited mobility may find it difficult to embark or disembark the tenders due to steep gangways and steps.Walking in the afternoon is at your own pace.



   
 Breakfast: Breakfast onboard.
 Morning: Enjoy a lecture on Devil's Island and the three Guianas. Learn how The British, Dutch and French sought toeholds in Hispanic South America.
 Lunch: Lunch onboard.
 Afternoon: Arrive at Devil's Island and explore on your own. The most notorious of the three Salvation Islands, Devil's Island functioned for generations as a French penal colony. Once known as the Dry Guillotine because so many prisoners died there, the island today seems haunted by the spirits of former prisoners. Henri Charriere, better known as Papillon, claimed to be the only prisoner ever to escape the island.
 Dinner: Dinner onboard.
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Accommodations: MS Prinsendam
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: At Sea
(Thursday, December 6)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast onboard.
 Morning: Enjoy a lecture led by your study leader on: Amazonian Wildlife: The mammals, birds, reptiles, fish and insects that invite, incite, and sometimes bite.
 Lunch: Lunch onboard.
 Afternoon: Attend an afternoon workshop and learn to speak and pronounce some useful words and phrases in Brazillian Portuguese.
 Dinner: Dinner onboard.
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Accommodations: MS Prinsendam
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Macapa, Brazil
(Friday, December 7)

Note: Participants with limited mobility may find it difficult to embark or disembark the tenders due to steep gangways and steps.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast onboard.
 Morning: Relax on the Amazon River in a safe and traditional Amazon boat. Among the attractions are a small beach and villages along the Amazon River. See the daily life and survival techniques of the inhabitants on the islands in the middle of Amazon. Local people will show traditional medicinal plants, how they make their dishes, hand woven baskets, and shrimp traps. Take a jungle walk with an opportunity to see some important trees from the region and how the locals make their own wooden boats in an artisanal way.
 Lunch: Lunch onboard.
 Afternoon: Afternoon at leisure to explore on your own or to relax. Ship is scheduled to depart at 4:00 PM, the all on board is at 3:00 PM.
 Dinner: Dinner onboard.
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Accommodations: MS Prinsendam
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Santarem & Maica Lake
(Saturday, December 8)

Note: Participants with limited mobility may find it difficult to embark or disembark due to steep gangways and steps. Prepare accordingly for a longer local boat ride and conditions may be quite hot at Maica.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast onboard.
 Morning: Enjoy a leisurely morning and view as the ship cruises through the Amazon toward Santarem.
 Lunch: Lunch onboard.
 Afternoon: Start the afternoon discovering the "Meeting of the Waters" and Maica. Begin at the dock in Santarem on board a regional boat flowing downstream towards the unusual phenomenon called the “Meeting of the Waters”. This is where the Amazon and Tapajós Rivers come together. Continue to the Maica Area, which is a natural outlet of the Amazon River. This is a much smaller stream, making it easier to see the sights as the boat meanders through the flood plain. The beautiful landscape of this area shows the natural ways of the Amazon Basin. Bird watching is one of the highlights of this excursion. It is common to identify many different species of birds. There is also a great possibility to see fresh water dolphins. Before returning to Santarém, the boat captain will make a stop for Piranha Fishing.
 Dinner: Dinner on board
 Evening: at leisure
   
Accommodations: MS Prinsendam
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Boca de Valeria
(Sunday, December 9)

Note: Participants with limited mobility may find it difficult to embark or disembark the tenders due to steep gangways and steps. Walking short distances and standing for up to 1 hour.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board
 Morning: Visit the small, stilted community of Boca de Valeria. Explore on your own the typical Amazonian village.
 Lunch: Lunch on board
 Afternoon: Afternoon at leisure to rest on board or join the activities
 Dinner: Dinner on board
 Evening: at leisure
   
Accommodations: MS Prinsendam
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Amazon Jungle overnight
(Monday, December 10)

Note: Participants with limited mobility may find it difficult to embark or disembark due to steep gangways and steps and the small boats used in the Amazon.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board.
 Morning: Meet with your group prior to disembarkation to go over the shore overnight schedule. Please pack only a carry on overnight bag. (no suitcases) Depart in the morning for EcoPark lodge.
 Lunch: Late Lunch at the lodge
 Afternoon: Visit the center for rehabilitation and re-introduction of wild animals known as the Monkey Forest. It was created in 1991, with the intention of receiving animals which have been confiscated from illegal commerce. In this center, the animals are admitted and rehabilitated by a team of biologists and veterinarians. With a high success rate since the start, the animals manage to reproduce naturally, creating new families and ensuring survival of the species. Transfer back to the ship in Manaus to re-embark.
 Dinner: Dinner at the lodge
 Evening: Depart the lodge in paddle or motorized canoes, to appreciate the sounds of the jungle at night, with the possibility of spotting small alligators and other nightly creatures.
   
Accommodations: Amazon Eco Park Jungle Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Manaus and the Amazon Jungle
(Tuesday, December 11)

Note: Participants with limited mobility may find it difficult to embark or disembark small boats and walk in the jungle on un even foot paths. Walking for up to two miles on the nature hike.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast onboard.
 Morning: Take a morning nature hike with your local guide and discover firsthand the natural beauty of the Amazon forest. Learn about local strategies for building shelter, trapping animals, and deriving drinking water from plant sources.
 Lunch: Early lunch at the lodge or in town
 Afternoon: Return to Manaus and enjoy a brief city discovery. Manaus is the gateway to the largest tropical forest of the planet: The Amazon Forest. Its golden age was the turn of last century, when the exportation of natural rubber made it one of the richest cities in the world. Hundreds of architects, city planners and landscape designers came from Europe and transformed the city into a European looking town, called at that time, The Little Paris of the Jungle. See the lavish Opera House, entirely built with material imported from Europe during the rubber boom.
 Dinner: Dinner onboard.
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Accommodations: MS Prinsendam
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14: Parintins, Brazil
(Wednesday, December 12)

Note: Participants with limited mobility may find it difficult to embark or disembark the tenders due to steep gangways and steps.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast onboard.
 Morning: Explore Parintins by guided tricycle. Nicely decorated by the locals, each tricycle takes one or two passengers. It is a perfect opportunity to have closer contact with the natives of Parintins. Start outside the port and go to the major highlights of the city: drive by the club of Caprichoso Boi, the Liberty Square where the annual Festival is held. Make a short stop in this arena, where some fresh water will be served. Then visit the Cathedral before going along the shore back to the port.
 Lunch: Lunch onboard.
 Afternoon: Afternoon at leisure to explore on your own or to relax. The ship is scheduled to depart at 5:00 PM. The all on board is at 4:00 PM.
 Dinner: Dinner onboard.
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Accommodations: MS Prinsendam
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15: Alter Do Chao, Brazil
(Thursday, December 13)

Note: Participants with limited mobility may find it difficult to embark or disembark the tenders due to steep gangways and steps. The walk in the Santa Lucia Arboretum will take approximately 1 1/2 hours on uneven terrain and insect repellent, sunscreen and long trousers are recommended.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast onboard.
 Morning: Travel by coach to Santa Lucia Arboretum. Explore by foot accompanied by a local guide and discover the different species of trees and their seeds such as the Brazil nut and hard wood. This area boasts more than 200 species of trees including the rubber tree. Brazil provided the world with the rubber tree, Hevea Brasiliensis, and although the country no longer plays a significant part in the natural rubber trade, it is forever linked to its past.
 Lunch: Late lunch on board
 Afternoon: Afternoon at leisure to explore the town or to relax. The ship is scheduled to depart at 3:00 PM. The all on board is at 14:00 PM.
 Dinner: Dinner onboard.
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Accommodations: MS Prinsendam
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 16: Cruising the Amazon River
(Friday, December 14)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast onboard.
 Morning: Enjoy a lecture led by your study leader on: Northeast and Central Brazil: Salvador, Brasilia and the Pantenal (South America's Okavango Delta.)
 Lunch: Lunch onboard.
 Afternoon: Enjoy an afternoon lecture on Southern Brazil: Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, the Atlantic forest and Iguassu Falls.
 Dinner: Dinner onboard.
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Accommodations: MS Prinsendam
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 17: At Sea
(Saturday, December 15)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast onboard.
 Morning: Enjoy a morning lecture led by your study leader on Argentina: Buenos Aires, The Pampas, The Andes, Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego.
 Lunch: Lunch onboard.
 Afternoon: Attend an afternoon lecture on Antarctica: South Georgia and the Falklands.
 Dinner: Dinner onboard.
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Accommodations: MS Prinsendam
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 18: At Sea
(Sunday, December 16)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast onboard.
 Morning: Enjoy a morning lecture led by your study leader on Chile and Bolivia: Cape Horn, Torres del Paine, the Lake district, Easter Island, the Atacama Desert and the High Andes to Lake Titicaca.
 Lunch: Lunch onboard.
 Afternoon: Attend an afternoon lecture on Barbados.
 Dinner: Dinner onboard.
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Accommodations: MS Prinsendam
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 19: Bridgetown, Barbados
(Monday, December 17)

Note: Several hours on bumpy roads in 4x4 vehicles. Participants with limited mobility may find it difficult to embark or disembark due to steep gangways and steps.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast onboard.
 Morning: Discover the natural beauty of the Barbados countryside by 4x4 - away from the normal tourist areas. Your driver/guide will take you into the interior of the island which is often inaccessible by other forms of transport. Wind your way through the greenery of Fisherpond Sugar Cane Estate and Coffee Gully through into the parish of St. Thomas and the famous Welchman Hall Gully. Meet with one of the island's foremost authorities to learn more about the gullies and the natural treasures they preserve, then enjoy a guided walk through the gullies. The jeeps will meet the group at the end of the trail. Continue by 4x4 tour across the island and enjoy the panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean pounding the Eastern Coastline of Barbados. Arrive in the village of Bathsheba and stop for lunch on this windswept coastal beach.
 Lunch: Lunch at a beach bar on the island.
 Afternoon: After lunch continue by 4x4 along the scenic coastline and back up into the hills passing the historic Farley Hill National Park where parts of the famous movie "Island in the Sun" were filmed. Arrive at Barbados Wildlife Reserve and meet the owners of the Reserve and learn about the wildlife living there. Enjoy a short walk in the reserve, with hopeful spottings of green monkies, parrots, flamingos and giant tortoises. On your way back to the Port the 4x4 convoy will show you another side of beautiful Barbados, ending in Holetown where the colonizing English settlers first landed in 1627.
 Dinner: Dinner onboard.
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Accommodations: MS Prinsendam
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 20: At Sea (Caribben Sea)
(Tuesday, December 18)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast onboard.
 Morning: Enjoy a morning lecture with your study leader on Peru and its historical sites.
 Lunch: Lunch onboard.
 Afternoon: Attend an afternoon lecture on Bonaire, Trinidad and Venezuela and enjoy other shipboard activities while cruising through Caribbean waters.
 Dinner: Dinner onboard.
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Accommodations: MS Prinsendam
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 21: Kralendijk (Bonaire)
(Wednesday, December 19)

Note: Participants with limited mobility may find it difficult to embark or disembark the tenders due to steep gangways and steps
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast onboard.
 Morning: Bonaire Cultural Adventure: See, feel and taste the culture of Bonaire, beginning with a drive north along the scenic coastline. You'll immediately get a feel for Bonaire's flora and landscapehuge candelabra cacti, trees, ocean views and the uninhabited island Klein Bonaire. Further over the hill, enjoy a panoramic view of the fertile Rincon Valley, once home to the Arawak Indians who are thought to have come from the South American mainland more than a thousand years ago. They brought their fascinating artwork and culture with them to this small island.
 Lunch: Lunch onboard.
 Afternoon: Afternoon at leisure to explore on your own or relax. The ship is scheduled to depart at 3:00 PM. The all on board will be at 14:00 PM.
 Dinner: Dinner onboard.
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Accommodations: MS Prinsendam
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 22: At Sea (Caribbean Sea)
(Thursday, December 20)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast onboard.
 Morning: Enjoy a morning lecture on Ecuador, including Quito, Avenue of the Volcanoes, the cloud forests, Amazon and Darwin's Galapagos.
 Lunch: Lunch onboard.
 Afternoon: Attend an afternoon lecture on Colombia, Panama and Costa Rica. Enjoy the other shipboard activities and lectures.
 Dinner: Dinner onboard.
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Accommodations: MS Prinsendam
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 23: At Sea (Florida Straits)
(Friday, December 21)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast onboard.
 Morning: Meet with your study leader and other Road Scholar participants. Today we gather for the last time to share our thoughts about this adventure.
 Lunch: Lunch onboard.
 Afternoon: Enjoy the variety of shipboard activities or attend lectures at your leisure.
 Dinner: Dinner onboard.
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Accommodations: MS Prinsendam
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 24: Ft. Lauderdale / Departure
(Saturday, December 22)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast onboard.
 Morning: Arrive in Ft. Lauderale and disembark the ship. Transfer to the airport for flights home. The ship is currently scheduled to arrive in port at 7:00 AM. We expect disembarkation to start around 8:30 but this can be delayed by customs and immigration. Avoid making flight arrangements departing prior to 12:30 PM.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


A Continent of Islands, Searching for the Caribbean Destiny


Author: Mark Kurlansky


Description: A wonderfully observed social history of the Caribbean by a far-ranging journalist and favorite author. Kurlansky has a knack for honing in on the small details that make the Caribbean culturally unique, offering frank insight on music, religion, healthcare and the influence of the United States.



A Small Place


Author: Jamaica Kincaid


Description: Antigua-born Kincaid meditates on the politics, history and culture of the islands in these remarkable short essays. A useful antidote to the usual fun-in-the-sun approach of the local tourist office, she exposes the poverty, corruption and startling beauty of the Caribbean.



Brazil: Amazon & Pantanal, Travellers' Wildlife Guides


Author: Les Beletsky, David Pearson


Description: A comprehensive handbook to the flora, fauna and habitats of Brazil. The 100 color plates feature 90 species of amphibians and reptiles, 310 birds, 70 mammals, 30 insects and 50 common trees and plants.



In Trouble Again


Author: Redmond O'Hanlon


Description: As funny as he is insightful, O'Hanlon starts his comic masterpiece of a journey between the Orinoco and the Amazon with a litany of the insects, protozoa, snakes and predators that can do you harm.



Insight Guide Brazil


Author: Insight Guides


Description: A profusely illustrated overview of the country, this guide features concise essays by well regarded authors on natural history, politics and culture. With hundreds of photos and maps.



Northern South America Map


Author: Reise & Verkehrsverlag


Description: A map of the northern half of South America, at a scale of 1:4,000,000.



Papillon


Author: Henri Charriere


Description: Charriere recounts in heart-stopping detail his escape from the notorious French penal colony Devil's Island in this modern classic, originally published in 1968 in the New Yorker (and made into a memorable film).



Snorkeling Guide to Marine Life


Author: Paul Humann


Description: Humann's compact guide illustrates Caribbean fishes, corals, invertebrates and plants commonly encountered in shallower water.



State of Wonder, A Novel


Author: Ann Patchett


Description: Pharmacologist Marina Singh travels to the heart of the Amazon to investigate the reported death of her colleague, a field researcher for a top-secret fertility drug.



Tales of a Shaman's Apprentice


Author: Mark Plotkin


Description: In this marvelous book, Plotkin recounts his work documenting the use of medicinal plants among remote tribes in the Northwest Amazon of Suriname, Venezuela, Guyana and French Guiana. A portrait of people and their environment, a tale of adventure and, most of all, a moving example of science in the service of preservation.



The Sea and the Jungle


Author: H.M. Tomlinson


Description: First published in 1912, this is a thoroughly unromanticized, absorbing account of a 2,000-mile journey by steamship deep into the Amazon. Understated and often hilarious.



The Smithsonian Atlas of the Amazon


Author: Michael Goulding, Ronaldo Barthem, Efrem Ferreira


Description: This beautiful, profusely illustrated atlas of the river includes its major tributaries and 150 full-color maps. Goulding (Floods of Fortune) and Brazilian biologists Barthem and Ferreira provide the accompanying text.



The Traveller's Tree


Author: Patrick Leigh Fermor


Description: Flush from his adventures in the war -- and in the company of the Greek artist Costa and Joan (later his wife), Leigh Fermor set out from Southampton for the Caribbean in late 1947, hopping among scattered islands.



Tree of Rivers, The Story of the Amazon


Author: John Hemming


Description: Hemming captures the ambition, greed and awe of naturalists, explorers and missionaries -- and their devastating impact on native peoples -- in this absorbing human history.



Tropical Nature


Author: Adrian Forsyth, Ken Miyata


Description: A lucid portrait of the tropics as seen by two uncommonly observant and thoughtful field biologists. Its 17 marvelous essays introduce the habitats, ecology, plants and animals of the Central and South American rainforest.



Whales, Dolphins, and Other Marine Mammals of the World


Author: Hadoram Shirihai, Brett Jarrett (Illustrator)


Description: This eye-catching Princeton Field Guide by Shirihai and illustrator Jarrett is noteworthy for its 450 excellent color photographs, range maps and text, all bundled in a compact package.





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