JOURNEY to the AMAZON

Departures

Many experienced cruisers would describe this as the best of all cruises - combining leisurely days at sea with visits to some of the world’s most beautiful islands, while cruising on a ship that will delight the most avid cruise connoisseur. Cruising the warm waters of the Caribbean in the gracious comfort of Holland America Line gives us ample time to enjoy the amenities and impeccable service of the ms Veendam, to relax on deck with a good book while we savour the sea air and to share leisure time with new found friends. Our journey then takes an exotic turn as we cross the equator and venture up the world’s mightiest river, the Amazon, to the heart of the rain forest and the unique charms of Manaus, a city founded on the wealth of the forest.

Itinerary

Mar 23, Tue: Depart CANADA

Mar 24, Wed: RIO DE JANEIRO (Hotel)

Mar 25, Thu: RIO DE JANEIRO
Embark / Sail 6:00pm

Mar 27, Sat: ILHEUS, Brazil
Arrive 8:00am / Sail 5:00pm

Mar 28, Sun: SALVADOR, Brazil
Arrive 7:00am / Sail11:00pm

Mar 30, Tue: MACEIO, Brazil
Arrive 8:00am / Sail 5:00pm

Mar 31, Wed: RECIFE, Brazil
Arrive 8:00am / Sail11:00pm

Apr 2, Fri: FORTALEZA, Brazil
Arrive 7:00am / Sail 5:00pm

Apr 4, Sun: BELEM, Brazil
Arrive 10:00am / Sail 6:00pm

Apr 6, Tue: CRUISING THE AMAZON
MACAPA, Brazil
Arrive 7:00am / Sail 3:00pm
Crossing the Equator

Apr 7, Wed: CRUISING THE AMAZON
SANTAREM, Brazil
Arrive 10:00am / Sail 8:00pm

Apr 8, Thu: BOCA DA VALERIA, Brazil
Arrive 8:00am / Sail 5:00pm

Apr 9/10, Fri/Sat: MANAUS, Brazil (Overnight)
Arrive 10:00am / Sail 5:00pm

Apr 11, Sun: PARINTINS, Brazil
Arrive 8:00am / Sail 5:00pm

Apr 12, Mon: ALTER DO CHAO, Brazil
Arrive 8:00am / Sail 3:00pm

Apr 13, Tue: CRUISING THE AMAZON
Crossing the Equator

Apr 15, Thu: DEVIL’S ISLAND, French Guiana
Arrive 8:00am / Sail 5:00pm

Apr 17, Sat: BRIDGETOWN, Barbados
Arrive 8:00am / Sail 5:00pm

Apr 18, Sun: ROSEAU, Dominica
Arrive 8:00am / Sail 3:00pm

Apr 19, Mon: ROADTOWN, Tortola, BVI
Arrive 8:00am / Sail 4:00pm

Apr 21, Wed: HALF MOON CAY, Bahamas
Arrive 8:00am / Sail 3:00pm

Apr 22, Thu: FT LAUDERDALE, Florida
Arrive 7:00am / Sail 5:00pm

Apr 25, Sun: NEW YORK, NY
Arrive 7:00am /Debark/Fly Home

Dates missing from the above itinerary will be days at sea.

PORTS OF CALL

° Its stunning setting and joyous lust for life make Rio a cidade maravilhosa, "marvelous city." Ipanema, Copacabana, samba - the words alone conjure Brazilian paradise.

° Ilheus owes its fame and prosperity to its beautiful, unspoiled beaches and its cacao, which in the 19th century became the country's second most important export.

° Bahia, as the locals call it, is rich in African, Indian and Portuguese cultures. There are fascinating capoeira fightdances to watch, African markets to shop, an aerial tram to ride up to Cidade Alta for spectacular views.

° Stroll the stunning coastline, shop or relax at a local bar. Nearby, the Cheiro da Terra market offers the wares of more than 100 vendors and artisans.

° Recife's most famous geographical feature is surely the series of canals and rivers that crisscross the city - making it the "Venice of Brazil." Nearby: colonial Olinda, a UNESCO World Heritage Site restored to its 1581 glory.

° Jangadeiros (fishermen aboard log rafts with sails) skim this port's waters as they have for centuries; artisans hand-craft gossamer pieces of heirloom lace.

° The Portuguese colonial architecture is evident everywhere. Wander the narrow streets, explore the local Ver O Peso market or view the world's largest collection of tropical plants at the Goeldi Museum.

° Cruising the World’s greatest river through the heart of Brazil is a truly extraordinary experience, relished by few of the world’s travellers.

° The gateway to the Amazon, this sleepy city is located on the Equator and definitely away from the usual tourist itineraries.

° A lively and developing centre where the clear black waters of the Rio Tapajos meet the muddy waters of the Amazon.

° Grass huts, log canoes, traditional hunting and fishing are part of the daily life in this remote and primitive Amazon village, a trading post on a bend in the river.

° While this hub of the Amazon earned its wealth from rubber (see the magnificently restored Opera House), it is today a growing industrial centre (Pop. 4 million).

° This tiny Amazon village draws thousands to its annual Boi Bumba Festival, a ancient celebration of an Indian culture, noted for its lively dances and colourful dress.

° Rimmed by white-sand beaches and the deep blue waters of the Rio Tapajos, this village boasts fine collections of indigenous arts and crafts from the interior.

° Beautiful morpho butterflies flit over the tragic remains of this once hated French penal colony, from which prisoners never escaped.

° Lovely beaches, lush countryside and traditional British colonial styles and island lifestyles await us on this delightful island.

° Lush rainforest covered hills and thundering waterfalls wait us in the natural paradise, most of which has not been touched by development of any kind.

° An enticing mix of pink and blue buildings, yachts, rum cocktails and pirate lore. Play on a soft-sand beach or sail away to islands of buccaneer legend.

° Holland America Line's pristine private island offers everything you need for a day of play in paradise.

° Visit the newly redesigned Ft. Lauderdale Beach and cafes, stroll the historic Riverwalk or shop the luxurious stores on Las Olas Boulevard.

° New York was once the capital of America, but that illustrious title seems insignificant compared to the modern role of the Big Apple. Fashion, finance and fine arts - it all happens here!

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Above prices are per person based on sharing the cabin category chosen and include all the Inclusive Features. Cruise only price is based on joining at the hotel in Rio de Janeiro and leaving at the pier in New York.
See Deck Plan for full details on various categories available.

Single passengers can book to share on the cruise in categories ‘K’ (inside) or ‘E’ (outside) at special rates which include a single room at hotel or pay a single supplement of 50% of the cruise only in any cabin category, excluding deluxe cabins. Many cabins can accommodate 3 or 4 people. Bedding in all cabins can be either twin beds or large queen bed.

CT RATING ONE – this cruise is suitable to all passengers who meet our basic criteria for group travel. Members should be aware that optional excursions will often involve travel in remote regions under difficult conditions.

SHORE EXCURSIONS are not included in your cruise cost, allowing you the freedom to choose from the optional tours that will be offered in each port. Excursions will be available for purchase through the cruise line. Full details on cost, etc, will be available online or will be sent with your final documents.

Our escort will accompany this cruise with a minimum of twenty members travelling.

Your cruise price and deposit includes comprehensive insurance ($395 - $685 per person) for passengers under 86 years of age at time of travel. Cancellations of any booking prior to October 23, 2009 will be subject to an Administration Fee of $50pp – this fee will not be covered by our insurance. Insurance coverage will begin on the above date and will cover penalties from that date forward. Contact our office for full details. Final payment will be due on December 21, 2009.

AIR ONLY (CDN$/person)

Note: above rates are for AIR PACKAGE ONLY. See below for a list of cruise rates in various categories.

Airfares include the current cost for flights, all related taxes and fees, insurance coverage, airport transfers in Rio de Janeiro & New York, airport transfers in Canada or equivalent value. Airfares are subject to change and will be confirmed at the time you confirm your cruise reservation.

Inclusive Features

To enroll on this tour simply complete our online enrollment form or alternatively complete the enrollment form found at the back of our brochure and return it with your deposit of $2500 per person to Craig Travel's office.