Discover San José

Sample the culture and cuisine of Costa Rica's capital

You'll begin your exploration of Central America in San José, the capital of Costa Rica, affectionately known as ‘Chepe’. Pack in as much as you can in an exciting day of discovery.

Explore Barrio Escalante, where you'll find a lively arts scene, a kaleidoscope of shows, microbreweries and food stalls. You can take a stroll through historic Barrio Amón, and learn more about the country’s pre-Columbian and modern culture at one of the city's many fascinating museums.

Finally, experience an authentic Old World feel at Mercado Central and sample the local cuisine before spending the night at your hotel.

Tárcoles River wildlife

Scarlet Macaws, basilisk lizards and crocodiles

Today, you'll enjoy a boat tour along the Tárcoles River to the Guacalillo Mangrove Estuary – home to an estimated 300 species of native and migratory birds.

Spot colourful caracaras, kingfishers, Yellow Warblers, and the Scarlet Macaw. Keep your eyes peeled for basilisk lizards, iguanas, crocodiles and monkeys along the shore.

Then it's onto Puntarenas where MS Roald Amundsen awaits. Before boarding, enjoy try a Churchill – the town's official snack of shaved ice with fruit, syrup and ice cream. Once aboard your hybrid-powered ship, you can get settled in and meet your Expedition Team.

Relax in San Juan del Sur

Enjoy Nicaragua's best beaches and fine architecture

As we cruise the Pacific Coast, we'll visit the Nicaraguan town of San Juan del Sur – a surfer's paradise, framed by colourful Victorian era clapboard houses, and fresh seafood restaurants.

You'll enjoy a bus tour of Granada, home to some of the finest 16th century colonial architecture in the country. After, we'll visit a local school where we plan to drop off donated school supplies.

Alternatively, you can join an optional excursion to the steaming fumaroles of the active Masaya Volcano, and stop at Catarina for panoramic views of Apoyo Lagoon and Lake Nicaragua.

Revolutionary León

Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of León

From Puerto Corinto, you'll explore the vibrant former capital of Nicaragua, León – considered the intellectual and liberal centre of the country.

León is home to one of Latin America's best art collections, while its streets and buildings tell their own tale of revolution, through colourful Sandinista murals of protest, war and local heroes like Carlos Fonseca.

Explore more at the Museo Histórico de la Revolución, where you'll be guided by former revolutionaries, who'll provide first-hand commentary of living through those times. We say goodbye to Nicaragua as we cruise to El Salvador.

Exploring El Salvador

Discover volcanoes and Mayan villages in El Salvador

Today we dock at Acajutla, a former Mayan village that's now El Salvador’s main seaport. Stroll along dark sand beaches, and taste local Salvadoran dishes at the harbor restaurants. And don't forget to try the region's famous coffee.

You can choose from a number of fascinating optional excursions. Take a trip inland to the cities of Sonsonate or Nahuizalco and Ataco in Acajulta. Or head to Cerro Verde National Park, home to the Izalco and Ilamatepec volcanoes. You might even visit UNESCO-protected Joya de Cerén, a 600 CE Mayan village, nicknamed the 'Pomeii of America'.

Mangroves in Mexico

Explore the wildlife of the Mexican mangroves

Our Central American expedition cruise continues to Mexico. From Puerto Chiapas, you'll be able to join a variety of optional excursions.

Wildlife lovers will enjoy a guided boat excursion to the nearby mangrove streams and lagoons to spot pelicans, herons, hummingbirds and turtles. Or you can visit Chocolate City and learn how locally grown cocoa beans are transformed into sweet delights.

Alternatively, explore the ancient ruins and stone carvings of Izapa, dating back to 1,500 BCE. Or enjoy a guided tour of Tapachula, a city filled with the cultural influences of immigrant port and agricultural workers.

Huatulco National Park

Discover the beaches, plants and wildlife of Huatulco

Spend the day in Huatulco – a vision of paradise with scenic bays, beaches and sheltered coves. You'll visit its national park, home to over 700 plant species, 130 mammals, 300 bird species, and more than 80 types of reptiles and amphibians – a dream for nature lovers and photographers.

Optional excursions include catamaran trips to Chahué, Tangolunda, Organo and Maguey bays. Or perhaps a tour to Conejos Bay, Copalita River, and an arts and crafts museum. You can also opt to visit the communities of Piedra de Moros, Pueblo Viejo and Las Pozas, and learn about Mexican culture.

Serenity at sea

Relax and recharge back on board ship

It's time for a relaxing day at sea as we cruise to Puerta Vallarta. Sit back and admire the scenery, go for a swim or soothe your muscles in the spa. Or join our art workshop to create pieces inspired by your travels.

For in-depth geological and biological insights, stop by the ship’s Science Center and analyse any expedition samples. The Expedition Team will continue their series of lectures, and you can take part in our Citizen Science projects, contributing important data to research.

You can also take it easy in the comfort of our Explorer Lounge & Bar, chatting over a drink or reading a book.

Enticing Puerto Vallarta

Discover this vibrant Mexican beach resort

We visit Puerto Vallarta is one of Mexico's premier coastal destinations. Situated along Bahía de Banderas, it offers an abundance of nature and watersport options. 

Downtown in El Malecón, the boardwalk buzzes with performers – and look up to catch the death-defying dance of the papantla flyers. You'll discover colourful markets and handicraft stalls too.

Head to Mercado Municipal Rio Cuale to taste delicious tamales, tacos and mole. Or you can learn some authentic recipes at a Mexican cooking class. Join an optional excursion to the Vallarta Botanical Gardens, to see its impressive orchid house, native palms, agave and cacti. 

Beautiful Cabo San Lucas

Discover the natural wonders of Cabo San Lucas

With stunning beaches and azure waters, Baja California's Cabo San Lucas is beloved by Hollywood stars. Its biggest star though is Land’s End – jagged granite arches, stacks and needles that form El Arco. The waters here teem with fish, sea lions, rays, and even whales.  

You can visit El Arco on an optional excursion and stop at Baja’s most famous beach, the beautiful Playa del Amor.

Or, if your interests lie more in geology and botany, then head to Museo de Historia Natural in downtown Cabo San Lucas, where you'll also learn about local marine life conservation efforts.

Relax Onboard

Enjoy the final leg of your Pacific Coast expedition

We say goodbye to Mexico as we cruise to San Diego, our final destination. Enjoy the next two days at sea, swapping tales of your travels in the Explorer Bar or over a delicious meal in one of the onboard restaurants.

Our lecture programme continues, delving further into the points of interest you've encountered on the expedition. You can hone your wildlife photography skills out on deck, or book relaxing treatments in the Wellness Centre. 

If you've not yet done so, you can still take part in Citizen Science projects, providing vital data for research. Before we reach San Diego, your Expedition Team will host a highlights presentation of your Pacific Coast adventure.

California's 'Beach City'

Visit San Diego, California's 'Beach City'

We say a fond farewell to MS Roald Amundsen as we dock in San Diego. With its heady mix of urban sophistication, laidback surfer vibe, and year-round sunshine, San Diego provides the perfect finale to your trip.  

Spend your day at the beach or take a trolley car tour to explore Downtown, from the historic Gaslamp Quarter to the San Diego Bay waterfront. Culture buffs should head to Balboa Park, with its 17 museums, art galleries and other performing arts venues.

With so many places to visit in San Diego, we highly recommend booking an optional Post-Programme to tour the city before returning home.