Palm-lined Puntarenas

Enjoy Costa Rican coastal life before you board

Your Central American expedition cruise begins in Puntarenas, a relaxed Costa Rican city jutting into the Pacific Ocean. Stroll down the palm-lined Paseo de los Turistas and soak up the sights and sounds of the promenade.

Then it's time to board your hybrid-powered expedition ship MS Roald Amundsen. Get settled in your cabin, meet your Expedition Team and make yourself at home in your comfortable surroundings as you set sail.

Relax in San Juan del Sur

Enjoy Nicaragua's best beaches and fine architecture

The first stop on our Pacific Coast cruise is the Nicaraguan town of San Juan del Sur. It's a surfer's paradise, framed by colorful Victorian-era clapboard houses and seafood restaurants.

Our included activity is a bus tour of Granada, home to some of the country's finest 16th century architecture. Then 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 history of León

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

Look out for colorful Sandinista murals of protest, war, and local heroes like Carlos Fonseca. Explore more at the Museo Histórico de la Revolución, where former revolutionaries will be your guides, sharing first-hand commentary of what life was like then. From here, it's on 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 Acajutla. 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

Discover Izapa's ancient past or mangrove wildlife

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

Wildlife lovers can opt to join a guided boat tour to the nearby mangroves, home to pelicans, herons, hummingbirds and turtles. Or you can visit Chocolate City and learn how artisans turn locally grown cocoa beans into sweet delights.

You can explore the ancient ruins and stone carvings of Izapa, dating back to 1500 BCE, or enjoy a guided tour of Tapachula, a city filled with the cultural influences of immigrant port and farm 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 over 80 types of reptiles and amphibians. It's a dream for nature lovers and photographers.

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

Wellness at sea

Recharge and relax back on board your ship

It's time for a relaxing day at sea as we cruise to Hualtuco. Sit back and admire the scenery, go for a swim, pick up tips from our onboard photographer, or attend our art workshop.

You can also get active with our Yoga and Wellness Program, featuring early morning mile-long walks on deck and stretching sessions. Join our wellness workshops, which can help improve physical and mental balance, or book a treatment with our massage therapists.

For in-depth geological and biological insights, stop by the ship’s Science Center and analyze any expedition samples.

Enticing Puerto Vallarta

Discover this vibrant Mexican resort city

Situated along Bahía de Banderas, Puerto Vallarta is one of Mexico's premier coastal destinations, with an abundance of nature and water sports. 

In El Malecón, the boardwalk buzzes with performers. Look up to see the death-defying dance of the papantla flyers. Head to Mercado Municipal Rio Cuale to taste delicious tamales, tacos and mole. Or visit Isla Cuale, a vast open-air market close to the striking Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

You can visit Vallarta Botanical Gardens on an optional excursion, with its impressive orchid house and native plants. Or learn to make authentic Mexican dishes like chile relleno, stuffed green peppers, in a cooking class.

Beautiful Cabo San Lucas

Discover the natural wonders of Cabo San Lucas

You'll experience a change of tempo as our expedition cruise docks at Cabo San Lucas.

With stunning beaches and azure waters, 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 beneath teem with fish, sea lions, rays, and even whales.

Join an optional excursion and stop at Baja’s most famous beach, the beautiful Playa del Amor. Geology and botany enthusiasts will love the Museo de Historia Natural downtown, where you can also learn about local marine life conservation.

Relax onboard

Reconnect with nature along the Baja California coast

Leaving Mexico behind, we sail north to San Diego. It's the perfect opportunity to make the most of your remaining time onboard your expedition ship.

You can take part in our onboard wellness activities like yoga and meditation, relax in the spa or by the pool, or look for whales out on deck. Or perhaps curl up in the panoramic Explorer Lounge, watching the scenery go by.

Our Expedition Team will also continue their fascinating program of lectures on a wide range of subjects. And there's still time to contribute to important global research by joining a Citizen Science project.

Arrival in San Diego

Your adventure ends in California's 'Beach City'

With its heady mix of urban sophistication, laidback surfer vibe, and year-round sunshine, San Diego is the perfect place to end your trip.

Culture buffs should head to Balboa Park, with its 17 museums, art galleries and performing arts venues. Or take a trolley car tour and explore Downtown, from the historic Gaslamp Quarter to the waterfront of San Diego Bay. 

There's so much to see here, why not join our Post-Program to explore more of the city and its surroundings, including a visit to Cabrillo National Monument.