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Bequia's Admiralty Bay- The French Quarter of New Orleans
- Mayan ruins, Belize
- Keel-billed toucan
Caribbean and Central America Discovery
Spirit of Discovery departing Portsmouth
from
£14,999 per person
49 nights
6th January 2025
Including optional travel insurance or a price reduction of £882 if not requiredHow our discounts work
Read moreHow our discounts work
On all cruises we set aside a number of cabins within each level at a discounted fare, with the highest discount of 35% for ocean cruises and 25% for river cruises available on selected levels. These cabins are sold on a first come, first served basis. As cabins are sold, the discount begins to reduce, and continues to reduce until those selected cabins are sold.
This means that the earlier you book, the higher the chance of securing a greater discount. Our price panels clearly show the full cruise price, along with the current discount fare.
Please note: During busy periods for holiday bookings, the early booking discount can reduce rapidly. We recommend that you book early to benefit from the best booking discounts and to secure your preferred cabin.
When promoting new cruises for the first time, we contact customers on our Advanced Registration list first, allowing then to secure the cabin of their choice and benefit from the best savings. Our brochures are then sent out to loyalty club members first, followed by past cruise goers and then everyone else.
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No fly
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Chauffeur service
Contrasts of the Caribbean and Central America…
Escape to the warmth of the Caribbean, cruising from one sun-soaked tropical island to the next, before contrasting the ancient Mayan ruins and dense rainforests of Central America with the skyscrapers and space-age attractions of the USA on this all-inclusive cruise to the Caribbean and Central America in 2025.
Begin with a classic transatlantic crossing pausing en route to visit Madeira. Enjoy relaxing days on board Spirit of Discovery, before exploring a string of colourful Caribbean islands, each teeming with exotic wildlife and fringed with golden beaches. From St Lucia, dominated by the iconic Les Pitons’ peaks, and colonial Bridgetown in Barbados, to laid-back Bequia and the Dutch Caribbean islands of Willemstad and Oranjestad.
Continue your voyage to Central America to visit UNESCO-listed Cartagena and Colón, near the Atlantic entrance of the Panama Canal. See the rainforests and banana plantations of Puerto Limón, white-sand beaches of Honduras and archaeological treasures of Belize City. While Progreso, on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, offers a gateway to the iconic Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza.
Cruise further into the Gulf of Mexico to the Texan city of Galveston, from where you can visit the world-renowned Houston Space Station with its NASA space craft. Follow the Mississippi River for an overnight stay in New Orleans, birthplace of jazz and renowned for its Creole cuisine and French Quarter, and visit Miami, Florida, and perhaps visit the famous wildlife-rich Everglades National Park.
Spirit of Discovery will make an overnight stop at Bermuda, where UNESCO-listed St George’s became an English settlement in 1612, and call at the scenic Azores archipelago on the return journey.
Your six included panoramic excursions will be in
- Funchal, Madeira
- Castries, St Lucia
- Bridgetown, Barbados
- Willemstad, Curacao
- New Orleans, USA
- Ponta Delgada, Azores
Joining you on board…
Presenter and travel expert Johanna Grove
Johanna trained as a presenter and researcher at the BBC. Then, after a travel break which involved climbing Mount Everest, she decided to follow a different career path and has never looked back. In 2017 Johanna launched her own business as a freelance destination expert and has worked in the cruise industry since 2007. Look forward to some informative talks as Johanna shares her love of travel.
Itinerary
Portsmouth
Embark Spirit of Discovery.
Depart 1700.
Spend the day at sea.
Funchal, Madeira
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Madeira is a verdant, mountainous island formed from a volcanic eruption and known for its namesake wine. Often described as the ‘floating garden in the Atlantic’, the island is home to the world’s largest laurel forest and Botanical Gardens where exotic indigenous plants grow.
Included excursion
An included panoramic excursion will reveal the scenic highlights of the island.
Optional excursions
Admire panoramic views across Funchal as you ascend to the suburb of Monte by cable car, before visiting the Botanical Gardens, step out onto the glass-bottomed skywalk at Cabo Girao, over Europe’s highest sea cliff, or join a marine biologist for a RIB ride in search of whales and dolphins.
Spend the day at sea.
See what we have to offer at sea.
Castries, St Lucia
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Situated on the eastern edge of the Caribbean, St Lucia is cloaked in lush rainforest and famed for its iconic twin volcanic peaks, the Pitons.
Included excursion
This panoramic excursion will introduce you to some of the highlights on the island, taking in dramatic views and passing through stunning countryside.
Optional excursions
Perhaps head for Soufriere to experience the ‘drive-in’ volcano and Sulphur Springs Park or take a catamaran cruise to the bay at Anse Cochon.
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Bridgetown, Barbados
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Barbados offers a blend of West African and British culture, having remained a British colony until 1966.
Included excursion
Explore your surroundings on an included panoramic excursion.
Optional excursions
Perhaps take a tram ride into the heart of Harrison’s Cave, a crystallized limestone cave adorned with stalactites and deep pools of crystal-clear water or follow nature trails to discover the tropical sights of Barbados.
Port Elizabeth ⚓, Bequia
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Bequia is a tiny island with a laid-back ambience. Explore Port Elizabeth with its quaint waterfront overlooking Admiralty Bay. The neighbouring island of Mustique, once famed as Princess Margaret’s exclusive escape, is a holiday getaway of the rich and famous.
⚓ Land by launch or tender.
Spend the day at sea.
See what we have to offer at sea.
Willemstad, Curacao
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
A Caribbean centre of trade, Willemstad was founded by Dutch colonists in 1634. The UNESCO-listed harbour and inner-city is a reflection of its European influences complete with waterways, pavement cafes and narrow-gabled, 18th-century houses in all manner of colours. The island’s sandy beaches are perfect for relaxing.
Included excursion
Gain an overview of the island on an included panoramic excursion.
Optional excursions
Take a guided tour of the Curacao Liqueur Distillery to discover the history of the blue drink from the region, or perhaps explore the limestone Hato Caves, home to long-nosed fruit bats, cave paintings, waterfalls and unusual rock formations.
Oranjestad, Aruba
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
With brightly coloured buildings that mirror those in Amsterdam, Oranjestad’s Dutch heritage is clear to see. The capital of Aruba, Oranjestad combines colourful European-style architecture with the sights you would expect to find on a Caribbean island, pristine beaches, swaying palms and crystal-clear waters.
Spend the day at sea.
See what we have to offer at sea.
Cartagena, Colombia
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Founded in 1533 by the Spanish, Cartagena sits in a sheltered bay. Its historic core has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It encompasses an extensive network of fortifications unlike any other in the New World. The old town is encircled by miles of old stone walls and is a tightly packed maze of alleyways lined with Andalusian-style palaces, churches and mansions. Of special note is the immense San Félipe de Barajas Castle, the largest of its kind.
Optional excursions
See colonial houses, buildings adorned by flower-bedecked balconies, historic squares and architectural delights, including the beautiful Baroque door of The Inquisition Palace on a walking tour or delve into the local culture and participate in coffee-tasting sessions led by local experts.
Colón, Panama
Arrive 1300 on Jan 26. Depart 1700 on Jan 27.
Colón marks the Caribbean end of the Panama Canal. It was born in 1850 out of a desire to reach California quickly during the Gold Rush. On the shoreline stands the ruined 16th-century Fort San Lorenzo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which predates the city, while Zona Libra offers duty-free shopping. In nearby Portobello, you can watch the colourful yachts in the bay, or hunt for treasures in the local markets.
Optional excursions
Visit Emberra Indian Village, where you will be welcomed with traditional hospitality or discover Gutan Lake, a large man-made fresh water lake, home to an abundance of wildlife.
Puerto Limón, Costa Rica
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Latin America's oldest settlement, Puerto Limón, is known for its bustling markets and miles of golden Caribbean coastline. Dense rainforests and banana plantations provide a leafy backdrop to this laid-back city.
Optional excursions
Join a cruise along the Tortuguero canals, venture into the Veragua Rainforest or enjoy the view on a trip aboard an Aerial Tram.
Spend the day at sea.
Roatán ⚓, Honduras
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Roatán, the largest of the Bay Islands, boasts white-sand beaches protected by the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef that almost surrounds it, making the water here ideal for diving and snorkelling. The island’s mountainous interior is great for hiking and scenic panoramic views. There are also botanical gardens and several iguana farms where hundreds of reptiles can be seen in a protected habitat shaded by tropical foliage.
Belize City ⚓, Belize
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Once the centre of the Mayan empire, Belize features a number of remarkable ruins and archaeological treasures, including Altun Ha and Xunantunich Mayan Ruins. Caribbean culture meets British heritage in the old town of Belize, home to the Anglican St John's cathedral, dating back to the early 1800s. The city is divided into north and south sides by Haulover Creek, which opens into the Caribbean Sea. A manually operated 1920s Swing Bridge, links the two.
Optional excursions
Join an optional tour of Belize City and Altun Ha or visit the Xunantunich Mayan Ruins.
Spend the day at sea.
See what we have to offer at sea.
Progreso, Mexico
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Progreso is situated on Mexico's Yucantan Peninsula and has an extensive landmark pier, one of the longest in the world. The large expanse of beach here is backed by restaurants, bars and stalls selling local handicrafts. Progreso offers a gateway to one of Yucatan’s most iconic Mayan attractions, Chichen Itza, and the vibrant Yucatan capital Merida.
Optional excursions
Explore the ruins of Chichen Itza, visit the capital Merida or venture into the Yucatan jungle.
Spend the day at sea.
See what we have to offer at sea.
Galveston, USA
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
An island city on the Gulf Coast of Texas, Galveston is connected to the mainland by bridge and has a selection of museums, wildlife parks and ornate 19th-century buildings that line the main historic district, The Strand. It is also close to Houston and its Space Centre, where you can learn about the history of space travel, see the world’s largest collection of moon rocks and NASA space craft, and explore over 400 space artefacts, exhibits and immersive experiences.
Optional excursion
Visit the famous Houston Space Centre.
Spend the day at sea.
New Orleans, USA
Arrive 0800 on Feb 7. Depart 1700 on Feb 8.
Spirit of Discovery will sail up the Mississippi River to reach the famous city of New Orleans. Instantly recognisable, New Orleans is renowned for its Creole cuisine, Mardi Gras and musical heritage. The French Quarter nestles at the historic heart of the city with its French and Spanish Creole architecture. Jackson Square is overlooked by the 18th-century St Louis Cathedral and you can see more of the city’s highlights on an included panoramic excursion. An overnight stay here provides plenty of time to explore and perhaps experience the famous New Orleans night life.
Included excursion
Delve into the attractions of New Orleans on an included panoramic excursion.
Optional excursions
Enjoy a memorable cruise on a classic steamboat along the Mississippi accompanied by a traditional Jazz band.
Spend the day at sea.
See what we have to offer at sea.
Miami, USA
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
At the southeastern tip of Florida, Miami is one of the world's busiest cruise ports. The long sandy beaches attract tourists all year round, and many retired Americans have made this their permanent home. A Spanish Mission was established here in 1567, but the city only developed after 1896, when railroad tycoon Henry Flagler extended his railway south from Palm Beach and started the tourism boom. Nearby, the grassy wetlands of the Everglades National Park are home to an abundance of wildlife, including alligators.
Optional excursion
Take a thrilling ride though the Everglades on an Airboat.
Spend the day at sea.
See what we have to offer at sea.
Kings Wharf, Bermuda
Arrive 0800 on Feb 14. Depart 0700 on Feb 15.
Bermuda is Britain’s oldest remaining overseas territory, lying just over 650 miles off the US east coast. It was claimed in 1609 when a flotilla of English ships bound for Virginia was hit by a storm. As it was taking on water, the flagship, Sea Venture, was deliberately run onto Bermuda’s reef, allowing the 150 passengers and a dog on board to safely reach land. The dramatic scene is said to have inspired William Shakespeare’s play The Tempest.
The group of around 180 islands was claimed for the crown and in 1612 St George’s was settled and designated as the island’s first capital. It’s the oldest continually inhabited English town in the New World, as reflected by its place on UNESCO’s World Heritage list.
Spend the day at sea.
See what we have to offer at sea.
Ponta Delgada, São Miguel
Arrive 0900. Depart 1700.
Scattered in the North Atlantic Ocean, the Portuguese archipelago of the Azores is made up of nine islands, the largest of which is São Miguel. Aptly known as ‘Green Island’, Sao Miguel is characterized by its volcanic landscapes – to the east lies geothermal Furnas Lake with its bubbling fumeroles and hot springs, while in the northwest the green and blue crater lakes of Sete Cidades are situated.
Included excursion
Enjoy the scenery on an included panoramic excursion.
Spend the day at sea.
See what we have to offer at sea.
Portsmouth
Arrive 0730.
Disembark Spirit of Discovery after breakfast.
from
£14,999 per person
49 nights
6th January 2025
Including optional travel insurance or a price reduction of £882 if not requiredHow our discounts work
Read moreHow our discounts work
On all cruises we set aside a number of cabins within each level at a discounted fare, with the highest discount of 35% for ocean cruises and 25% for river cruises available on selected levels. These cabins are sold on a first come, first served basis. As cabins are sold, the discount begins to reduce, and continues to reduce until those selected cabins are sold.
This means that the earlier you book, the higher the chance of securing a greater discount. Our price panels clearly show the full cruise price, along with the current discount fare.
Please note: During busy periods for holiday bookings, the early booking discount can reduce rapidly. We recommend that you book early to benefit from the best booking discounts and to secure your preferred cabin.
When promoting new cruises for the first time, we contact customers on our Advanced Registration list first, allowing then to secure the cabin of their choice and benefit from the best savings. Our brochures are then sent out to loyalty club members first, followed by past cruise goers and then everyone else.
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Spirit of Discovery
2019
Year built
987
Guest capacity (maximum)
540
Ship crew
Britannia Lounge
Relax in comfort with a drink, and admire the spectacular panoramic views.
Enjoy fine dining
Enjoy world-class cuisine at no extra cost in a choice of four restaurants.
Spa
Indulge yourself with a spa treatment in one of our six treatment rooms.
The Library
A booklover’s paradise combined with an artisanal coffee-shop, it's the perfect spot to research your next port of call.
Time for you
Take advantage of tailored exercise regimes and bespoke one-to-one fitness sessions with our health and wellbeing expert.
Daily afternoon tea
Indulge with a sumptuous selection of sweet treats at the daily afternoon tea.
The Terrace
This elegant ‘secret’ garden area is the perfect setting to enjoy the fresh air any time of the day.
from
£14,999 per person
49 nights
6th January 2025
Including optional travel insurance or a price reduction of £882 if not requiredHow our discounts work
Read moreHow our discounts work
On all cruises we set aside a number of cabins within each level at a discounted fare, with the highest discount of 35% for ocean cruises and 25% for river cruises available on selected levels. These cabins are sold on a first come, first served basis. As cabins are sold, the discount begins to reduce, and continues to reduce until those selected cabins are sold.
This means that the earlier you book, the higher the chance of securing a greater discount. Our price panels clearly show the full cruise price, along with the current discount fare.
Please note: During busy periods for holiday bookings, the early booking discount can reduce rapidly. We recommend that you book early to benefit from the best booking discounts and to secure your preferred cabin.
When promoting new cruises for the first time, we contact customers on our Advanced Registration list first, allowing then to secure the cabin of their choice and benefit from the best savings. Our brochures are then sent out to loyalty club members first, followed by past cruise goers and then everyone else.