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Bequia's Admiralty Bay- Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock DBE
- The French Quarter of New Orleans
- Millenium FX
- Mayan ruins, Belize
- Keel-billed toucan
Caribbean and Central America Discovery
Spirit of Discovery departing Portsmouth
from
£13,299 per person
Additional cabin discounts of up to...
- £2,000pp off Suite Cabins
- £1,500pp off Deluxe Cabins
- £1,000pp off Standard Cabins
- £1,000pp off Superior Cabins
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
-
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
BBC Studios presents
The Sky at Night with Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock DBE
Maggie Aderin-Pocock Image Credit © Fremantle Media Talkback
The Sky at Night with Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock DBE A staple of British television, ‘The Sky at Night’ has brought the world of astronomy and space to our screens for over 65 years. Covering subjects such as black holes, neutron stars, satellites and space missions the show has become a cultural fixture featuring on stamps issued by the Royal Mail and even having a comet named after it. Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock DBE is a space scientist and science educator. She has presented the programme since 2013 with Chris Lintott. Maggie also undertakes ground-breaking space science research and works to inspire new generations of astronauts, scientists and engineers and is a pioneering figure in communicating science to children.
Over two appearances on board, Maggie will give you an insight into her stellar career, the world of science and space exploration, and how she takes the most complex astrophysics and makes it accessible for the non-scientist. She will also tell you about the making of ‘The Sky at Night’, its long history, and how it continues to engage the audience with astronomy and space science.
You can also join Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock DBE on Casablanca and the Canaries, departing February 13, 2025.
Millennium FX
Kate Walshe Image Credit © BBC
Millennium FX are a multi award-winning visual effects company who have worked extensively on BBC Studios productions as well as many other TV shows, major Hollywood films, West End-theatre productions and international tours. From Doctor Who to Silent Witness, Gladiator to Saving Private Ryan, Phantom of the Opera to Stranger Things, the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra to Iron Maiden, Millennium FX have made prosthetics, costumes, animatronics and props, bringing the fantastical to the stage and screen.
On board the ship, Millennium FX Director, Kate Walshe, will tell you all about the world of visual effects, and how some of the weird, wild and wonderful effects used on BBC Studios produced programmes are created. In one of her two talks, Kate will also demonstrate how to turn an ordinary man into a gruesome vampire!
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.
All about BBC Studios
BBC Studios is the wholly commercial arm of the British Broadcasting Corporation. It receives no money at all from the BBC licence fee and covers all its costs from commercial revenue from the many activities it undertakes. BBC Studios produces television and radio programmes for the BBC and many other broadcasters in the UK and around the world as well as licensing formats, selling programmes, publishing books, undertaking live tours, and even releasing vinyl records.
Culinary demonstration and Q&A with Phil Vickery
Celebrity chef, presenter and cookery book author Phil Vickery has been part of the This Morning family for over 20 years. Phil began his career as a Commis Chef at The Burlington Hotel in Folkestone and worked his way up the ranks to become Head Chef at The Castle Hotel in Taunton, where he won a Michelin star.
Phil’s first television appearance came after he was invited to fill in for Keith Floyd on the Breakfast Programme and since then he has appeared on Ready Steady Cook, Phil Vickery’s Pudding Club and Save Money, Good Diet for which Phil also wrote an accompanying cook book.
Phil is also a leading authority on gluten-free products and the National Food Ambassador for Coeliac UK, plus food for a diabetic diet. He has written 17 books on many subjects from pork to game, to desserts, food for diabetics and more.
Music specialist Howie Poole
Howie has been a jazz, blues, and ‘pop' enthusiast since his teen years. He has followed his chosen genres through live performance building a substantial record collection.
With a background in both training and teaching since retirement he has sought to interest, inform, and above all entertain audiences with his talks. Expect a 'heady’ (his words) mix of fast paced narrative, fascinating visual illustration, and great music.
Botanical artist Amber Halsall SBA. SGFA
Amber is an award winning contemporary botanical artist, and is a member of both the Society of Botanical Artists and the Society of Graphic Fine Art. She has exhibited her work in the United Kingdom and internationally too.
A full-time artist and tutor since 1995, Amber now leads courses in watercolour, graphite and colour pencil. She’s passionate about sharing her expertise and love of painting and drawing with others.
Chocolatier Andrew Cameron
Andrew opened his first chocolate making business in 2007 at just 19 years old. He ran a chocolate shop selling handmade chocolates in West Yorkshire and was known for specialising in rich, dark chocolates.
Andrew crafted chocolates specifically for his customers and received many requests for classes and private lessons.Andrew has consequently been giving chocolate-making classes since 2010. Over the last decade he has introduced thousands of students to chocolate making.
Artist Clare Foster
Clare has a Fine Art degree and is professionally trained in ceramics and sculpture. She co-founded a successful business designing ranges of bone china for some of the world’s most prestigious retail outlets including Harrods, Harvey Nichols, Nordstrom, and more…
Clare’s career has also diversified into broader design work including retail, commercial and educational environments, and architectural and interior design for private clients around the world. During your cruise you can look forward to workshops in Mexican inspired pottery and air-dry clay pieces inspired by the destinations of your cruise.
Specialty Coffee Professor in Latin America, Karen Attman
Known as The Coffee Lady, Karen was professor of coffee at La Sabana University in Bogota until she founded the Latin American Coffee Academy, an online coffee school.
She is the author of Permission to Slurp, a guide to tasting Colombian specialty coffee that was nominated for the category of Best Coffee Books by the Gourmand Awards in 2018. Her boutique coffee education experiences, the Flavors of Bogota Specialty Coffee Workshops, delve into speciality coffee, and what it means to Colombian coffee growers and others involved in the coffee industry.
Karen is also a food journalist and has written for over 35 websites, books, newspapers, and magazines.
Spanish Teacher, Zsuzsi Dingsdale
Zsuzsi is a native of Hungary, but she has worked most of her adult life in the United Kingdom as a teacher of Modern Languages. She worked in Higher and Further Education teaching Spanish and French, and she is fluent in four languages, Spanish, French, English and of course Hungarian.
She has been involved in curriculum development and designed various language courses herself. She also co-ordinates European educational programmes at universities and colleges. Her classes are interactive and illustrated with colourful audio-visual material.
Colonel David King OBE, MA, MPhil, B.Sc.
David’s personal interests are strategic studies and international relations, the subjects of his masters degrees at Oxford and Cambridge, and defence intelligence, at which he was a practitioner and on which he now speaks and writes.
He is Clerk Emeritus of a City of London Livery Company and Fellow Emeritus of Worcester College Oxford, Chairman of the Oxford Intelligence Group, and a volunteer at the Learning Department at Bletchley Park, home of codebreaking in World War Two. He is co-founder of the enrichment lecture partnership Cruising Intelligence.
Jill Alblas BA (hons) F.E.T.C.
Jill started her career teaching arts and crafts in adult education colleges before taking the leap to working as a freelance designer. Over the years Jill has designed products for major companies including WHSmith, Toys R us, Avon and Disney.
She has also contributed to a number of books such as The American Book of Cards, Tilda’s Homemade Crafts and Kirstie Allsopp Craft, as well as featuring in a number of magazines. Jill has taught extensively in the United Kingdom and Europe, and demonstrated at the NEC and SEC craft shows, as well as on television for Create and Craft, Hochanda and The Jewellery Channel.
Tech Simplifier to Modern Technology Expert, David Withington
David enjoys simplifying technology, making it easy to grasp and use. After 40 years in the telecoms and technology industry, David took early retirement. Now he spends much of his time making techie stuff down-to-earth, helping us to become confident in today’s connected world. Using the “Tech it Easy” strap-line, he takes everyday practical techie stuff and strips away all the complexity.
Former Red Arrows Pilot, Andy Wyatt
Former Red Arrows pilot, Andy is a highly experienced aviator with over 23,000 flying hours on a variety of military, general and commercial aircraft. He has flown the iconic English Electric Lightning, where his duties included intercepting Russian aircraft during the height of the Cold War. Following a tour of duty as a Qualified Flying Instructor on the Hawk, he completed a highly successful three years with The RAF Aerobatic Team and The Red Arrows, where he was awarded a Queen’s Commendation for Valuable Services in the Air.
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
£13,299 per person
Additional cabin discounts of up to...
- £2,000pp off Suite Cabins
- £1,500pp off Deluxe Cabins
- £1,000pp off Standard Cabins
- £1,000pp off Superior Cabins
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.
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
£13,299 per person
Additional cabin discounts of up to...
- £2,000pp off Suite Cabins
- £1,500pp off Deluxe Cabins
- £1,000pp off Standard Cabins
- £1,000pp off Superior Cabins
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.