VOYAGES OF DISCOVERY CHARTS COURSE

>FORT LAUDERDALE, Nov. 15, 2007 – Destination cruise specialist Voyages of Discovery returns to the Galapagos Islands, the Amazon River and Machu Picchu this spring on voyages that will showcase the regions’ amazing biodiversity and culture. 

Departing April 3, 2008, the mv Discovery will begin an 11-night Amazon Adventure from Montego Bay, combining the colorful waterfront of Willemstad, Curacao, and beautiful Tobago, with a voyage 90 miles down the mighty Amazon to Manaus.  Stops along the way include the riverside towns of Santarem and Boca da Valeria. Fares begin at $2,795 per person.

Continuing on from Manaus, passengers can add two Brazilian ports and a string of islands for a total of 23 nights on the Amazon Discovery cruise.  Parintins, famous for its Boi Bumba Festival and Alter do Chao, set in a beautiful bay, combine with historic Devil’s Island and the Caribbean gems of Trinidad, Grenada, St. Vincent and Barbados. Fares for the Montego Bay to Barbados voyage begin at $4,595 per person.

The segment from Manaus to Barbados also is available as a separate 13-night Amazon and Caribbean voyage, with fares starting at $3,095 per person.   Fares on these three departures include free air from New York or Miami. Low air add-ons, from $95 to $245 and are available from other gateways.

From Alter do Chao, passengers have the opportunity to explore the ecosystem of the Amazon on a river cruise to Lake Maica, from the “Wedding of the Waters” at the meeting of the Tapajos and Amazon rivers, to a smaller tributary affording views of water buffalo, lush vegetation and possibly the rare pink dolphin. 

Other tours explore health treatments extracted from native flora; a close-up view of the Amazon’s forests and agriculture in the Santa Lucia Forest preserve; survival techniques in the Amazon jungle with a specialist from the Brazilian army and an evening alligator-spotting excursion by canoe.

Complimentary excursions to the Galapagos Islands are featured on a 26-night cruisetour from Santiago to Quito departing Feb. 21, and a 12-night sailing from Quito to Costa Rica departing Mar. 14.  Fares begin at $2,950 per person, double occupancy.

From Manta, Ecuador, complimentary shore excursions include full-day excursions to San Cristobal, featuring tours of Isla Lobos, Kicker Rock, La Galapaguera de Cerro Colorado and La Laguna de El Junco.  A second full-day complimentary tour showcases the archeological treasure-trove of Machalilla National Park and the rich biodiversity of Isla de la Plata.

The Feb. 21 cruise provides an alternate conclusion, a five-night overland package visiting Lima, Cusco and Machu Picchu.  Fares for the 23-night cruisetour begin at $4,495 per person. 

Voyages of Discovery is a division of UK-based All Leisure Group and was awarded the 2006 “Best Value” in the Specialty Cruises category from the World Ocean & Cruise Liner Society.

For more information consult a travel professional, contact Voyages of Discovery toll-free at (866) 623-2689 or visit www.voyagesofdiscovery.com.

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