Tour Inviting Beaches & Latin Culture In Central America (Southbo | Visit United States of America, Costa Rica

Meals

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including beverages (house beer and wine, sodas, and mineral water) in restaurants Aune and Fredheim

Others

Expedition cruise in the cabin of your choice Fine-dining À la carte restaurant Lindstrøm is included for suite guests Complimentary tea and coffee Complimentary Wi-Fi on board. Be aware that we sail in remote areas with limited connection. Streaming is not supported. Complimentary reusable water bottle to fill at onboard water refill stations Range of included activities Experts from the Expedition Team present detailed lectures on a variety of topics Use of the ship’s Science Center, which has an extensive library and advanced biological and geological microscopes The Citizen Science program allows guests to contribute to current scientific research projects The onboard professional photographer will give tips and tricks for taking the best landscape and wildlife photos The ship has hot tubs, an infinity pool, a sauna, an outdoor and indoor gym, and an outdoor running track Yoga and meditation sessions with an instructor Escorted landings with small boats (RIBs) Loan of trekking poles and all equipment needed for the activities Complimentary wind- and water-resistant expedition jacket Expedition photographers help configure your camera settings

Transport

MS Fridtjof Nansen

Guide

English-speaking Expedition Team who organize and guide activities, both on board and ashore Participate in informal gatherings with the crew, such as daily recaps and the next day’s preparations

Accommodation

Expedition cruise in the cabin of your choice

Not included:

Others

International flights Travel protection Baggage handling Optional shore excursions with our local partners Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team Optional treatments in the onboard wellness and spa area

Flights

Flights are not included.

Optional

Other activities and services are not included.

Insurance

Insurance is not included.

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Day 1 Day 1: America’S Finest City
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: America’S Finest City

Some call San Diego the ‘birthplace of California’, a perfect match for the first day of our expedition in celebration of new beginnings. It’s also easy to see why San Diego is called ‘America’s Finest City’, because it has it all: a mix of urban sophistication, a laid-back surfer vibe, and year-round sunshine. Culture buffs should head straight to Balboa Park, the ‘Smithsonian of the West’, which has 17 museums, art galleries, and numerous performing arts venues. There’s also exciting culinary culture here, serving up a melting pot of cuisines, local wines, and more craft beers than anywhere in the U.S. The Gaslamp Quarter is the beating heart of downtown San Diego. You’ll find beautiful Victorian-era buildings and modern skyscrapers standing side by side. Visit Old Town, San Diego’s first settlement and the place for food, folklore, and fun. Wander through lush gardens or check out the numerous shopping options. With numerous beaches to choose from, no one will blame you if you spend your time taking it easy and soaking up some sun. Your hybrid-electric powered ship, MS Fridtjof Nansen, will be waiting for you at the Cruise Ship Terminal. After you’ve boarded and checked in, you’ll pick up your complimentary expedition jacket and have time to unpack in your cabin. Besides the mandatory safety briefing, you can spend your free time exploring the ship and settling in to your cabin. After we set sail, the Captain will give a welcome toast. Enjoy the first of many sumptuous meals as you get to know the Expedition Team members on board.
Day 2 Day 2-3: Relax On Board
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2-3: Relax On Board

We wave goodbye to the U.S. as we sail south along the coast of Baja California to Cabo San Lucas. Now is a good time to get to know your fellow explorers. Meet them in the Explorer lounge & bar for a drink or in the Fredheim bistro over snacks. The crew and Expedition Team will also be on hand and at your disposal, always up for a chat and some friendly banter. Part of being on an expedition is knowing how to enjoy living in the moment, and taking time out to reconnect with nature and the world around you. Enjoy panoramic views from a spot in the Explorer lounge or head out on deck and bask in the sights and sounds that surround you. Keep an eye out! The waves might be broken by signs of whales known to swim in the area. Or, tune in to the hum of the sea breeze punctuated by the cries of a wide variety of seabirds. The onboard lecture program offers a wide range of subjects to spark your interest. We also support a number of Citizen Science projects that you can join. Weather permitting, join our yoga and meditation program out on deck—or relax in the Wellness Center.
Day 3 Day 4: Land’S End In Baja California
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Land’S End In Baja California

Situated at the southern tip of Baja California, where the Sea of Cortés meets the Pacific Ocean, the Los Cabos Peninsula is a mixture of desert and coastal landscapes. The stunning beaches and azure waters of Cabo San Lucas has long made it the resort of choice for Hollywood stars and other holidaymakers. Its reputation as a party town is well earned. Here, you can frolic in the sea by day and enjoy the lively bar scene by night. Land’s End, where the Sea of Cortés meets the Pacific, jagged granite rocks in the form of arches, stacks, and needles create El Arco, Cabo’s most recognizable landmark. The waters here are teeming with sea life. Aside from fish, you might also see sea lions, rays, and even whales. Join an optional excursion to El Arco and visit Baja’s most famous beach, Playa del Amor, nestled into a sheltered bay with pristine waters and perfect white sand. Or go to the cynically named Playa del Divorcio on the other side of Land’s End. Head to downtown Cabo San Lucas to the Museo de Historia Natural (Natural History Museum) to learn about the geology, botany, and anthropology of the region, as well as local conservation efforts for dolphins, whales, and sea turtles. Don’t forget to sample local Baja Californian specialties such as almejas chocolatas (chocolate clams) and fresh fish and shellfish, deep fried and encased in delicious freshly made tortillas.
Day 4 Day 5: Mexican Resort City
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Mexican Resort City

Situated along Bahía de Banderas, Puerto Vallarta is one of Mexico’s premier coastal destinations. The town is vibrant and full of personality, while the beaches and marine life offer plenty of nature and watersport options. Downtown in El Malecón, the seafront boardwalk buzzes with activity. Admire street performers as you peruse the many stands selling souvenirs and cold refreshments such as the jalisco tejuíno (a regional drink made of fermented corn) and agua fresca. Look to the sky for the death-defying dance of the papantla flyers, swinging upside down like a human maypole. Enjoy music and watch friendly locals dance in the plazas—maybe even join in, if the mood inspires you. Puerto Vallarta is a great place to pick up local Mexican handicrafts like colorful bags, silver jewelry, wooden toys, and leather goods. Expect a friendly haggle. Check out Isla Cuale, a vast open-air market close to the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe (a downtown landmark) or stroll past the 160 stalls in Mercado Municipal Rio Cuale, whose large food hall serves tamales, tacos, mole, and other traditional Mexican dishes.
Day 5 Day 6-7: Serenity At Sea
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6-7: Serenity At Sea

Now it’s time for a couple of reinvigorating days at sea with no fixed itinerary. Admire the scenery from the observation decks or from inside the Explorer bar & lounge. Or, go for a refreshing swim and then soothe your muscles in the spa. If you’re feeling creative, join an art workshop and create your own art, inspired by your travels so far. Or, maybe spend time learning the basic concepts of expedition photography from our onboard photographer, who will make sure your photos capture the beauty and wonder of what you see. Our Expedition Team will continue its lecture program in the ship’s Science Center. Stop by for in-depth geological and biological insights. You can also stay active by taking advantage of our Yoga and Wellness Program. Enjoy early morning walks on deck, taking in the fresh sea air, and join stretching sessions to release tension and strengthen your joints. Wellness workshops help reach physical and mental balance by unblocking barriers to your internal energy. You can also let our massage therapists work their magic to soften any aches and strains.
Day 6 Day 8: Bahias De Huatulco National Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Bahias De Huatulco National Park

We’ll spend the day in Huatulco, home to nine scenic bays, 36 pristine beaches, sheltered coves, and a range of eco-lodges and beach resorts. The national park here stretches over three of the nine bays and includes several different ecosystems, including a deciduous forest, mangroves, savanna, wetlands, and coral reefs. The park is a dream for nature lovers, birdwatchers, and photographers alike. It’s home to over 700 species of plants, 130 different types of mammals, 300 different types of birds, and more than 80 types of reptiles and amphibians. Optional excursions to further explore and experience Huatulco may include visiting Chahué, Tangolunda, Organo, and Maguey Bays on a romantic catamaran ride. Or choose the bus tour to Conejos Bay, the Copalita River, and the arts and crafts museum in the town of La Cruceita. Another possible optional excursion dives into Mexican culture by visiting three small communities. You’ll visit a communal kitchen in Piedra de Moros to see how the locals make authentic tortillas and tamales. Then you’ll tour a prickly pear cactus plantation in Pueblo Viejo and examine traditional edible and medicinal plants in Las Pozas.
Day 7 Day 9: A City Founded On Coffee And Cocoa
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: A City Founded On Coffee And Cocoa

We arrive at Puerto Chiapas in Mexico. This is the main port affiliated with the bustling commercial center of Tapachula, about a 30-minute drive inland. The fertile soil of the Soconusco province is famed for producing coffee, bananas, cacao, and sugar cane. The region’s reputation for premium coffee and cocoa plantations brought immigrants from Germany, China, and France. Their influence is clearly visible, especially in the city itself. Chinese cuisine has fused with regional Mayan, Mestizo, and Spanish cultures, and fusion dishes have left Tapachula’s small Chinatown district and forged their way into Puerto Chiapas restaurants. Fascinating optional excursions may be possible from Puerto Chiapas, including a tour of culturally diverse Tapachula itself. The ancient ruins of Izapa are thought to date from 1,500 B.C., and could even be the origin of the sacred Mayan Calendar. A guided tour here may delve into a series of stone carvings depicting the fabled Tree of Life. Another possible optional excursion is the aptly named Chocolate City, which offers a glimpse into how locally grown cocoa beans are transformed into the delicacy we all know, love, and crave! For an opportunity to spot pelicans, herons, hummingbirds, storks, and turtles, take an optional boat excursion to the nearby mangrove streams and lagoons, accompanied by a professional captain and guide.
Day 8 Day 10: A Day In El Salvador
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: A Day In El Salvador

We dock at Acajutla, which is El Salvador’s main seaport to export coffee, sugar, and balsam of Peru. Ruins near the port reveal how the city was originally a Mayan village. Enjoy the comfortable atmosphere here, hunt for treasures in the quaint shops, and stroll the dark-sand beaches. Restaurants on the harbor serve up fantastic seafood and will be delighted to introduce you to typical Salvadoran dishes. Order a pupusa, the national dish of El Salvador. This corn tortilla can be filled with cheese, pork, or beans, and is topped with a sour cabbage salad and light tomato sauce. Don’t forget to try the local coffee, too. The region is famous for it. You may also have the choice to participate in one of several optional excursions while you’re here. You can visit the cities of Sonsonate or Nahuizalco and Ataco, found inland from Acajutla. Another possible excursion will bring you to Cerro Verde National Park, two square miles of beautiful nature and home to the towering Izalco and Ilamatepec Volcanoes. This excursion may include a visit to the UNESCO-protected Joya de Cerén, a pre-Columbian Mayan village preserved in volcanic ash and dated to 600 A.D., also known as the ‘Pompeii of the Americas’.
Day 9 Day 11: León: Artistic And Sophisticated City
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: León: Artistic And Sophisticated City

Just one hour from Puerto Corinto by shuttle bus, we find León, the former capital of Nicaragua. Its large student population makes León a cosmopolitan and vibrant city. It’s considered the intellectual and liberal center of the country. Stroll its streets and immerse yourself in the animated chatter emanating from local coffee houses and bars. León hosts the most elegant Colonial architecture in Nicaragua, found in its many churches and public squares. Basílica de la Asunción is the largest cathedral in Central America, and the art museum houses one of Latin America’s greatest art collections. Léon’s streets tell their own story of the city’s revolutionary history, with political street art covering street walls and the sides of buildings. Colorful Sandinista murals depict scenes of protest, civil war, and portraits of revolutionary heroes such as Carlos Fonseca. For a proper overview of the nation’s history, visit the Museo Histórico de la Revolución (Revolutionary History Museum). Former revolutionaries guide tours and offer authentic first-hand commentary of their experiences during tumultuous times. The Museo de Tradiciones y Leyendas (Traditions and Legends Museum) and the Galería de Héroes y Mártires (Heroes and Martyrs Gallery) also offer interesting insights.
Day 10 Day 12: Southern Pacific Beaches
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Southern Pacific Beaches

Your first stop is the southern Pacific beach town of San Juan del Sur, a gorgeous horseshoe-shaped bay that has been growing in popularity as Nicaragua’s surfing hub. This once-sleepy fishing village is known for its dark-sand beaches, rolling green hills, colorful Victorian-era clapboard houses, fresh seafood restaurants, and a lively surfer lifestyle. Lie back on the beach and relax while you soak up the sun and people watch. A short walk will lead you to a spectacular 1,500-year-old petroglyph that depicts a hunting scene carved into a large rock. You can also enjoy an hour-long hike up to Cristo de la Misericordia, a statue of Jesus towering over 80 feet tall, where you’ll also be rewarded with picturesque views over the town and beach. A bus tour of the city of Granada is your included activity today. Located on the shores of Lake Nicaragua and with views of the Mombacho Volcano, Granada is home to some of the finest 16th-century Colonial architecture in the country. You’ll visit the main square by Central Park and admire the ornate cathedral and the Convent of San Francisco. We’ll top our tour off with a visit to a local school, where we plan to drop off donated school supplies. Or, join an optional excursion to the Masaya Volcano. This bus tour will take you near the active volcano’s crater, where you’ll likely see steam rising from the fumaroles. There will also be a stop at Catarina for panoramic views of the Apoyo Lagoon and Lake Nicaragua and then at a handicrafts market.
Day 11 Day 13: End Of Your Expedition
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: End Of Your Expedition

Your expedition comes to its glorious end in Puntarenas, a city on a needle-thin strip of land on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. At one time, Puntarenas was the largest and most prosperous cargo seaport in Costa Rica. Now, the city is more of a transit hub for people traveling to the white-sand beaches of the Nicoya Peninsula or the waterfall-rich Tortuga Island. The ‘Ticos’ (the nickname for San José’s residents) often head to the coast for their weekend getaways and Puntarenas is the perfect spot. If you have time, take a pleasant stroll down the palm-tree lined oceanfront promenade. There are vendors there for last-minute souvenir shopping and restaurants and food stalls serving some of the freshest and tastiest seafood in Costa Rica. Why not try the lobster or ceviche? If you have a sweet tooth, we recommend a Churchill snow cone, the official snack of Puntarenas. It’s shaved ice with fruit, syrup, and ice cream. What’s with that name? It comes from the fact that the local man who invented this concoction was generally believed to be the spitting image of the famous British prime minister. Before returning home, why not make the most of your trip and join a Post-Program to the magnificent Arenal Volcano area, where you’ll join activities to see more of Costa Rica’s beautiful flora and fauna. Or, join a jungle boat tour (with lunch included), followed by an overnight stay in the capital city of San José. Whatever you decide, we look forward to seeing you again soon.

13 days tour

Inviting Beaches & Latin Culture In Central America (Southbo

This tour includes:

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Itinerary of your trip Inviting Beaches & Latin Culture In Central America (Southbo

Day 1: America’S Finest City

Day 2-3: Relax On Board

Day 4: Land’S End In Baja California

Day 5: Mexican Resort City

Day 6-7: Serenity At Sea

Day 8: Bahias De Huatulco National Park

Day 9: A City Founded On Coffee And Cocoa

Day 10: A Day In El Salvador

Day 11: León: Artistic And Sophisticated City

Day 12: Southern Pacific Beaches

Day 13: End Of Your Expedition

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