Amazonia

Travel:: ms Prinsendam
Duration:: 26 Exquisite Days
Priced From:: $3,999 per person

Amazonia

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An extraodinary journey to the heart of South America, 1,000 miles inland through the Amazon rainforest aboard one the highest-rated ships afloat, ms Prinsendam

Over 4000 miles in length, the Amazon River is the largest and greatest river in the world, over 100 miles wide during the rainy season, and is one of the great wonders of the world as it flows from the Atlantic inland to Manaus in the heart of the great rainforest. To sail into the heart of South America, past jungles and primitive villages to Manaus, a European inspired city complete with grand opera house is an epic journey ever travelers should do. Accordingly, we have created the perfect way to see this remote and inaccessible part of the world; without flying, long bus trips or dubious hotels. Our guests will travel from Fort Lauderdale aboard one of the highest rated ships afloat, the ms Prinsendam of Holland America Line on a one-time voyage to the heart of South America, up the Amazon to Manaus with extraordinary ports of call coming and going like haunting Devils Island in French Guiana, lovely St. Lucia in the West Indies, Barbados and Aruba. In addition to an over- night stay in fascinating Manaus, we will visit Macopa, Santarem, Boca de Valeria and Alter de Chao, Brazil seeing this amazing country up-close and in depth. All this plus 1000 miles on the Amazon past jungles, rainforests and stone age villages.

Nicest of all, our guests travel to this primitive area in great style, comfort and safety aboard the intimate Prinsendam. Accommodating just 840 lucky guests, Prinsendam offers roomy staterooms, fine dining and all of the amenities of a great resort, allowing our guests to unpack once and simply visit some of the most exotic places on earth in civilized fashion. Out of all of the fine ships in the world, Prinsendam is always ranked among the top rated vessels afloat and you will soon see why.

This special voyage has only two serious flaws. The Prinsendam, given its small capacity always sells out and the uniqueness of this one time cruise to one of the most interesting places on earth will cause it to sell out quickly as well. Prompt reservations are encouraged to avoid disappointment.

Highlights

Overnight First class hotel stay the evening before sailing in Fort Lauderdale, avoiding last minute tight connections or delays.
Fully hosted by professional tour manager from start to finish with special cocktail parties & events both aboard ship and ashore.
24-night round-trip Amazon River cruise from Fort Lauderdale aboard the ms Prinsendam in cabin category chosen. All meals & entertainment whilst aboard Prinsendam are included.
Transfers from the hotel to the pier on sailing day and from the ship to the train station or airport after our arrival back in Fort Lauderdale.
Luxury amenities aboard ms Prinsendam including dinner in the Pinnacle Grill one evening, a luxury Champagne reception and a private wine tasting.
Special low 'add-on' train and airfares to & from Fort Lauderdale starting at $199.pp.

Day 1: November 26, 2011

Arrive Fort Lauderdale, Florida for an overnight hotel stay.

Day 2: November 27, 2011 - Fort Lauderdale, Florida, US

There is an abundance of things to see and do in the Fort Lauderdale area: visit the newly redesigned Fort Lauderdale Beach and cafes, stroll the historic Riverwalk, shop the luxurious stores on Las Olas Boulevard or venture to the Everglades for an intriguing air boat excursion. Depart 5:00pm

Day 3: November 28, 2011 - At Sea (Florida Straits) CO

Day 4: November 29, 2011 - At Sea (Caribbean Sea) CO

Day 5: November 30, 2011 - Gustavia (St. Barts), France TR

Rockefellers and rock stars have long been seduced by this tiny isle for the same reasons you will be: virgin beaches, charming Gustavia with its yacht-lined port, haute couture and exquisite French cuisine. (8:00am - 3:00pm)

Day 6: December 01, 2011 - Castries, St. Lucia

Edenic green jungles, dazzling beaches, a drive-in volcano: This lush isle has it all, plus the spellbinding twin peaks the Pitons. (8:00am - 5:00pm)

Day 7: December 02, 2011 - At Sea (Atlantic Ocean) CO

Day 8: December 03, 2011 - Devil's Island, French Guiana TR

Blue morpho butterflies and iridescent hummingbirds flit and zoom through this idyllic island, once a French political prison. View the muraled church painted by a convict with time on his hands. (Noon - 6:00pm)

Day 9: December 04, 2011 - At Sea (Atlantic Ocean) CO

Day 10: December 05, 2011 - Cruising the Amazon River CO

Crossing the Equator CO

Hemisphere to hemisphere, there is nothing quite as romantic as slipping, in the blink of an eye, from one side of globe to the other, made possible by the mere act of crossing the Equator.

Macapa, Brazil TR

At the mouth of the mighty Amazon River, Macap is a city surrounded by encroaching jungle and the lush greenery of the Brazilian rainforest. The Amazon region is unique, in that it is home to an estimated one third of the planet's living species, including birds, sea and river turtles, giant alligators and more. The many rivers of the basin, through which one-fifth of the world's fresh water flows, lead to the heart of the jungle. The Amazon River itself is 4,000 miles long. Take a jungle cruise along the Amazon River to see the jungle in more detail - and from the safety of a boat. Nearby, art and pottery from native Indian tribes can be found in the popular Ver-o-Peso market. (4:00am - 4:00pm)

Day 11: December 06, 2011 - Santarem, Brazil

A lively trading center on the Amazon (Henry Ford invested millions in rubber here in the 1920s). Here, see rubber and Brazil nut trees; learn how the locals make tapioca, staple of the Amazon; swim in the clear blue waters of the Rio Tapajos. (Noon to 8:00pm)

Day 12: December 07, 2011 - Boca da Valeria, Brazil TR

Grass huts, log canoes, hunting and fishing are part of daily life in this remote Amazonian village, a trading post on a bend in the river. Step ashore to purchase an alligator tooth talisman from the local shaman, laugh with the children. (8:00am - 2:00pm)

Day 13: December 08, 2011 - Manaus, Brazil ON

This jungle capital sprang up during the great rubber boom of 1896. Its splendid opera house, the centerpiece of this "Paris of the Jungle" where wealthy rubber barons enjoyed performances of Verdi and Puccini, has been magnificently restored. Witness the "Meeting of the Waters" where massive dark and light rivers meet and run parallel for miles without blending. (Arrive 10:00am)

Day 14: December 09, 2011 - Manaus, Brazil

Day 15: December 10, 2011 - Parintns, Brazil TR

Steeped in tradition, Parintins celebrates its centuries-old Indian culture each June at the Boi-Bumba Festival, a lavish event that rivals Rio's Carnivale, re-enacted for visitors at a local club. (8:00am - 5:00pm)

Day 16: December 11, 2011 - Alter Do Chao, Brazil TR

Rimmed by white sand beaches and lapped by the deep blue waters of Rio Tapajos, this Amazon village boasts one of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil. It sits beneath two rolling green hills, one of the hills is shaped like a church altar, which is where the area gets its name. From the beach, it's a leisurely half hour stroll to the top of the larger hill, which offers spectacular views of the Tapaj s and Amazon rivers. Nearby, the Center for the Preservation of Indian Art houses an extensive collection of indigenous art from allover the Amazon Basin, and a fair trade gift shop. Hike into the jungle to explore or shop in the local open-air market for bargains. (8:00am - 3:00pm)

Day 17: December 12, 2011 - Crossing the Equator CO

Cruising the Amazon River CO

Day 18: December 13, 2011 - At Sea (Atlantic Ocean) CO

Day 19: December 14, 2011 - At Sea

Day 20: December 15, 2011 - Bridgetown, Barbados

Some say this island is more British than Britain. Here cricket is the national sport, afternoon tea goes without saying and motorists hug left. The friendly island spirit, local rum and fried flying fish are strictly Bajan! (8:00am - 6:00pm)

Day 21: December 16, 2011 - Port Elizabeth, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines TR

Located on the beautiful Grenadine island of Bequia, in the Southern Caribbean, Port Elizabeth offers a charming waterfront, natural beauty and centuries of history to explore. Visit The Saint Vincent Botanical Gardens – the oldest botanical gardens in the Western Hemisphere, and The Nicholas Wildlife Aviary Complex; relax on the soft, golden sand at Princess Margaret Beach; and explore Hamilton Fort, built by the French in the late 18th century. (8:00am - 5:00pm)

Day 22: December 17, 2011 - At Sea (Caribbean Sea) CO

Day 23: December 18, 2011 - Oranjestad, Aruba

Colorful floating markets, wondrous coral reefs and landscapes dotted with curiously bent divi-divi trees await on this, the "A" of the Netherlands Antilles' famous ABC islands. (Bonaire and Curacao round out the trio.) (8:00am - 4:00pm)

Day 24: December 19, 2011 - At Sea (Caribbean Sea) CO

Day 25: December 20, 2011 - At Sea (Florida Straits) CO

Day 26: December 21, 2011 - Fort Lauderdale, FL, US

Arrive 7:00am

Accommodations

ms Prinsendam

Ship Facts

Ship's Registry: The Netherlands

Passenger capacity: 835

Crew members: 470

Gross Tonnage: 37,983 grt.

Length: 669 feet

Beam: 106 feet

Maximum speed: 22 knots

Dedicated: June, 2002, by Rose Abello, Eva Andresen and Linda Ehlenberger, representing all of the employees of Holland America Line.

La Fontaine Dining Room: features impeccable service and an extensive wine list. Five-course menus include continental cuisine, vegetarian and low-carb options

Pinnacle Grill: This intimate reservations-only venue offers an elegant, sophisticated dining experience. Featuring premium Sterling Silver beef, inspired seafood dishes and many select wines rated "Excellent" by Wine Spectator - as well as distinctive Bvlgari® china, Riedel® stemware and Frette® linens

Lido Restaurant: offers a relaxed ambiance for all three meals and features a variety of fresh, cooked-to-order specialties

The Culinary Arts Center, presented by Food & Wine Magazine: our state-of-the-art demonstration kitchen offering interactive gourmet cooking lessons taught by our own Master Chefs or culinary guests

Explorations Café, powered by The New York Times: a comfortable, coffee house environment where you can browse through an extensive library, surf the Internet and check email or simply read the morning paper.

Greenhouse Spa & Salon: features heavenly beauty and wellness rituals. Enjoy a facial, hot stone massage, steam in a thermal suite and have your hair and nails done for a special evening.

Queen's Show Lounge: features talented vocalists, dancers, illusionists, comedians and variety acts

Fares

Stateroom And Fare Informaton
DELUXE VERANDAH 2 lower beds convertible to 1 king-size bed, walk-in closet, bath with tub and shower, two sinks, sitng area, 1 sofa bed, private verandah, refrigerator, floor-to- ceiling windows. Approximately 488 sq. ft	$15,999 PP
SUPERIOR VERANDAH 2 lower beds convertible to 1 king-size bed, walk-in closet, bath with tub and shower or shower only, two sinks, sitng area, private verandah, refrigerator, floor-to- ceiling windows. Approximately 362 sq. ft. with verandah	$10,199 PP
VERANDAH 2 lower beds convertible to 1 king-size bed, walk-in closet, bath with tub and shower, sitng area, private verandah, refrigerator, floor-to-ceiling windows. Approximately 228-238 sq. ft.	$7,399 PP
OCEAN VIEW 2 lower beds convertible to 1 king-size bed, walk-in closet, bathtub and shower. Approxi- mately 181-191 sq. ft.	$4,599 PP
INSIDE 2 lower beds that do not convert to 1 king bed, walk-in closet, bathtub and shower. Approxi- mately 128-138 sq. ft.	$3,999 PP
Port tax is $195 pp. Single Inside cabins begin at $6,499 and Outside cabins begin at $7,299. 3rd & 4th passenger fares begin at $2,595pp.

Request Form

Please take a moment to complete the following information so that we may process your request for enrollment in our advertised travel program. Once we have received and processed your information, we will provide a written confirmation of your reservation. All space on our tours are based on availability at the time your reservation request is received and processed.

Please insure accuracy when completing this form to assist us in handling your reservation with dispatch and efficiency. While some of this information is optional, certain information is required in order to confirm your place in our tour. If you do not feel comfortable completing this online application, please feel free to contact us at 1.800.323.5893 during our regular office hours to speak with us directly.

We look forward to welcoming you on one of our travel and tour programs and very much appreciate your patronage.

Uncommon Journeys

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Terms & Conditions

RESERVATION INFORMATION: Fares and Itineraries listed in this brochure are those in effect at time of printing. All prices listed are in US Dollars. Upon receipt of your deposit, either by phone or by mail, your reservation in confirmed. A 35% deposit of the Total Fare is required to confirm reservations aboard any tour or program. After 5 days, confirmed reservations without deposit will be automatically cancelled by our reservations system. Final Payment is due 90 days prior to the departure date and no later than 75 days prior to tour departure. Payment by American Express, VISA, MasterCard, Discover Card, or check is accepted. Your verbal authorization of the use of your credit card indicates your compliance with our booking terms and conditions and confirms your reservation whether or not you have actually signed the appropriate draft. Uncommon Journeys is not responsible for payment made to Travel Agents but not received by Uncommon Journeys. Bookings are subject to cancellation if deposit or final payment is not received by the due dates.

			LATE BOOKINGS: Depending upon available space, bookings can be made up until three days prior to departure. Reservations which are made within 75 days of departure require payment in full at the time of booking.

			CANCELLATION INFORMATION: Cancellation penalties do apply and for this reason trip cancellation insurance is recommended. Trip insurance is available at a modest cost and additional information may be obtained from your travel professional or the insurance carrier of your choice. We strongly suggest that you purchase travel insurance to cover 100% of your tour cost as there are no exceptions to the cancellation penalties. The following cancellation penalties apply should you have to cancel for any reason, including medical, once deposit has been made: Cancellations after deposit has been made but prior to final payment are subject to a $750.00 per person penalty: cancellations 60-75 days prior to departure are subject to a 40% penalty of the Total Fare: cancellations 30-59 days prior to sailing are subject to a 80% penalty of the Total Fare: cancellations 15-29 days prior to sailing are subject to 90% penalty of the Total Fare: cancellations 14 days or less are subject to a 100% penalty of the Total Fare. Given that the resale of canceled space will likely result in a lost opportunity to sell other space, these fees are due regardless of resale. Name changes and departure date changes are considered cancellations and are subject to cancellation fees. Cancellations must be submitted in writing either by letter or by fax and the cancellation will be processed only when this notification is received. Charges for cancellation will be based on the date which cancellation notice is received. Cancellation refunds are payable to passengers in the same manner in which deposit/final payment were made to Uncommon Journeys. Please allow from 2 - 4 weeks for Cancellation refunds to be processed. Refunds cannot be issued until cancellation requests, in writing, have been received.

			ITINERARY CHANGES: Changing your itinerary after reservations have been made can result in loss of advantages gained by early planning. In addition, the results of last minute changes may be disappointing. All changes to travel itinerary once deposit has been made are subject to a $75.00 per person, per change administrative and handling fee. This includes, but is not limited to, date and itinerary changes on airline and rail tickets, name changes on documents, reissue and refund of rail or air tickets, et. al. Changes are not assessed for stateroom upgrades or for the addition of services, unless air reservations are altered and/or travel documents must be reissued.

			ROOM SHARES: Uncommon Journeys/Train Holidays does not arrange for, nor accept room share requests.

			UPGRADE POLICY: Uncommon Journeys and Train Holidays reserves the right to upgrade a guest or guests to more expensive category accommodations at no additional cost.

			FARE/PORT CHARGES AND TAXES: Fares quoted in brochures are those in effect at the time of printing. If cost factors including airline costs, dictate the need for fare increases, Uncommon Journeys and Train Holidays may do so at any time prior to departure. Port taxes are neither discountable nor commissionable.

			NOTE ABOUT TRAIN TRAVEL: Some Amtrak or VIA Rail schedules may require an overnight stay in various cities before and/or after tours. Any overnight hotel stays required due to train schedules are the responsibility and expense of the client, not Uncommon Journeys or Train Holidays. Please be advised that all train schedules are subject to availability and unless all sleeping car accommodation charges are paid at the time of deposit, availability cannot be guaranteed. We reserve the right to pass on to tour members any expenditure occasioned by delays or events beyond our control. In the event of a marked increase in tariff rates, costs are subject to revision.

			TRIP INSURANCE INFORMATION: Cancellation insurance is available at modest cost from various insurance providers and is strongly & urgently recommended. Policies can be obtained that provide protection in the event of trip cancellation, pre-existing medical conditions, trip interruption, personal injury or damage to property. Uncommon Journeys/Train Holidays does not endorse any particular type of policy or company but does encourage all guests to consider the purchase of some type of travel insurance. We strongly suggest that you purchase travel insurance to cover 100% of your tour cost as there are no exceptions to the cancellation penalties.

			TICKETS & DOCUMENTS: Tickets and documents will be sent via UPS promptly upon receipt from the railway, airline, or cruise company but only after final payment. This is customarily 14 days prior to departure. Documents include: ship tickets, a complete itinerary, baggage tags, helpful hints, train or air tickets (when applicable) and shore excursion tickets (when applicable). 

			PARTICIPATION ON TOUR: We reserve the right to refuse, to accept, or retain as a member of any tour any person whose deportment or condition impedes the progress, enjoyment, or operations of at any program or tour. In the event we exercise this action, Uncommon Journeys responsibility is limited only to refunding the unused tour services if a person is required to leave the tour. 

			ALTERATION OF ITINERARIES: Because of the nature of the tour programs contained in this brochure, unplanned changes in allotted space may occur. In the unlikely event that this should happen, Uncommon Journeys reserves the right to make changes in routing, visits, and tour timings at any time. Whenever practical, we will advise guests of these changes before departure date. Uncommon Journeys shall not be liable to provide compensation of any type for such operational decisions.

			HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS: All hotel accommodations are for run of the house standard rooms. Some rooms will be larger or smaller and some rooms may be better than others. The Hotel Management makes all room assignments and Uncommon Journeys/Train Holidays has no control over which room you will receive. If the listed hotel on an itinerary is unavailable due to space availability or other considerations, then we reserve the right to substitute hotel accommodations of a type that we have determined to be of a similar grade. If you have a specific request, we will ensure that this request is passed on to the Hotel Management, however, it may not always be possible to accommodate the request. Please note that it is standard policy in the US and in CANADA that hotel rooms are not available for check-in before 4pm.

			TRAIN BAGGAGE: Luggage storage in the passenger cars is limited and as such, we recommend guests take only two pieces of carry-on luggage. Passengers will NOT have access to checked baggage while en route.

			GRATUITIES: All hotel baggage and gratuities on included meals are covered in the package price.  Driver/Guide, Host, Transfer driver, train station or pier Red Cap gratuities are not included.

			RESPONSIBILITY: All train travel included or purchased in conjunction with this program is operated by VIA Rail Canada and/or Amtrak. We cannot and will not accept any responsibility for delays and/or operational disruptions due to VIA RAIL and/or Amtrak operations and decisions. All of our itineraries have been carefully chosen to minimize any potential problem operationally, but occasionally events beyond the control of VIA Rail and/or Amtrak do occur. Uncommon Journeys and Train Holidays does not assume any liability for loss of or damage to or delay of perishable items, medicine, oxygen, liquor, cash, credit or debit cards, jewelry, gold, silver or similar valuables. Uncommon Journeys and Train Holidays will not assume any liability for and loss or damage of luggage or carry-on baggage, and will not assume any responsibility for loss, damage, or delay while baggage is in the custody contracted carriers. In addition, situations may arise which make it necessary for us to cancel, advance or postpone a scheduled departure, change itineraries or make substitutions involving hotels, restaurants, ports of call, other travel components, vessels or other modes of transportation. In that event, we do not assume responsibility or liability for any resulting losses, expenses, or inconvenience. We are not required to make refunds once travel commences regardless of the reason for passengers being unable to complete their travel. Please refer to the paragraph titled 'PARTICIPATION ON TOUR' for the only exception to this.  No person, other than a representative of Uncommon Journeys or Train Holidays authorized by a document in writing issued by the Chairman, may vary, add or waive any term or condition set forth in the preceding provisions.  Written notice of any claim against Uncommon Journeys or Train Holidays must be received no later than fourteen (14) days after the date that services were provided to a tour participant.   All terms and conditions and schedules and rates are subject to change without notice.

			PAYMENT OF YOUR DEPOSIT ON ANY TOUR OR PROGRAM INDICATES YOUR ACCEPTANCE OF THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS.

I have provided this information to Uncommon Journeys & Train Holidays for enrollment in the above noted tour/cruise. I have read and agree to the Terms & Conditions set forth in this document.

800-323-5893

Amazonia

Amazonia

Highlights

Day 1: November 26, 2011

Day 2: November 27, 2011 - Fort Lauderdale, Florida, US

Day 3: November 28, 2011 - At Sea (Florida Straits) CO

Day 4: November 29, 2011 - At Sea (Caribbean Sea) CO

Day 5: November 30, 2011 - Gustavia (St. Barts), France TR

Day 6: December 01, 2011 - Castries, St. Lucia

Day 7: December 02, 2011 - At Sea (Atlantic Ocean) CO

Day 8: December 03, 2011 - Devil's Island, French Guiana TR

Day 9: December 04, 2011 - At Sea (Atlantic Ocean) CO

Day 10: December 05, 2011 - Cruising the Amazon River CO

Crossing the Equator CO

Macapa, Brazil TR

Day 11: December 06, 2011 - Santarem, Brazil

Day 12: December 07, 2011 - Boca da Valeria, Brazil TR

Day 13: December 08, 2011 - Manaus, Brazil ON

Day 14: December 09, 2011 - Manaus, Brazil

Day 15: December 10, 2011 - Parintns, Brazil TR

Day 16: December 11, 2011 - Alter Do Chao, Brazil TR

Day 17: December 12, 2011 - Crossing the Equator CO

Cruising the Amazon River CO

Day 18: December 13, 2011 - At Sea (Atlantic Ocean) CO

Day 19: December 14, 2011 - At Sea

Day 20: December 15, 2011 - Bridgetown, Barbados

Day 21: December 16, 2011 - Port Elizabeth, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines TR

Day 22: December 17, 2011 - At Sea (Caribbean Sea) CO

Day 23: December 18, 2011 - Oranjestad, Aruba

Day 24: December 19, 2011 - At Sea (Caribbean Sea) CO

Day 25: December 20, 2011 - At Sea (Florida Straits) CO

Day 26: December 21, 2011 - Fort Lauderdale, FL, US

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