Including return international flights, Hurtigruten cruise aboard a state-of-the-art expedition ship, pre- and post-cruise accommodation, airport and port transfers, daily breakfast, and more.
A truly extraordinary experience travelling along the coasts of Central and South America awaits on this 22 day Grand South America Expedition cruise.
The adventure sets sail from Santiago, the dynamic capital city of Costa Rica. You have time to independently uncover the charms of Santiago at your own pace before the first leg of the expedition cruise begins. Jump into a boat to glide along the canals of Tortuguero, and then board your floating home for the next 15 nights: the magnificent MS Roald Amundsen. This brand new ship is the latest addition to the Hurtigruten fleet and is a remarkable feat of environmentally-friendly technology and world-class facilities. Contemporary comforts and styling work in perfect harmony with exceptional amenities, such as three restaurants, lecture spaces, workshop areas, observation decks, wellness centre and outdoor gym. Your time on the MS Roald Amundsen is guided by an expert Expedition Team.
MS Roald Amundsen makes its first port in Bocas Del Toro, a stunning string of islands nicknamed the ‘Galapagos of the Caribbean’, before the voyage continues through the Panama Canal and into the Pacific Ocean. Tick off a bucket list experience as you cross the equator from North to South Hemispheres. Explore a once pirate-frequented city in Ecuador and shop for knick-knacks in its artisan market. Make a handful of ports in Peru – Salaverry, Callao/Lima and Paracas – and visit ancient kingdom sites, historic plazas and pretty streetscapes along the way. Carry on to Chile where you will take in the views from El Morro in Arica, wander the lush gardens of La Serena and tour the cities of Valparaiso and Vina del Mar. Finish your time in South America in Santiago.
As well as exploring myriad of Central and South America’s most exciting cities from land, you’ll also take in the spectacular coastline and surrounding waters on days spent at sea. Take advantage of these sailing days to attend lectures given by the Expedition Team, get hands-on by contributing to research in the Science Centre, thumbing through books in the library, or casting your gaze across the ocean and looking out for marine life and sea birds.
Day 1: Australia – 
– San Jose, Costa Rica
Board your flight bound for San Jose in Costa Rica. You will be met upon arrival and transferred to the hotel.
Please note that some flights may depart 1 day earlier, and those travelling on the Tour Only option must make their own way to the hotel.
Day 2: San Jose (B)
Enjoy your first full day in San Jose with total leisure time. The Costa Rican capital is brimming with things to do, see and explore, such as the National Theatre of Costa Rica, the National Museum, Mercado Central and Central Avenue.
Day 3: San Jose (B)
Spend today seeing any sights or attractions missed yesterday, shopping for souvenirs, or preparing for the departure of your expedition cruise tomorrow.
Day 4: San Jose – Puerto Limon – Cruise Aboard MS Roald Amundsen (B, L, D) 
Your expedition cruise and adventure begins today! You will travel towards the Caribbean coast on a boat tour that follows the canals of Tortuguero. It is then onto Puerto Limon, the second-largest city in Costa Rica, where you will embark the MS Roald Amundsen. Get settled into your cabin and begin discovering the world-class facilities you’ll have access to while cruising.
Day 5: Bocas Del Toro (B, L, D)
The first full day of the Hurtigruten expedition cruise sees you journey along the coast of Panama towards Bocas del Toro. This picturesque archipelago is made up of beautiful islands, cays and hidden hamlets. The abundance of beautiful beaches and spectacular scenery lends itself to Bocas del Toro being nicknamed, ‘Galapagos of the Caribbean.’
Day 6: Panama Canal (B, L, D)
The MS Roald Amundsen enters the waters of the iconic Panama Canal near the city of Colón. The transit into the canal is an exciting experience and you’ll have a front-row seat for witnessing the intricacies of the canal’s lock system. Be thrilled as the MS Roald Amundsen is lifted more than 26 metres above sea level, moving from one body of water to another. The ship then officially enters the waters of the Pacific Ocean, near the town of Balboa.
Days 7 and 8: At Sea (B, L, D)
Prepare for an extraordinary experience today: crossing the Equator by water! As these days is spent entirely at sea, make time to sit down for a lecture by one of the Expedition Team or head up to the deck to try your luck at spotting marine life and sea birds. You might also like to retreat to the wellness centre for an indulgent treatment. Be sure to join in the on-board celebrations as the ship crosses the Equator.
Day 9: Guayaquil, Ecuador (B, L, D)
Bienvenido a Ecuador! The ship makes its port in Guayaquil, a city founded in 1538 that was once a favourite target of pirates in the area. Explore Guayaquil historic cityscape, wandering between green parks, colonial mansions and heritage architecture. Keen shoppers or culture-vultures will definitely want to swing past Mercado Artesanal, the largest market of its kind in the city.
Day 10: At Sea (B, L, D)
The on-board lecture programme continues, led by the incredibly insightful Expedition Team. Take this opportunity to find out more and learn about the voyage so far and what is in store for the next few days.
Day 11: Salaverry, Peru (B, L, D)
Make port in Salaverry, Peru, the go point for an optional excursion that takes travellers to the ancient kingdom of Chimu. A highlight of this activity is seeing Chan Chan, a site considered to be the largest mud-brick citadel from pre-Hispanic times in the Americas. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986.
Day 12: Callao/Lima, Peru (B, L, D)
Your discovery of Peru continues in Callao, a small seaside city that doubles as the gateway to Lima. Learn about the Peruvian capital’s history and founding in 1535, and uncover why it has been dubbed the ‘City of Kings’. Make sure to see Plaza de Armas and the city’s historic centre while here.
Day 13: Paracas, Peru (B, L, D)
Use Paracas as a launching pad for exploring Pisco, a serene colonial town that is flanked by a valley teeming with Nazca lines and geoglyphs. These mysterious lines were scratched into the ground’s surface between 500 BC and 500 AD.
Day 14: At Sea (B, L, D)
Relax on-board the MS Roald Amundsen with a sea day as you leave Peru behind. Attend another of the lectures delivered by the Expedition Team, hang out on deck soaking in the ocean air, rest in your cabin, or make use of the ship’s exemplary facilities such as the library, gym or infinity pool.
Day 15: Arica (B, L, D)
You have a full day to spend in Arica, a charming port city that is particularly known for its surf breaks and sandy beaches. For an unbeatable panorama of the area, be sure to walk up the El Morro cliff. There are also a number of archaeological sites in the area for those travellers with a passion for history.
Days 16 to 17: At Sea (B, L, D)
The voyage to another destination in Chile continues today, and the next two days are spent at sea. You are free to do whatever you choose, be it mingling with other guests, relaxing in your cabin, reading in the library, or picking the brains of the Expedition Team.
Day 18: La Serena, Chile (B, L, D)
Arrive in La Serena, one of the oldest cities in Chile. Explore La Serena’s array of vibrant gardens, striking churches and pretty streetscapes. A pitstop at the Archaeological Museum, where visitors can learn about the ancient Diaguita culture, is a particularly popular activity. Tonight is your final evening of the Hurtigruten experience and board the MS Roald Amundsen.
Day 19: Valparaiso, Chile – Santiago (B)
Your time cruising comes to an end as the ship makes its final port in Valparaiso. Disembark and take the port transfer to Santiago. First, however, there is a tour of Valparaiso and Vina del Mar where you can expect to take in Fisherman’s Wharf, the main square and panoramic watchtower. You’ll also be shown the steep streets and climbing houses that make up Valparaiso’s unique landscape. It is then onto Vina del Mar, nicknamed ‘Garden City’, where you will see the Fine Arts Museum, Avenida Peru and Palacio Rioja. Final locations of the sightseeing tour are the summer resort destinations of Cochoa and Concon. The group then continues to Santiago.
Day 20: Santiago (B)
Join a guided tour of the historic centre of Santiago this morning. One of the main sights you’ll visit is La Moneda, the presidential palace and former location of the national mint. Other notable sights within the historic centre include Plaza de Armas, the cathedral, old post office, National History Museum, and Casa Colorada, the once home of Spanish governors. End the tour by heading to the summit of Cerro Santa Lucia to marvel at the sweeping views of the city.
Day 21: Santiago – – Australia (B)
An airport transfer will pick you up at the appropriate time for you to begin the return journey to Australia.
Please note that those who purchases the Tour Only option must make their own way to the airport if required.
Day 22: Australia
Arrive back in Australia today.
Please note that some flights may arrive 1 day later.
Highlights:
How to book:
Deposit Information:
Documentation:
Documentation will be provided after final payment is complete and within 2-3 weeks of travel, including E-Ticket instructions, hotel confirmation, itinerary extension & optional tour confirmation (where applicable) and destination travel tips.
Tour Excludes:
Single Supplement: Unfortunately, single supplement is not available for this deal.
Tour Only: To purchase this tour without the return international flights, click here. By selecting this option, all airport transfers (if applicable) will be forfeited. Please refer to the live calendar to view and select Tour Only start date.
Group size: From 2 people, please note this is an independent tour, and as such, you will enjoy the company of fellow cruise passengers while sailing. There is a maximum number of 500 people aboard the cruise.
Children: Same price as adults. Min age 7 years.
Accommodation:
The accommodation listed below may be subject to change but will remain of a similar or higher standard. Any changes remain beyond our control and all efforts are made to communicate these as soon as possible. We endeavour to always book non-smoking rooms however these cannot be guaranteed.
San Jose: Sleep Inn Paseo de las Damas or similar
Santiago: Fundador or similar
Ship: MS Roald Amundsen
Interconnecting/adjoining rooms: Can be requested however not guaranteed. Please submit a request when filling out your booking form.
Bedding configuration: 1 x double bed or 2 single beds
Room capacity: 2 people
Triple Share: Not available
Expedition cruise: MS Roald Amundsen – the state of the art vessel features new and environmentally sustainable hybrid technology that will reduce fuel consumption and show the world that hybrid propulsion on large ships is possible. The future of shipping will be silent and emission free. MS Roald Amundsen will lead the way towards an even more sustainable way of travelling. Sailing on electrical power is not only a great benefit for the environment, but it will also enhance the impact of experiencing nature for the guests.
Onboard activities:
Cabin Types:
RR Polar Outside Cabins – Primarily located on the middle decks and approximately 20 square meters. Bedding Configuration – 1 x double bed. Twin beds on request only and cannot be guaranteed.
XT Arctic Superior Cabins – Comfortable and roomy accommodation, most including a balcony. Bedding Configuration – 1 x double bed or 2 x single beds
ME Expedition Suite Cabins – Large, well-appointed cabins with expansive windows, and balconies. Other facilities include a TV, minibar, bathrobe, kettle, tea and coffee and espresso maker. Expedition suites are exclusively in upper and mid-deck locations. Bedding Configuration – 1 x double bed or 2 x single beds
Itinerary: Please note, tour itinerary is subject to change without prior notice based upon weather, a traffic condition and other unforeseen occurrences.
Coach transportation: Where group sizes are not sufficient to use a full-sized coach, we reserve the right to use a smaller coach on the same level of comfort.
Tipping:
Towards the end of your tour:
If you have enjoyed the knowledge, service and expertise of the staff a tip (while not compulsory) is appropriate towards the end of your tour. While it may not be customary in Australia, tipping is entrenched into many cultures especially within the tourism industry globally.
The following is provided to assist our guests, but we leave the decision to provide a gratuity entirely at their discretion:
Our past guests have left gratuities based on their overall service of USD $13-15 per day, with between USD $3-5 per day being allocated towards the expedition team. Both of these are entirely at your discretion. Gratuities can be added to your on-board account at the end of the voyage or paid in cash on board.
Health: Different levels of travel involve varying degrees of activity and we recommend a good level of fitness and health in order to fully experience the package and some of the optional tours purchased. It remains each passenger’s responsibility to inform Webjet Exclusives of any health or mobility issues that may impact the running of the tour, both for the safety of the passenger concerned and for other travellers in the group.
Visas: Visas are not included. It is the traveller’s responsibility to ensure they meet the visa requirements for the country they are visiting. Webjet Exclusives is unable to provide visa advice.
For Visa assistance, please visit Webjet’s Travel Visa Service page
Travel Insurance: Help cover yourself for the unexpected with Webjet Travel Insurance, we highly recommend it. Click here for a quote
Any deposits paid at the time of purchase are non-refundable.
$100 spending money offer valid for any Webjet Exclusives tour or resort booking made at www.exclusives.webjet.com.au. Eligible bookings will receive a unique account application link from Webjet Exclusives via email within 72 hours of making a booking. Any HSBC Everyday Global Account applications not made via this link or if the booking is cancelled, the offer will not be fulfilled/paid. One (1) offer will be paid per booking. The offer is a 100 AUD deposit into the newly opened HSBC Everyday Global Accounts and the activated Visa Debit card. The offer may take up to 6 weeks to be fulfilled/paid. Webjet Exclusives reserves the right to withdraw this promotion at any time. The email address entered at the time of booking will be used as the primary contact. Webjet Exclusives’ standard booking terms and conditions apply. For more information go to www.hsbc.com.au/accounts/offers/everyday-global/webjet/
1 October 2020
Surcharges will apply to some dates, please see the availability calendar for more details
Availability on departure dates listed in Fine Print is subject to change. Live availability is shown on the availability calendar after clicking on the BOOK NOW button
Tour Only option – Navigate to the Fine Print tab and proceed to “click here” for Tour Only option to view live availability. Note, Tour Only option commences on Day 1 of the flight-inclusive itinerary.
Bookings not accepted when within 65 days of departure
Airline Information:
Flight Conditions:
Flight Options:
Date/Itinerary Variations:
Cabin/Class Upgrades (where applicable):
Tour Only:
