Lost Islands - Lost Worlds

Overview
Dates & Prices
Itinerary
Maps
Ship Information
Highlights

A voyage of reefs, rainforests and ruins along the Caribbean Sea coast of Central America from Costa Rica to Cuba aboard the MS Island Sky

While the Roman Empire was crumbling, and successive waves of barbarian armies were sweeping across Europe, a brilliant civilisation was rising in the jungles of Mexico and Central America. From 200-900 A.D., the Maya were at the height of their powers, building enormous cities, raising magnificent temples, and producing art of astonishing beauty and sophistication. Then, for reasons that no one understands, the civilisation collapsed. Today, some of the most intriguing advances in archaeology are being made in the field of Maya studies as they try to discover the reasons for the mysterious downfall of the Maya kingdoms and gain a deeper understanding of this brilliant civilisation.

Next winter, you can make your own discoveries of this remarkably advanced civilization on a comprehensive voyage that includes both the most famous of the Maya sites, as well as those seldom seen by travellers to the region. We will also visit one of the world’s great natural wonders, Belize’s Barrier Reef, second in size only to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. We will explore this extraordinary natural site with our onboard naturalists and enjoy this marine paradise with its amazingly clear waters.

But, before the main event of intriguing Mayan sites and amazing coral reefs, we have three little known islands to visit, Columbia’s San Andres and Isla Providencia together with the Honduran island of Roatan. Three beautiful and uncommercialised islands that offer a relaxing start to what promises to be an endlessly fascinating voyage. We also end on a high note with a visit to Cuba and the hubbub of Havana, a fitting finale to a unique itinerary.

Lost Islands - Lost Worlds itinerary:

Day 1 - LONDON TO SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA.

Fly by scheduled flight. Transfer to your first class hotel for an overnight stay. Meet your travelling companions for drinks and dinner in the hotel.

Day 2 - SAN JOSE TO PUERTO LIMON.

After breakfast and a brief tour of San Jose, we will begin our drive through the scenically spectacular Central Highlands, an area of active volcanoes, coffee plantations and lush landscapes. We will see some of Costa Rica’s finest scenery and after lunch continue down to the coast and the city of Puerto Limon on the Caribbean Sea. Embark the MS Island Sky in the late afternoon and enjoy welcome drinks and dinner onboard. Sail in the early evening.

Day 3 - SAN ANDRES, COLOMBIA.

After a morning at sea we arrive at San Andres. Due to its location in the far south west corner of the Caribbean Sea and its relatively undeveloped tourism infrastructure, this Colombian owned island is not on the usual ‘cruise run’. The island and its keys are very beautiful and offer excellent boat trips.

Day 4 - ISLA DE PROVIDENCIA.

Often referred to as ‘Old Providence’ in English, Providencia is located 50 miles north of San Andres. This is another beautiful Colombian Island that is little known and untouched by the hand of tourism. Along with its smaller sister island of Santa Catalina, it is enclosed by an extensive barrier reef system of some 35 km in length, making it one of the most signifi cant reefs in the world. Captured twice by Henry Morgan and his buccaneers who aimed to make it a British possession, it nevertheless ended up Spanish, and is now a remote Columbian island. Here there will be the opportunity to travel in local boats to an area known as Seven Coloured Waters to view the barrier reef.

Day 5 - AT SEA.

Sailing along the coast of Nicaragua and Honduras.

Day 6 - ROATAN, HONDURAS.

Continuing our quest for hidden islands, we arrive at Islas de la Bahia and the island of Roatan. It is larger than our previous islands yet still possesses that magical air of times gone by. The island’s history is a turbulent mix of Spanish and British colonialism, slave trading, pirates and traders. Such infamous characters as John Coxen, Ned Low and Blackbeard frequented these remote mountainous shores. An island tour takes us to the far eastern shores where we learn of Garifuna people, the native Indians of the Caribbean and visit the Carambola Botanical Garden where we are rewarded with stunning views from an outlook at the top.

Day 7 - LAUGHING BIRD CAYE & SOUTH WATER CAYE, BELIZE.

Today, be prepared for some breathtaking beautiful sights as we approach the Belize Barrier Reef. At fi rst light we approach the southern end of the reef for a visit to Laughing Bird Caye. It is a long narrow isle standing on an elongated reef known as a faro. Like an atoll it is steep sided and encloses a central lagoon. The surrounding waters teem with life and the clarity is astounding. During lunch we sail further north to South Water Caye, a private island and a paradise on the reef. This tiny island is covered with white coral sand, tropical fl owers and crystal clear waters all enveloped in coral reefs that wrap more than half way around the island. Snorkelling in the waist deep water here is a marvellous experience.

Day 8 - LIGHTHOUSE REEF.

Sail north during the night for another day in paradise. Here there are more reefs for the snorkellers to explore around this reef which was the fi rst area to be protected in 1982. On Half Moon Caye there will be the opportunity to visit the red footed booby sanctuary, the only nesting site in the region, home to approximately 4000 of these large, somewhat gawky birds. The month of March is hatching time and from the elevated observation point we should be able to observe the new chicks as well magnificent as frigate birds.

Day 9 - BELIZE CITY.

Landing on the mainland we have an interesting day ahead as we travel inland to the ancient Mayan city of Lamanai (translates to ‘submerged crocodile’). From the nearby town of Orange Walk Bridge we board local boats for a wildlife cruise through mangroves, wetlands and forests. Look out for egrets, herons, kingfishers, snail kites and black collared hawks as we make our way up river past Morelet’s crocodiles. A short walk through the jungle brings us to the Lamanai Archaeological Reserve with its massive pyramids which are in fact pyramids built upon pyramids. Local guides will tell the story of this site which is the only Mayan city known to have been inhabited through every age of Mayan civilisation.

Day 10 - PLAYA DEL CARMEN FOR TULUM, MEXICO.

Leaving Belize we arrive at Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. The unique Mayan site of Tulum is perched 40 feet above the sea on a cliff. It has a fascinating history and architecture with the pyramid, El Castillo, being the most impressive. Most Mayan sites are inland, so Tulum is a welcome exception particularly as it resides next to an excellent beach.

Day 11 - RIO LAGARTOS FOR CHICHEN-ITZA.

Today we set off to Chichen- Itza, which at its height was the largest political and religious centre of the Yucatan. This site is noted for the majesty of its buildings, formal space distribution, complex symbolism and stunning sculptures. We will also have the opportunity to explore the attractive fishing village with its colourfully painted houses. Alternatively for the bird watchers, there will be an afternoon trip to view the huge flamingo population and the opportunity to spot some of the 388 different bird species in this Biosphere Reserve.

Day 12 - AT SEA.

Cruise into the Caribbean heading to Cuba.

Day 13 - HAVANA, CUBA.

The three ‘c’s, colonialism, capitalism and communism have left their indelible mark on this historic city. This morning we will focus on Habana Vieja (old Havana) which was once enclosed within fortified walls. We will explore its twisting, cobbled streets past both beautifully restored Baroque churches, castles and palaces to the 16th century Plaza de Armas, the oldest plaza in the city and its original administrative centre. Nowhere in the whole of the West Indies do the centuries of New World history come to life in such a dramatic way as in old Havana. After lunch we will drive along the Malecon, Havana’s seafront to Verdado. See the Plaza de la Revolution and the headquarters of President Fidel Castro and his Council of Ministers. Our excursion will end with a visit to the top of the 350 foot observation tower, which offers a panoramic view of the city. Moor overnight.

Day 14 - HAVANA TO LONDON.

Disembark this morning and return to London by scheduled indirect flight.

Day 15 - LONDON.

Morning arrival.

Island Sky

With a maximum passenger capacity of only 116, a vessel of her size is capable of carrying many more but instead the MS Island Sky has the benefit of unusually large suites, luxuriously appointed public areas and spacious outside decks.

On board there is a high ratio of crew to passengers. Our friendly crew of 75 are mainly Filipino and Eastern European and our Scandinavian captains are experienced mariners, having been in service aboard large 2000 plus passenger vessels and who now prefer a less frantic life aboard a small ship. If, like them and us, you prefer a more peaceful life at sea, you will find the MS Island Sky the perfect ship. When choosing the vessel for your next voyage of discovery, you can select a ship with endless entertainment and impersonal service or come with us where peace, high quality service and attention to detail are the order of the day. We promise there will be no organised entertainment, fancy dress, deck games or any of the usual big ship experiences. The atmosphere on board is more akin to a private yacht or country hotel. A little music in the lounge or bar after dinner, guest speakers, informative port briefings from our cruise director and of course good food which may be enjoyed leisurely in the attractive dining room. After a day ashore you will return to the comfort and peace of a well run and exceedingly comfortable ship.

Your Suite
Onboard there are 57 exceptionally spacious and well designed suites. All feature a sitting room area and some have private balconies. The feeling of luxury is enhanced by the wood panelling and brass, which predominates throughout the vessel conveying the atmosphere of a private yacht. The passenger accommodation is arranged over five decks and all suites have outside views. Each affords considerable comfort with en-suite bathroom featuring marble-topped vanity unit with sink and walk-in shower, large wardrobes, dressing table with large mirror and stool and excellent storage. There is a mini-fridge, flat screen television with inbuilt DVD player which can also play CDs and a telephone in each suite. Bottled water, towelling dressing gowns and slippers are also provided for your comfort. Other facilities include a programmable electronic safe, hairdryer, assorted toiletries and individually controlled air-conditioning and heating. The suites on each deck have their own colour theme. Soft hues and blended tones enhance the traditional maritime style making the passenger accommodation an inviting and relaxing place to be.

Your Space
The spacious and finely decorated public rooms include a large lounge where daily briefings and talks will be provided throughout the voyage and an elegant bar where a pianist plays periodically throughout the day. The bar also features a 24-hour tea and coffee station. The onboard library is the perfect place to relax with a book and is stocked with reference books pertaining to the places the vessel is visiting along with a selection of games and two computers with internet access. Daily newspapers and magazines are also placed in the library depending on local availability. There is also WI-FI access throughout the vessel. Outside there is a rear sun deck where meals are served in warm weather under shade, a bar and comfortable deck furniture for sun bathing or relaxing with a book. On the top deck there is a Jacuzzi and further observation and sun deck. There is also a small hairdressers on board with appointments made on request.

Your Dining
Another benefit of a small ship is the quality of the cuisine. With only one sitting and a maximum of just over 100 passengers, the galley is able to provide delicious meals. Where possible and when it meets his high standards, the chef will obtain local produce in markets or buy the catch of the day from a passing fishing boat. Such purchases enhance the well stocked larders and bring a local touch to the varied menus. In the main elegant dining room, breakfast is served buffet-style, with certain items cooked to order and lunch and dinner is à la carte. When weather permits, breakfast and a buffet-style lunch are also served on deck. To enhance your dining experience even further a selection of wines are included with lunch and dinner. Afternoon tea is served in the lounge and tea and coffee are available 24 hours. With sufficient notice, most diets can be catered for on board.

Exploring Ashore & Expedition Cruising
Our inclusive pricing policy for the MS Island Sky means that the majority of shore excursions are included in the price of your cruise. Due to her size the MS Island Sky has the freedom of the seas and can come alongside in small docks or drop anchor in any suitable spot. In remote, undeveloped areas or places with restricted access, we will use the vessel’s tender to go ashore and when the vessel is operating expedition cruises in areas such as the British Isles, we will employ the vessel’s Zodiacs. These inflatable craft offer marvellous manoeuverability allowing us access to otherwise impossible landing places. There is snorkelling equipment onboard and when weather and location permits, the expedition team will set up a snorkelling platform. One of the joys of expedition cruising aboard a small vessel is the flexibility it allows. We have twenty years experience of designing trips to some of the most remote places in the world and although we set sail with a set itinerary it is the unscheduled events that often become the highlight of the journey. It is our belief that you do not go on holiday to be part of the all engulfing masses which descend on a town when a number of large ships dock at the same time. Arriving at a port for the first time should be an invigorating experience and can certainly be so when the right place is chosen and your arrival is on a small ship. With only 116 passengers, there is no queuing to disembark or embark the MS Island Sky for an excursion and when required there will only be three coaches waiting on the quayside to transport you to the day’s attraction as opposed to a whole fleet waiting for the passengers travelling on the big ships.

For Your Comfort & Security & Safety
Our vessel is equipped with the latest safety, navigation and communications equipment along with roll stabilizers to minimize the ship’s motion. The captain and officers operate an open-bridge policy that allows passengers onto the bridge at most times with the exception of arrival and departure from port and during times of complicated navigation. Here you can check the ship’s progress by charts and learn more from the officers about your journey. There is also a dedicated channel on your television in your suite showing the routing of the vessel along with technical information and estimated times of arrival and departure from port. On board you will also find a clinic and doctor and a lift that serves all decks. Smoking on board is restricted to outside decks only.