The beating heart of the Brazilian rainforest, this bustling frontier town recalls the rubber boom, especially the Belle Époque opera house with marble halls and 198 Murano glass chandeliers. Hear Verdi or Mozart under frescoed ceilings amid the steamy jungle. Outside, the Rio Negro meets but doesn't merge with the Rio Solimões, where pink dolphins, manatees, otters, waterfalls, wild orchids, spider monkeys and jaguars fill the rivers and trails.

Tap into Amazonian rhythms in Parintins, where indigenous life and Brazil's carnival culture entwine. Explore winding tributaries by riverboat and fish for piranha in secluded coves, or trek to villages swathed in jungle. Carnival fever burns year-round as artisans tirelessly toil over fantastical floats and elaborate dresses for the annual Boi-Bumbá Festival, here in the beating heart of the Amazon.

This secluded Amazon beach town feels Caribbean, with crystal-clear waters, white sands, and village access to Love Island, Green Lake, and giant water lilies up to 3m across. From here, see the "Meeting of the Waters," where the Amazon and Rio Tapajós flow side by side without merging. Explore Tapajós National Forest for jungle cats, giant armadillos, parrots, and white-bellied spider monkeys.

Please note that the call to Macapá is a technical call required for clearance by the Brazilian authorities. Guests will not be able to disembark during this time. The clearance process includes a safety inspection, health inspection, and immigration formalities. Depending on the complexity, this may take several hours.

Devil's Island looks like paradise: palm trees, sparkling waters, and haunting ruins from Napoleon III's prison colony, immortalized in Papillon. Walk its ring paths past ghostly prisoner-built churches, lush jungle, peacocks, monkeys, bougainvillea, and butterflies. You leave feeling captive to its beauty.

Channel Robinson Crusoe on remote Bequia: secret lagoons, castaway picnics, and warm blue waters for snorkeling. Feel the sweet Bequia breeze and its colonial history, then relax at Princess Margaret Beach. Climb Mount Peggy for views of St. Vincent. Stroll Belmont Boardwalk to Market Beach for hand-whittled mahogany boat models, then Port Elizabeth's catwalk for nutmeg ice cream. Visit the turtle sanctuary for hawksbills or ferry to Mustique, a favorite royal getaway.

Gently arrive in Barbados's vibrant capital, rich in history and architecture, and soak up its laid-back West Indian vibe. Follow the slow Bajan rhythm: surf, snorkel, and watch for turtles in warm blue waters. Explore Harrison's Cave, St Nicholas Abbey, and zipline above tropical flora. Then unwind on pastel pink, palm-lined beaches, where cocktail hour never ends and rum flows freely.

Explore romantic St Lucia: hike the UNESCO-listed Pitons, soak in volcanic mud baths, relax on black sand beaches, visit botanical gardens, and trek tropical jungle plantations of banana, coconut, and mango. Cruise calm Caribbean or choppy Atlantic waters by catamaran, boat, or kayak, swim under waterfalls, watch whales, and savor fresh mahi mahi with local Piton beer.

Mingle amongst other discerning guests on this French isle that exudes relaxed glamour. Wander along secluded beaches, harbourside Creole huts, drop into bohemian bars and snorkel gently through warm turquoise waters. Visit La Tourmente, the peaceful salt ponds and admire uninterrupted views on a local boat trip. And as you sip your second (or third) glass of champagne to the lull of the gentle waves, it might be time to learn the French for "paradise found".

Formed by volcanoes, St Kitts has rich, fertile soil and lush rainforest. Hike Mount Liamuiga to its mile-wide crater, or descend to smell the sulphur. Try a scenic train ride, sailing, cooking class, sky-safari zip-line, or batik workshop. Visit sugarcane plantations, the Narrows, and UNESCO Brimstone Hill Fortress for island views. Small in size, big on charm.

Explore America's oldest city for Caribbean history, Spanish culture, and the American dream. Wander Old San Juan's alleys past centuries-old forts and colorful colonial buildings. Learn to move to salsa and reggae, shop boho streets or luxe boutiques for artisan goods, designer pieces, and hand-rolled cigars. Enjoy world-class surfing, a tropical rainforest, a private rum cocktail tasting, and empanadas. End on beautiful beaches with crystal-clear water and maybe one last rum cocktail.