Monkey around with SeaDream on the Amazon

IF you’re planning on being in the USA in March and you’ve a spare week up your sleeve, take a side trip and join a rare sailing aboard the world’s highest-rated mega motor-cruiser SeaDream II, whose prices have been greatly discounted for a 7-day adventure in the upper reaches of the Amazon River – including a chance to hand-feed the monkeys on appropriately-named Monkey Island in Colombia.

The March 3 sailing also features meeting Amazonian tribes, visiting fascinating museums and jungle markets, viewing some of the world’s most exotic jungle plants and animals… and if you’re up to it, a canoe trip by night with guides and naturalists to search out crocodiles, snakes and other nocturnal creatures.

Price of the 7-day sailing from Iquitos to eight towns and ports in Colombia, Brazil and Peru begins from US$6426pp twin-share – down from originally-advertised US$8827pp – including all 5-star onboard dining, open bars with select premiums beers, wines and spirits, excursions with onboard guides and naturalists, a 30-course golf simulator, gratuities and port charges and taxes.

Other itineraries are also available in March, including an end-of-season 20-days from Iquitos in Peru to 20 towns and ports on the Amazon, French Guiana’s Devil’s Island Charlotteville in Tobago, Mayreau in the Grenadines and Bridgetown, Barbados.

Although 5-star, SeaDream’s yachting ambiance calls only for smart casual attire and does not require ties, jackets or formal wear; for full details see travel agents or visit www.seadream.com