Trinidad To Rio: South American Expedition Cruise

Day 1 - Barbados

Arrive: Sat 09 October 2027 / Depart: Sat 09 October 2027

Barbados has retained many of the trappings of its British colonial heritage. Judges and barristers wear proper robes and wigs, police don helmets styled after London bobbies and cricket remains a national passion. Barbados also has all the sporting appeal of the rest of the Caribbean, with pristine beaches, powerful surf and crystal clear waters. Brightly colored homes and hibiscus flowers mingle with mahogany trees and English churches dating back to the 17th century.

Day 2 - Port of Spain

Arrive: Sun 10 October 2027 / Depart: Sun 10 October 2027

Day 3 - At Sea

Day 4 - At Sea

Day 5 - French Guiana

Arrive: Wed 13 October 2027 / Depart: Wed 13 October 2027

Before they were a notorious penal colony, the Iles de Salut (Islands of Salvation) provided French colonists with a welcome escape from the fever-ridden jungles of the Guiana mainland. Lying ten miles off the coastline, and swept by treacherous ocean currents, the trio of small islands provided a perfect isolated location for incarcerating criminals without danger or expense, since the shark-infested sea and the trackless jungles ashore precluded any possibility of escape. All three islands, popularly known as Devil's Island, were used as a prison from 1852 to 1953. Your day is free to explore the prison ruins or search for signs of the surprisingly abundant wildlife.

Day 6 - At Sea

Day 7 - At Sea

Day 8 - Crossing the Equator

Day 9 - Fortaleza

Arrive: Sun 17 October 2027 / Depart: Sun 17 October 2027

Fortaleza, in the northeastern state of Ceara, is one of Brazil's chief seaports. Among the wealth of exports passing through its harbor are cotton, beans, rice, sugar, fruit, and of course, coffee. Lovely beaches shaded by coconut palms and some of the finest handicrafts Brazil has to offer are among the city's appealing attractions. Explore the highlights of the region along with some of its traditional activities.

Day 10 - Natal

Arrive: Mon 18 October 2027 / Depart: Mon 18 October 2027

Natal was built on the right bank of the River Potenji, right where the river meets the Atlantic; the soil is very sandy, with dunes and bays protected by reefs which appear all along the shore line. This "City of Dunes" invites you to ride in a dune buggy over huge sand dunes with sweeping views of the sea.

Day 11 - At Sea

Day 12 - Salvador

Arrive: Wed 20 October 2027 / Depart: Wed 20 October 2027

If Rio is the heart of Brazil and Sao Paulo is its brain, Salvador is its spirit. It was here in 1549 that the Portuguese founded the capital city and chief port of their new colony. Vast fortunes were made through the slave trade, and the introduction of a large African population had an important effect on the local culture. Salvador is built in two levels. The most appealing is in the upper city, the lovely colonial neighborhood of Pelourinho, which in the past few years has been completely restored to its former glory.

Day 13 - At Sea

Day 14 - At Sea

Day 15 - Buzios

Arrive: Sat 23 October 2027 / Depart: Sat 23 October 2027

Buzios is on everyone’s top ten most beautiful places list. With dozens of gorgeous beaches, warm, clear waters, lush tropical vegetation and a wealth of opportunities for active or relaxing play, it earns the spot easily. The place thrives on pleasing visitors, and you’ll be no exception. VIEW CRUISES

Day 16 - Parati

Arrive: Sun 24 October 2027 / Depart: Sun 24 October 2027

As one of the most beautiful colonial cities in the world, Parati, which means "white fish," is protected by UNESCO. The city exudes a magical and romantic ambience with its gas lights, well-preserved colonial houses, gardens and winding streets. Parati's history goes back to the early 1530s and is full of tales of pirates, gold, romance and mystery. As the second most important port in Brazil, Parati Harbor was built in the 17th and 18th centuries for the export of gold to Portugal, and as the center of southern Brazil's slave trade. The economy of Parati later turned to sugar cane with a multitude of mills that produced Brazil's high quality spirit known as "pinga" or cachaça.

Day 17 - Rio de Janeiro

Arrive: Mon 25 October 2027 / Depart: Mon 25 October 2027

Its stunning setting and joyous lust for life make Rio a cidade maravilhosa, "marvelous city." Ipanema, Copacabana, samba - the words alone conjure Brazilian paradise.