Crossing the Equator: Portugal to Brazil

Welcome to Portugal and its capital city, Lisbon. One of the oldest cities in the world and the second oldest capital in Europe, this is a vibrant, multicultural hub with fascinating history, glorious architecture and incredible food. Your Cruise Voyage begins once you step on board Scenic Eclipse. You’ll be warmly greeted with champagne and shown to your luxurious verandah suite by your butler. Then make your way up to the Sky Bar on Deck 10 for a sail away cocktail looking out over the red rooftops of the city. Please book your flight to arrive into Lisbon prior to 02:00 PM.

Start your morning with breakfast on your suite’s verandah as the deep blue waters of the North Atlantic Ocean slip by outside. Then take some time to familiarise yourself with your Discovery Yacht, from the Sky Bar and outdoor Vitality pool on Deck 10 to the tranquil Senses Spa# on Deck 6 with its steam rooms, saunas, plunge pool and Vitality Thermal Lounge. Stop for a coffee or a cocktail at one of the nine bars and lounges on board or curl up with a good book in the library of the Observation Lounge.

You’ll arrive in the port of Funchal early this morning. The island of Madeira is a little piece of Portugal in the middle of the Atlantic. The capital, Funchal, became a popular holiday destination for the European aristocracy in the 19th century and the city still retains this air of busy prosperity. On its edge is the vibrant Mercado dos Lavradores market, bursting with local produce. The city is famous for its gardens, so plan a visit to the Madeira Botanical Garden, Monte Tropical Gardens and Santa Catarina Park.  Freechoice: 4 x 4 Mountain Tea House: Experience a jeep ride through Funchal showcasing stunning mountain views and protected natural habitats. Enjoy a relaxing visit at a tea house. Madeira Quinta Gardens & Tea: Experience an 18th-century Madeiran Quinta with botanical gardens and 500 plant species at Quinta Jardins do Lago. Madeiran Flavours: Discover the delightful fishing village of Câmara de Lobos, experience Madeiras traditional drink, and delve into the agricultural landscape at a private home. Cooking Class and Visit to the Market: Take a guided tour of the local market and prepare traditional dishes at a local cooking class.

From your suites private verandah, watch Tenerife appear as the sun rises. Sophisticated and cosmopolitan, Tenerife is the largest of Spain’s fabled Canary Islands. Tenerife is known for its natural beauty, unspoilt and pristine beaches where sand colours range from gilded gold to blushing pink to ebony black.  Bask in balmy breezes and take in the vibrant way of life that is imbued across culture and cuisine. Today, enjoy unhurried time for a soul-soothing escape alongside the iridescent water and idyllic villages. Freechoice: Canadas del Teide: Venture through the La Esperanza pine forest to ‘Cañadas del Teide’, the national park with the highest peak in Spain. UNESCO World Heritage La Laguna & History: Discover La Laguna, the island’s former capital. Explore the World Heritage-listed old town and visit the Casa del Vino wine museum for a tasting. Bodegas Monge Wine Experience: Head to the wine region of Tacoronte, El Sauzal, and discover the Monje family’s winery.

For relaxation and wellbeing at sea, the indulgent Senses Spa# awaits on Deck 6. This expansive 550sqm gold-leaf emblazoned spa will pamper you with a range of holistic ESPA treatments# including massages, facials, manicures and pedicures. During the day, the theatre comes alive with captivating lectures. Be sure to check the Daily Program on your TV for timing—you won’t want to miss these inspiring sessions! After your treatment, soak in the Vitality plunge pool on the Senses Spa Pool Deck, where the temperature of the water will be perfectly matched to the weather. Warm up in the tranquil Vitality thermal lounge, where unique heated loungers gently purify the body.

A true culinary journey awaits every day on board Scenic Eclipse, with up to 10 extraordinary all-inclusive dining experiences. The selection of specialty restaurants on board allows you to dine around the world each night. Channel the spirit of Asia at Koko’s Asian Fusion; choose one of the sunken Japanese-style tables for an authentic ambience. Journey to France at Lumière, a contemporary fine dining French restaurant replete with a luxe Champagne Bar. And indulgent in-suite dining is available 24 hours a day; your butler can arrange a sweet treat, midnight snack or breakfast in bed whenever you fancy. During the day, the theatre comes alive with captivating lectures. Be sure to check the Daily Program on your TV for timing—you won’t want to miss these inspiring sessions!

Around 500km off the coast of Senegal, Cape Verde is made up of 15 volcanic islands (nine of which are inhabited) spread across 4,000 square kilometres of ocean. Sao Vicente is the second most populous of the Cape Verde islands and Mindelo is its busy capital. Following in the tradition of centuries of sailors, today this will be your last stop before setting out across the empty expanse of the Atlantic. Sao Vicente island is home to some of the country’s greatest musicians, writers and thinkers, making Mindelo a vibrant town where you can immerse yourself in rich cultural traditions. Freechoice: Island tour: Take a tour of the island from the breathtaking vistas of Monte Verde to the charming fishing village of Calhau. Morna tour: With a local guide, visit the former home of ‘Barefoot Diva’ Cesária Évora, check out Mindelo’s cafes and bars and reveal the island’s musical legacy. Turtles Swim: Marine Life Encounters: Join local fishermen on a sailing excursion off the coast of São Vicente Island as you search for turtles in their natural habitat, or swim alongside the turtles at São Pedro Beach in Mindelo.

After a week of indulgence, it may be time to check out the fitness facilities on board. The state-of-the-art gym is fully equipped with machines and free weights for cardio workouts and strength conditioning. You’ll be able to get your heart pumping with a spectacular view out over the ocean. For a customised fitness plan, the on board personal trainers can work with you to reach your goals. The PURE: Yoga & Pilates Studio is the only one of its kind at sea, a light-filled space that will bring out your inner Zen with extensive programs of traditional yoga and Pilates. During the day, the theatre comes alive with captivating lectures. Be sure to check the Daily Program on your TV for timing—you won’t want to miss these inspiring sessions!

On board your Discovery Yacht, there are endless ways to practice the art of total relaxation. Your personal butler and can bring morning coffee, afternoon tea or cocktails to enjoy on your private verandah while marvelling at the endless open ocean. Then watch a movie from the comfort of your signature Scenic Slumber Bed. When you’re ready to venture out, put your feet up at the poolside lounges at the Senses Spa Pool Deck or the comfy chairs in the Observation Lounge in Deck 5, where you can admire the view from the panoramic glass windows. During the day, the theatre comes alive with captivating lectures. Be sure to check the Daily Program on your TV for timing—you won’t want to miss these inspiring sessions!

The state-of-the-art theatre on Deck 4 is the hub for on board entertainment. The advanced cinemascope technology and multiple viewing screens create an immersive 270-degree experience, complete with a sparkly night sky ceiling. During the day, the theatre hosts talks and lectures and at night, it transforms into a glittering entertainment venue showcasing professional-quality productions from musical theatre and cabaret to pop music, dance and fun interactive game shows. You can find more night-time entertainment in the bars and lounges, with piano players, musicians and singers performing regularly.

What better way to soak up the enormity of the Atlantic Ocean passing by than with a drink in hand. Settle in at any one of the nine spacious bars and lounges across your Discovery Yacht to enjoy your beverage of choice. And with Scenic’s signature all-inclusive ultra-luxury promise, indulge in top shelf spirits, over 100 whiskeys, a premium wine list and French champagne. During the day, the theatre comes alive with captivating lectures. Be sure to check the Daily Program on your TV for timing—you won’t want to miss these inspiring sessions!

A holiday can be a chance to expand your knowledge, so today you could join one of the talks or demonstrations hosted by the on board experts. For a culinary masterclass, head to Scenic Épicure on Deck 5. The Head Sommelier also hosts wine tastings in Épicure, taking guests through some of the most interesting bottles from the ship’s wine cellar. Note: that numbers are limited for all classes and requires a booking once announced on board. Check your daily program for other specialist classes happening throughout the day, movement and mobility lectures from the wellness coaches.

After five days at sea, your Discovery Yacht will dock at Recife, a large city on the northeastern coast of Brazil. It’s a gleaming sprawl where skyscrapers run right to the edge of the ocean and traffic thunders 24 hours a day. Yet at the same time, there are sleepy historic pockets nearby that will transport you to another era. Recife Antigo (Old Recife) sits on its own island near the harbour and is full of beautifully restored Portuguese and Dutch colonial buildings. Scenic Eclipse departs Recife late tonight, giving you a chance to sample some of the city’s legendary nightlife. Freechoice: Recife Walking Tour: Stroll through the pleasant streets of Old Recife to admire beautiful colonial houses, meet the locals, cross rivers and bridges, and get a taste of daily life. Highlights of Recife & Olinda: Explore Recife and the neighbouring World Heritage-listed town of Olinda. Be awed by imposing mansions, Baroque churches and colourful Portuguese tiles.

Sometimes, you need a day with nothing on the schedule. On board your Discovery Yacht, there are endless ways to practice the art of total relaxation. Watch a movie from the comfort of your signature Scenic Slumber Bed, fitted with exquisitely soft Egyptian cotton sheets. When you’re ready to venture out, relish one of many intimate places throughout the ship. Try the private cabanas on Deck 10 or the comfy chairs in the Observation Lounge on Deck 5, where you’ll be enchanted by the endless horizons of the ocean from the panoramic glass windows. Enjoy lunch at the Azure Bar & Café serving light meals, pizza and salads that are available for grazing throughout the day.   For dinner choose from Koko’s Asian Fusion, Sushi @ Koko’s to watch the chefs at work or enjoy the spectacle of teppanyaki-style dining inspired by the markets of Asia at Night Market @ Koko’s. Or journey to France at Lumière, a contemporary fine dining French restaurant replete with a luxurious Champagne bar. 

This morning you will arrive in Salvador de Bahia. Founded by the Portuguese in 1549, Salvador is one of the oldest colonial cities in the Americas and was the first capital of Brazil. The streets are lined with colourful buildings and music plays at all hours. Walk the narrow winding streets, sip coffee in busy squares, and admire grand churches and colonial architecture. You’ll feel the unique blend of Afro-Brazilian culture all around you. The city is also the home of capoeira, a traditional martial art, and you’ll often see people practicing it in the streets. Freechoice: Pelourinho – Historic Salvador: Delve into Salvador de Bahia’s intriguing cultural mix of African and European heritage on this guided tour of the city. Panoramic Salvador: Enjoy a panoramic tour of Salvador, the first capital of Brazil, including a drive through the Low City and along the best part of the coastline.

Today, take advantage of Scenic Eclipse’s open bridge policy. Sailing into the Abrolhos Archipelago, the Captain will have to navigate through reefs and low-lying islets. This is Brazil’s first marine park and a refuge for humpback whales, and you may see some still swimming past at this time of year. The Abrolhos Archipelago is one of the best diving and snorkelling sites in Brazil, with an incredible variety of coral, fish, sea turtles and at least three shipwrecks. Weather permitting, you may also be able to explore beneath the surface on the Scenic Neptune submersible^. Freechoice: Island Trail - Atoba birds and their nests: Explore the stunning ecosystems of the Abrolhos Archipelago on an engaging guided walk along the Island Trail. Island Catamaran Snorkel: Set sail on a vibrant catamaran adventure to the crystal-clear waters of the Abrolhos Archipelago. The catamaran will anchor at prime snorkeling spots.

This is your final day at sea so revisit some of your favourite spots on board. Book in for one final massage or treatment# at the Senses Spa, then relax in the Vitality Lounge. Lay back in a cabana or lounge chair on Deck 10, making sure you have sampled everything on the cocktail list. Be sure to meet your friends at your favourite on board restaurant for your final night on board. And then toast an unforgettable voyage with a vintage whisky in the Scenic Lounge Bar or a glass of French champagne in Lumière.

Your journey ends in vibrant Rio de Janeiro, the second largest city in Brazil. Wake up early to watch as your Disocvery Yacht sails into the harbour, past the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue and right into the city’s bustling heart. With its golden beaches, lush mountains, samba beats and passion for partying, you’ll soon see why they call Rio the Cidade Maravilhosa (Marvelous City). After one final delicious breakfast, it’s time to disembark Scenic Eclipse. You’ll take with you a lifetime of memories of this truly unique Cruise Voyage. Please book your flight to depart out of Rio de Janeiro after 12:00 PM. #Spa treatments at additional cost. +All drinks on board Scenic Eclipse, including those stocked in your mini bar, are included, except for a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, Champagnes and spirits. Specialty restaurants require a reservation, enquire on board.  ^Helicopter is not in operation in Brazil. The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the voyage will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.