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. Lisbon was at the centre of global seafaring and exploration for more than 600 years, so it’s a fitting departure point for this epic voyage across the Atlantic Ocean.  Your journey of wonder begins as soon as you step on board Scenic Eclipse. You’ll be warmly greeted with a glass of champagne and shown to your luxurious verandah suite by your butler. Take some time to settle in, test out the Scenic Slumber bed and pick the perfect pillow from the plush pillow menu. The ship will be docked right in the heart of Lisbon in the Tagus River, so 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.

With a total of ten days at sea to enjoy everything on board Scenic Eclipse, you can start slowly this morning. Perhaps you’d like to take a moment to yourself and soak in the comforts of your luxuriously appointed suite, which cocoons you with the comforts of a 6-star hotel. Ask your butler to bring breakfast to your suite, where you can enjoy it on the verandah as the deep blue waters of the North Atlantic Ocean slip by outside. Then take some time to explore the ship and familiarise yourself with all the areas on board. Visit the Sky Bar and outdoor Vitality pool on Deck 10. Step into 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. Curl up with a good book in the library of the Observation Lounge or take one with you and find the hanging egg chairs on Deck 7. Check the daily program to see what lectures or discussions the Discovery Team are running and learn more about upcoming ports or activities on offer.

You’ll arrive in the port of Funchal early this morning. Though it’s closer to Africa than Europe, the island of Madeira is a little piece of Portugal in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. The island is the top of a vast underwater volcano that rises more than 6km from the ocean floor, making for dramatic landscapes. The capital, Funchal, is nestled in a vast natural amphitheatre on the coast with a backdrop of lush mountains. Settled by the Portuguese in the 1400s, Madeira first became rich through sugar cane and then from its eponymous wine. Funchal became a popular holiday destination for the European aristocracy in the 19th century and the city still retains this air of busy prosperity. The grand boulevards and charming squares of West Funchal are home to boutique shops, excellent restaurants and interesting museums. Gritty East Funchal was formerly a rundown industrial area, but has been transformed into a hip neighbourhood packed with buzzing bars and trendy galleries. On its edge is the vibrant Mercado dos Lavradores market, bursting with local produce. The city is famous for its gardens, which flourish in the warm sub-tropical climate, so plan a visit to the Madeira Botanical Garden, Monte Tropical Gardens and Santa Catarina Park.

The Canaries are a group of volcanic islands just off the northwestern coast of Africa. Scenic Eclipse will sail into port around midday, so you can stand on your private verandah and watch as these rugged green outcrops come into view. Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the capital of this autonomous Spanish region, a handsome city filled with grand architecture, colourful buildings, sophisticated shops, interesting museums and a grand central park that echoes with tropical birdsong. The centre is walkable, the locals are welcoming and English is widely spoken (along with the native Spanish), making it an easy and enjoyable city to explore for the day. History buffs can go underground beneath Plaza de Espana to see the ruins of the 16th century Castle of San Cristobal or walk around the well-preserved Castle of St John the Baptist that sits on the water’s edge. If you’d prefer to get some sun, Las Teresitas is the city’s most popular beach, a kilometre-long strip of golden sand lined with waving palm trees.

For relaxation and wellbeing at sea, the indulgent Senses Spa awaits on Deck 6. This expansive 550m2 gold-leaf emblazoned spa is like nothing you’ll see on other cruise ships. Inside this luxurious retreat you can be pampered with a range of holistic ESPA treatments* including massages, facials, manicures and pedicures. A range of alternative therapies are also on offer, like Japanese shiatsu, Indian Ayurvedic massage and Tibetan bowl sound healing, which is said to produce a healing energy that can relieve stress and pain and promote wellbeing. There’s also a hair and beauty salon within the spa if you need a touch up. 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. You’ll also find Nordic bathing experiences, infra-red saunas, chromo-therapy pressure showers, and separate steam rooms and relaxation lounges for men and women.

A true culinary journey awaits every day on board Scenic Eclipse, with up to 10 extraordinary all-inclusive dining experiences. Start with breakfast al fresco at the Yacht Club (be sure to return later to visit the large gelato fridge). For lunch, Azure Bar & Café serves light meals, pizza and salads that are available for grazing throughout the day. Elements is the main restaurant, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, where the menu ranges from Italian to steak and seafood. 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. Take a seat at the bar at 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, an exclusive experience for just eight guests at a time. Journey to France at Lumière, a contemporary fine dining French restaurant replete with a luxe Champagne bar. Chef’s Table @ Elements is an invitation-only private dining event for just 10 guests. Set within the Elements restaurant, you’ll could dine on an 11-course degustation menu prepared by the Head Chef and his team, paired with premium wines. 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.

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. Its strategic position means Cape Verde has been an important trade port since the islands were discovered by the Portuguese in the mid 1400s. They have been a slave market, an Islamic trading port, a place of exile for Portuguese political prisoners or persecuted Jews, and subject to regular raids from British, Dutch and Spanish pirates. This complex and often troubling history has left the islands with a unique cultural mix, broadly called Cape Verde Creole. 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.

After a week of indulgence, it could 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 Yoga & Pilates Studio is the only one of its kind at sea, a light-filled space that will bring out your inner Zen. There’s an extensive program of traditional yoga and Pilates classes, plus aerial yoga (using silk hammocks strung from the ceiling), TRX and mindfulness meditation.

Sometimes you need a day with nothing on the schedule. Today marks the halfway point of your voyage, so you’ve certainly earned a little downtime. On board Scenic Eclipse, there are endless ways to practice the art of total relaxation. First, take a moment to yourself in your luxuriously appointed suite. The design throughout is elegant and spacious, with floor-to-ceiling glass windows that make the most of the ever-changing views. Your personal butler is always on call 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, fitted with exquisitely soft Egyptian cotton sheets. When you’re ready to venture out, there are plenty of places throughout the ship where you can put your feet up. Try the poolside lounges at the Senses Spa Pool Deck, the cabanas by the Sky Bar on Deck 10 or the comfy chairs in the Observation Lounge in Deck 5, where you can admire the view from the panoramic glass windows.

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. You’ll be sitting in supremely comfortable reclining lounge chairs and a full range of drinks is available from the attentive waiters. During the day, the theatre hosts talks and lectures from the Discovery Team. 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. Take a closer look at the cast and you might recognise some of your favourite crew showing their talent on stage You can find more night-time entertainment in the ship’s 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 Scenic Eclipse to enjoy your beverage of choice. And with Scenic’s signature all-inclusive ultra-luxury promise, indulge in top shelf spirits, over 100 whiskies, a premium wine list and French champagne. The sun loungers outside Panorama Bar, an open-air bar on Deck 10 beside the Vitality pool, are the ideal place to relax with a cocktail. Or have your drink delivered directly to your poolside cabana, facing out towards the ocean. The Observation Lounge and Terrace occupies a commanding position at the bow of the ship on Deck 5 and is the perfect place for a specialty tea or coffee while reading a book, playing a board game and watching the world float by through Swarovski telescopes. Relish a glass of the finest French fizz at Lumière’s Champagne Bar or indulge in an aged whiskey at the Scenic Lounge Bar.

A holiday can be a chance to expand your knowledge, so today you could join one of the talks, demonstrations or workshops 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 require a booking once announced on board Check your daily program for other specialist classes happening throughout the day, like smartphone photography workshops, movement and mobility lectures from the wellness coaches, or a guided whiskey tasting.

After five days at sea, you’ll be excited to see land again this morning. Scenic Eclipse will dock at Recife, a large city on the northeastern coast of Brazil. One of the country’s largest cities, 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 just 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. It’s easy to explore on foot, wandering the handsome streets past pretty sobrado houses, grand government buildings, magnificent Baroque churches and imposing fortresses. The charming squares are lined with outdoor cafes and street vendors, so you can easily spend the day meandering as you wish. Scenic Eclipse only departs Recife late tonight, so you’ll also have a chance to sample some of the city’s legendary nightlife.

Two interesting ports are coming up in the following days, so today is a great opportunity to hear the expert Discovery Team bring the places you visit to life. While at sea, the they will host daily lectures and discussions, sharing insights far beyond anything you could find in guidebooks or websites. The Discovery Team will enrich your experience, with encyclopaedic knowledge of destinations as well as fields like geology, glaciology, photography, marine biology, history, ecology and more. They’ve been exploring the world’s most remote reaches for years and will fascinate you with facts and stories about the places you’ll soon see.

Continuing south down the east coast of Brazil, 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. Today, it has an irrepressible spirit that’s at once laid-back and overwhelming. The streets are lined with colourful buildings, music plays at all hours and people dance through the streets to the sound of beating drums. But behind the brightly coloured facades lie some dark secrets; the first slave market in the New World opened here in 1558 and over the next three centuries more than 3.5 million enslaved people passed through the city Walk the narrow winding streets, sip coffee in busy squares, and admire grand churches and colonial architecture. Around 80% of Salvador’s population is of African descent and you’ll feel this unique blend of Afro-Brazilian culture all around you, from the music, food and dance to the brilliantly costumed women wearing the traditional Baiana de Acarajé dress of petticoats and hoop skirts with elaborate head wraps. The city is also the home of capoeira, a traditional martial art that has its roots in Africa, and you’ll often see people practicing it in the streets.

Today would be a good opportunity to take advantage of Scenic Eclipse’s open bridge policy. Sailing into the Abrolhos Archipelago, the Captain will have to navigate through dangerous reefs and low-lying islets, making for a thrilling approach. This is Brazil’s first marine park, dedicated to protecting the most important and biodiverse coral reefs in the South Atlantic Ocean. It’s also a refuge and nursery for humpback whales, and you may see some still swimming past at this time of year. There are five islands in the archipelago, though visitors are not permitted to step onto any of them. You will, though, delight in the water. The Abrolhos Archipelago is one of the best diving and snorkelling sites in Brazil, thanks to the incredible variety of coral, an abundance of fish, sea turtles and at least three shipwrecks. Weather permitting, you may also be able to explore beneath the surface on the Scenic Neptune submarine^

This is your final day at sea so you may want to revisit some of your favourite spots on board. Book in for one final massage or treatment* at the Senses Spa, then relax on the heated beds 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. Take one last look through the Swarovski telescopes on the Observation Terrace, swim in the Vitality pools or eat gelato in the Yacht Club. If you haven’t yet visited the bridge, today is your chance. You could also drop into the boutique for those last-minute gifts or a souvenir to take home. 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 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 Scenic Eclipse 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 journey. Please book your flight to depart out of Rio de Janeiro after 12:00 PM. The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the cruise will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.