Our 5-star fleet offers an authentic sailing experience to make your journey unforgettable. While onboard, indulge in a relaxing massage at the spa, or try hot-rock cooking at the onboard restaurant. Then, disembark for an eye-opening visit to a local winery or a walking tour of some of the world’s most iconic cities and undiscovered gems. All the while, enjoy these world-class ship amenities:

• 77 cabins, including a landmark 15 solo cabins, most of which have full walk-out balconies, for the most flexible style of travel — plus, suites designed for comfortable triple-occupancy as well as adjoining room options
• A culinary program offering gourmet dining incorporating regional fare, with wine and beer included at dinner
• Spa, massage, and hair services available at the onboard spa
• Sauna
• Two hot tubs
• Fitness center
• Curated lectures, programs, musical performances, and cultural events
• Low passenger-to-crew ratio, plus onboard Concierge
• Knowledgeable staff by region
• Onboard medical doctor (travelers are responsible for medical fees associated with doctor visit and medications)
• Gift Shop
• Library with over 200 titles
• Separate, intimate dining space for groups or special events (available upon request)
• Complimentary unlimited WiFi (WiFi on certain segments of trips may not be available)
• Entertainment programming with 100 movie titles
• Environmentally friendly standards with reduced emissions into air and sea and lower energy consumption
• Dynamic positioning technology
• State-of-the-art safety technology, Polar Code 6 compliant, and fully compliant with the latest SOLAS requirements in expedition cruising
• Rolls-Royce stabilizer system; “Safe Return to Port” technology

During the course of your adventure, you will have opportunities for active walks and city explorations, including climbs to overlooks for spectacular views. There will also be opportunities for swimming (weather dependent) and for taking kayaks off the ship to explore your beautiful surroundings.

• Explore bustling markets along the Amazon River in Manaus and along Brazil’s coast in Fortaleza and Salvador
• Set out on a piranha fishing expedition on Lake Maica
• Climb the 365 steps that lead to the Penha Convent of Vila Velha, where magnificent coastal and city view await

A long and storied history of arts and culture await during this enriching itinerary.

• See the stunning Teatro Amazonas (Amazon Theatre), built with glass from France and marble from Italy
• Browse Manaus' historic Mercado Adolpho Lisboa, fashioned after the Les Halles market of Paris
• Admire the beautiful handcrafted pottery and arts at the Cooperativa da Paneleiras de Goiabeiras in Vitória
• Experience Salvador’s mix of African and European heritage
• Marvel at a capoeira performance, a lively dance full of culture and history mingled with martial arts
• Visit the José de Alencar Theater in Fortaleza, a tribute to the region’s beloved poet
• Witness the glamour and extravagance of Armação dos Búzios, the St. Tropez of South America
• Take in the lively culture of Rio de Janeiro with visits to the famed Ipanema Beach and the dining institution of Confeitaria Colombo
• Go behind the scenes in Rio and learn more about samba and its music, heritage, and dance
• Behold Rio’s breathtaking Christ the Redeemer statue atop Corcovado Mountain

Discover some of the most significant cultural and historic treasures in the world throughout your cruise.

• Visit 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Historic center of Salvador and Rio de Janeiro’s Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the Sea
• Tour the city of Manaus, built by the rubber barons of the late 19th century
• Explore Pelourinho, or Old Town of Salvador, brimming with colorful colonial-era architecture and atmosphere
• Discover Vitória, one of the oldest cities in Brazil, with its convent dating back to the 16th century

• If you have an SLR, bring zoom lenses of at least 200 mm to capture birdlife. If you’d rather not bring a zoom, you can capture the incredibly diverse flora and fauna with a wider view. For unique perspectives, aim your lens toward reflections in lakes or the river or get close ups of insects, plants, monkeys, and other jungle life
• You’ll be spending several days in the rainforest, so bring a protective bag or waterproof pack in case you get caught in a downpour. When not using your camera, keep it sealed in an air-tight case or Ziploc bag to prevent fogging. To avoid moisture while you’re shooting, use a UV filter and carry a lens cloth
• Do not shoot with flash as it will frighten the wildlife

• Change your perspective. Try shooting from a different angle, for example. Climb a stairwell and shoot a landscape from up high or, alternately, get low and shoot a scene from the ground. Wherever you are, embrace this artistic challenge by getting out of your comfort zone!
• Take a selfie! You’ll be glad to have a few portraits of yourself at the distinctive landmarks you’ll find on this journey
• Look beyond the landmarks — sometimes everyday scenes are just as inspiring, and provide a lesson in embracing the unexpected and seizing the moment in front of you

Music reveals the heart and soul of a place. You’ll have ample opportunity to celebrate culture, and even sing and dance along!

• Enjoy the Afro-Brazilian beat of a capoeira performance
• Go behind the scenes to learn more about samba music, dance, and culture

The soul-stirring beauty of Brazil greets you at every turn, from the lush jungles of the Amazon to the sweeping beauty of the coast.

• Embark a small boat to view the remarkable Meeting of the Waters, where the differently colored Amazon and Tapajós rivers flow alongside each other for several miles
• Take in the tranquility of Lake Maica, a natural outlet of the Amazon, and cast a line to fish for the notorious piranha
• Enjoy scenic cruising along the Amazon River, its dense rainforest hugging the river’s shores and harboring all manner of wildlife, from monkeys to a rich array of birds
• View Brazil’s most beautiful beaches, including Praia do Futuro in Fortaleza, Camburi in Vitória, and some of the 12 stunning beaches of the resort town of Armação dos Búzios
• Marvel at the stunning landscape of Rio de Janeiro, a spectacular canvas of soaring peaks, dense forests, and long crescent beaches along Guanabara Bay, including the famed Ipanema and Copacabana beaches

The Amazon is home to some 1,200 species of birds, from tiny hummingbirds to multihued toucans. Have your binoculars (included in your cabin) and your cameras ready to catch the action!

• Rise with the sun to catch birds at their most active, crisscrossing the river in flight
• Spot raptor species such as the harpy eagle high in the trees, and waders like the roseate spoonbill low on the banks as they survey the shores for their next meal
• Watch for the flashes of vibrant reds and blues of the scarlet macaw, one of the rainforest’s most beautiful winged creatures

The Worldwide Concierge service will be available throughout your entire small ship ocean cruise to help you customize your journey. Here are just a few services your Concierge can provide:

• Do you have a special birthday, anniversary, family reunion or other important event you want to celebrate on board? Let your Concierge know and he or she can make all the special arrangements, whether it’s a private reception in your suite, a gathering in the lounge, and more
• Restaurant reservations. Just notify your Concierge of your interests, and he or she will be happy to make recommendations, and will call ahead to reserve your table
• Special excursions. Would you like a limo to take you for a special night in the city? Perhaps you’d like to look up long-lost relatives. Your Concierge is here to help!
• Extend your stay! Your Concierge can help modify your hotel reservations and flights if you decide to stay on
• Tickets to local concerts, exhibits, theater, sporting events, and more

Take advantage of this free, start-to-finish service by making your requests prior to your journey or during your journey. We are one of the only companies to offer this level of service! Call 1-888-982-6824 or email Concierge@vantagetravel.com to speak to a Concierge today, or simply log into My Portfolio up to two weeks prior to departure.

On this small ship ocean cruise, independent travelers will enjoy solo-friendly features, such as:

• Onboard Concierge services to personalize your expedition
• Water-sport opportunities, depending on the location
• A lively social media night and musical performances most nights
• Solo-friendly social activities, including a Solo Connection mixer
• Onboard entertainment, lectures, and cooking demonstrations
• Health and wellness options, including onboard spa and gym