16-day Trinidad to Rio: South American expedition

Your voyage begins in Barbados. Barbados is one of the few Caribbean islands solely colonized by one nation. It's no wonder Bajans describe their country as being "more English than England sheself," surnames like Worthing and Hastings abound. But look around and you know you're not in England: rich and fertile tropical fields meet a glistening, azure sea. The soft pastels of old chattel houses blend with the vibrant reds, oranges, and greens of roadside fruit stands. In short, Barbados exudes a charm all its own. Perhaps it is due to Bajan culture, that celebrated blend of English tradition and the African heritage brought to the island by slaves imported to work the sugar plantations. The potent brew which results flavors every aspect of island life, from music, dance and art, to religion, language and food.

Trinidad, the birthplace of steel pan and calypso music, is one of the Caribbean's most vibrant and interesting destinations. The island and its capital city, Port of Spain, are both industrial and cosmopolitan. In fact, Trinidad and Tobago is the largest oil exporter in the Western Hemisphere and one of the most industrialized nations in the West Indies. About the size of Delaware, the island of Trinidad boasts a profusion of floral growth and an incredibly diverse population. Once a prime destination for business travelers, it is now becoming a serious vacation destination. There is plenty to see here, from the Asa Wright Nature Center, devoted to naturalists and bird watchers, to the more traditional tourist attractions like the Queen's Park Savannah, the Royal Botanic Gardens, and the Magnificent Seven, a strand of impressive colonial houses reflecting Trinidad's unique heritage. Port of Spain serves as your gateway to this lush tropical island with echoes of its colonial past.

A full day at sea - time to enjoy Seabourn Venture's restaurants, pools and entertainment.

Continue your voyage aboard Seabourn Venture with a leisurely day at sea.

Your ship calls at Devils Island, French Guiana.

Another day at sea to explore the ship at your own pace.

A full day at sea - time to enjoy Seabourn Venture's restaurants, pools and entertainment.

Your ship calls at Crossing the Equator.

Brazil's fifth largest city began life in 1654 as the Dutch fortress of Shoonenbroch. Soon captured by the Portuguese, the citadel was renamed Fortaleza de Pequena de Braganca. While Fortaleza has been the capital of Ceara State since 1799, the city's true growth came in the second half of the 20th century as Brazilians began flocking to Northeastern Brazil, drawn by the area's superb climate and beaches. Today, Fortaleza is a thriving city of some two million souls.Ceara State was the first state in Brazil to abolish slavery at the end of the 19th century. While travelers instinctively head for such famous beaches as Cumbuco, historic Fortaleza offers treasures of its own.

Your ship calls at Natal, Brazil.

Continue your voyage aboard Seabourn Venture with a leisurely day at sea.

Your ship calls at Salvador da Bahia, Brazil.

Another day at sea to explore the ship at your own pace.

A full day at sea - time to enjoy Seabourn Venture's restaurants, pools and entertainment.

Your ship calls at Armacao dos Buzios, Brazil.

Your ship calls at Parati, Brazil.

"Passionate" best captures the wild beauty and heady sensuality that is Rio de Janeiro. For Rio is the Cidade Maravilhosa - the "Marvelous City" that throbs to a samba beat and revels in the hedonism of Carnival. There is no place on Earth like Rio - as the city natives, the famed Cariocas, delight in telling you. The geographical facts read like dry dust: over five million souls live in the city, another four million live in the surrounding suburbs, the metropolis is the cultural center of Brazil. The reality is Rio: the white sand beaches of Copacabana, the swaying palm trees, the immense statue of Christ the Redeemer and always the never-ending rhythm of life lived with passionate intensity.Founded in the early 16th century, Rio was once the capital of Brazil. The city remains the nation's cultural and spiritual center, an amalgam of Latin and African cultures.