This exciting journey crosses from the east coast of South America to the seas off the west coast of Africa. Our voyage begins with a suitably celebratory overnight stay in Rio de Janeiro just as the world-famous Carnival takes over this effervescent city. If you danced til dawn, you`ll be thankful to spend two relaxing days at sea while we sail north. Our first ports of call are Ilhéus and Salvador de Bahia, a former colonial capital of the Portuguese. Next stop Recife for more carnival culture and colonial history, then it`s time to relax onboard again while we travel across the Atlantic to Santiago and São Vincente, two of the Cape Verde Islands. Three final days at sea will leave you feeling rested and ready to disembark and explore the Canary Islands.