At the end of the year, WORLD VOYAGER sets course for a continent full of natural wonders: South America. The nicko cruises expedition ship, which was only launched in 2020, will be circumnavigating the continent until the beginning of March. The last stage starts in Rio de Janeiro, leads to the Amazon and ends on the Caribbean island of Curaçao.
After embarking on the nicko cruises WORLD VOYAGER, the passengers start this last section of the circumnavigation of South America with pure Brazilian joie de vivre. The ship is in port on time when the world-famous carnival of Rio de Janeiro has the entire metropolis in suspense and samba is in the air. For two days, the guests immerse themselves in this quite erotic intoxication of colors and music and let themselves be inspired. Excursions to the Copacabana, to the Sugar Loaf or to the legendary statue of Cristo Redentor are also attractive.
After this first highlight, the passengers enjoy a day at sea to relax – and then set off in the port city of Ilhéus to discover the joy of life and everyday life of the Brazilians. In the historic city center of Ilhéus with its cathedral you have plenty of opportunity to do so. And if you prefer to jump into the waves of the Atlantic, you will definitely find the right place: With a total length of 100 kilometers, Ilhéus is the municipality with the longest beach in the entire state of Bahia.
Koloniales Flair in Salvador de Bahia
The next stop of WORLD VOYAGER is another UNESCO World Heritage Site to be explored: Salvador de Bahia. The passengers stroll through the historic old town, are impressed by the colonial architecture, climb the Barra lighthouse for a magnificent sunset or sniff the aroma of chocolate in the cocoa museum of the former capital of Brazil.
The metropolis of Recife is the next destination of this stage. In front of the city, a large coral reef lines the coast, which can be explored up close. The cityscape is characterized by several rivers and canals, and a river cruise on a boat gives WORLD VOYAGER passengers new perspectives. The ship then reaches the city of Natal, also known as the “City of the Sun”. White beaches, desert landscapes, lagoons and small lakes under a cloudless sky make a stay here an experience.
Ride on the Amazon
After another day at sea, WORLD VOYAGER anchors off Belém – the gateway to the Amazon. The rainforest of Brazil can be felt, seen and heard everywhere. The parrot island Ilha do Papagaio, which can be visited, is a good testimony to this. It is one of 39 islands that circle Belém and is a shelter for thousands of parrots and other birds. The biggest highlight, however, is the Amazon itself – and thanks to its size, the WORLD VOYAGER can live up to its status as an expedition ship and navigate the river.
After this stop in northern Brazil, WORLD VOYAGER sets course for the Caribbean and crosses the equator again shortly after Belém. The first destination in the northern hemisphere is then Devil’s Island in French Guiana, which the French government has long operated as a prison island. The most famous prisoner Henri Charrière made this actually idyllic place legendary with his autobiographical novel Papillon. To reach the prison ruins, guests once again board Zodiacs.
Spicy Grenada
One day at sea later, the ship heads for the island of Grenada in the Caribbean. Departing from the capital, St. George’s, passengers embark on an adventurous scenic drive through the Spice Island rainforest, stopping at the volcanic crater Grand Etang, a nutmeg station and Annendale Falls. Alternatively, there is a sailing trip along the coast.
The end of the journey is near. On one last day at sea, WORLD VOYAGER will pass the southern Caribbean with the destination of the ABC Islands off the coast of Venezuela and finally dock in Willemstad, the capital of the island of Curaçao. The experience does not have to end with disembarkation, but can be extended with a post-cruise program on the island. The colorful houses of the former Dutch crown colony are just as worth discovering as some of the dream beaches on the island.
Circumnavigation of South America with WORLD VOYAGER: 5. Etappe, Rio de Janeiro – Curaçao, 18 Tage
You can find out more about WORLD VOYAGER and its circumnavigation of South America with the nicko cruises week trip before 9 and Counter vor9. News, background and tips for better advice in travel agencies.
