Southern Atlantic Crossing

Discover the colonial influences on Brazilian culture through the architecture and artistry of old Recife. As you explore, you will pass historic and artistic patrimonies, and witness beautifully restored buildings. One of the most famous is the Kahal Zur Israel Synagogue, on Rua do Bom Jesus. It was the first synagogue built in the Americas. As you wander deeper into Old Recife, marvel at the distinct Dutch and Portuguese houses from the 16th century. View the Torre Malakoff Cultural Observatory, built between 1835 and 1855. This Tunisian-style monument reveals one of the most beautiful views of the city. See the restored pink Apollo Theater, which opened in 1846 and closed for more than a century before being renovated into the modern complex that exists today. From the banks of the Capibaribe River in the colorful Marco Zero Square, enjoy a final view of this glorious city.

Embark on a panoramic journey through Recife to discover its neighborhoods, heritage and artistic legacy. Board your motor coach and set out to explore this coastal capital, one of Brazil’s oldest cities. Travel along the Boa Viagem beachfront, pausing for photographs and refreshments at the beach before continuing through the Pina district to immerse yourself in its eclectic blend of old and new. Next, head to the historic heart of the city, Recife Antigo, home to the Rosa dos Ventos mosaic—designed by modernist artist Cícero Dias, this art piece is embedded directly into the pavement of Marco Zero Square and features bold, geometric shapes and strong primary colors. Take in the views, looking across the estuary to see the waterfront sculpture park, filled with large-scale ceramic sculptures by award-winning Recife-born sculptor Francisco Brennand, then return to your ship.

Sail through the mangroves to Ilha de Deus, or God’s Island—one of the oldest communities in Recife. Meet your guide, an island local, and learn how its people have utilized a sustainable mindset to enable this once poverty-stricken island to prosper. Under the directive of NGO Educational Center Popular and its “Knowing to Live” program, a number of workshops have been developed to help educate residents on the importance of environmental protection—and how, in the long term, this approach can help drive economic growth. Discover how local artists are reusing waste materials to create beautiful handicraft pieces and local fishermen are taking care of the mangroves, driving a project to replant and grow 20,000 mangrove seedlings during the coming year. Observe local wildlife as you relax onboard and are greeted by waving locals during your 40-minute cruise.

Discover Brazil’s rich colonial history and the intriguing artwork of a native artist. Explore the estate of renowned Brazilian artist Francisco Brennand, best known for his sensual, abstract ceramic sculptures. The artist, who was born in 1927, studied art in Europe and was deeply influenced by the works of Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró, Fernand Léger and Antoni Gaudí. Today, he uses his father’s former ceramics factory as both a workshop and an exhibition space. Surrounded by the dense rain forest ecosystem of the verdant Atlantic Forest, stroll around the grounds and examine the many examples of Brennand’s art displayed in the enormous hall and lush gardens, and throughout the forest. Continue your cultural education with a visit to the Museum of the Northeastern Man, where you will find Brazil’s most complete colonial-era collection. Exhibits cover the sugar plantation period, the people of the northeast, and handicrafts and art. After, you will return to your ship.

Cruise through Recife along the Capibaribe River through its maze of waterways on a catamaran. Nicknamed the “Venice of Brazil,” there are few better ways of getting to know the city. Marvel at the picturesque setting during your comfortable sail through this charming water network. See the colorful, opulent colonial buildings that line the banks of the river, dating back hundreds of years to the Portuguese colonization, and listen to historic tales. After your cruise, embark by coach to Casa de Cultura—a local arts and crafts center. Formerly a prison building, it now promotes local creativity, and serves as a market in which pieces of Afro-Brazilian art come to life. Use your free time to browse for the perfect memento before returning to your ship.

Visit the 17th-century Golden Chapel and explore Olinda, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982. Begin your journey by motor coach from your ship and travel through Recife en route to the Golden Chapel, one of Brazil’s most spectacular baroque treasures. View the gold-coated woodwork that covers the chapel’s interior and its elaborate, oil-painted ceiling panels before continuing to Olinda. Upon arrival, transfer from your coach to a smaller vehicle designed to navigate the narrow streets of Olinda’s historic center, then set out to discover this UNESCO-listed town. See the remnants of colonial architecture and call at Sé Cathedral, situated at the highest point in the town, where you will step inside to view its Portuguese tiles and intricate carvings. After, you will have time to take in the views from the hillside and enjoy refreshments before returning to your ship.