Cruise Description

15 Night Cruise sailing from Rio de Janeiro to Cape Town aboard Crystal Serenity.

Embrace continents and cultures on this cruise from Brazil to South Africa. Start with an overnight in Rio for some rumbunctious fun on the last day of its famous Carnival. Get ready to relax as you have five days at sea next, perfect for exploring all of Crystal Serenity’s amenities. Your journey continues with a visit to remote St. Helena, famous for being the exile island of Napoleon, followed by two more days at sea. Approach the African continent by way of Namibia, with Walvis Bay and Lüderitz. A final sea day brings you to an unforgettable overnight stay in vibrant Cape Town.

Highlights of this cruise:

Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro is one of those rare locales that needs to be experienced in order to understand the spell it casts on all who visit its shores. Rio is Brazil's vibrant metropolis, captivating everyone with its electrifying energy and striking natural beauty. Nestled between lush mountains and sparkling beaches, the city boasts iconic landmarks like Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain, offering breathtaking panoramic views. Samba rhythms infuse the air during the world-famous Carnaval, while the Copacabana and Ipanema beaches draw sun-seekers year-round. The city's infectious joie de vivre is matched by its warm and welcoming Carioca culture. Whether exploring historic neighborhoods like Santa Teresa or reveling in the colors of the Escadaria Selarón, Rio de Janeiro entices with its fusion of history, passion, and tropical allure. Little wonder that the entire city is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its food, music, scenery, and inimitable energy and spirit all combine to make Rio de Janeiro an unquestionable bucket list destination.

St Helena
What Saint Helena lacks in size, it more than makes up for with history. Famous for being the final exile place of Napoleon Bonaparte (he died here in 1821),the island boasts lush landscapes, dramatic cliffs, and a rich maritime history. Isolated from the world, St. Helena offers a unique opportunity for adventure, with hiking trails, diving, and wildlife encounters. The island’s capital, Jamestown, nestled between two towering cliffs, retains the charm of a small English village, albeit one that just happens to reside in the tropics. Here, you’ll discover some of the best examples of British Georgian Era Colonial architecture. For the more adventurous, there’s the 699-step Jacob’s Ladder. The reward for climbing the ladder (and your bravery) are views that defy description.

Walvis Bay
Situated on the edge of the Namib desert, north of the Tropic of Capricorn in the Kuiseb River delta, Walvis Bay is one of Africa's most exciting destinations. It has a history spanning centuries - it was first “discovered” by the explorer Bartholomeus Diaz in 1487; the Cape Dutch, "founded" it in 1793; and in 1840, Great Britain annexed Walvis Bay and a small area surrounding the territory to ensure the safe passage of British ships around the Cape. The many layers of colonial influence have, of course, left their mark, and a short stroll around the city will see you looking at remnants of the town's history in the facades of old trading posts, maritime-related structures, and charming cottages. The real showstopper, however, is Dune 7—a colossal sand dune that beckons adventurers to conquer its heights of 1,250 feet or 380 meters. For those who climb the towering mountain of sand, your efforts will not be in vain: the desert panorama spreads before you when you reach the summit, leaving you both literally and metaphorically breathless. But Walvis Bay's allure doesn't stop there. Its lagoon shimmers with a flamboyance of flamingos, the salt pans glisten like scattered diamonds, and playful dolphins dance in the Atlantic's embrace. Take a boat trip to view the wildlife in its natural habitat.

Cape Town
While it might sound like hyperbole, the southernmost tip of Africa truly is one of the most stunning parts of the world with spectacular scenery, sweeping beaches, two oceans, and enough attractions to make even the most jaded of traveler blissfully happy. The city sits at the foot of Table Mountain which dominates the entire region. Part of a national park, the mountain features several hiking trails and even cable cars to take you to the summit where an unforgettable view awaits. If you prefer to keepcloser to the sea, then head to the V&A Waterfront. Named after England’s Queen Victoria and her son, Prince Alfred, the waterfront is where you'll find lots of shops, a food and craft market featuring lots of local good, and even an aquarium.