Grand Voyages - 2009 - (Page 28) Africa to the Americas 2 2 - To 2 5-DAY CAPe ToWn To FT. lAUDeRDAl e/ n eW Yo RK An inspired way to head for home, stopping to explore the shifting sands of namibia on Africa’s southwest coast before sprinting across the Southern Atlantic to sample a bit of Brazil. Durban, South Africa Highlights WALVI S B AY Take a 4x4 vehicle into the dunes behind Walvis Bay to experience the power of the desert up close. Or tour to nearby German-influenced Swakopmund, a charming seaside resort offering wonderful woven carpets. T R I N I DA D ’ S B E AT The final stretch of our voyage begins in enchanting Cape Town. As the oldest European settlement in South Africa, Cape Town offers much to see and do: smart restaurants and shops along the waterfront; the Cape of Good Hope, where two oceans meet; and wonderful regional wine tasting. Our extra-long stay here also affords you the chance to safari overland to one of the country’s premier game reserves to look for lions, rhinos, elephants and other big game. Sailing out of Cape Town’s sheltered harbor, the ms Rotterdam sets her sights on the enchanting country of Namibia. Stark, sublime, miraculous: all adjectives apply in this sliver of land backed up to the relentless Namib Desert. Our first port of call is the German-influenced town of Lüderitz, where diamonds were once so plentiful they were picked up off the ground. Walvis Bay follows, its huge lagoon populated by pink flamingoes. Collectors of unique ports and unusual experiences will appreciate our next two calls on a pair of remote South Atlantic islands which serve as strategic British territories. St. Helena pokes its volcanic head above the sea 1,500 miles off West Africa. Go ashore in Jamestown to explore Longwood House, where Napoleon spent his days in exile, then discover Ascension Island where shorebirds outnumber human residents many times over. Days of sailing bliss bring us above the equator and into the Northern Hemisphere, where the ms Rotterdam calls on Devil’s Island off French Guiana once a dreaded penal colony, today a peaceful natural isle. Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, is the birthplace of It is hard to resist moving to the joyous rhythm of steel drums — for many, the quintessential Caribbean sound — and our call at Port-of-Spain on Trinidad brings you to the place where the music was born. DAYS AT S E A calypso and the steel band. You’ll feel the rhythms of Africa, Venezuela and the Caribbean melding as you step ashore to explore this lively island whose national bird — the ibis — is vibrant red, as is the stately House of Parliament. Then it’s on to Bridgetown, Barbados lovely beaches, hills carpeted in sugarcane and a friendly island spirit (part British, part Bajan) await. Finally — chic St. Barts, with its pictureperfect port of Gustavia, your chance to take in the exclusive beaches and luxe boutiques favored by celebrities, as well as stock up on last-minute souvenirs before the last few days of sailing return you to Ft. Lauderdale or on up to New York, after an extraordinary voyage of discovery. What a pleasure to have so many unstructured days at sea to relax in the spa, mingle with new friends and reflect on all you’ve seen, learned and shared on this epic World Voyage. L E F T TO R IGH T Sailboats at anchor in an idylic bay near gustavia on St. Barts. Peaceful island in the Caribbean. Flamingos and other seabirds flock to the huge lagoon at Walvis Bay, namibia. 28 e-brochures available online
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