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Adventure Life VOYAGES
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1655 S 3rd St. W, Ste 1
Missoula MT, 59801 USA

Ship:  National Geographic Explorer

Itinerary:  Atlantic Odyssey

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Visit remote islands and rugged shores on your Atlantic crossing expedition cruise

 cabins & deck plans  |  additional itineraries |  cancellation policy

Experience a leisurely, old-style crossing as we sail from the heart of Old World Lisbon, lively capital of Portugal and historic point of departure for her great maritime explorers of Renaissance times: Bartholomew Diaz and Vasco da Gama, Cabral and Magellan. As our Atlantic Odyssey heads westward in the wake of Columbus, we make our first landfall in Madeira, famed for its wine and sub-tropical vegetation. Next we seek out the less visited islands of the Canaries, an archipelago known to the ancients as the Fortunate Islands. The volcanic Cape Verde Islands, our next destination, is well off the beaten track, with a landscape that amazed and excited Darwin when he made his first land excursion there from HMS Beagle. It has changed remarkably little since then! After crossing the tropical ocean, with our Naturalists watching out for marine life and a full program of presentations on the history, geology and marine life of the Atlantic Ocean, we enter the beautiful natural harbor of Salvador, on Brazil’s spectacular Atlantic coast. Here, a lively melting-pot culture has evolved from the three continents encompassed by this unique voyage, which promises to provide constantly fresh perspectives and the exhilarating, legendarily tonic effect of ocean airs and skies.

Day 1 : Arrive Lisbon. Embark

Arrive this morning in Lisbon, Portugal’s capital city. Before lunch there is time for a scenic overview of the city’s 17th-century architecture and tiled roofs, including the Monastery of Jeronimos and the Belem Tower, a World Heritage Site. Embark National Geographic Endeavour. (L,D)

Day 2 : At Sea

During our first day at sea, we have a chance to relax and settle in to shipboard life. Prepare for Madeira by brushing up on the Age of Exploration with talks from our staff. (B,L,D)

Days 3-4 : Funchal, Madiera, Portugal

First settled by the Portuguese in 1418, Madeira’s enchanting scenery, abundant flora and equable climate have made it a subtropical Eden. Arrive in Funchal, the capital, which has the feeling of an open-air museum with its 15th through 18th-century architecture and winding streets. Stroll the colorful marketplace, explore the Botanical Gardens and the Museum of Sacred Art. Then see a performance of authentic Fado singing and have a traditional lunch, sampling Madeira’s legendary namesake wine, prized by connoisseurs. (B,L,D)

Days 5-6 : La Palma & La Gomera, Canary Islands

Known to ancient geographers as the Fortunate Islands, these agriculturally rich islands have occupied a central place in the history of Atlantic exploration. The larger island of Las Palmas is known as isla bonita, the “pretty isle,” for its lushly forested mountain slopes set against azure waters. There is indeed something bewitching in the beauty of this landscape. We head up to La Mirador de La Concepcion on the edge of a small crater for beautiful views overlooking the town, and visit the Church of Our Lady of the Snows, with its fusion of Baroque and Spanish-Moorish architecture. (B,L,D) On the unspoiled island of La Gomera, we visit the house in which Columbus lived as his ships took supplies. (A local delicacy, smoked goat’s cheese, dates from this time.) We spend time at the Parque Nacional de Garajonay to hike and stretch our legs. (B,L,D)

Days 7-8 : At Sea

Crossing the Tropic of Cancer (B,L,D)

Days 9-10 : Cape Verde Islands

During the eighteenth century, when the Atlantic slave trade was at its height, tens of thousands of African slaves crossed the Atlantic annually. The Cape Verde Islands, some 600 miles off the coast of West Africa, were central to this story. Originally a Portuguese base for assembling slaves, the present population is descended from Africans captured for slavery, intermarried with the Portuguese slave traders. Today it is one of the world’s smallest independent nations, whose rich traditions link to three continents. The island of Santo Antao has an impressive variety of landscapes: terraced hillsides reminiscent of Asian landscapes and valleys sometimes so deep and green that it’s difficult to differentiate the bottom. We drive through cypress and eucalyptus forest to explore Ribeira Grande, one of the greenest valleys. (B,L,D) On the island of Fogo—Portuguese for “fire”—we take a breathtaking drive over 5,000 feet up into the caldera of the volcano that gives the island its name. We have the unique opportunity to sample the local wine at its source: inside the caldera of the ancient volcano! (B,L,D)

Days 11-15 : Sail the Atlantic Ocean/Equator Crossing

Upon leaving the Cape Verdes, we cross the equator and celebrate our passage into the southern hemisphere. During your days at sea, plan to engage in a variety of activities. Reading in the ship’s library, searching for whales and dolphins, enjoying a rejuvenating massage with our licensed therapist, working out in the gym, listening to talks from our Expedition Team, learning about marine exploration from our Undersea Specialist—or simply relaxing. (B,L,D)

Day 16 : At Sea/Salvador, Brazil (B,L,D)

Day 17 : Return Home

Salvador marks the completion of our odyssey. We disembark and explore the city’s European, African and native Brazilian influences as seen in the pastel-colored baroque buildings and narrow streets of the Old City. After lunch, we head to the airport for an overnight flight home. (B,L)

Ship Description: National Geographic Explorer

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  Sail the high seas on luxury expedition ship National Geographic Explorer

The National Geographic Explorer is a state-of-the-art expedition ship accommodating 148 guests in 81 outside cabins. It is fully stabilized, enabling it to navigate polar passages while providing comfort. The National Geographic Explorer houses technology for sea exploration, such as Zodiacs, kayaks, hydro-phones, underwater HD cameras and a Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV). Additional accommodations include multiple dining venues, a lounge area designed specifically for educational presentations and a luxury wellness spa.

Public areas include two restaurants, a lounge and bar, library, observation lounge, spa, fitness center, and sauna. A mud room with lockers provides storage for guests’ expedition gear. Meals: Served in single seatings with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Menu is international with local flair.

Cabins: All cabins face outside with windows or portholes. Each has private facilities and climate controls.

Expedition Equipment: Hydrophone, kayaks, remotely operated vehicle (R.O.V.), snorkeling gear, Splash-Cam, underwater video camera, video microscope, and Zodiac landing craft.

Services include a full-time doctor, Undersea Specialist, Wellness Specialist, LEXspa Therapist, and Video Chronicler. There is internet access for guests, a business center, and laundry. Our "Open Bridge" policy allows guests to learn about the art of navigation and state-of-the-art navigational equipment from our Captain and Officers.

Cat 1 C Deck - Cabins 301-308. Double with porthole.	Cat 2 C Deck - Cabins 317-320, 335-336. Double with window.
Cat 2S C Deck Solo - Cabins 309-312, 329-334. Single cabins with window	Cat 3 D and E Deck - Cabins 103-104, 107-108, 201-202, 204-207, 210, 212, 217, 226, 228. Double with window.
Cat 3S D and E Solo - Cabins 105-106, 203, 208. Single cabins with window.	Cat 4 C Deck - Cabins 313-316, 321-328, 337-340, 342, 344, 346, 348, 350. Long double with window.
Cat 5 C Deck - Cabins 341, 343. Oversize double with window, no balcony.	Cat 6 D Deck - Cabins 209, 211, 214, 216, 218, 220-222, 224. Double with balcony.
Cat 7 E Deck Suites with no balcony - 101-102. D Deck Suite with balcony - 213.	Cat 8 D Deck - Suites with balcony. 215, 219, 230.