Southern Sauntering

It takes an ingenious itinerary to cross the Atlantic without ever spending more than three straight days at sea, but this one succeeds magnanimously. The key is the inspired stop in the volcanic archipelago of Cape Verde, which lies off the western bulge of Africa. The landscape is absolutely stunning, particularly the route to the stark, lunar-like beach at Catfish Bay.

Then, Insignia takes a direct course to the easternmost land mass of Brazil, which takes only three days. Here, Recife flaunts its proud colonial past in fascinating attractions such as the Dutch fort and Jewish Historic Archive. Further down the coastline, vibrant Salvador awaits, as does passionate Rio de Janeiro, where you will spend an evening before disembarking. It's a great opportunity to see a late-night samba show.

VOYAGE HIGHLIGHTS:

• Take the cable car to the top of The Rock, where you can visit with the Barbary Apes and Barbary Partridges, both native to Gibraltar.
  
  
• Shopping in Rio is still a bargain for most; Ipanema offers the glitz and glamour while neighboring Copacabana is more artsy and eclectic.