Southampton to Rio de Janeiro - 22 nights, January 2014

A short drive out of Southampton will bring you to the New Forest. The New Forest, originally created by William the Conqueror for deer hunting, is a mixture of open grazing, woodland and heath. The Forest has remained almost untouched for 1,000 years and is famous for its tiny villages with traditional thatched cottages and wild ponies which roam free on the land. Today it is managed by the Forestry Commission and in 2004 was designated a National Park.

Your scenic drive will take you through the heart of the New Forest, with its famous New Forest ponies, past a variety of beautiful landscapes to three of its prettiest villages; Hythe, Beaulieu and Lyndhurst.

The historic marina village of Hythe is located alongside Southampton Water and on a clear day you can see across to where your cruise ship is berthed. The village also boasts the world’s oldest operating pier train.

The picturesque village of Beaulieu dates back to the 13th century and is renowned for its Abbey, Motor Museum and Palace Manor House. Admire the lovely views across Beaulieu River as you pass through this quaint village.

The New Forest capital, Lyndhurst is a bustling village containing tea rooms, pubs, souvenir shops, local stores and ice cream vendors. You will have the chance to visit the New Forest Visitor Centre to view its exhibits, browse the local shops or relax in one of the tea rooms.


Guests who are embarking or disembarking the ship in Southampton should not book a shore excursion for this port.  Southampton excursions are available for guests visiting Southampton as a port call.

This excursion will operate by coach. The sightseeing is conducted from the comfort of your coach with a photograph stop at Hythe and Beaulieu. There will be approximately 45 minutes free time in Lyndhurst.

With its wonderful bayside location the Vizcaya Museum is a delight to visit. Spend time with your guide walking through the many elaborately decorated and furnished rooms featuring antique arts and ornaments. The 15th to 19th century influences of French and Italian styles give this mansion an opulent and continental feel. Spend time in the beautifully kept gardens and admire the many plants and flowers within the 10 acres of grounds.

During your scenic drive you’ll head south and continue across Biscayne Bay to Miami Beach for views of the Art Deco District and fashionable South Beach. Cross over the impressive MacArthur Causeway, passing between Star Island and the Port of Miami, one of the busiest in the world. You will also pass along Miami’s famous Brickell Avenue, with its combination of modern office buildings alongside magnificent old bayside mansions.

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. At the Museum there will be around 45 minutes of slow walking and standing. You will have a guided tour of the 1st floor of the mansion only. Access to the 2nd floor is by steps or lift if you wish to visit independently.

Upon arrival at the Everglades, you’ll board your airboat for a 30 to 40 minute journey through this unique eco-system. With a flat bottom and large driving propeller at the stern, the airboat is able to skim the surface of the shallow waters and traverse this fascinating area. The native Seminole Indians gave the name ‘Sea of Grass’ to this region covered with sawgrass.

Within the Everlades, you'll see a vast array of wildlife including alligators, exotic birds and native fish while gliding over an endless river of grass. The area is known for its rich bird life of large wading birds like the Roseate Spoonbill, Wood Stork, Great Blue Heron and a variety of egrets. Throughout the journey, your experienced guide will introduce you to the unique eco-system of the park. This amazing area is also the only place in the world where alligators and crocodiles live side by side.

Following your airboat ride, you’ll have a short while to explore the park on your own, including a fascinating reptile exhibit and show. The show will provide you with an informative, interactive opportunity to become familiar with the features of the American alligators.



This tour will operate by coach and airboat. Guests must be able to negotiate one large step down to board the airboat. A gift shop and restrooms are available at the airboat facility. Please note airboat engines are very loud and foam earplugs will be provided.

Your first stop on this magnificent Miami grand tour is a visit to the Everglades National Park, for an exhilarating airboat ride through the grassy waters. The Everglades’ natural beauty and wildlife reveals itself during a 30 minute exploration of this vast wilderness. Keep an eye out for the numerous native birds and fish, and perhaps a few alligators, which inhabit this curious corner of the country.
<>br> Heading downtown to the heart of Miami, enjoy the unique flavour and ambiance of a typical Cuban lunch served at a local restaurant.

Then it is all aboard the ‘Island Queen’ for an unforgettable 1½ hour sightseeing cruise around Biscayne Bay. Make sure you have your camera to capture the “Rich & Famous” on Palm Island, Hibiscus Island and Star Island.

You’ll re-join your coach and take a panoramic drive through the Art Deco District and fashionable South Beach, before returning to the port.

This excursion will operate by coach, airboat and on foot. The itinerary may operate in reverse.

Leaving Ponta Delgada, you will head northwards along pleasant country roads, bordered by flowers. Green meadows stretch away into the distance until you reach Ribeira Grande. This is one of the oldest towns in the Azores and the only one of any size in the north coast. You will have time with your guide to admire the pretty little town square and the church, or do some independent sightseeing. Notice the interesting architecture, typical of the island; buildings constructed in basalt with original windows and decorations.

Pico da Barrosa is in the centre of the island and the Fire Lake occupies the crater of an extinct volcano, from where you will have magnificent views. Surrounded by some of the original vegetation of the island, this is an enormous lake with transparent waters, located in an atmosphere of great calm and beauty.

A short stop will be made at the small Pineapple Plantation to discover the various growth stages of the pineapple, before returning to Ponta Delgada.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. The views across Fire Lake are dependent on the local weather conditions on the day, which can be changeable. It is also advisable to take a light jacket as the temperature can sometimes be cooler. Flat, comfortable non slip walking shoes are recommended.

A relaxing transfer will take you through the heart of Bridgetown, the historic capital of Barbados as you head towards the Tiki Bar Beach. Along the way, you will pass by Barbados’ Parliament Buildings, the third oldest Parliamentary institution in the Western Hemisphere, Heroes Square, with its historic statue of Lord Nelson, and Independence Square.

Upon arrival at Tiki Bar, you will be welcomed by a cooling refreshment and a brief orientation of the beach and its facilities. Known for its cool, refreshing and glistening turquoise water, Tiki Bar offers a great way to relax and unwind in the comfort of a beach chair and umbrella. You will have approximately three hours to enjoy the sun, sea and sand.

At the agreed time, you will re-group at the designated meeting point for the return drive to the ship.



BEACH/WATER RELATED EXCURSIONS
For any excursion involving water, passengers are reminded to exercise particular care. Alcohol and eating a full meal should be avoided before swimming. If buoyancy aids are provided for an activity they must be worn at all times. You should bear in mind that the sea is unpredictable. Lifeguards are unlikely to be present and there may not be a flag system to indicate whether or not it is safe to go in the water. In addition, beach activities may not be supervised or accompanied and so you should take care to satisfy yourself as to the safety of the beach and/or the sea at the time of your excursion. Please exercise caution when entering the sea as the seabed and aquatic environment is capable of springing surprises and we have not inspected the beach or seabed for its safety. Children must be supervised by you at all times near water. All activities on the beach, water and in the sea are undertaken at your own risk. You’ll need to take swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and flat shoes that can be worn in the water.

LIABILITY
P&O Cruises will arrange for the excursions to be performed by the relevant excursion provider. P&O Cruises does not provide or supply the excursion services. P&O Cruises will exercise reasonable care and skill in the selection of the excursion provider, but will not in any circumstances have a greater liability than the excursion supplier and P&O Cruises shall not be responsible for the negligent acts/omissions of the excursion supplier. Please note that in relation to all excursions P&O Cruises is not responsible or liable for any loss, damage, or injury sustained by you unless such loss, damage or injury arises out of a breach of legal duty of P&O Cruises.

TRAVEL INSURANCE
Before booking any activity excursions it is essential that you ensure your travel insurance extends to cover the specified activity. It is your responsibility to obtain adequate insurance.

This excursion will operate by minibus and on foot. Guests are reminded to wear swimwear, take a towel, sunscreen and also a dry set of clothes to re-board the minibuses. Showers and changing facilities are available. US Dollars and local currency are accepted for purchases. Please refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages prior to any swimming activities. There may be independent suppliers on the beach that offer water sports, these are provided by parties unconnected to Cunard.

After a short drive, you’ll be welcomed aboard your catamaran to set sail along Barbados’ beautiful coastline. Perched on magnificent white-sand beaches, you’ll see some of the island's finest homes and hotels, which are only visible from the sea.

A stop will be made at a secluded bay, where you’ll have the opportunity to take to the inviting waters for a refreshing swim. If you prefer, you may wish to don some snorkel gear and view the shoals of tropical fish.

Afterwards you can simply relax, unwind and bask in the sun on deck and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

At another stop, you’ll have a unique opportunity to view and swim with the enchanting Green or Hawksbill Turtles, an opportunity not to be missed.

During the cruise, enjoy a delicious Caribbean-style buffet luncheon on board. The delicious local dishes will be accompanied by unlimited rum punch, local beer and soft drinks.

ACTIVITY EXCURSIONS
You and all those in your party should be aware that, in undertaking activity excursions, you will be involved in a degree of physical exertion and/or activity such as hiking, biking, snorkelling, kayaking, diving etc. By booking the excursion you confirm that you and all those in your party are in good physical and mental condition, with no history of conditions such as seizures, dizziness, fainting, heart condition, respiratory problems or back/neck problems (by way of example only). You should also ensure that no one in your party is taking medicine that carries a warning about impairment of physical or mental abilities. If you are pregnant this type of excursion may not be appropriate for you. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit and well enough to take part in the activities booked and you are reminded to take care for your own safety. Because of the risks associated with activity excursions, you may be asked by the excursion provider to sign a document which may affect or limit the excursion provider’s liability. Comfortable flat walking shoes are recommended.

BEACH/WATER RELATED EXCURSIONS
For any excursion involving water, guests are reminded to exercise particular care. Alcohol and eating a full meal should be avoided before swimming. If buoyancy aids are provided for an activity they must be worn at all times. You should bear in mind that the sea is unpredictable. Lifeguards are unlikely to be present and there may not be a flag system to indicate whether or not it is safe to go in the water. In addition, beach activities may not be supervised or accompanied and so you should take care to satisfy yourself as to the safety of the beach and/or the sea at the time of your excursion. Please exercise caution when entering the sea as the seabed and aquatic environment is capable of springing surprises and we have not inspected the beach or seabed for its safety. Children must be supervised by you at all times near water. All activities on the beach, water and in the sea are undertaken at your own risk. You’ll need to take swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and flat shoes that can be worn in the water.

LIABILITY
Cunard will arrange for the excursions to be performed by the relevant excursion provider. Cunard does not provide or supply the excursion services. Cunard will exercise reasonable care and skill in the selection of the excursion provider, but will not in any circumstances have a greater liability than the excursion supplier and Cunard shall not be responsible for the negligent acts/omissions of the excursion supplier. Please note that in relation to all excursions Cunard is not responsible or liable for any loss, damage, or injury sustained by you unless such loss, damage or injury arises out of a breach of legal duty of Cunard.

TRAVEL INSURANCE
Before booking any activity excursions it is essential that you ensure your travel insurance extends to cover the specified activity. It is your responsibility to obtain adequate insurance.

This excursion will operate by minibus and on foot. Please wear your swimwear, sunscreen and take a towel. You will be required to remove shoes whilst on board the catamaran and the seating in the shaded area is limited. Snorkelling and the turtle encounter are subject to favourable conditions. Turtle sightings cannot be guaranteed. Children under six may not participate. Snorkel equipment is provided. Please refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages prior to any swimming activities.

You will be welcomed aboard your catamaran to set sail along Barbados' beautiful coastline. See some of the island's finest homes and hotels dotted along magnificent white sand beaches only visible from the sea.

Take to the warm, inviting waters and snorkel over a shipwreck with shoals of colourful tropical fish. Afterwards you can simply relax, lie in the shady cabin, bask in the sun on deck and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Your catamaran will make another stop, giving you chance to view and swim with the enchanting Green or Hawksbill Turtles, an opportunity not to be missed.

During the cruise, enjoy a wonderful Caribbean-style buffet luncheon on board. The delicious local dishes will be accompanied by unlimited rum punch, local beer and soft drinks.


ACTIVITY EXCURSIONS
You and all those in your party should be aware that, in undertaking activity excursions, you will be involved in a degree of physical exertion and/or activity such as hiking, biking, snorkelling, kayaking, diving etc. By booking the excursion you confirm that you and all those in your party are in good physical and mental condition, with no history of conditions such as seizures, dizziness, fainting, heart condition, respiratory problems or back/neck problems (by way of example only). You should also ensure that no one in your party is taking medicine that carries a warning about impairment of physical or mental abilities. If you are pregnant this type of excursion may not be appropriate for you. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit and well enough to take part in the activities booked and you are reminded to take care for your own safety. Because of the risks associated with activity excursions, you may be asked by the excursion provider to sign a document which may affect or limit the excursion provider’s liability. Comfortable flat walking shoes are recommended.

BEACH/WATER RELATED EXCURSIONS
For any excursion involving water, guests are reminded to exercise particular care. Alcohol and eating a full meal should be avoided before swimming. If buoyancy aids are provided for an activity they must be worn at all times. You should bear in mind that the sea is unpredictable. Lifeguards are unlikely to be present and there may not be a flag system to indicate whether or not it is safe to go in the water. In addition, beach activities may not be supervised or accompanied and so you should take care to satisfy yourself as to the safety of the beach and/or the sea at the time of your excursion. Please exercise caution when entering the sea as the seabed and aquatic environment is capable of springing surprises and we have not inspected the beach or seabed for its safety. Children must be supervised by you at all times near water. All activities on the beach, water and in the sea are undertaken at your own risk. You’ll need to take swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and flat shoes that can be worn in the water.

LIABILITY
Cunard will arrange for the excursions to be performed by the relevant excursion provider. Cunard does not provide or supply the excursion services. Cunard will exercise reasonable care and skill in the selection of the excursion provider, but will not in any circumstances have a greater liability than the excursion supplier and Cunard shall not be responsible for the negligent acts/omissions of the excursion supplier. Please note that in relation to all excursions Cunard is not responsible or liable for any loss, damage, or injury sustained by you unless such loss, damage or injury arises out of a breach of legal duty of Cunard.

TRAVEL INSURANCE
Before booking any activity excursions it is essential that you ensure your travel insurance extends to cover the specified activity. It is your responsibility to obtain adequate insurance.

This excursion will operate by catamaran. Please wear your swimwear, sunscreen and take a towel. You will be required to remove shoes whilst on board the catamaran. Snorkelling and the turtle encounter are subject to favourable conditions. Turtle sightings cannot be guaranteed. Children under six may not participate. Snorkel equipment is provided. Please refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages prior to any swimming activities.

Windsor Castle, the largest and oldest inhabited castle in the world, is one of the official residences of Her Majesty The Queen. The Castle's dramatic site encapsulates 900 years of British history and dates back to the time of William the Conqueror.

Enjoy an audio tour around the opulent rooms of the Castle including the splendid State Apartments and grand St Georges Hall where the Queen entertains visiting heads of states. The rooms are furnished with some of the finest works of art from the Royal Collection, including paintings by Rembrandt, Reubens and Gainsborough. You will be able to admire the world famous Queen Mary's Dolls' House, which took three years to complete and involved 1,500 craftsmen, artists and authors. The house has electric lighting, hot and cold running water and even flushing lavatories.

One of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in England can be found in St George's Chapel. The chapel contains the tombs of ten sovereigns, including Charles I, Henry VIII and his third wife Jane Seymour. After visiting the Castle, there will be around one hour of free time to explore the town of Windsor with its Georgian shops, houses and inns.


Guests who are embarking or disembarking the ship in Southampton should not book a shore excursion for this port.  Southampton excursions are available for guests visiting Southampton as a port call.

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. The transfer time to Windsor is 1½ hours. There is a ½ mile walk from the car park to the Castle entrance and two hours walking within the Castle. If the Royal Family is in residence some of the state rooms will be unavailable. St George’s Chapel is closed on Sundays. Queues may be experienced due to the strict security procedures. Luncheon is not included to allow maximum flexibility. Please remember to carry local currency.

Titanic pulled away from the White Star dock in Southampton at the start of her maiden voyage on 10th April 1912. Five days later in the early hours of 15th April she sank after striking an iceberg. The disaster made headlines across the world and had a devastating effect on the people of Southampton. Of the 724 crew which lived within in the area - only 175 returned home.

Your interesting walking tour commences at Ocean Terminal, which is located adjacent to the site of the original White Star dock. A leisurely stroll will take you through Queen’s Park and past the luxury flats which used to be the old South Western Hotel. This hotel was where the First Class passengers stayed before embarking on the majestic liner. Close by are the old White Star offices where Southampton residents gathered in their hundreds, waiting day after day for news of loved ones.

A walk along Oxford Street will take you past some of the drinking establishments used by the ill fated crew including The Grapes pub, which is where filming took place for the famous ‘Titanic’ movie. At the end of the street are the ruins of Holyrood Church where a memorial to the Titanic crew stands. As you wander past the ancient Southampton walls and through the main shopping precinct, with its eclectic mix of shops, you’ll hear poignant tales of the Titanic heroes and survivors.

The highlight of the tour is a visit to the SeaCity Museum. This interactive Museum is filled with information and interesting memorabilia of the fateful disaster and illustrates the impact the liner has had on the city.


Guests who are embarking or disembarking the ship in Southampton should not book a shore excursion for this port.  Southampton excursions are available for guests visiting Southampton as a port call.

This excursion operates on foot. There is two hours walking on mostly flat ground with some slight inclines. The return journey will be by shuttle bus. Guests can opt to remain in the city centre and make their own way back to the berth by shuttle bus at their own convenience. This excursion only operates when the ship is berthed at Ocean Terminal.

Your first stop on your Miami grand tour is a visit to the Everglades National Park, for an exhilarating airboat ride through the grassy waters. The Everglades’ natural beauty and wildlife reveals itself during a 30 minute exploration of this vast wilderness. Keep an eye out for the numerous native birds and fish, and perhaps a few alligators, which inhabit this curious corner of the country.

Enjoy some free time on your own for luncheon at one of the many restaurants or the food court at Miami Bayside Marketplace.

Then it’s all aboard the ‘Island Queen’ for a 1½ hour sightseeing cruise around Biscayne Bay. Make sure you have your camera to capture the “Rich & Famous” on Palm Island, Hibiscus Island and Star Island.

You will re-join your coach and take a panoramic drive through the Art Deco District and fashionable South Beach, before returning to the port.

This excursion will operate by coach and boat. The itinerary may operate in reverse.

Cruise through an amazing undersea world at depths of 50 to 150 feet as you embark on a voyage of discovery aboard the Atlantis Submarine. Atlantis is one of the premier attractions in the Caribbean, providing a unique exposure to a fascinating underwater world.

You will board a ferry for the short transfer out to the dive site to join the Atlantis Submarine. The colour and abundance of exotic fish, spectacular sponge gardens and fascinating coral formations will be unveiled outside your porthole.

Atlantis is maintained at a cool air-conditioned temperature and sea level pressure. Experienced crew will point out and describe the sights in detail as tropical fish pass within touching distance of your porthole.



This excursion will operate by bus, boat and submarine. Children under four are not permitted to participate and all participating children must be at least three feet tall. This tour involves very little walking, however guests must be able to negotiate an 11 step ladder into and out of the Atlantis Submarine. The Submarine dive lasts approximately 50 minutes. The views underwater are subject to local sea conditions on the day.

Enjoy a scenic drive to Gun Hill Signal Station, located in the parish of St George, which provides a magnificent and captivating view of the entire island. The Signal Station was restored and landscaped by the Barbados National Trust and now houses a collection of military memorabilia.

Afterwards, continue to Orchid World which spans over six acres of land, some 800 feet above sea level. Meander your way through the beautiful outcrops of coral, rock gardens, cool shady gullies and ponds. You will be fascinated by the beautiful orchid plants growing in mid-air with their roots completely free of any soil.

Sunbury Plantation House dates back to 1660 and possesses one of the country's superior collections of antiques. The cellars house a unique collection of antique carriages, as well as many items used in the domestic life of the plantation. In the extensively landscaped grounds you will see fine authentic examples of old carts and machinery used in the last century to cultivate the land.

During your tour, you will be offered a fruit or rum punch refreshment.


This excursion will operate by minibus and on foot. This tour involves approximately one hour of walking over some uneven and inclined surfaces, including steps. Flat, comfortable shoes are recommended. Order of highlights may vary.

Designed by Cameron Powell in 1986, the stunning Batalha golf course consists of 27 holes of golf laid out over 120 hectares and is situated on the north coast of São Miguel, just 15 minutes from the port. This relatively new course, with its magnificent setting, nestled on the skirts of the surrounding hills and with sweeping views of the ocean, has large flowing greens, wide and generous fairways and sinuously contoured bunkers.

You can enjoy the luxuriant surroundings and the fabulous scenery at a more leisurely pace by hiring one of the club’s golf buggies. It is difficult to select a best hole as they are all in some ways exceptional, but there is a very special sensation to be felt when standing on the soaring 15th tee.

The Club House, with its perfect blend of classical island architecture and modern facilities, covers over 3,000 square metres and offers a superb range of services. With its elevated views, across the course to the mountains and the blue Atlantic ocean, there can be very few better places, anywhere, to enjoy a drink, snack or meal either before or after a round of golf.



This excursion will operate by bus and on foot. Green fees and round trip transportation are provided. Cost of buggy hire is 35 Euros and club hire is 40 Euros (full set), which is payable directly to the Golf club. Guests may use the changing facilities at the Club House, but any refreshments from the bar or restaurant are payable direct in local currency (Euros).

Green fees and roundtrip transportation are provided. Cost of buggy hire is 35 Euros and club hire is 40 Euros (full set), which is payable directly to the Golf club. Passengers may use the changing facilities at the Club House, but any refreshments from the bar or restaurant are payable direct in local currency (Euros).

Heading out of Ponta Delgada towards the North East, you will see roads lined with Japanese Cedars, Hydrangeas and Ginger Lilies until you reach Ribeira Grande, a unique city with a strong feeling of Portuguese influence.

Heading further north towards a wonderful lookout point, Pico do Ferro Belvedere spectacular views over the Furnas Valley. Descending the Valley, you will have time to explore the Terra Nostra Gardens. Developed over the centuries, the Gardens have an extensive selection of trees from all over the world, as well as a serpentine canal, grottoes, camellias, ferns and cycas.

With over 22 hot springs, Furnas Valley in the area of San Miguel, is where volcanic nature still remains an important part of the island's culture. Locals still make use of the Caldeiras (hot springs) for cooking a kind of stew called 'cozido' using the natural steam venting along the shores of Furnas Lake.

Your return journey will pass by Vila Franca do Campo, the former capital of the island.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. This tour involves around one hour of walking over some cobblestone, gravel and uneven surfaces, including steps. There is a walk of approximately ten minutes on a slightly inclined road from the coach drop off point, to reach the Pico do Ferro Belvedere viewpoint. Comfortable, flat non slip walking shoes are recommended.