By Karen Quinn-Panzer
Travel Matters
Karen Quinn-Panzer
Sometimes you get lucky enough to sail to somewhere you never thought you would experience. Someplace you can get to on a ship, but not on most itineraries except for world cruises or transatlantic itineraries.
That was what my husband and I just experienced.
For our company’s reward cruise for the top 2 percent of agents nationwide, we sailed on the Scenic Eclipse, an all-inclusive luxury yacht that averages 200 guests with a full spa, six restaurants, a marina platform off the back of the ship and butler service for each cabin. Sailing on a yacht this size is similar to a river cruise in that you meet people easily over the course of your eight-day trip.
Eclipse is purpose-built for expeditions. Our sailing embarked from Buenos Aires, just after the November-March Antarctica season, to head north to Rio de Janeiro before sailing over to Europe. When not on expedition, Scenic Eclipse specializes in off-the-beaten-path destinations. We sailed to Montevideo and Punta del Este in Uruguay, and then up the Brazilian coastline to Porto Bela, Ilhabela and Parity before arriving to the city that inspired so many hit songs – Rio de Janeiro.
I highly recommend Rio de Janeiro. Much has been said about security issues, but we experienced none of that. We walked on Copacabana Beach, a true “pinch me” moment, and stayed directly across the street. We had a blast at the new Roxy show, which showcases each region of Brazil in music, dancing, costumes and great video effects. It was selected by Time Inc as one of 100 “Not to be missed” activities in 2025.
The next day we climbed Sugar Loaf Mountain by cable car. (The current version is quite improved from the first one built in 1912.) We were amazed to find cafes and boutiques on top along with beautiful viewpoints for photos.
The final stop was saved for the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, which can be seen from all over Rio de Janeiro. Just the process of climbing that mountain by two different minivans, then a system of elevators and escalators, is jaw-dropping. Nothing prepares you for the moment when you are standing right below the statue looking up at this iconic structure yourself.
Scenic is an Australian company that owns three shipyards, with an ever-growing fleet of river cruise ships along with their luxury yachts. Some of those river cruises are combined with extended luxury land tours such as the Romantic Rhine & Moselle with Wonders of Switzerland and Austria – a 29-day journey that includes Zermatt, Interlaken, Salzburg and Vienna. It’s perfect for a celebration of retirement, milestone anniversary or birthday.
Separately, they own another brand called Emerald that offers both river and luxury yachts in warmer climates. We are hosting a group on the brand-new Emerald Kaia in June, with only 128 guests onboard. Sailing the Istrian peninsula of Croatia and Slovenia, it’s one of the few ships allowed into the Grand Canal of Venice.
Karen Quinn-Panzer is the owner and vacation specialist at Dream Vacations Quinn Panzer Travel in Milford.