One of the most highly sought-after experiences is that of crossing the equator. Those who can say they’ve sailed through the middle of the Earth hold special bragging rights and have a spectacular story to tell when they return home. As you approach the equator, you enter King Neptune’s territory. It’s here your mettle is tested to deem if you’re worthy of entering his realm. At least, that’s the storyline for the Equator Crossing ceremony. Every initiation differs from one expedition to the next, but there’s a thread that runs through. Guests and crew partake together in a pageant to mark the auspicious moment of crossing the equator line.

Itajai is home to famous surf beaches like Praia Brava and Praia do Atalaia, with a stunning array of sandy shores and natural wonders. The enchanting Florianopolis beckons with mesmerizing beaches, delicious seafood cuisine and as a hot spot for surfing. Ilhabela, a popular weekend escape for locals, invites you to revel in a relaxing day of quiet adventures or water sports. The forests and trails of Bocaina National Park in Paraty lead to dramatic waterfalls and the chatter of countless birds and monkeys. Salvador da Bahia’s rich mix of colonial and African influences fully immerse you in the energy of Afro-Brazilian culture. Catch a demonstration of capoeira, a tradition that combines styles of martial arts and dance deemed an intangible world heritage by UNESCO.

From the Plaza de Mayo to the San Telmo milongas, Buenos Aires is full of history and culture. At the heart lies Casa Rosada, best known for the famous first lady Evita Peron’s address to the crowd. Visit Recoleta Cemetery, the resting grounds of the powerful, rich and famous. Montevideo, built around Plaza Independencia, the former site of a Spanish citadel, calls out with its cobbled streets, colonial buildings and verdant cityscapes. To socialize with the locals, share in their tradition of drinking yerba mate, a strong, herbal tea served in gourds with a thick straw. Playa Brava and Playa Mansa, “wild beach” and “tame beach,” respectively, perfectly depict Punta del Este’s natural diversity. Capture a selfie with “La Mano,” the gigantic, sculpted hand reaching out of the golden sands at Playa Brava.

Puerto Madryn invites animal lovers to marvel and revel in its extraordinary wildlife. With sea lions and whale watching opportunities, this Argentinian city acts as the gateway to the Patagonia region. Explore the Valdes Peninsula Nature Reserve, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for being one of the world’s prime whale migration hotspots. Experience one of the world’s most captivating locations with an abundance of natural treasures in Punta Arenas. The fjords and channels are celebrated for their natural beauty of glacial and mountainous scenery. It is also home to several islands, including Magdalena Island where penguins are eager to meet your acquaintance — 60,000 of them. For a wildlife-centric trek, head to Torres del Paine, deemed a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.

Amid the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Alberto de Agostini National Park sits the enchanting blue ice shelf of Garibaldi Glacier. Famous for its mesmerizing color, it’s a life-changing sight that will inspire a sense of awe and wonder. Navigating through the Garibaldi fjord, witness skyscraping glaciers that speak to the explorer spirit within. Journeying through Glacier Alley, navigate icy waters with vistas of snow-capped peaks and dark green forests. Pía, Pío XI, Porter and Romanche Glaciers are just a few highlights of Glacier Alley. There’s a chance you may witness the ice calving from the glaciers, giving you the opportunity to marvel at the monumental chunks falling into the water as they create a mighty crack that invokes awe.