Southern Atlantic Crossing

Explore the beautiful buildings in downtown Rio de Janeiro, where colonial architecture meets modern skyscrapers. From the port, set out on foot for a guided walk through some of Rio’s cultural gems. Begin at Cais do Valongo, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the most significant remaining vestige of the transatlantic slave trade in the Americas. Then, head to the Pedra do Sal, a symbolic place in Rio's African heritage and the birthplace of samba culture. Continue to the strikingly modern Museum of Tomorrow or Museu do Amanhã, where you will explore its thought-provoking exhibits on science, sustainability and the future of humanity. After time to browse the exhibits, proceed to the Monastery of São Bento, one of Rio's most historically significant churches. View its baroque interior and enjoy time to reflect in its peaceful atmosphere, before returning to your ship.

Explore Rio’s downtown district during a panoramic motor coach tour. Board your coach and set off through the city, taking in its sights and sounds while passing an eclectic mix of towering high-rises and colonial architecture. Continue to the Metropolitan Cathedral of Rio de Janeiro and view its colorful stained glass windows as you pause for a photo. See the nexus of Brazilian life as you pass its famous beach, Copacabana. Known as the “Princesinha do Mar”, it is famous for its lively atmosphere and wave-patterned promenade. Overlooking the beach is the historic Copacabana Palace, a luxurious hotel that has hosted celebrities and dignitaries since 1923, symbolizing elegance and timeless charm in the heart of Rio. At Flamengo Park, stop for refreshments and marvel at the views before returning to your awaiting ship.

See the best of Rio—Sugarloaf Mountain and Corcovado—and savor a traditional barbecue lunch on this full-day tour. Admire the beautiful bay at the foot of Sugarloaf Mountain as you embark by cable car up Urca Hill. Enjoy time to relax and marvel at the city vistas below. Or you may choose to ride to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain, 1,300 feet above the sea, to take in extraordinary views. Enjoy a delicious churrascaria lunch at a local restaurant before continuing your journey toward Corcovado through the Tijuca Forest. This green sanctuary is a favorite spot for locals to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. At Cosme Velho, board the cog-wheel train that carries you up Hunchback Mountain through the Brazilian rain forest to the top of Corcovado, where you will be greeted by Rio’s most famous landmark: the Christ the Redeemer statue. Enjoy panoramic views from its peak.

Marvel at stunning views from the air as you soar over the “Marvelous City”—Rio de Janeiro. Embark on a scenic drive to the lagoon, where you will meet your pilot. Climb on board your helicopter and enjoy a thrilling six-minute flight as you soar over Rio’s most well-known landmarks. Admire the views as you fly over Sugarloaf Mountain and Corcovado with its towering, iconic Christ the Redeemer statue. Witness a blend of colorful colonial architecture, the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, and the white-fringed beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana. Admire the varied landscape of the city skyline amid a lush green forest on this unforgettable experience. After your scenic flight, you will continue your journey by van with a panoramic tour of Rio’s sights before returning to your ship.

Ascend high above Rio de Janeiro and visit its most famous landmark. Located on the granite-domed peak of Corcovado mountain, the Christ the Redeemer statue spreads its arms out in a welcoming embrace to the city below. Covered in more than 6 million soapstone tiles, this art deco statue is 98 feet tall and has an arm span of 92 feet. A cog railway will take you to the statue’s base, where you will enjoy stunning views of Rio from above. Your journey will also take you through Tijuca Forest, one of the largest urban forests in the world. This dense tropical rain forest suffered from deforestation in the 19th century, when much of it was cleared to accommodate coffee plantations. A century-long reclamation project planted more than 100,000 trees, and today this national park is a favorite spot in which to relax, far from the noise of the city.

Revel in the exuberant atmosphere of Rio’s world-famous Copacabana. This neighborhood of high-rises boasts 63 hotels, including the Belmond Copacabana Palace, a luxurious art deco hotel that has hosted countless celebrities. You will drive along Avenida Atlântica, known for its black-and-white, mosaic sidewalk waves. Bask in the lively beach scene while watching the real waves roll in. From Vermelha (Red Beach), ascend by cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain. The granite monolith at the entrance of Guanabara Bay has a 1,200-foot summit. Your cable car will take you up in two stages. Disembark at Urca Hill, where shops and restaurants intermingle with shady gardens. Or, continue to the summit for breathtaking views of Rio and the beaches below. Descend and continue through several scenic residential areas before returning to your ship.

Enjoy Privileged Access® backstage at a Brazilian samba school and discover more about Rio’s famous Carnival. Rio is home to the most famous outdoor parade in the world, and preparations for this phenomenal event are underway year-round. Each samba school counts thousands of participants; witness the dancers and musicians performing during a rehearsal. Go behind the scenes and discover what goes into producing the show, and admire the performers’ sparkling costumes and flamboyant feathered headdresses. Sip on a caipirinha cocktail as your guide describes the carnival’s origins, which began in ancient Greece, were celebrated in Europe during the Middle Ages and were brought to Brazil by the Portuguese through colonization. Slip on a few ensembles for a photo of this memorable moment, learn how to play percussion and try a few samba moves before returning to your ship.

Discover the art of samba and perfect your ballroom skills at one of Rio’s most renowned dance schools. Although now widely recognized as a symbol of Brazil and Rio Carnival, samba is deeply rooted in African traditions. With its fast-paced moves, hypnotic rhythm and eclectic costumes, samba encapsulates the magic of Brazilian dance. During your lesson, you will learn the basic steps of the samba and other Brazilian rhythms, such as forró and maxixe, as well as popular dance moves that can be used to improve your ballroom swing, tango, waltz or salsa. No previous dance experience is required. After honing your newfound skills, enjoy a dance with your group members followed by a caipirinha at the bar before returning to your ship.

Relax amid the sun, sand and waves of one of Rio de Janeiro’s most iconic beaches, Ipanema. Take a scenic drive to this fashionable oceanside neighborhood and its eponymous beach, a longtime favorite among locals that was lifted to international renown with the worldwide success of the bossa nova classic “The Girl from Ipanema.” Upon arrival, you will have approximately three hours to spend as you choose. Recline under an umbrella on your complimentary beach chair while sipping a refreshing coconut water drink, and watch the surfers and sunbathers that flock to this sandy shore daily. You may also choose to take a leisurely stroll along the wave-lapped shore, or venture out into the light blue waters of the South Atlantic for an invigorating swim. At the end of your time at the beach, board your motor coach for the return journey to your awaiting ship.

Immerse yourself in serene natural beauty during a drive through the Botanical Gardens and Tijuca National Park. At the port, board your air-conditioned vehicle and sit back as your driver takes you to the Botanical Gardens, passing Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon and the nearby neighborhood known as Jardim Botanico. Half jungle and half landscaped gardens, this lush oasis remains a haven of peace amid Rio’s bustling metropolis. A guided walk will lead you past the many varieties of plants and examples of endangered species, including avenues of towering royal palms; the gardens are also home to roughly 140 species of birds and monkeys. After, travel to Tijuca National Park, an expansive 8,200-acre forest. Cap your excursion with a stop to view the Taunay Waterfalls, before driving back to your awaiting ship.