Category: Rio de Janeiro

RIDE TO THE HIGH-POINTS OF RIO

Experience the best views of Rio de Janeiro in one unforgettable excursion. Your first stop is the Tijuca National Park, where you board the tourist train that takes you up to the iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer – the largest Art Deco statue in the world. Located at the peak of the Corcovado Mountain overlooking the city, it offers some incredible views. Next you can enjoy a panoramic tour of some of the world’s most famous and beautiful beaches, including Ipanema and Copacabana. Finally, take the cable car up to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain, where you can enjoy more amazing views of Guanabara Bay and Niteroi.
Please note: This excursion will not be cancelled in the event of rain.

Train and cable car tickets are included in the price of the excursion. A lunch box will be delivered on board the ship to all guests going on this excursion. For all calls where the length of stay in port is less than 8 hours, the tour will have a duration of 6 hours, with no lunch box. There is a limited number of guides who speak languages other than Portuguese. If a tour guide for your language is not unavailable, the tour will be in Portuguese only. Guests with any type of food intolerance are required to communicate it to the Shore Excursions Office at least two days before the call

TIJUCA FOREST and CORCOVADO IN AN OPEN 4×4

Enjoy Rio’s best views at Corcovado and Sugarloaf, with city and beach panoramas.

Excursion Details

Begin with a visit to Tijuca National Park, then board the train to the Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado Hill, the world’s largest Art Deco statue. Take a panoramic drive past Ipanema and Copacabana Beaches, enjoying their iconic scenery. Ascend Sugarloaf Mountain by cable car for panoramic views of Guanabara Bay and Niterói. A lunch box is provided onboard the ship.

Important Information:

This excursion will not be cancelled in the event of rain. 4×4 vehicles are parked outside the terminal in Rio de Janeiro and depending on where the ship docks, guests may have to take a shuttle bus from the ship to the terminal and may have to walk up to 500 meters to the entrance of the terminal to meet their vehicle. Guests on 4×4 tours will be escorted by the tour guide all the way from the ship to their vehicle. This excursion is available for guests in transit only. There is a limited number of guides who speak languages other than Portuguese.

If a tour guide for your language is not unavailable, the tour will be in Portuguese only. On 2-day calls, this tour is available on the first and on the second day. Please select code RIO22T if you wish to take part in this tour on the first day of call and code RIO18T if you wish to take part in this tour on the second day of call.

A DAY AT COPACABANA OR IPANEMA BEACH

Enjoy an unforgettable day in Rio de Janeiro exploring the city at your own pace with this personalized tour to one of the city’s most iconic beaches!

Excursion Details

A comfortable transfer takes you from the ship to Copacabana Beach, one of Rio’s most vibrant spots. Upon arrival, enjoy about 5 hours to relax, swim, or explore the local cafés, shops, and bars. Return transfer to the ship ensures a smooth conclusion to your day.

Important Information:

The stop at the mall is only available if it rains, otherwise guests may walk. This excursion will not be cancelled in the event of rain. Shops are closed on Sundays and holidays. This tour is not guided. This excursion is available for guests in transit only. On 2-day calls, this tour is available on the first and on the second day. Please select code RIO19T if you wish to take part in this tour on the first day of call and code RIO10T if you wish to take part in this tour on the second day of call

RIO, THE MARVELOUS CITY

Enjoy a day exploring why Rio de Janeiro is truly the “Marvelous City.” This tour is perfect for those who have already visited Sugarloaf and Christ the Redeemer, offering a relaxed and unhurried way to discover the city without long walks or worries.

Excursion Details

Begin at Avenida Rio Branco with a 15-minute stop at the Candelária Church. Drive to the Sambadrome, passing the Municipal Theater and Flamengo Park, then admire Botafogo Bay and Urca with Sugarloaf views. Visit Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leblon beaches, with a 15-minute stop at São Conrado Beach for photos or relaxation. Return via Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, enjoying spectacular natural and urban views.

Important Information:

This tour will not be cancelled in the event of rain. There is a limited number of guides who speak languages other than Portuguese. If a tour guide for your language is not unavailable, the tour will be in Portuguese only. On 2-day calls, this tour is available on the first and on the second day. Please select code RIO26T if you wish to take part in this tour on the first day of call and code RIO21T if you wish to take part in this tour on the second day of call

TIJUCA FOREST and CORCOVADO IN AN OPEN 4×4

Embark on an exciting adventure in an open 4×4 vehicle and enter the lush Tijuca Forest, the largest urban forest in the world and visit Christ the Redeemer in an open 4×4.

Excursion Details

Start in Santa Teresa, known for historic mansions and unique English trams, offering a glimpse into Rio’s heritage. Continue by open 4×4 through Tijuca Forest, the largest urban forest in the world, towards Corcovado Hill. Spend 45 minutes at the top, exploring Christ the Redeemer and admiring panoramic city views. Drive past Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, the Botanical Garden, Maracanã Stadium, Guanabara Bay, and Sugarloaf, then return to the pier via Copacabana and Ipanema.

Important InformationThe tour will not be canceled due to weather conditions (rain). This tour is available only for Grand Voyage cruises and transit passengers. The itinerary and visited sites may change during the Brazilian Carnival.

Possible queues and traffic may affect the time spent at Corcovado; however, a minimum stay of 30 minutes is guaranteed. Food and beverages are not included; we recommend bringing local currency or a Visa/Mastercard credit card. Travel times, free time, and duration at each stop are approximate and subject to change without prior notice

RIO, THE MARVELOUS CITY

Enjoy a day exploring why Rio de Janeiro is truly the “Marvelous City.” This tour is perfect for those who have already visited Sugarloaf and Christ the Redeemer, offering a relaxed and unhurried way to discover the city without long walks or worries.

Excursion Details

Begin at Avenida Rio Branco with a 15-minute stop at the Candelária Church. Drive to the Sambadrome, passing the Municipal Theater and Flamengo Park, then admire Botafogo Bay and Urca with Sugarloaf views. Visit Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leblon beaches, with a 15-minute stop at São Conrado Beach for photos or relaxation. Return via Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, enjoying spectacular natural and urban views.

Important Information:

This tour will not be cancelled in the event of rain. There is a limited number of guides who speak languages other than Portuguese. If a tour guide for your language is not unavailable, the tour will be in Portuguese only. On 2-day calls, this tour is available on the first and on the second day. Please select code RIO26T if you wish to take part in this tour on the first day of call and code RIO21T if you wish to take part in this tour on the second day of call.

SAMBA TOUR RIO DE JANEIRO

Dive into the vibrant world of Samba and Carnival with an engaging guided tour, exploring cultural landmarks, colorful traditions, and behind-the-scenes stories that bring Rio’s most iconic celebrations to life.

Excursion Details

Begin with 2 hours guided internal visit to the City of Samba, exploring the creative spaces where Samba Schools prepare for Carnival. Experience the making of costumes and floats, learn about Samba history, and participate in a short presentation and mini dance. Taste the ‘Flavor of Samba’ with a traditional caipirinha, try on costumes, and enjoy samba music. Make an external photo stop at Maracanã Stadium and conclude with another 15 minutes stop at the Sambódromo before returning to the port.

Important Information:

This tour is only available for Grand Voyages cruise passengers. The visit to Samba City and the Samba School Barracks is internal and guided.

The Maracanã and Sambadrome are external visits (photo stop only). We recommend bringing sunglasses, sunscreen, comfortable clothing, and footwear. This tour is not recommended for people who have difficulty walking long distances (Samba City visit is a walking tour). A welcome drink (caipirinha) will be served per person during the visit to the Samba Barracks. The order of the visits may vary due to weather and traffic conditions on the day of the tour. The minimum age to participate in this tour is 5 years.

Transfer times, free time, and duration of stay at each stop are approximate and may change without notice. Space is limited, so we recommend booking in advance. This excursion will not be canceled due to weather (rain)

SAMBA SENSATION: DANCE CLASS AT ESCOLA CARLINHOS DE JESUS – YC EXCLUSIVE

Experience the true essence of Rio de Janeiro with an exclusive and vibrant experience designed especially for those seeking cultural immersion and high-level fun. No prior experience is necessary; this activity is ideal for those who want to learn to dance samba authentically and relaxed, with lots of energy and style.

Excursion Details

Begin your exclusive journey with a private transfer from the port to the renowned Carlinhos de Jesus Samba School, where you will indulge in a 40-minute private dance masterclass in a refined and sophisticated environment. Perfect your moves under the guidance of expert instructors, then retreat to the iconic Ipanema Beach to relax while enjoying fresh coconut water and gourmet Brazilian delicacies. Conclude this bespoke experience with a curated panoramic city drive, admiring Rio’s most iconic landmarks in comfort and style, before returning to the port.

Important Information:

This excursion is available for MSC Yacht Club. The tour is not available during holidays and Carnival period. The tour times are approximate, and subjects need to change. Food and beverages are not included; we recommend bringing local currency or a Visa/Mastercard credit card. This excursion will not be canceled due to weather (rain). It is only available in Portuguese. The number of guides in languages other than Portuguese is limited.

If unavailable, the tour will be offered in Portuguese only. Transfer times, free time, and duration of stay at each stop are approximate and may change without notice. Space is limited, so we recommend booking in advance

RIO CITY TOUR BY NIGHT

Experience the bohemian nightlife of Rio de Janeiro.

Excursion Details

Start your evening departing from the port and head to Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, where you can enjoy the stunning view of Christ the Redeemer.

Continue through the upscale neighborhoods of Ipanema and Leblon, passing the iconic Arpoador Rock. Next, enjoy dinner at an authentic Brazilian churrascaria rodízio, immersing yourself in traditional flavors. Afterward, continue the tour along the Copacabana and Leme waterfront and feel the vibrant Carioca nightlife. The route follows Guanabara Bay, passing Botafogo, Flamengo, and Glória, until reaching the heart of the city. The night concludes in the Lapa neighborhood, the historic center of Rio’s bohemian scene, filled with bars and restaurants where cultural life pulses with energy.

Important Information:

This tour code is available only for the World Cruise 2027. Photo stops and tour duration may vary depending on traffic conditions. The tour is subject to weather conditions and may be canceled without prior notice or alternatives. The number of guides speaking languages other than Portuguese is limited.

If a guide in your language is unavailable, the tour will be offered in Portuguese only. Guests with any food intolerances must notify the onboard excursion office at least two days before the port call

RIO’S NIGHTLIFE

Rio de Janeiro is famous for its lively nightlife, and this tour gives you the chance to dance all night at the vibrant Rio Scenarium! Experience the authentic energy of Rio’s nightlife in the Lapa district.

Excursion Details

Housed in an old mansion, the venue combines antique charm with an electric atmosphere, perfect for dancing to samba, forró, MPB, and other Brazilian rhythms. Prepare for a night full of music, dancing, and a unique ambiance. Finally, you can return to the ship by bus at the scheduled time, or continue celebrating on your own and return whenever you wish.

Important Information:

This tour code is available only for the World Cruise 2027. Rio Scenarium is open Tuesday to Saturday from 7:00 PM. Participants must be at least 18 years old. Guests are informed that the return transfer will depart at a predetermined time. Guests wishing to stay longer in the city must return to the ship on their own. The tour is subject to weather conditions and may be canceled without prior notice or alternatives