Rio de Janeiro is a lively destination known for its Carnival and internationally recognized attractions. From the dramatic landmarks of the Christ the Redeemer statue and Sugarloaf Mountain to the bustling Copacabana Beach, there's plenty to see and do. To experience Rio, choose from a number of South America cruises that start or finish from the port of Rio de Janeiro.
Best Shore Excursions in Rio de Janeiro
Corcovado Train to Christ the Redeemer – A bus from the pier takes passengers to Corcovado Mountain where they board a funicular train. The 20-minute ride travels the winding track through the Tijuca Rainforest to the summit. From there, escalators (or an elevator) plus about 25 steps take visitors to the viewing platform at 2,400 feet where the 125-foot tall concrete and soapstone Christ the Redeemer Statue rises above. Enjoy panoramic views of Sugarloaf Mountain and the city below.
Sugarloaf Mountain with City Drive – A narrated bus ride takes passengers from the pier through downtown Rio, passing Candelaria Church, the Opera House, Cariocan Square and the Sambodromo district, home to Carnival parades. The tour includes a cable car ride to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain at 1,200 feet. Enjoy views of the city, Copacabana Beach and Christ the Redeemer statue in the distance.
Copacabana Beach – On a Royal Caribbean cruise, purchase a roundtrip transfer to the beach which includes about five hours of free time to swim and enjoy the day. The transfer back to the ship departs the beach in the afternoon at a designated meeting point.
Pre- and Post-Cruise Hotels in Rio de Janeiro
Sheraton Rio Hotel and Resort – This hotel is indicative of the Sheraton brand, offering a bit of luxury at a moderate price. With views of the beach, this property has three heated pools including a children's area. There's also a supervised kids club, Sheratoons at this resort. Enjoy a wood oven pizza by the pool or a Brazilian steak at the on site steakhouse. Winter rates start at US$ 234 per night.
Copacabana Palace Hotel – For those that want to splurge and stay where the rich and famous have been going since 1923, the Copacabana Palace Hotel is the place. This ultra-luxurious hotel, part of the Orient-Express Hotel Group, has all the glamor and amenities that one would expect. But, if you don't want to hang out with the celebrities and models by the pool, the hotel is located across the street from Copacabana Beach. Room rates start at US$ 485 per night.
Best Cruises from Rio de Janeiro
Royal Caribbean International – Royal Caribbean's Vision of the Seas is offering seven-night cruises that sail round trip from Rio de Janeiro for 2012. Bring in the 2012 New Year anchored off of Copacabana Beach on the December 31, 2011 cruise. Or, choose between four other sailings for 2012 that include the other Brazilian ports of Salvador de Bahia, Buzios, Ilhabela, and Sao Paulo (Santos).
Crystal Cruises – Experience Rio's Carnival in February 2012. Departing Miami, Florida on February 6, 2012, stop in the ports of Barbados, Devils Island (French Guiana), Maceio (Brazil), Salvador, (Brazil), and eight days at sea. This cruise includes crossing the equator and an overnight in Rio to enjoy the Carnival festivities. The 14-day cruise ends in Rio on February 20, 2012.
Princess Cruises – The Star Princess will be in South America for the winters of 2012 and 2013 again. Choose from 14-day cruises that depart southbound from Rio de Janeiro or choose a 14-day cruise that departs Santiago, Chile bound for Rio. Itineraries include stops in Punta Arenas (Chile), Ushuaia (Argentina), the Falkland Islands, Buenos Aires (Argentina), and Montevideo (Uruguay). The cruise includes scenic cruising around Cape Horn and seven sea days.
For cruises to Brazil, most travelers require a tourist visa to enter the country. The Rio de Janeiro International Airport (GIG) is the main gateway for cruises that depart from Rio located about 12 miles north of the downtown area. Passengers may also choose to fly via the Sao Paulo (GRU) International Airport, 220 miles from Rio.
Renee Ruggero - Renee is a published travel writer and cruise industry insider with more than 1,000 days on cruise ships, visiting over 50 countries.
