MSC Yacht Club Ocean Cruises: 12 nights from Santos with MSC Preziosa
Apr 2, 2026

Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro (which means River of January in Portuguese) is a city in Brazil, the capital of the homonymous confederated state. The city has a population of approximately 6,186,710 inhabitants (according to the 2009 IBGE census), and occupies an area of ​​1,256 km² while that included in the metropolitan area is approximately 12 million. Rio is the second city in Brazil after San Paolo and was the capital of the nation from 1763 to 1960, after Salvador da Bahia and before Brasilia.

The city is famous for its tourist attractions including: the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, for the gigantic statue of Jesus, called Cristo Redentor located on Mount Corcovado, for the Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain), with its cable car, and for its annual carnival, the most famous in the world.

Rio de Janeiro also contains the largest forest within an urban area, the floresta da Tijuca. 

Rio de Janeiro: The Marvelous City's Cruise Departure

Set sail from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil's iconic "Marvelous City," and embark on a cruise from one of the most breathtaking natural harbors in the world. With its stunning Sugarloaf Mountain, the majestic Christ the Redeemer, and the vibrant Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, Rio offers an unparalleled backdrop for your departure. Before stepping aboard, soak in the city's infectious energy, dance to samba rhythms, and explore its rich cultural tapestry. Rio promises an exhilarating and unforgettable start to your South American adventure.

Explore South American Coasts from Rio

Cruises departing from Rio de Janeiro open up a world of possibilities along the vibrant coasts of South America. Whether you dream of discovering the pristine beaches of Brazil, the historical cities of Argentina, or the dramatic fjords of Chile, Rio serves as an ideal launchpad. Enjoy the seamless transition from the energetic streets of Rio to the luxurious comfort of your cruise ship, ready for days of relaxation, exploration, and unforgettable moments. Each voyage from Rio promises breathtaking scenery, lively culture, and the spirit of adventure, leaving you with cherished memories of a continent truly alive.

Ilheus

Salvador

Salvador, the capital of the state Bahia in Brazil, is a lively city that vibrates to the rhythm of samba and candomblé, offering a rich and variegated cultural mosaic. This historic city, renowned for its breathtaking beaches, colonial architecture and vibrant nightlife, is a stop not to be missed on Salvador cruises. Its unique atmosphere, where tradition and modernity are linked together, offers visitors an unforgettable experience, immersed in Afro-Brazilian history and culture.

Explore the historic center: the Pelourinho
The heart of Salvador is the Pelourinho, its historic city center, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking around the clobbed streets, you can admire colorful colonial houses, Baroque churches and lively squares. The Pelourinho is also the stage of recurring open-air musical performances and folkloric dances, offering visitor an authentic taste of local culture. Cruises that stop in Salvador allow you to immerse in this rich human cultural heritage, letting passengers living unique moments.
Immerse youself in Afro-Brazilian culture Salvador is considered Afro-Brazilian cultural capital of the country. Here, visitors can explore museums dedicated to African art, attending candomblé cerimonies or simply enoying the local cuisine, that fuses African, Indigenous and Portuguese flavors. Enjoying a cruise that includes Salvador offers the opportunity to discover these deep cultural roots, enriching the trip with meaningful and authentic
experiences.

Discover Paradise Beaches
In addition to its cultural richness, Salvador amazes with its enchanting beaches. From Praia do Forte to Itapuã, the coastlines around Salvador invite relaxation and recreation, with crystal-clear waters and fine sand. Cruises stopping in Salvador allow travellers to enjoy these natural wonders, offering a perfect balance of culture, adventure and relaxation. Opting for a cruise that stops in Salvador means choosing a journey rich in history, culture and natural beauty. The city offers a complete travel experience, capable of satisfying every type of traveller, from the passionate historian to the adventurer, from the bodybuilder to the seeker of relaxation on the beach. Salvador promises to leave indelible memories in the hearts of those who visit it, making it a must-see destination on cruises along the Brazilian coast.

Welcome to Salvador: Cradle of Brazilian Culture

Salvador, the capital of the state of Bahia in Brazil, is a city that vibrates to the rhythm of samba and candomblé, offering a rich and varied cultural mosaic. This historic city, known for its breathtaking beaches, colonial architecture, and vibrant nightlife, is a must-see for Cruises to Salvador. Its unique atmosphere, where tradition and modernity meet, promises visitors an unforgettable experience, immersed in the history and culture of Afro-Brazil.

Explore the Historic Center: The Pelourinho

The beating heart of Salvador is the Pelourinho, its historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking through the cobblestone streets, you can admire colorful colonial houses, baroque churches, and lively squares. The Pelourinho is also the stage for frequent musical performances and folk dances that take place outdoors, offering visitors an authentic taste of local culture. Cruises that stop in Salvador allow passengers to immerse themselves in this rich cultural heritage, making them live unique moments.

Immerse Yourself in Afro-Brazilian Culture

Salvador is considered the Afro-Brazilian cultural capital of the country. Here, visitors can explore museums dedicated to African art, participate in candomblé ceremonies, or simply enjoy the local cuisine, which blends African, indigenous, and Portuguese flavors. Participating in a cruise that includes Salvador offers the opportunity to discover these deep cultural roots, enriching the trip with significant and authentic experiences.

Discover the Paradise Beaches

In addition to its cultural richness, Salvador amazes with its enchanting beaches. From Praia do Forte to Itapuã, the coasts around Salvador invite you to relax and have fun, with crystal clear waters and fine sand. Cruises that stop in Salvador allow travelers to enjoy these natural wonders, offering a perfect balance between culture, adventure, and relaxation.

Opting for a cruise that stops in Salvador means choosing a trip full of history, culture, and natural beauty. The city offers a complete travel experience, capable of satisfying every type of traveler, from the passionate historian to the adventurer, from the bodybuilder to the seeker of relaxation on the beach. Salvador promises to leave indelible memories in the hearts of those who visit it, making it a must-see destination on cruises along the Brazilian coast.

Maceio

Discover Maceio, the pearl of the northeast!
Maceio, capital of Alagoas in Brazil, is a hidden gem, renowned for its turquoise waters and its fine white sand beaches. Renowned as 'the Pearl of the Northeast', this city offers a relaxing atmosphere and it is surrounded by uncontaminated nature. Its privileged location along the coast allows visitors to enjoy beautiful landscape and unforgettable sunsets, making Maceio the best destination for those who want to
escape from everyday life.

THE ENCHANTING BEACHES OF MACEIO 

The beaches of Maceio are undoubtedly ones of the best beaches in Brazil. Praia do Gunga, with its rows of palm trees and white land, is a true paradise on Earth, while Praia de Pajuçara offers crystal- clear water ideal for snorkelling and diving. For those seeking a more authentic experience, a visit to the natural pool of Pajuçara, reachable by jangada (a small local boat), is an activity not to be missed. These magical places offer the opportunity to swim among colorful fishes in an extraordinary natural environment.

 

MACEIO CRUISES
Choosing Maceio as the destination of your cruise means immersing yourself into a world full of beauty, adventure and relaxation. The port of Maceio attracts visitors with its peaceful charm that immediately makes them feel at home. Cruises that stop in Maceio offer the unique opportunity to explore this enchanting destination, with its paradisiacal beaches, delicious local cuisine and warm Brazilian hospitality. It is the best choice for those who want to add a touch of exclusivity and magic to their own trip, discovering one of Brazil's best well-preserved secrects.

Discover Maceió, the Pearl of the Nordeste

Maceió, the capital of the state of Alagoas in Brazil, is a true hidden gem, famous for its turquoise waters and its beaches of fine white sand. Known as the "Pearl of the Nordeste", this city offers a relaxing atmosphere and is surrounded by unspoiled nature. Its privileged position along the coast allows visitors to enjoy breathtaking views and unforgettable sunsets, making it a perfect destination for those looking for an escape from the daily routine.

The Enchanting Beaches of Maceió

The beaches of Maceió are undoubtedly among the most beautiful in Brazil. Praia do Gunga, with its rows of palm trees and white sand, is a true earthly paradise, while Praia de Pajuçara offers crystal clear waters ideal for snorkeling and diving. For those seeking a more authentic experience, a visit to the natural pools of Pajuçara, reachable by jangada (small local boat), is an activity not to be missed. These magical places offer the possibility of swimming among colorful fish in an extraordinary natural environment.

Cruises to Maceió

Choosing Maceió as the destination for your cruise means immersing yourself in a world of beauty, adventure and relaxation. The port of Maceió welcomes travelers with its peaceful charm, making them feel immediately at home. Cruises that stop in Maceió offer the unique opportunity to explore this enchanting destination, with its heavenly beaches, delicious local cuisine and warm Brazilian hospitality. It is ideal for those who wish to add a touch of exclusivity and magic to their travel experience, discovering one of the best-kept secrets of Brazil.

Funchal

The famous Portuguese poet, Júlio Dinis described Funchal as: ‘The sea on one side, the mountains on the other and between these two majestic splendours, the city smiles like a sleeping child, safe and warm, between its parents’. Funchal, the capital of the Portuguese island of Madeira is the soul of Portugal. Settlers over 500 years ago were attracted to this sheltered place, which is structured like a natural ‘amphitheatre’. Gentle slopes, abundant greenery and flowers, rise above the pretty harbour for almost 1,200 metres. The port is located 15-minute walk from the city center, in Funchal's magnificent bay with its sparkling blue waters. Due to its strategic mid-Atlantic location, Madeira has been a stopover point for ocean-going ships for many years.

Funchal, the capital of the Portuguese island of Madeira is the soul of Portugal. Colonists over 500 years ago were drawn to this sheltered place, which is structured like a natural 'amphitheater'. Gentle slopes, abundant greenery and flowers, rise above the pretty port for almost 1200 meters. The magnificent bay of Funchal, with its sparkling blue waters, is home to the port, a 15-minute walk from the city center. Thanks to its strategic mid-Atlantic location, Madeira has been a stopping point for ocean-going ships for many years.