Princess Cruises Ocean Cruises: 18 nights from Buenos Aires with Sapphire Princess
Feb 11, 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. 

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.

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.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the capital of Tenerife, is located in the north-east of the island. Its pleasent climate and commercial areas make the city the perfect place for walking and enjoying long hours of relaxation. There are lots of things to visit in the city such as its avenues, parks and Henry Moore's most famous sculptures, hidden treasures and historic buildings such as the Church of the Conception or the Carta Palace.

Do not miss the opportunity to taste local cuisine. Santa Cruz de Tenerife is a beautiful port located in Tenerife, the largest of the western islands of the Canary Islands archipelago. In the area around the port, there are wide avenues, squares, exotic green areas and some examples of modern architecture. At the heart of the city, near the sea, there is Plaza de España, built in the mid-20th century and once the site of the San Cristobal Castle (16th century).

The oldest part of the city is rich in religious monuments. The construction of the Church of San Francisco, one of the best examples of the Baroque style, began in the 17th century. The Church of Pilar, dated back to the 18th century, stands on the remains of an ancient temple. The city has also some green areas filled with exotic tree species. The Garcia Sanabria Park houses an important outdoor Sculpture Museum.

Another not to be missed place is the Maritime Park, a recreational area designed by architect César Manrique and located in the old Canary Islands commercial basin. Also known as the Black Castle, this circular defensive bastion was built in the first half of the 17th century with volcanic stones. From a naturalistic point of view, Tenerife is an island of contrasting landscapes. The wide beaches of fine sand in the south of the island give way to lush vegetation in the north.

Every year, the outfits of the island's capital prepare to host Carnival, declared International Tourist Interest and one of the most spectacular in Spain. Its privileged location makes it possible to enjoy beautiful beaches such as Las Teresitas, get to know the city of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or visit Teide National Park, the symbol of the island.

Arrecife

The capital of Lanzarote Island, in Canary Island, Arrecife was originally a small fishing village that now primarily relies on tourism. Lanzarote is one of the most wild and natural islands of the Canary and is of volcanic origin. Arrecife, the capital of Lanzarote, since the second half of the 19th century, is now the administrative and commercial center of the island.

Arrecife is a lively and cosmopolitan city full of culture and history, located on the eastern-central coast of the island. Initially known as a small fishing village in the 15th century, the area continued to grow until it became the capital of the island in 1852. Today, it is known as a wonderful holiday and shopping paradise. The city presents itself to travelers as a peaceful, cheerful and clean town. In its harbor, which is an area of intense commercial activity, two large fortresses, San Gabriel and San Jose, stand as reminders of the constant pirate attacks.

Other interesting monuments include the Castle of San Gabriel, built offshore and connected to the city by drawbridge, the San Juan Castle, and the Castillo del Hambre. Inside the Castello del Hambre, there is the international Museum of Contemporary Art, which exhibits works by the great artist Cesar Manrique.

The center of Arrecife is surrounded by some of the city’s best tourist attractions, such as the Parish of San Ginés Obispo and the shopping district of Calle Real. Heading north along the Coast, you will find the city’s ports: Puerto Naos, a fishing port, and the main port called Puerto de los Marmoles, the third most important port in the Canary Islands.

Casablanca

Casablanca is the cosmopolitan, industrial and economic heart of Morocco and represents a developing Nation.

Casablanca is where money was made, where industry is, where art galleries show the best contemporary art and where stylists have a window on the world. The old pirate lair is projected into the future, showing its riches and successes. Casablanca is full of contradictions. It is home to suffocating traffic jams, social problems and slums, as well as wide avenues, well-kept public parks, fountains and a surprising colonial architecture. Rich Hispano-Moresque, Art Deco and modernist gems to be discovered in the city center are the modernist symbol of Casablanca, like the huge and incredibly ornate Hassan II Mosque.

Gibraltar

Gibraltar is a unique place for the curious traveler. Getting lost exploring the ancient caves and galleries, there's always something new to discover!

Gibraltar, colloquially known as The Rock (or simply 'Gib'), is a British Overseas Territory, stationed at the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea. It is bordered to the north by Spain and the inhabitants of Gibraltar are loyal British citizens while being bilingual. Inside the rock is an absolute labyrinth with secret internal roads and tunnels four times more than those on the surface. The military presence and security in this otherwise deserted strategic area is strong but almost invisible.

Barcelona

Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, is a jewel enclosed between sea and mountains, an en plein air museum to be discovered. Catalonia is an autonomous region whose indipendence has long been a subject of debate and is still a topic that divides opinion in the country. The region has its own language, culture and history, most visible in its Roman ruins, Gothic cathedral and modernist buildings. The city of Barcelona is the emblem of this unique culture. Barcelona is the most cosmopolitan city in Spain and one of the most busiest port in the Mediterranean. In summer, the beautiful beaches of this city are a magnet for beach lovers. Beautiful beaches are not the only the reason why Barcelon is one of the most loved destionations for tourists. 

The city is a symbol of the the artistic, culinary and cultural avant-garde: visit the Sagrada Familia and the other visionary architectural works of Antoni Gaudi, La Pedrera, Casa Batlllò or Park Guell. For sports lovers, a visit to Camp Nou is not to be missed, while for art lovers here is the Picasso Museum, the Caixa Forum, the MNAC or the Miró Museum. If you want to taste the local cuisine, restaurants and bars are the right choice. They are always crowded as the sea in summer. An holiday aboard a cruise offers the opportunity to visit this beautiful city and immerse yourself in this unique atmosphere.