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Cruises to and from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro cruises: where coast and culture collide

Best rio de janeiro cruises.

Visit Rio de Janeiro as part of a South American adventure with MSC Cruises.

Our Rio de Janeiro cruise itineraries allow you experience the city sights as well as the lush Brazilian coastline , or even voyage on to  Argentina and Uruguay .

Other 9 itineraries are waiting for you

Cruises from Rio de Janeiro in 2024

Rio de Janeiro cruise deals

If Brazil’s beaches and cultural delights are beckoning, browse our Rio de Janeiro cruise deals.  Departing and disembarking from the Rio de Janeiro port, these offers provide excellent value.

Cruises to Rio de Janeiro in 2024

Rio de Janeiro excursions: thrilling city sights await

Explore the beating heart of this electric city with MSC Cruises Rio de Janeiro shore excursions. Our Rio de Janeiro tours  can whisk you to the heights of Sugarloaf Mountain and Mount Corcovado, the breezy waterfront of Olympic Boulevard, or the mind-expanding exhibitions in the Museum of Tomorrow. After dark, sample Rio’s buzzing nightlife and observe glittering city lights from Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon. Nature-lover, beach lounger, culture vulture – there’s an itinerary for all tastes. Led by knowledgeable local guides, our Rio de Janeiro excursions are the best way to get to know this vast, vibrant city.

Book before departure and save up to 20%.

How to reach Rio de Janeiro cruise terminal

Where do msc cruises’ ships dock in rio de janeiro.

MSC Cruises dock at Pier Mauá , Avenue Rodrigues Alves, 10 – Center/RJ . At the eastern edge of the city at Guanabara Bay , Pier Mauá is part of the Porto Maravilha (‘ Marvellous Port ’), a modern urban development that is home to several museums, an aquarium and lots of seasonal events.

How do I reach the car park at the Rio de Janeiro cruise port?

Coming from the west ( São Paulo ): Enter Rio on the BR116, merge onto the B101, continue on Avenida Brasil . Then take Avenida Rodrigues Alves before turning into Via Binário do Porto/R. Arlindo Rodrigues, continue on Avenida Venezuela , take a left on Praça Mauá , then a left on Avenida Rodrigues Alves and the cruise terminal is on your right. Coming from the north ( Galeão International Airport ): Take Estrada do Galeão , then the Expressa Presidente João Goulart . Use the left lane to exit towards Centro/Copacabana . Merge on to Viaduto do Gasômetro . Keep right at the fork and follow signs for Tijuca/Tn. Rebouças/Centro/Maracanã . Take a slight left on to Via Binário do Porto. After the Rio Art Museum, take a left on Praça Mauá, a left on to Avenida Rodrigues Alves and the cruise terminal is on your right.

How do I get to the Rio de Janeiro cruise port from the train station?

Brazil Central Station ( Central do Brasil ) is located around three kilometres from the cruise terminal. There is a taxi stand outside the station and it is approximately a 10-minute ride to Pier Mauá. By bus, the journey takes around 15-20 minutes. To catch the bus, walk to 10 Avenida Presidente Varga s, take bus 7721D to 53 Rua Sacadura Cabral , from where it is around a four-minute walk to Pier Mauá .

How do I get from Rio de Janeiro Airport to the cruise port?

From Galeão-Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport ( GIG ), the cruise terminal is about 15 kilometres away, but it is wise to leave a lot of time for the journey, since traffic can cause delays. Taxis are available from the airport and the journey takes around 50 minutes, depending on traffic. To reach the cruise port by bus, take the airport bus number 2018 to Avenida Venezuela, from where it is only a short walk to the port. The bus journey takes approximately one hour and 15 minutes. From Santos Dumont Airport (SDU) : although the port is approximately five kilometres from this airport, make sure to leave adequate time for the journey, in case of heavy traffic. The taxi journey takes approximately 15 minutes. If using public transport, the journey takes around 20 minutes on the L1 metro (blue line) to Parada dos Museus , which is almost directly in front of Pier Mauá .

What is the weather like in Rio de Janeiro?

Rio de Janeiro lies within a tropical climate, with warm temperatures all year and mostly sunny days. Because Brazil is in the Southern Hemisphere, summer falls between December and March while winter runs from June until August.

Between December and March , Rio is hot and can get humid (temperatures can reach 38°C), with a chance of quick bursts of rain. In the winter, temperatures can range from an average of 15°C to 25°C. Spring temperatures (September to November) range from approximately 20°C to 28°C, while autumn temperatures (March to May) are around 20°C to 30°C.

Is there a beach in Rio de Janeiro?

Rio is renowned worldwide for its beaches, particularly the two that hug the city’s southern corner. Famous Copacabana Beach is the most popular amongst both locals and tourists. Soak up the sun, watch waterfront games, buy drinks and snacks from beachside vendors and kiosks, and stroll the sprawling boardwalk, the Calçadão .

Fashionable Ipanema Beach is a little calmer and more upscale. The sandy stretches of Ipanema are divided into different ‘postos’ that each attract a different crowd. Arrive early on weekends if you want to secure a sunbathing spot. Then there’s gorgeous Tijuca Beach , located south-west of central Rio, but worth the trip out to make the most of its bustling, upmarket vibe and great waves for surfing.

What can I do in Rio de Janeiro in one day?

Get the lay of the land and incredible views at two of Rio’s most iconic sights. In Tijuca National Park , Mount Corcovado is topped by the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, which can be reached by a scenic train journey. North of Copacabana Beach , Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain) is accessible by a panoramic cable car – sunsets from Sugarloaf are spectacular.

Head to the city centre to visit Rio’s architectural wonders and key sights, including the pyramid-like Catedral de São Sebastião , São Bento Monastery , the lavish, European-style Municipal Theater and the Museu do Amanhã ( Museum of Tomorrow ). Wander the artsy Santa Teresa neighbourhood and explore its restaurants and bars, where you can try traditional foods such as feijoada (black bean stew) and pão de queijo (small, cheese-bread buns). Accompany your meal with a caipirinha, made with cachaça, a Brazilian sugarcane spirit.

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MSC Cruises

South America  is an experience to be lived through the senses; let yourself be swept away by its high spirits and lively culture. A journey on an MSC Cruise is an experience , a chance to discover the natural beauty offered by the environmental sanctuaries straight out of an adventure novel, endless white beaches and crystal clear waters . The main costal cities are real gems waiting to be discovered, explore these cultural melting pots with an MSC excursions : all to the beat of the music. 

This is a truly out of the ordinary journey. Enjoy the glittering expanse of Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro or Praia do Futuro in Fortaleza , delve into the history of Montevideo and Punta del Este in Uruguay , lose yourself amongst the colonial style palaces of the Argentinian quarter of San Telmo In Buenos Aires . 

Because South America , a lively land bursting with contradiction, should be experienced to the very maximum.

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MSC Cruises South America Cruises

MSC Cruises Military Discount: up to 10% OFF*

MSC Cruises South America cruises from $219*

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See some of the most incredible landscapes in the world, along with wildlife and cultures that will leave you in awe with an MSC Cruises South America cruise. While at port in Buenos Aires, you can sample the legendary nightlife of the city, or spend a relaxing night shopping at the local market. In Rio de Janeiro, you can delve deep into the Brazilian rainforest by jeep, taking a wild expedition between the towering trees. Snorkel in the beautiful Pacific waters, or find local cuisine that will truly satisfy. Make some memories worth passing on—cruise to South America with MSC Cruises.

View MSC Cruises to South America

Things to Do on a South America Cruise with MSC Cruises

Awe inspiring views, hip shaking dances and delightful culture are what to expect in South America. When cruising to South America with MSC Cruises, you can see Rio from the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain, learn about the roots of Pope Francis in Buenos Aires and visit vineyards in Uruguay.

• Buenos Aires, The City of Pope Francis (Buenos Aires, Argentina) In the summer of 2013, the people of Buenos Aires were amazed to find out that the new pope, Pope Francis, was elected from their very own city. You will get to visit the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Church of San Francisco, both big inspirations to the Pope because of their strong representation of the Catholic community. The tour will continue to the Pope’s home neighborhood of Flores and to his home church of San Jose de Flores. You’ll also have a chance to visit El Salvador School where he taught religion to students.  

• Sugar Loaf (Rio De Janeiro, Brazil) On your way to Sugar Loaf, you’ll experience one of the largest stadiums in the world, Estadio do Maracanã, as well as the San Sebastian Cathedral. Travel by cable car to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain for breathtaking views of the famous Guanabara Bay and the Christ the Redeemer Statue.  

• Sao Paulo Tour (Santos, Brazil) Travel to the stunning city of São Paulo, where the winding roads of the plateau offer exciting scenery. You’ll reach the site of Brazil’s independence, Ipiranga Monument (aka the Monument to the Independence of Brazil). Additional highlights include the Municipal Theatre and the Metropolitan Cathedral. Lunch will be served at Esteio Grill and you’ll continue to tour Ibirapuera Park.  

• Grand Tour Salvador (Salvador-de-Bahia, Brazil) Journey to the Church of Bonfim and the Farol da Barar, the oldest military structure in Brazil, along with many other interesting landmarks of Salvador. As you continue your journey through the plateaued city, enjoy the view of the coastline to Campo Grande, Salvador’s historic center. The full tour will continue to the splendid Cathedral Square and City Square to see the Baroque Church of San Francisco.  

• Paraty (Ubatuba, Brazil) The historic churches, cobbled streets and neighboring waterfalls and islands of Paraty will leave you with breathtaking views and cultural knowledge of the town. The emerald-green sea turtles and historic buildings will keep your attention and will show you why Paraty is considered one of the most famous and charming towns.  

• Montevideo and Juanico Vineyards (Montevideo, Uruguay) Begin your tour of the charming city of Montevideo with trips to 20th century architecture and historical sites across Montevideo. You’ll experience the first battleship of World War II and Stadium Centenário, home to soccer’s first World Cup. The Juanico Vineyards serve up a wide range of top quality white and red Uruguayan wines, including Chardonnay, Riesling and Merlot for your enjoyment.  

Top 10 MSC Cruises South America Cruises

• MSC Seaview 4 NIGHT South America CRUISE Departing From Santos (Sao Paulo), Brazil (Nov 2024 - Mar 2025)
• MSC Orchestra 3 NIGHT South America CRUISE Departing From Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (Dec 2024 - Feb 2025)
• MSC Poesia 8 NIGHT South America CRUISE Departing From Buenos Aires, Argentina (Dec 2024 - Mar 2025)
• MSC Poesia 8 NIGHT South America CRUISE Departing From Montevideo, Uruguay (Dec 2024 - Mar 2025)
• MSC Grandiosa 7 NIGHT South America CRUISE Departing From Santos (Sao Paulo), Brazil (Dec 2024 - Mar 2025)
• MSC Orchestra 5 NIGHT South America CRUISE Departing From Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (Dec 2024)
• MSC Grandiosa 7 NIGHT South America CRUISE Departing From Bahia de Salvador, Brazil (Dec 2024 - Mar 2025)
• MSC Grandiosa 7 NIGHT South America CRUISE Departing From Maceio, Brazil (Dec 2024 - Mar 2025)
• MSC Splendida 7 NIGHT South America CRUISE Departing From Santos (Sao Paulo), Brazil (Dec 2024 - Mar 2025)
• MSC Orchestra 6 NIGHT South America CRUISE Departing From Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (Dec 2024 - Feb 2025)

MSC Cruises South America Departure Ports

Learn more about the different departure ports for a South America cruise with MSC Cruises. Your MSC Cruises South America cruise could embark from any of the following cities:

Bahia De Salvador, Brazil

Salvador is the largest city in the Northeast Region, situated on a peninsula that extensively shields the Bay of All Saints from the Atlantic Ocean.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires is a charming European style city with the perfect combination of new world characteristics mixed with old world history and culture.

Itajai, Brazil

The city sits right on the Atlantic Ocean coast at the mouth of the beautiful Rio Itajai, or the Itajai-Acu River.

Maceio, Brazil

Maceio is a Brazilian city that is named for natural, spontaneous flows of water that spurts from the soil. A beautiful city in Brazil, a must-see.

Montevideo, Uruguay

The cruise port of Montevideo, Uruguay is a multifaceted destination with a vibrant culture, and a well-known hub for technological advancement.

Paranagua, Brazil

Paranagua is a historic and charming coastal city located in the state of Paraná, Brazil, and it boasts a cruise port that offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and vibrant local life.

Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro, one of the most visited cities in the southern hemisphere, has numerous activities for every desire. Cruise to Rio for the Carnival celebrations, natural environment, beautiful beaches and famous landmarks.

Santos (Sao Paulo), Brazil

Cruise to Santos for the best of both worlds – a vivacious coastal city that is still quaint and laid back, but with easy access to one of the largest cities in Brazil.

Photo Gallery for MSC Cruises South America Cruises

Browse our photo gallery of South America cruising photos from MSC Cruises. Keep in mind, this is just a sample of the sights waiting for you on a MSC Cruises South America cruise vacation.

Punta del Este, Uruguay

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Sao Paulo, Brazil

Cruising Brazil

Cathedral of Buenos Aires, Argentina

Pelourinho Salvador da Bahia Brazil

Paraty, Rio de Janeiro

Skyline of Sao Paulo, Brazil

Sugar Loaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Palacio Salvo in Montevideo, Uruguay

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