MSC Lirica
December 29, 2025

Santos (Sao Paulo), Brazil, offers docking at Santos Port with excursions to Sao Paulo. Travelers explore Ibirapuera Park and Sé Cathedral. Excursions visit Guarujá’s beaches. Local markets sell feijoada. The peak season, December to March, brings warm weather for city tours. Photography captures urban landmarks and Atlantic vistas. Dining onboard includes pão de queijo, a Brazilian favorite. Souvenirs, like coffee beans, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Paulista history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Santos’ urban gateway offers a vibrant Brazilian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of metropolitan culture and coastal beauty, making Santos an engaging destination for exploration.

Ilhabela, Brazil, has docking at Ilhabela Port. Travelers explore Curral Beach and rainforest trails. Excursions visit Cachoeira da Toca’s waterfalls. Local markets sell cachaça. The peak season, December to April, brings warm weather. Photography captures Atlantic forests and coastal vistas. Dining onboard includes moqueca, a Brazilian fish stew. Souvenirs, like shell crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover island history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate. Sturdy shoes enhance hikes. Ilhabela’s lush landscapes offer a vibrant Brazilian stop, blending beaches with rainforest adventures.

Ilha Grande, Brazil, has no docking; ships anchor offshore with tenders to Lopes Mendes Beach. Travelers hike rainforest trails and snorkel clear waters. Excursions visit Lagoa Azul’s lagoons. No facilities exist; provisions are ship-based. The peak season, December to April, brings warm weather. Photography captures jungle paths and turquoise seas. Dining onboard includes feijoada, a Brazilian stew. Souvenirs, like seed jewelry, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover coastal ecology. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate. Snorkeling gear enhances reef exploration. Ilha Grande’s pristine beauty offers a vibrant Brazilian stop, blending nature with beach relaxation.

Copacabana, Brazil, serves as an inland stop for cruises docking at Rio de Janeiro, 10 kilometers north by taxi. The beachfront, population 160,000 nearby, features the iconic Copacabana Palace. Local markets sell cachaça. Excursions to Sugarloaf Mountain, 15 minutes north, offer cable car rides. Peak season December to March; taxis 10-20 BRL. Dining includes feijoada at beachfront restaurants. Souvenirs feature Christ the Redeemer figurines.

Returning to Copacabana — see Day 3 above for port info.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, offers docking at Porto Maravilha. Travelers explore Christ the Redeemer and Copacabana Beach. Excursions visit Sugarloaf Mountain’s cable car. Local markets sell feijoada. The peak season, December to March, brings warm weather for city tours. Photography captures iconic statues and Atlantic vistas. Dining onboard includes pão de queijo, a Brazilian favorite. Souvenirs, like samba crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Carioca history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Rio’s vibrant energy offers a dynamic Brazilian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of iconic landmarks, scenic beaches, and samba culture, making Rio de Janeiro an engaging destination for exploration.

Buzios, Brazil, anchors offshore with tenders to Canto Beach, a 5-minute ride to downtown, population 30,000. Travelers stroll Rua das Pedras for boutiques. Praia da Ferradura offers snorkeling. Local markets sell cachaça. Excursions to Arraial do Cabo, 1 hour east, explore beaches. Peak season December to March; taxis 10-20 BRL. Dining includes moqueca at seaside restaurants. Souvenirs feature Havaianas flip-flops.

Itajai, Brazil, has docking at Itajai Port. Travelers explore Balneário Camboriú’s beaches and cable car. Excursions visit Blumenau’s German heritage sites. Local markets sell coxinhas. The peak season, December to April, brings warm weather. Photography captures Atlantic shores and urban skylines. Dining onboard includes pão de queijo, a Brazilian snack. Souvenirs, like lace crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Santa Catarina’s history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate. Comfortable shoes enhance beach walks. Itajai’s coastal vibrancy offers a lively Brazilian stop, blending beaches with cultural charm.

Returning to Santos (sao Paulo) — see Day 1 above for port info.