Seven Seas Splendor
December 17, 2025

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.

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.

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.

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.

Porto Belo, Brazil, offers docking at Porto Belo Port. Travelers explore Bombinhas Beach and local fishing villages. Excursions include snorkeling at Ilha do Arvoredo. Local markets sell acarajé. The peak season, December to March, brings warm weather for beach tours. Photography captures turquoise waters and coastal hills. Dining onboard includes moqueca, a Brazilian favorite. Souvenirs, like straw hats, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Santa Catarina history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while water shoes enhance beach exploration. Porto Belo’s coastal allure offers a vibrant Brazilian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of pristine beaches, marine adventures, and local culture, making Porto Belo an engaging destination for exploring Brazil’s southern coast and beauty.

Rio Grande, Brazil, offers docking at Rio Grande Port. Travelers explore historic waterfront and Molhes da Barra’s breakwater. Excursions visit Lagoa dos Patos for birdwatching. Local markets sell chimarrão. The peak season, December to March, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures colonial buildings and Atlantic vistas. Dining onboard includes churrasco, a Brazilian favorite. Souvenirs, like leather crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Gaucho history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the subtropical climate, while binoculars enhance birdwatching. Rio Grande’s coastal charm offers a vibrant Brazilian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic sites, scenic lagoons, and Gaucho culture, making Rio Grande an engaging destination for exploring Brazil’s southern coast.

Punta del Este, Uruguay, offers docking at Punta del Este Port. Travelers explore Casapueblo’s artistic retreat and La Mano sculpture. Excursions include wine tours in Garzón. Local markets sell dulce de leche. The peak season, December to March, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures modernist architecture and Atlantic vistas. Dining onboard includes chivito, a Uruguayan favorite. Souvenirs, like leather crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Uruguay’s history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance beach walks. Punta del Este’s chic charm offers a vibrant Uruguayan stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of artistic landmarks, scenic beaches, and coastal culture, making Punta del Este an engaging destination for exploration.

Montevideo, Uruguay, offers docking at Montevideo Port. Travelers explore Plaza Independencia and Pocitos Beach. Excursions visit Colonia del Sacramento. Local markets sell asado. The peak season, December to March, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures colonial architecture and Río de la Plata vistas. Dining onboard includes chivito, a Uruguayan favorite. Souvenirs, like mate gourds, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Gaucho history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Montevideo’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Uruguayan stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic plazas and scenic beaches, making Montevideo an engaging destination for exploration.

Buenos Aires, Argentina, offers docking at Buenos Aires Port. Travelers explore La Boca and Recoleta Cemetery. Excursions visit Tigre Delta. Local markets sell empanadas. The peak season, December to March, brings warm weather for city tours. Photography captures colorful barrios and Río de la Plata vistas. Dining onboard includes asado, an Argentine favorite. Souvenirs, like tango crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Peronist history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Buenos Aires’ vibrant charm offers a lively Argentine stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of cultural landmarks and scenic rivers, making Buenos Aires an engaging destination.

Returning to Buenos Aires — see Day 11 above for port info.