Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Overview

Its stunning setting and joyous lust for life make Rio a cidade maravilhosa, "marvelous city." Ipanema, Copacabana, samba - the words alone conjure Brazilian paradise. Sample shore excursion: A Night Out in Rio - Dinner & Samba Show; Beaches of Rio & Sugarloaf Mountain; Corcovado & Rio City Tour.
Shore Excursions
Shore Excursions
A Night Out in Rio: Dinner & Samba Show
For a first-hand glimpse of Rio’s fabulous nightlife, don’t miss an “all-you-can-eat” barbecue dinner consisting of meats served rodizio-style, accompanied by salads and Brazilian side dishes. After dinner, your tour will continue by motor coach to one of the local showhouses to enjoy a 90-minute live show of dazzling color and costumes, depicting the song and d...
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Beaches of Rio & Sugar Loaf Mountain
Rio’s sparkling waterfront attracts hordes of visitors to Brazil each year. See Botafogo Beach, Flamengo Park and the remarkable Aterro--a park on the edge of Guanabarra Bay featuring monuments, playgrounds, museums and a marina, all on reclaimed land. Tons of earth were dumped into the bay and the park was built on top! The next stop is at Praia Vermelha in the Urca District. A cable car...
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Beaches of Rio & Sugar Loaf Mountain with Airport Transfer (with prepaid transfe
Rio’s sparkling waterfront attracts hordes of visitors to Brazil each year. See Botafogo Beach, Flamengo Park and the remarkable Aterro--a park on the edge of Guanabarra Bay featuring monuments, playgrounds, museums and a marina, all on reclaimed land. Tons of earth were dumped into the bay and the park was built on top! The next stop is at Praia Vermelha in the Urca District. A cable car wi...
more info
Beaches of Rio & Sugar Loaf Mountain with Airport Transfer (without prepaid tran
Rio’s sparkling waterfront attracts hordes of visitors to Brazil each year. See Botafogo Beach, Flamengo Park and the remarkable Aterro--a park on the edge of Guanabarra Bay featuring monuments, playgrounds, museums and a marina, all on reclaimed land. Tons of earth were dumped into the bay and the park was built on top! The next stop is at Praia Vermelha in the Urca District. A cable car wi...
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Biking in Rio
Your biking adventure begins at Copacabana Beach. You will ride along Brazil’s world famous beaches with the glorious feel of the sea wind in your face while soaking in the amazing view along the way. Ride along the coasts of Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon beaches, Stop for some coconut juice and taste other delectable offerings from one of Rio's myriad beachside ve...
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Brazilian Dance Lesson
Immerse yourself in Brazil’s all-consuming passion for dance as you learn the steps of the fiery bossa nova and samba. World-class professional instructors will lead you through the rhythm of these famous dances, well known around the globe but definitively associated with South America’s creole and latino cultures. It’s like Dancing with the Stars, only everything is sa...
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Carnival Inside Out
Today you will visit the Samba Schools working area (Cidade do Samba) and observe how the students get ready for Rio’s famous, breathtakingly ornate Carnival--the largest open-air show on earth! You will see artisans preparing the costumes and floats, as well as pieces used during the last Carnival. A short samba presentation is included. Afterwards, you’ll take a short city tour, p...
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Carnival Inside Out with Airport Transfer (with prepaid transfer voucher)
Today you will visit the Samba Schools working area (Cidade do Samba) and observe how the students get ready for Rio’s famous, breathtakingly ornate Carnival--the largest open-air show on earth! You will see artisans preparing the costumes and floats, as well as pieces used during the last Carnival. A short samba presentation is included. Afterwards, you’ll take a short city tour, pass...
more info
Carnival Inside Out with Airport Transfer (without prepaid transfer voucher)
Today you will visit the Samba Schools working area (Cidade do Samba) and observe how the students get ready for Rio’s famous, breathtakingly ornate Carnival--the largest open-air show on earth! You will see artisans preparing the costumes and floats, as well as pieces used during the last Carnival. A short samba presentation is included. Afterwards, you’ll take a short city tour, pass...
more info
Christ the Redeemer & Rio Extravaganza
Ride along Rio’s celebrated Guanabara Bay. Highlights include an ascent via cable car to Sugar Loaf Mountain for a breathtaking view of Corcovado, the beaches, the Rio de Janeiro-Niteroi Bridge and the city of Niteroi across the bay. A scenic drive along Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon beaches is also included. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant located on Guanabara Bay, then continue to the w...
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Christ the Redeemer & Rio Extravaganza with Airport Transfer (with prepaid tra
Ride along Rio’s celebrated Guanabara Bay. Highlights include an ascent via cable car to Sugar Loaf Mountain for a breathtaking view of Corcovado, the beaches, the Rio de Janeiro-Niteroi Bridge and the city of Niteroi across the bay. A scenic drive along Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon beaches is also included. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant located on Guanabara Bay, then continue to the w...
more info
Christ the Redeemer & Rio Extravaganza with Airport Transfer (without prepaid
Ride along Rio’s celebrated Guanabara Bay. Highlights include an ascent via cable car to Sugar Loaf Mountain for a breathtaking view of Corcovado, the beaches, the Rio de Janeiro-Niteroi Bridge and the city of Niteroi across the bay. A scenic drive along Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon beaches is also included. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant located on Guanabara Bay, then continue to the w...
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Corcovado & Rio Highlights
Drive the city’s main thoroughfare past the Sambodromo, where the legendary Carnival takes place. You’ll pass through the Santa Barbara Tunnel and the quaint Cosme Velho, before reaching Corcovado Mountain--one of Rio de Janeiro’s most impressive landmarks. Atop this natural wonder is the famous statue of Christ the Redeemer, standing 125 feet high, made of concrete and soapstone...
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Corcovado & Rio Highlights with Airport Transfer (with prepaid transfer voucher)
Drive the city’s main thoroughfare past the Sambodromo, where the legendary Carnival takes place. You’ll pass through the Santa Barbara Tunnel and the quaint Cosme Velho, before reaching Corcovado Mountain--one of Rio de Janeiro’s most impressive landmarks. Atop this natural wonder is the famous statue of Christ the Redeemer, standing 125 feet high, made of concrete and soapstone...
more info
Corcovado & Rio Highlights with Airport Transfer (without prepaid transfer vouche
Drive the city’s main thoroughfare past the Sambodromo, where the legendary Carnival takes place. You’ll pass through the Santa Barbara Tunnel and the quaint Cosme Velho, before reaching Corcovado Mountain--one of Rio de Janeiro’s most impressive landmarks. Atop this natural wonder is the famous statue of Christ the Redeemer, standing 125 feet high, made of concrete and soapstone...
more info
Horse Racing at Jockey Club
Take in a behind-the-scenes tour of the exclusive Jockey Club village, and see firsthand why Brazilians are so passionate about horseracing. The Jockey Club is like a small town inside of Rio, where horses, jockeys and owners all reside together. Founded in 1926, this “city within a city” has approximately 700 residents and 1,700 horses contained within three complexes of stables, a re...
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Horseback Riding
Take in views of Barra da Tijuca Beach and the mountains while riding a mangalarga marchador, the national horse of Brazil. Known for its smooth and comfortable gait and superb temperament, the mangalarga is as at home on the farm as it is on the polo field. You'll visit the Vargem Grande stud farm for a two-hour ride on a trail through a charming country village in the Atlantic Forest area, su...
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Imperial Petropolis & Museum
Just thirty miles from Rio de Janeiro lies the summer hill resort of Petropolis--a town of stunning scenery founded in 1843 by Emperor Dom Pedro II. The highlight of your day will be a visit to the Imperial Museum which houses the breathtaking crown jewels and handcrafted royal carriages. Fully furnished and authentically equipped, this museum gives the impression that the royal family, last here ...
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Imperial Petropolis & Museum with Airport Transfer (with prepaid transfer vouche
Just thirty miles from Rio de Janeiro lies the summer hill resort of Petropolis--a town of stunning scenery founded in 1843 by Emperor Dom Pedro II. The highlight of your day will be a visit to the Imperial Museum which houses the breathtaking crown jewels and handcrafted royal carriages. Fully furnished and authentically equipped, this museum gives the impression that the royal family, last here ...
more info
Imperial Petropolis & Museum with Airport Transfer (without prepaid transfer vou
Just thirty miles from Rio de Janeiro lies the summer hill resort of Petropolis--a town of stunning scenery founded in 1843 by Emperor Dom Pedro II. The highlight of your day will be a visit to the Imperial Museum which houses the breathtaking crown jewels and handcrafted royal carriages. Fully furnished and authentically equipped, this museum gives the impression that the royal family, last here ...
more info
Oscar Niemeyer Architecture
Discover the world of Oscar Ribeiro de Almeida Niemeyer Soares Filho--famous Brazilian architect and one of the fathers of modern architecture. Niemeyer’s work is characterized by the unconventional, and includes exposed, empty spaces and diverse use of materials. You will leave the pier and pass by the Sambodrome, the Rio de Janeiro samba stadium where the famous samba schools (clubs) parad...
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Panoramic Rio
This is a leisurely tour, ideal for those who have limited walking ability but who wish to see the highlights of Rio. You will drive through downtown Rio, where the colonial past meets modern skyscrapers. Pass the Cathedral, the Sambodromo, where the carnival parades are held, and watch for Flamengo park. Continue to Botafogo Bay, which offers views of Sugar Loaf Mountain. Your scenic drive passes...
more info
Panoramic Rio with Airport Transfer (with prepaid transfer voucher)
This is a leisurely tour, ideal for those who have limited walking ability but who wish to see the highlights of Rio. You will drive through downtown Rio, where the colonial past meets modern skyscrapers. Pass the Cathedral, the Sambodromo, where the carnival parades are held, and watch for Flamengo park. Continue to Botafogo Bay, which offers views of Sugar Loaf Mountain. Your scenic drive passes...
more info
Panoramic Rio with Airport Transfer (without prepaid transfer voucher)
This is a leisurely tour, ideal for those who have limited walking ability but who wish to see the highlights of Rio. You will drive through downtown Rio, where the colonial past meets modern skyscrapers. Pass the Cathedral, the Sambodromo, where the carnival parades are held, and watch for Flamengo park. Continue to Botafogo Bay, which offers views of Sugar Loaf Mountain. Your scenic drive passes...
more info
Photography in Rio
This special tour is made for photography buffs--professionals, amateurs and beginners. Bring your camera and shoot some of the best sights of Rio, starting with the most famous soccer arena in the world--Maracana Stadium. Walk around the museum and snap memorable pictures from the top of the bleachers. At the Botanical Gardens you will find a variety of centennial trees, birds, water plants, anim...
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Rio by Land & Air
One of the world’s great landmarks is the 125-foot-high statue of Christ the Redeemer at the top of Rio’s Corcovado mountain. This tour takes you to the monument for a 360° view of the city and its harbor. Board a cogwheel railway to climb the 2,400 feet to the top. After visiting the statue, you’ll descend to the Cosme Velho neighborhood and head to Sugar Loaf Mountain. The...
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Rio de Janeiro Private Touring - Full Day (Car)
Explore at your own pace with a private vehicle, driver and English-speaking guide at your service. This exclusive tour is designed to allow you the chance to customize your time ashore and discover the most interesting sights in the comfort and privacy of your own vehicle. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your driver and English-speaking guide, you will have the flexib...
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Rio de Janeiro Private Touring - Full Day (Minivan)
Explore at your own pace with a private vehicle, driver and English-speaking guide at your service. This exclusive tour is designed to allow you the chance to customize your time ashore and discover the most interesting sights in the comfort and privacy of your own vehicle. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your driver and English-speaking guide, you will have the flexib...
more info
Rio de Janeiro Private Touring - Half Day (Car)
Explore at your own pace with a private vehicle, driver and English-speaking guide at your service. This exclusive tour is designed to allow you the chance to customize your time ashore and discover the most interesting sights in the comfort and privacy of your own vehicle. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your driver and English-speaking guide, you will have the flexib...
more info
Rio de Janeiro Private Touring - Half Day (Minivan)
Explore at your own pace with a private vehicle, driver and English-speaking guide at your service. This exclusive tour is designed to allow you the chance to customize your time ashore and discover the most interesting sights in the comfort and privacy of your own vehicle. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your driver and English-speaking guide, you will have the flexib...
more info
The Coffee Plantations of Imperial Brazil
This tour is like a time machine that will transport you back to the time of Imperial Brazil, into the magic kingdom between Rio, São Paulo and Minas Gerais. The legend of coffee is unveiled as you visit farms marked by history, politics and economics--sites of immense interest where a mix of country life and swashbuckling opportunism will amaze you. In a setting of natural beauty, with a ...
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Tijuca Park Nature Excursion
Known worldwide for its exuberant vegetation, the park of Tijuca Forest is a preserved part of the Atlantic Forest situated right inside the city of Rio de Janeiro. Surrounded by mountains and rich in streams and waterfalls it is the ideal place for you to breathe in the natural perfume and listen to the chorus of its fauna. Touring is from an open vehicle and followed by a one-hour walk through t...
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Weather
Weather
| Month | Temp Avg | Temp High | Temp Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 78.5 | 87.0 | 70.0 | 5.78 |
| Feb | 79.0 | 87.5 | 70.5 | 5.95 |
| Mar | 78.4 | 86.9 | 69.9 | 5.64 |
| Apr | 75.5 | 84.0 | 67.0 | 4.5 |
| May | 72.5 | 81.0 | 64.0 | 3.37 |
| Jun | 70.2 | 78.7 | 61.7 | 4.13 |
| Jul | 70.0 | 78.5 | 61.5 | 1.86 |
| Aug | 70.5 | 79.0 | 62.0 | 1.99 |
| Sep | 71.5 | 80.0 | 63.0 | 2.09 |
| Oct | 72.5 | 81.0 | 64.0 | 3.34 |
| Nov | 74.5 | 83.0 | 66.0 | 4.3 |
| Dec | 76.5 | 85.0 | 68.0 | 5.39 |
Departure Information
Departure Information
Ship's Terminal
Praca Maua
Cais do Porto do Rio de Janeiro
Avenida Rodrigues, Alves 10-Centro
Commonly used berths
Position 1
Please note: berth assignments are always subject to change.
Driving and Parking Information
DIRECTIONS BY CAR:
Exit the airport, head southeast.
Turn left toward Av. Vinte de Janeiro.
Turn right toward Av. Vinte de Janeiro.
Turn right toward Av. Vinte de Janeiro.
Turn right at Av. Vinte de Janeiro.
Take the exit toward Aeroporto.
Turn right at Aeroporto.
Take the ramp to Av. Vinte de Janeiro.
Turn right at Av. Vinte de Janeiro.
Slight right at Estr. do Galeão.
Slight left at Via. Pres. João Goulart.
Slight left at Viaduto Prof. Mário Henrique Simonsen.
Slight right at Acesso P/ Av Brasil - Pista Elevada.
Slight right at Av. Brasil-pista Elevada.
Slight left at Acesso P/ Evd da Perimetral.
Continue on Via Elevada da Perimetral.
Slight left at Av. Gen. Justo.
Take the exit toward Av. Beira Mar.
Turn right at Av. Beira.
Take the ramp onto Av. Gen. Justo.
Continue on Via Elevada da Perimetral.
Continue on Acesso P/ Av Rodrigues Alves.
Continue on Av. Rodrigues Alves.
Parking Info
Parking is unavailable at the pier.
Local Contacts
Holland America Line has hired OPCO Tours as the local representative in Rio de Janeiro. Should you find yourself needing assistance while in Rio please contact them directly at their office: 011 55 21 3323 2200. They can also assist you should you become separated from your luggage.
Please note that this office cannot answer questions related to reservations, shore excursions, or upgrades.
WHERE TO STAY BEFORE OR AFTER YOUR CRUISE VACATION:
Holland America Line will gladly make all the arrangements for your
Pre-cruise or Post-cruise stay in Rio. Please call 1-877-SAIL-HAL to add a hotel stay. Guests who book their hotel stays through Holland America Line will enjoy extra special attention such as:
- An onsite Holland America Line representative will assist you in your stay; just visit them in the lobby.
- A welcome letter upon check-in letting you know about local life and how to make reservations for dinner, tours, and other Rio de Janeiro must-see attractions.
- Leave transportation arrangements to us.
For Post-Cruise Guests we include transportation from the ship to the hotel and from the hotel to the airport.
In both cases, these transportation arrangements to/from the hotel and airport are for guests that have HAL Fly Cruise arrangements or that have purchased a transfer voucher for this and advised us of their flight arrangements at least 14 days prior to arrival.
Look for our agents with Holland America Line Signage directly outside the Customs area at the airport.
If you would like to book on your own may we suggest one of the following hotels:
Intercontinental Rio Hotel - (011) 55-021-3323-2200
Embarkation / Check-In
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT CHECKING-IN:
Get to the Pier
Please arrive no earlier than 11AM. The building may not be open before this time.
Check Your Luggage
Attach a Holland America Line Bag Tag to all pieces of checked luggage. Upon arrival, staff will meet you and give instructions regarding your baggage. Please show your cruise ticket to the security personnel. Your bags will be scanned and then loaded onboard and delivered to your stateroom.
Check Your Documents
ONLINE CHECK-IN DOCUMENTATION
Guests who have completed the Online Check-In requirements are only required to present the following:
- Proof of Citizenship
- Signature Preferred Boarding Pass
- Credit Enrollment Form along with the credit card you wish to use for onboard expenses.
- Holland America Line Health Questionnaire.
Guests who prefer to check-in at the Terminal will need to bring the following items:
- Cruise Ticket
- Handwritten Immigration Form
- Credit Enrollment Form, along with the credit card you wish to use for onboard expenses Proof of Citizenship
- Holland America Line Health Questionnaire
ONLINE CHECK IN
Step into the following check-in line:
- Signature Preferred Check-In
Click here to complete Online Check-In and receive
your Signature Preferred Boarding Pass
Step into one of the following check-in lines:
- Penthouse and Deluxe Verandah Check-In
- Non-US / Non-Canadian Check-In.
- Standard Check-In
Board Your Ship
In Rio de Janeiro, embarkation starts at about 11:30am.
An announcement will be made once the embarkation process
is ready to start.
Visa Requirements
Voyages departing from Rio de Janeiro typically go throughout South America and Europe. Most vistors to Brazil require a visa including citizens of the United States. Some passports from assorted nations need a Schengan Visa in order to board. Please carefully review your itinerary and discuss your personal requirements with the proper consular officials prior arriving in Brazil. To visit the visas section of the Consulate General of Brazil website click here. Those guests who require a visa and do not obtain one will be denied boarding.
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT LEAVING YOUR SHIP:
Approximate Time of Disembarkation
In Rio de Janeiro, disembarkation typically starts at approximately 7AM and ends at 10AM.
Government Clearance
All Guests are subject to Customs and Immigration clearance prior to disembarking the ship. Please keep your passport and citizenship documents with you at all times.
All luggage is either laid down in the disembarkation hall by color/number order, or is taken to the airport and lined up for guests to claim prior to checking in with the airlines. Once you are invited to exit the ship please come and find your color/number or you will be directed to the buses and will claim your bags at the airport. Please exit the building with all family members and luggage, once you leave you cannot re-enter.
Your Transportation
Immediately outside the doors of the disembarkation hall you will be directed to the Holland America Line motorcoach transfers and taxis.
In Rio de Janeiro, guests usually choose to take Holland America Line arranged transportation, as it is faster and there is little to no confusion. There is also limited long distance taxi service available to/from the ship's terminal.
Holland America Line offers transfers between the Rio De Janeiro International Airport (GIG), Recommended Hotels and Ship's Terminal via motorcoach.
If you would like to book a transfer please call 1-877-SAILHAL and tell them you would like to add a transfer.
Depending on your air arrival time and date, special instructions have been included in your ticket book advising where to find your Holland America Line Guest Service Representative at the airport.
Distances
Rio De Janeiro International Airport (GIG) To Ship: 15 miles or about 30 mins by vehicle.
Rio De Janeiro International Airport (GIG) To Downtown: 15 miles or about 30 mins by vehicle.
Ship's Terminal to Downtown: 1 mile or about 5 minutes by vehicle.
Ship's Terminal to Hotel: 7 miles or about 25 mins by vehicle.