Cruise Itinerary

A nearly 500-year old city, São Paulo has grown to become Brazil’s largest metropolis, and is ranked among the most populous cities in the world. Vibrant and bursting at the seams with life, São Paulo is a dream destination for those who love an atmosphere where anything feels possible. Sampa, as the locals call it, is well known as a city that never sleeps. This round-the-clock lifestyle gives it a kinetic energy that is certain to captivate you, and with Azamara®’s late stays in port, you’ll have ample opportunity to immerse yourself in every exciting moment. Start with a visit to the Museu de Arte de São Paulo—Sampa’s largest and most impressive museum, which contains the most comprehensive collection of Western art in all of Latin America. If you’re in the mood for shopping, visit the Shopping Iguatemi—a luxurious shopping mall where you can browse all of Brazil’s favorite brand names. If you’d rather a more artisanal experience, head to the Feira da Republica. This open-air market is perfect for a stroll while checking out authentic local handicrafts and paintings.

Copacabana is dominated to the east by Sugar Loaf Mountain and circled by a line of hills that stretch out into the bay as you’ll see when you’re cruising the Atlantic Ocean with MSC Cruises. The town’s expansion as a residential area has been restricted by the Morro de São João, which separates it from Botafogo, and the Morro dos Cabritos, a natural barrier to the west. Consequently, Copacabana is one of the world’s most densely populated areas as well as a frenzy of sensual activity. Of course, Copacabana hasn’t always been as it is today, and traces remain of the former fishing community that dominated the area until the first decades of the twentieth century. Each morning before dawn, the boats of the colônia de pescadores (the descendants of the fishermen) set sail from the Forte de Copacabana, returning to the beach by 8am to sell their fish from stalls at the southern end of the beach. Rio’s sophisticated beach culture is entirely a product of the twentieth century. The 1930s saw the city’s international reputation emerge and “flying down to Rio” became an enduring cliché, celebrated in music, film and literature. Nonetheless, Rio’s beaches are first and foremost the preserve of cariocas: rich or poor, young or old, everybody descends on the beaches throughout the week, treating them as city parks. Copacabana is amazing, the over-the-top atmosphere apparent even in the mosaic pavements, designed by Burle Marx to represent images of rolling waves. The seafront is backed by a line of prestigious, high-rise hotels and luxury apartments that have sprung up since the 1940s. Some fine examples of Art Deco architecture are scattered around the bairro.

Copacabana is dominated to the east by Sugar Loaf Mountain and circled by a line of hills that stretch out into the bay as you’ll see when you’re cruising the Atlantic Ocean with MSC Cruises. The town’s expansion as a residential area has been restricted by the Morro de São João, which separates it from Botafogo, and the Morro dos Cabritos, a natural barrier to the west. Consequently, Copacabana is one of the world’s most densely populated areas as well as a frenzy of sensual activity. Of course, Copacabana hasn’t always been as it is today, and traces remain of the former fishing community that dominated the area until the first decades of the twentieth century. Each morning before dawn, the boats of the colônia de pescadores (the descendants of the fishermen) set sail from the Forte de Copacabana, returning to the beach by 8am to sell their fish from stalls at the southern end of the beach. Rio’s sophisticated beach culture is entirely a product of the twentieth century. The 1930s saw the city’s international reputation emerge and “flying down to Rio” became an enduring cliché, celebrated in music, film and literature. Nonetheless, Rio’s beaches are first and foremost the preserve of cariocas: rich or poor, young or old, everybody descends on the beaches throughout the week, treating them as city parks. Copacabana is amazing, the over-the-top atmosphere apparent even in the mosaic pavements, designed by Burle Marx to represent images of rolling waves. The seafront is backed by a line of prestigious, high-rise hotels and luxury apartments that have sprung up since the 1940s. Some fine examples of Art Deco architecture are scattered around the bairro.

Buzios is a land of beaches, with more than 20 in all. Just within walking distance of the tender pier lie the Praia de Armação and the Praia dos Ossos beaches. But if you prefer something a bit more private, head to Praia Tucuns or the Praia dos Amores ("Beach of Love"), popular with romantic couples. A "must" for any visitor to Buzios is a stroll along the mile-long Rua das Pedras, named for its beautiful stones. Lined with shops and restaurants, it's right on the ocean and a great place to enjoy refreshments and to people-watch.

Angra dos Reis is a Brazilian municipality in southwest Rio de Janeiro state. It’s made up of 365 islands and a small port surrounded by steep, forested coastline. The region is known for its many beaches and biodiverse Ilha Grande, the largest island. Vila do Abraão is the island’s main village, with restaurants, bars and the St. Sebastian Church at its heart. A trail leads to the ruins of the Cândido Mendes prison.

A nearly 500-year old city, São Paulo has grown to become Brazil’s largest metropolis, and is ranked among the most populous cities in the world. Vibrant and bursting at the seams with life, São Paulo is a dream destination for those who love an atmosphere where anything feels possible. Sampa, as the locals call it, is well known as a city that never sleeps. This round-the-clock lifestyle gives it a kinetic energy that is certain to captivate you, and with Azamara®’s late stays in port, you’ll have ample opportunity to immerse yourself in every exciting moment. Start with a visit to the Museu de Arte de São Paulo—Sampa’s largest and most impressive museum, which contains the most comprehensive collection of Western art in all of Latin America. If you’re in the mood for shopping, visit the Shopping Iguatemi—a luxurious shopping mall where you can browse all of Brazil’s favorite brand names. If you’d rather a more artisanal experience, head to the Feira da Republica. This open-air market is perfect for a stroll while checking out authentic local handicrafts and paintings.