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Rio de Janeiro

Think Rio de Janiero, think carnival city. Think samba rhythms, sunshine, warm hospitality, colours and a true holiday atmosphere.

Think Rio de Janiero, think carnival city. Think samba rhythms, sunshine, warm hospitality, colours and a true holiday atmosphere.

Think Rio de Janiero, think carnival city. Think samba rhythms, sunshine, warm hospitality, colours and a true holiday atmosphere. Rio, also known as the Cidade Maravilhosa, or ‘The Marvelous City’ is Brazil’s second largest city and we will certainly help you to have a marvellous day away from your luxury MSC cruise liner!

With so much to see and do, you will want to make the most of your time off the ship. Our programme of excursion packages covers the major sights and will help you enjoy the best deals in Rio.

Many first-time visitors to Rio will be keen to view the city’s major landmarks, such as the giant statue of Christ (Christo Redentor) which is located on top of Corcovado Mountain or Sugarloaf Mountain, a granite monolith also situated in the city.

Nature lovers will be bowled over by the beauty of Tijuca Forest, which, at 32 square kilometres is the largest urban forest on the planet. Indeed, many beautiful attractions abound in Rio, not least the city’s famous beaches, from the Copacabana to the Ipanema, two of the most glorious stretches of white sand and perfect for a spot of sun lounging!

If you’re hungry for a real city experience, opt for the grand tour of Rio de Janiero (note to football fans – whatever team you support, a trip to Maracana, the largest football stadium in the world, is a must see).

With its exuberant ambiance set against a backdrop of bewitching beats, we know Rio will be a highlight of your South American cruise vacation.

Cruise to Rio de Janeiro - Brazil - Grand Cruises - MSC Cruises UK

Directions


Ship docks at the main cruise terminal located close to downtown Rio de Janeiro. It is approximately a 20-minute ride to Copacabana. A taxi service is available from the port.

Port average temperature

Rio has a tropical savanna climate according to the Köppen climate classification and is often characterized by long periods of rain from December to March. The temperature occasionally reaches over 40°C in inland areas of the city, and maximum temperatures above 30°C occur on a monthly basis. In the main tourist, the temperature is moderated by the cool sea-breezes from the Atlantic Ocean.

The average annual minimum temperature is 20°C, the average annual maximum temperature is 26°C, and the average annual temperature is 23°C. The average yearly precipitation is 1,086 mm. The minimum temperature recorded was 4.8°C in July 1928, temperatures below 10°C are very rare in the city. The absolute maximum reached 43.2°C in January 1984. The temperature varies according to elevation, distance from the coast, and type of vegetation. Winter brings mild temperatures and less rain than the summer.

The temperate figures shown are based on monthly average weather conditions for the selected port. Weather data is not real-time, and sometimes no data is shown for a specific date, month or port in general.

RIO DE JANIEROMonths
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Average high °C323332302827272727283031
Averagelow °C232323211918171818202122
 BRRIO01 - CORCOVADO (4 hours) - 2012
Long Bus Trip  Level of difficulty: easy  Panoramic Tour   

We will start our tour departing from the port by bus to “Sambodromo” towards Tijuca National Park. At the Corcovado train station we will board an amazing ride. Through the forest we will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Tijuca forest surrounding the train ride. Once you reach the top of the hill, you will visit the fantastic statue of “Cristo Redentor” and enjoy a wonderful view over the city. After this visit, you will have a panoramic tour of the most beautiful beaches in the world like “Copacabana”. Remarks: There will be a possibility of queues at the train station. Itinerary order may change due to lines in the Corcovado train and traffic conditions. This excursion will not be cancelled due to weather conditions (rain). The itinerary and venues visited in this excursion may be altered in all calls during the Brazilian Carnival. The ticket is included in the value of the excursion. The passing by of the beaches in Rio de Janeiro are subject to local parades during the year where avenues by the ocean may be blocked for traffic. Special Note: This tour is foreseen either for transit guests or for disembarking guests from transatlantic cruises from Europe and with flights after 5:30pm. The excursion will start and end at the port; Guests with flights issued by MSC will have their transfer arranged at the end of the tour starting from the port. This excursion is not available for the calls: MSC Opera December 31th and January 01st; MSC Orchestra December 31th and January 01st, MSC Musica December 31th and January 01st.

Price per person Starting from: £48.00 Adults £33.00 Children

   


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 BRRIO02 - SUGAR LOAF (4 hours) - 2012
Long Bus Trip  Level of difficulty: easy  Panoramic Tour   

Before the visit of Sugar Loaf, you will have a panoramic tour of the historical centre of Rio, with the stop at San Sebastian Cathedral. The excursion includes a photo stop in front of the biggest stadium in the world “Maracanã'” and at the famous “Samdodromo”, the temple of the Carnival Samba. With the cable car you will reach the top of the Sugar Loaf hill, one of the most famous symbols of Rio. From the top amazing views of Guanabara Bay, Niteroi and even the famous statue of the Christ. Remarks: This tour is foreseen either for transit or for disembarking guests with flights after 5:30pm. This excursion will visit a catholic church, therefore knees and shoulders must be covered to enter the church. Itinerary order may change due to lines in the Sugar Loaf. This excursion will not be cancelled due to weather conditions (rain). This excursion will not be cancelled due to weather conditions (rain). The itinerary and venues visited in this excursion may be altered in calls during the Brazilian Carnival period. The passing by of the beaches in Rio de Janeiro are subject to local parades during the year where avenues by the ocean may be blocked for traffic. The Sambodromo complex is under construction and photo stops at the Sambodromo is subject to traffic conditions. Special Note: This tour is foreseen either for transit guests or for disembarking guests from transatlantic cruises from Europe and with flights after 5:30pm. The excursion will start and end at the port; Guests with flights issued by MSC will have their transfer arranged at the end of the tour starting from the port. This excursion is not available for the calls: MSC Opera December 31th and January 01st; MSC Orchestra December 31th and January 01st, MSC Musica December 31th and January 01st.

Price per person Starting from: £52.00 Adults £36.00 Children

   


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 BRRIO04 - BEACH TRANSFER COPACABANA & IPANEMA (6 hours) - 2011/2012
Long Bus Trip  Level of difficulty: easy  There may be Opportunities to take a swim. It is Advisable tobring a beach towel, bathing suit, sun protection cream, and a hat.  Panoramic Tour     

Enjoy your day in Rio by visiting its most famous beaches. You will be transferred to Copacabana or Ipanema, two of the most renowned beaches of the Brazilian metropolis for free time in one of the two beaches to walk around its boutiques or relax in the sun or swim in the ocean. Remarks: This excursion is foreseen only for transit guests in Rio port. The stop at the mall is only available if it rains, otherwise guests may walk. This excursion will not be cancelled due to weather conditions (rain). Shops are closed on Sundays and holidays. This tour is not guided. This excursion is not available for the calls: MSC Opera December 31th and January 01st; MSC Orchestra December 31th and January 01st, MSC Musica December 31th and January 01st.

Price per person Starting from: £22.00 Adults £16.00 Children

   


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 BRRIO06 - RIO DE JANEIRO GRAND TOUR CORCOVADO & SUGAR LOAF (6 hours) - 2011/2012
Long Bus Trip  Level of difficulty: easy  Panoramic Tour   

This is an amazing combination of the best that the city of Rio de Janeiro has to offer. Departing from the port towards the Tijuca National Park where we will board the famous tourist train to take you to the famous “Christ the redeemer statue”, considered the largest Art Deco statue in the world. The statue is 39.6 meters (130 ft) tall, including its 9.5 meter (31 feet) pedestal, and 30 meters (98 ft) wide. It weighs 635 tons (700 short tons), and is located at the peak of the 700 meters (2,300 ft) Corcovado mountain in the Tijuca Forest National Park overlooking the city. It is one of the tallest of its kind in the world. A symbol of Christianity, the statue has become an icon of Rio and Brazil. It is made of reinforced concrete and soapstone, and was constructed between 1922 and 1931. Once we reach the top of the hill you will enjoy a wonderful view over the city. After the Christ, we will have a panoramic tour of the most beautiful beaches in the world like “Ipanema” and “Copacabana”. Then you will continue the excursion with a visit of Sugar Loaf. With the cable car to reach the top of the hill we will visit the two mountains with also another great view of the Guanabara Bay and Niteroi. Without doubt this is the best excursion in Brazil. Remarks: This excursion is foreseen only for transit guests and the order of the tour may vary. This excursion will not be cancelled due to weather conditions (rain). The itinerary and venues visited in this excursion may be altered in calls during the Brazilian Carnival period. The ticket is included in the value of the excursion. This excursion is not available for the calls: MSC Opera December 31th and January 01st; MSC Orchestra December 31th and January 01st, MSC Musica December 31th and January 01st.

Price per person Starting from: £81.00 Adults £57.00 Children

   


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 BRRIO06P - GRAND TOUR CORCOVADO & SUGAR LOAF ending at airport (6 hours) - 2012
Long Bus Trip  Level of difficulty: easy  This is an amazing combination of the best that the city of Rio de Janeiro has to offer. Departing from the port towards the Tijuca National Park where we will board the famous tourist train to take you to the famous “Christ the redeemer statue”, considered the largest Art Deco statue in the world. The statue is 39.6 metres (130 ft) tall, including its 9.5 meter (31 feet) pedestal, and 30 metres (98 ft) wide. It weighs 635 tons (700 short tons), and is located at the peak of the 700 metres (2,300 ft) Corcovado mountain in the Tijuca Forest National Park overlooking the city. It is one of the tallest of its kind in the world. A symbol of Christianity, the statue has become an icon of Rio and Brazil. It is made of reinforced concrete and soapstone, and was constructed between 1922 and 1931. Once we reach the top of the hill you will enjoy a wonderful view over the city. After the Christ, we will have a panoramic tour of the most beautiful beaches in the world like “Ipanema” and “Copacabana”. Then you will continue the excursion with a visit of Sugar Loaf. With the cable car to reach the top of the hill we will visit the two mountains with also another great view of the Guanabara Bay and Niteroi. This is without a doubt, the best excursion in Brazil. Remarks: This excursion is only available for transatlantic disembarking (southbound) of MSC Musica on December 18th and is only available to the guests with flights after at 21pm. The order of the tour may vary. This excursion will not be cancelled due to weather conditions (rain). The itinerary and venues visited in this excursion may be altered in calls during the Brazilian Carnival period. The ticket is included in the value of the excursion.

Price per person Starting from: £94.00 Adults £65.00 Children

   


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 BRRIO07 - JEEP TOUR TO CORCOVADO (4 hours) - 2011/2012
Level of difficulty: moderate  Panoramic Tour  Limited Availability   

Leave the pier by open jeeps and reach Corcovado hill, located in the Tijuca forest, the largest urban forest in the world; you will admire one of Rio’s most famous postcards: Christ the Redeemer chosen as one of the seven world wonders. The excursion will pass by through the traditional Santa Teresa borough with its pleasant atmosphere due to the mansions from the beginning of the century that today houses some of the most important art centre’s with lots of craftsmanship galleries not to mention it is the only district that you can find the old English trolleys which still works as a meaning of transportation for the locals. We will head to the Corcovado hill to see admire some of the most traditional Brazilian beaches; Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon, the Rodrigo de Freitas lagoon with its salt and fresh water, the botanical garden and the centennial palm trees. From the top you will also be able to see the Maracanã stadium, Guanabara Bay and the Sugar Loaf. On the return to the pier we will pass by the Copacabana and Ipanema beaches. Remarks: This tour is not suitable for wheelchair guests. This excursion will not be cancelled due to weather conditions (rain). The itinerary and venues visited in this excursion may be altered in calls during the Brazilian Carnival. Special Note: This tour is foreseen either for transit guests or for disembarking guests from transatlantic cruises from Europe and with flights after 5:30pm. The excursion will start and end at the port; Guests with flights issued by MSC will have their transfer arranged at the end of the tour starting from the port. This excursion is not available for the calls: MSC Opera December 31th and January 01st; MSC Orchestra December 31th and January 01st, MSC Musica December 31th and January 01st.

Price per person Starting from: £50.00 Adults £35.00 Children

   


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 BRRIO09 - NIEMEYER´S VISION, NITEROI & MUSEUM (4 hours) - 2011/2012
Long Bus Trip  Level of difficulty: moderate  Panoramic Tour 

Today we will have the opportunity to learn about Rio de Janeiro architecture and about one of its majors names “Oscar Niemeyer”. We will start by scenic drive through the downtown area of Rio and visit the Candelaria Church, one of the prettiest and oldest churches in the city.  Heading to Niteroi we will pass by by the Samdodromo “samba stadium” to cross the 14km long “Rio-Niteroi Bridge” with a stunning view of the Bay to visit the Niteroi Contemporary Art Museum that was designed by Niemeyer. We will follow along the 3, 5 km called Niemeyer’s path (the famous Brazilian architect) where several master pieces designed by Niemeyer are being built in honor to this great architect. We will arrive at the new Niteroi Ferry Boat Station (also designed by Niemeyer) to take the ferry boat through Guanabara Bay back to Rio de Janeiro. Upon our arrival back in Rio, we will we will then take our bus back to pier. Remarks: This excursion will not be cancelled due to weather conditions (rain). This excursion is foreseen only for transit guests in Rio port. There are two ferry stations, the new one designed by Niemeyer and the old station. On weekends calls the new station is closed and the tour will arrive in the old station. The itinerary and venues visited in this excursion may be altered in calls during the Brazilian Carnival period. This excursion is not available  for: MSC Opera: December 30th, December 31th, January 01st, January 19th, March 19th, March 26th; MSC Musica: December 30th, December 31th, January 01st ; MSC Orchestra: December 31th, January 01st and MSC Armonia: April 23th

Price per person Starting from: £47.00 Adults £33.00 Children

   


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 BRRIO10 - URBAN SAFARI BY JEEP (4 hours) - 2011/2012
Level of difficulty: moderate  Panoramic Tour  Limited Availability   

Travel around Rio de Janeiro in a unique experience – by jeep! Our journey will consist in seeing most of the famous sights in Rio.  We will start by Candelaria Church and Lapa Arch’s, and then we will pass by Samdodromo, where Rio’s Carnival biggest Parade happens. On our way, we will stop for photos at Maracanã Stadium and follow to Lagoa Rodrigues de Freitas and Ipanema. A photo stop in the famous Copacabana beach is a must. We will return to the Pier passing by Aterro do Flamengo.  Remarks: This excursion is not advisable for guests with physical challenges. This excursion will not be cancelled due to weather conditions (rain). This tour is foreseen either for transit or for disembarking guests with flights after 5:30pm. The excursion will start and end at the port; Guests with flight with MSC will have their transfer arranged at the end of the tour starting from the port. The itinerary and venues visited in this excursion may be altered in calls during the Brazilian Carnival period, please consult the Shore Excursion office once onboard. The Sambodromo complex is under construction and photo stops at the Sambodromo is subject to traffic conditions. This excursion is not available for the calls: MSC Opera December 31th and January 01st; MSC Orchestra December 31th and January 01st, MSC Musica December 31th and January 01st.

Price per person Starting from: £41.00 Adults £29.00 Children

   


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 BRRIO11 - PRIVATE SERVICE VEHICLE & DRIVER -  Van with driver only (10 seats) 4 hours - 2011/2012
Level of difficulty: easy  Panoramic Tour  Limited Availability     

Disembark in the port and have a van or sedan 4 doors with a professional driver waiting for you and your family. Create your own tour and enjoy your day with a vehicle at your disposal. Note: Vehicle, driver and gasoline included up to 150kms, it does not include tickets to any touristy attraction or lunch. This service available with or without a tour guide in vans with 10 or 9 seats or sedan 4 doors, for four or eight hours. The advertised price for this service is per vehicle. This service is available only with a Portuguese speaking Driver and an English or Portuguese speaking Tour guide. This service is not available to end at the airport. The service without tour guide is not available in any transatlantic cruise call. BRRIO11, BRRIO12, BRRIO15 and BRRIO16: these services are not available for the calls: MSC Opera November 27th, December 31th, January 01st, April 03rd and April 17th; MSC Armonia April 23th; MSC Musica December 18th, December 31th and January 01st; MSC Orchestra December 31th and January 01s ;BRRIO13: this service is not available for the calls: MSC Opera December 31th, January 01st, MSC Musica December 31th and January 01st; MSC Orchestra December 31th and January 01st; BRRIO14: this service is not available for the calls: MSC Opera November 27th, December 31th, January 01st and April 17th; MSC Musica December 31th and January 01st; MSC Orchestra December 31th and January 01st

Price per person Starting from: £220.00 Adults  not AvailableChildren

   


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 BRRIO12 - PRIVATE SERVICE VEHICLE & DRIVER  - Van with driver only (10 seats) 8 hours - 2012
Level of difficulty: easy  Panoramic Tour  Limited Availability     

Disembark in the port and have a van or sedan 4 doors with a professional driver waiting for you and your family. Create your own tour and enjoy your day with a vehicle at your disposal. Note: Vehicle, driver and gasoline included up to 150kms, it does not include tickets to any touristy attraction or lunch. This service available with or without a tour guide in vans with 10 or 9 seats or sedan 4 doors, for four or eight hours. The advertised price for this service is per vehicle. This service is available only with a Portuguese speaking Driver and an English or Portuguese speaking Tour guide. This service is not available to end at the airport. The service without tour guide is not available in any transatlantic cruise call. BRRIO11, BRRIO12, BRRIO15 and BRRIO16: these services are not available for the calls: MSC Opera November 27th, December 31th, January 01st, April 03rd and April 17th; MSC Armonia April 23th; MSC Musica December 18th, December 31th and January 01st; MSC Orchestra December 31th and January 01s ;BRRIO13: this service is not available for the calls: MSC Opera December 31th, January 01st, MSC Musica December 31th and January 01st; MSC Orchestra December 31th and January 01st; BRRIO14: this service is not available for the calls: MSC Opera November 27th, December 31th, January 01st and April 17th; MSC Musica December 31th and January 01st; MSC Orchestra December 31th and January 01st

Price per person Starting from: £365.00 Adults  not AvailableChildren

   


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 BRRIO13 - PRIVATE SERVICE VEHICLE & DRIVER Van with driver & tour guide (9 seats) 4 hours - 2011/2012
Level of difficulty: easy  Panoramic Tour  Limited Availability   

Disembark in the port and have a van or sedan 4 doors with a professional driver waiting for you and your family. Create your own tour and enjoy your day with a vehicle at your disposal. Note: Vehicle, driver and gasoline included up to 150kms, it does not include tickets to any touristy attraction or lunch. This service available with or without a tour guide in vans with 10 or 9 seats or sedan 4 doors, for four or eight hours. The advertised price for this service is per vehicle. This service is available only with a Portuguese speaking Driver and an English or Portuguese speaking Tour guide. This service is not available to end at the airport. The service without tour guide is not available in any transatlantic cruise call. BRRIO11, BRRIO12, BRRIO15 and BRRIO16: these services are not available for the calls: MSC Opera November 27th, December 31th, January 01st, April 03rd and April 17th; MSC Armonia April 23th; MSC Musica December 18th, December 31th and January 01st; MSC Orchestra December 31th and January 01s ;BRRIO13: this service is not available for the calls: MSC Opera December 31th, January 01st, MSC Musica December 31th and January 01st; MSC Orchestra December 31th and January 01st; BRRIO14: this service is not available for the calls: MSC Opera November 27th, December 31th, January 01st and April 17th; MSC Musica December 31th and January 01st; MSC Orchestra December 31th and January 01st

Price per person Starting from: £289.00 Adults  not AvailableChildren

   


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 BRRIO14 - PRIVATE SERVICE VEHICLE & DRIVER Van with driver & tour guide (9 seats) 8 hours - 2012
Level of difficulty: easy  Panoramic Tour  Limited Availability   

Disembark in the port and have a van or sedan 4 doors with a professional driver waiting for you and your family. Create your own tour and enjoy your day with a vehicle at your disposal. Note: Vehicle, driver and gasoline included up to 150kms, it does not include tickets to any touristy attraction or lunch. This service available with or without a tour guide in vans with 10 or 9 seats or sedan 4 doors, for four or eight hours. The advertised price for this service is per vehicle. This service is available only with a Portuguese speaking Driver and an English or Portuguese speaking Tour guide. This service is not available to end at the airport. The service without tour guide is not available in any transatlantic cruise call. BRRIO11, BRRIO12, BRRIO15 and BRRIO16: these services are not available for the calls: MSC Opera November 27th, December 31th, January 01st, April 03rd and April 17th; MSC Armonia April 23th; MSC Musica December 18th, December 31th and January 01st; MSC Orchestra December 31th and January 01s ;BRRIO13: this service is not available for the calls: MSC Opera December 31th, January 01st, MSC Musica December 31th and January 01st; MSC Orchestra December 31th and January 01st; BRRIO14: this service is not available for the calls: MSC Opera November 27th, December 31th, January 01st and April 17th; MSC Musica December 31th and January 01st; MSC Orchestra December 31th and January 01st

Price per person Starting from: £515.00 Adults  not AvailableChildren

   


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 BRRIO15 - PRIVATE SERVICE VEHICLE & DRIVER Sedan with driver only (4 seats) 4 hours - 2011/2012
Level of difficulty: easy  Panoramic Tour  Limited Availability     

Disembark in the port and have a van or sedan 4 doors with a professional driver waiting for you and your family. Create your own tour and enjoy your day with a vehicle at your disposal. Note: Vehicle, driver and gasoline included up to 150kms, it does not include tickets to any touristy attraction or lunch. This service available with or without a tour guide in vans with 10 or 9 seats or sedan 4 doors, for four or eight hours. The advertised price for this service is per vehicle. This service is available only with a Portuguese speaking Driver and an English or Portuguese speaking Tour guide. This service is not available to end at the airport. The service without tour guide is not available in any transatlantic cruise call. BRRIO11, BRRIO12, BRRIO15 and BRRIO16: these services are not available for the calls: MSC Opera November 27th, December 31th, January 01st, April 03rd and April 17th; MSC Armonia April 23th; MSC Musica December 18th, December 31th and January 01st; MSC Orchestra December 31th and January 01s ;BRRIO13: this service is not available for the calls: MSC Opera December 31th, January 01st, MSC Musica December 31th and January 01st; MSC Orchestra December 31th and January 01st; BRRIO14: this service is not available for the calls: MSC Opera November 27th, December 31th, January 01st and April 17th; MSC Musica December 31th and January 01st; MSC Orchestra December 31th and January 01st

Price per person Starting from: £173.00 Adults  not AvailableChildren

   


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 BRRIO16 - PRIVATE SERVICE VEHICLE & DRIVER Sedan with driver only (4 seats) 8 hours - 2011/2012
Level of difficulty: easy  Panoramic Tour  Limited Availability     

Disembark in the port and have a van or sedan 4 doors with a professional driver waiting for you and your family. Create your own tour and enjoy your day with a vehicle at your disposal. Note: Vehicle, driver and gasoline included up to 150kms, it does not include tickets to any touristy attraction or lunch. This service available with or without a tour guide in vans with 10 or 9 seats or sedan 4 doors, for four or eight hours. The advertised price for this service is per vehicle. This service is available only with a Portuguese speaking Driver and an English or Portuguese speaking Tour guide. This service is not available to end at the airport. The service without tour guide is not available in any transatlantic cruise call. BRRIO11, BRRIO12, BRRIO15 and BRRIO16: these services are not available for the calls: MSC Opera November 27th, December 31th, January 01st, April 03rd and April 17th; MSC Armonia April 23th; MSC Musica December 18th, December 31th and January 01st; MSC Orchestra December 31th and January 01s ;BRRIO13: this service is not available for the calls: MSC Opera December 31th, January 01st, MSC Musica December 31th and January 01st; MSC Orchestra December 31th and January 01st; BRRIO14: this service is not available for the calls: MSC Opera November 27th, December 31th, January 01st and April 17th; MSC Musica December 31th and January 01st; MSC Orchestra December 31th and January 01st

Price per person Starting from: £248.00 Adults  not AvailableChildren

   


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The excursions in the programme above are intended to provide MSC Guests with an idea of the different tours that can be arranged in each port of call; this programme is merely a guide and confirmation of each excursion and its description and prices will be made during your cruise. Full information can be found in the onboard Tour Magazine


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