Brazil: A Growing Cruise Destination

The country has implemented the construction of seven new cruise terminals in the cities of Fortaleza, Natal, Recife, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, and Santos. With most of the world's major cruise lines docking at its ports, Brazil's cruise sector continues to grow at a rapid rate with an increase of 38% in cruise travelers over 2009-2010.

Northeastern Brazil:

Fortaleza
Port: Porto do Mucuripe
Cruise Lines: Princess Cruises, Carnival Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Fortaleza is one of the most popular destinations in Brazil and well-known for its beautiful coastline and miles of sandy beaches. In addition to the many outdoor activities available, travelers can enjoy the Centro Dragão do Mar, a cultural center where visitors can learn about local culture and contemporary art, and the Theatro José de Alencar, a modern theater that offers daily entertainment. Known for its fresh seafood, lobsters and crabs are a staple of the local cuisine and home to "crab days," or “Caranguejadas,” every Thursday where people gather together to eat the city's famed shellfish.

Natal (pictured above)
Port: Porto de Natal
Cruise Lines: Silversea Cruises

Natal serves as the capital of the state of Rio Grande do Norte and is famous for its excellent snorkeling and scuba diving locations. History buffs will enjoy the Museu Carama Casudo, a museum that houses several exhibits on archaeology, paleontology, and prehistoric culture. Visitors should make sure to trek to the top of Bald Hill, which provides the perfect aerial view of the city. Located at the foot of Ponta Negra beach, Bald Hill is also in proximity to Natal's buzzing nightlife scene. The city is also a popular destination for its off-season Carnival in early-December.



Recife
Port: Porto de Recife
Cruise Lines: Carnival Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Silversea Cruises

Known as the “Brazilian Venice,” Recife is divided into islands by three rivers that are connected via 49 bridges. Recife is popular for its Old World charm and is a treat for any history fan. A boat trip on the Capibaribe River provides an overview of Portuguese architecture, while at dusk, the streets of downtown old Recife are filled by the rhythms of the region's traditional music such as frevo and maracatu. The city is also well-known for its lively party streets during Brazil's Carnival celebrations.



Salvador
Port: Porto de Salvador
Cruise Lines: Royal Caribbean International, Carnival Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Silversea Cruises

Salvador was Brazil's first capital and is now the capital of the state of Bahia. The city seamlessly blends its Afro-European roots with modern Brazilian culture, and must-see attractions include the gilded San Francisco Church and the former Convent of St. Teresa with an immense collection of sacred art and the Museu Afro-Brasileiro, which displays an important collection of regional arts and crafts. In the upper town's historic Pelourinho district –a UNESCO World Heritage site – visitors can find a bevy of intriguing boutiques selling clothing, jewelry, traditional paintings and woodcarving. A lively city, shops are known to come together throughout the day through impromptu music performances and street dancing.

Southern Brazil:

Rio de Janeiro
Port: Porto do Rio de Janeiro
Cruise Lines: Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Carnival Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Silversea Cruises, Holland America Cruises, Azamara Cruises, Crystal Cruises

Rio de Janeiro, known as the “Marvelous City,” is one of the main cultural centers in the country, and is home to the famous Copacabana beach, Sugarloaf Mountain, and Christ the Redeemer monument. In addition to the magnificent natural and cultural attractions, Rio hosts some of the country's most well-known events including Carnival and New Year's Eve. One of Brazil's major sea ports, Rio will serve as the host for the 2016 Olympic Games.

Santos (São Paulo)
Port: Porto de Santos
Cruise Lines: Silversea Cruises

Millions of immigrants reached Brazil via the port of Santos in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and today it is home to Latin America's largest and arguably most important port, through which a large proportion of the world's coffee, sugar and oranges pass. Santos serves as a frequent port of call for its bustling neighbor São Paulo and is a popular weekend destination for Paulistas (nickname for residents of São Paulo). Travelers should make sure to take a cable car ride up to Monte Serrat, a historic church that is home to the Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Serrat. Monte Serrat is not only a popular destination for its historic significance, but for its location as well. The site provides breathtaking 360⁰ views of the city. Visitors can also enjoy the Coffee Museum, Santos Municipal Aquarium, and popular Boqueirao beach.

To learn more about Brazil and see videos and photos of its cities and natural attractions, visit www.braziltour.com.