Brazil cruises - what are the differences?

[8420PR]

I'm thinking about booking a MSC cruise from Brazil - what are the main differences compared to Europe and US?   Are the menu's the same?  What are the drinks prices?  Anything else to be aware of?  Is there a difference in the demographics of people cruising in Brazil (e.g. younger, older, families etc)?

 

As background:  we visited Brazil last year and had a great time, and want to go back early next year.   This time we are thinking to include a short cruise.   Last year we were also on Preziosa and Seaside on the last European cruises before they went to Brazil and the crew were all excited to be going.

 

[Georgia_Peaches]

Following. Very intrigued by Brazil cruising as well. 

[Stockjock]

As I mentioned in my "MSC Comedy of Errors" thread, they moved a 4 night Barcelona sailing to a 20 night Brazilian sailing a few years ago without informing me in any way.  Even though there was no way we could do that sailing, I took a look at it for the heck of it, as I would have been paying about $300 for a 20-night balcony, lol.

One thing I recall is that there is a lot of crime in many Brazilian cities to the point of being potentially dangerous.  If you find that this has changed, let me know, but I'd probably not wear anything flashy and stick with MSC-sponsored tours.  

I think the Visa requirements used to be a bit tricky, but I believe that they've relaxed those requirements.  But it's something else to double-check.  I am a former police officer, fwiw, so I'm always concerned about the potential for crime, especially violent crime.

Here is an advisory from the U.S. Department of State. 

Country Summary:  Violent crime, such as murder, armed robbery, and carjacking, is common in urban areas, day and night.  Gang activity and organized crime is widespread.  Assaults are common.  U.S. government personnel are discouraged from using public, municipal buses in all parts of Brazil due to an elevated risk of robbery and assault at any time of day, and especially at night.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/brazil-travel-advisory.html

Edited November 23, 2022 by Stockjock

[Nunagoras]

Been there, done that, plus the transatlantic crossing from Brazil to Portugal.

 

As @Stockjock very well pointed out, stick with MSC sponsored shore excursions, don't use anything flashy, and don't go out of your group. Tour leaders will know where they'd direct you to the main attractions, they're generally very good on that even though some of them on the lush side of the pound. If MSC is offering you an hotel+transfers+cruise pack, please stick to it as well. I'd describe Brazil the following way: It is more than safe enough to international tourism if one is slightly more aware of their belongings than really we are on our first world urban areas. If that wasn't the case, no cruise line would sail out of there.

 

Regarding MSC specific similarities and differences to the EU/US cruises they're as follows:

 

1) Currency aboard will be generally the USD. All prices quoted on USD. Europeans can opt to pay on EUR.

2) Menus aboard will be similar to the ones you see on the US sailings that are being shown here in CC boards, plus some Brazilian specific items; for example; coffee tends to be Santista brand, such a Brazilian coffee trademark. Some Brazilian specific cocktails or dishes here and there.

3) Brazilians tend to be the vast majority onboard; think 80% on most sailings, at least 60% on transatlantic crossings. You'll listen to Portuguese language pretty much everywhere. Crew will likely to be mainly from Brazil as well. Portuguese language will the "officious" ship language. All crew speaks bearable English. Just out of curiosity: As far as I understand from my own experience worldwide with MSC, Brazilians are by the most part the 3rd MSC main market nationality, just below the Italians and Germans.

4) Weather permitting, and on summer Brazilian sailings it permits most of the days, the usual theater show will to be replaced by vibrant pool parties. Some of their cruises tend to be at least part charters with specific Brazilian groups/bands aboard. I can to describe their sailings as "Brazilian party ship", but I haven't seen any drunken crowd, nor on the Brazilian itinerary, nor on the transatlantic part. They're there to enjoy the holiday family moment on a vibrant way, not specifically to drink. Lots of kids and teens aboard on the Brazilian itineraries; very few on the transatlantic crossing.

5) Sometimes their port's authorities don't facilitate things on people. Nothing on MSC hands to change away, but it runs mostly on such a "only we know how to manage this" mentality, sadly they aren't always certain. Be patient with them if they're on a bad day.

 

Other than that it is mostly regular MSC fare.

 

Hope to have helped a bit and have a nice day!...

[Stockjock]

I'm going off on a slight tangent, but the most dangerous tour I took was at Margarita Island in Venezuela.  We had 3-4 Venezuelan National Guardsmen on motorcycles with machine guns as armed escorts.  On the way back, after loading me up with booze, I had to use the bathroom.  And the bus driver *did not* want to stop the bus.  I finally insisted, but they were nervous.  Cut the hell out of my legs wading into razor-sharp reeds (they wouldn't stop at a proper restroom) too.

We also did an eco-tour thing in the Dominican Republic where I got really bad food poisoning from the local food and we had an armed, undercover police lieutenant with us to keep us safe.  But Venezuela was definitely more sketchy.

Edited November 23, 2022 by Stockjock

[Griff4AU]

5 hours ago, 8420PR said:

As background:  we visited Brazil last year and had a great time, and want to go back early next year.   This time we are thinking to include a short cruise.   Last year we were also on Preziosa and Seaside on the last European cruises before they went to Brazil and the crew were all excited to be going.

 

To answer your specific question... I will answer next month as I will be on the Preziosa for New Years. My better half is Brazilian and I am "in country" at least 7 times per year and have been for a few years. So I think what I offer about the country comes from experience and not the "internet keyboard commandos".  

Like many places in Central and South America, Brasil has some tougher areas - especially in SP and Rio and some of the jungle areas. I happen to love SP and Rio. Do I walk around with a Breitling / Omega exposed staring at Instagram on my iPhone 20 Super MaxGiant?  No... but I wouldn't do that in Chicago either. 

Most of the SA cruises run up and down the Atlantic from Argentina to Brasil. Honestly not great stops (just one guys opinion) but often the ship is nicer than the ports (on just about any cruise). I will know next month, but I would NOT expect to see a bunch of Brazilians. They likely want to run up and down their coast as much as I would have an interest  in an Atlantic cruise in the US. March is still the end of Winter / beginning of Spring in the N hemisphere - but it's still Summer heading in to Fall there - so I would GUESS (offered as such) more Europeans traveling for better weather. Honestly for a fun cruise, I think the Europeans and S Americans are more fun cruisers (less uptight) than US cruisers are. 

As for the cruise ship stops (if they don't change)... there won't be nearly the aggressive hustle the many of the central American and Caribbean stops have. With any cruise ship stop - there will be some and Brasil was hit VERY hard with the Pandemic - more so than any of the other countries I have been to during Covid (Peru, Panama, Mexico and Brasil). 

So if you enjoyed your visit to BR, I am sure you will enjoy the cruise. Like anywhere outside of the US, just don't act like an "arrogant American" and remember South America is just as much "America" as North and Central....  and you'll be fine and have a great time. 

Edited November 23, 2022 by Griff4AU

[Georgia_Peaches]

3 hours ago, Stockjock said:

Country Summary:  Violent crime, such as murder, armed robbery, and carjacking, is common in urban areas, day and night.  Gang activity and organized crime is widespread.  Assaults are common.

Sadly, this could be describing my beloved city of Atlanta.

[Griff4AU]

7 minutes ago, Georgia_Peaches said:

Sadly, this could be describing my beloved city of Atlanta.

Right.... And Chicago, and... 

I find the State Department summaries pretty useless as they lump a whole country together. That's like skipping a trip to Provo, UT because the State Department reviewed Chicago and Detroit's crime statistics and determined the whole US is bad. (well, our crime is).

To the OP, Brazil is a REALLY big country. I have been there a bunch and and spent lots of time there. Never have I not felt safe. 

[Nunagoras]

1 hour ago, Griff4AU said:

To answer your specific question... I will answer next month as I will be on the Preziosa for New Years. My better half is Brazilian and I am "in country" at least 7 times per year and have been for a few years. So I think what I offer about the country comes from experience and not the "internet keyboard commandos".  

Like many places in Central and South America, Brasil has some tougher areas - especially in SP and Rio and some of the jungle areas. I happen to love SP and Rio. Do I walk around with a Breitling / Omega exposed staring at Instagram on my iPhone 20 Super MaxGiant?  No... but I wouldn't do that in Chicago either. 

Most of the SA cruises run up and down the Atlantic from Argentina to Brasil. Honestly not great stops (just one guys opinion) but often the ship is nicer than the ports (on just about any cruise). I will know next month, but I would NOT expect to see a bunch of Brazilians. They likely want to run up and down their coast as much as I would have an interest  in an Atlantic cruise in the US. March is still the end of Winter / beginning of Spring in the N hemisphere - but it's still Summer heading in to Fall there - so I would GUESS (offered as such) more Europeans traveling for better weather. Honestly for a fun cruise, I think the Europeans and S Americans are more fun cruisers (less uptight) than US cruisers are. 

As for the cruise ship stops (if they don't change)... there won't be nearly the aggressive hustle the many of the central American and Caribbean stops have. With any cruise ship stop - there will be some and Brasil was hit VERY hard with the Pandemic - more so than any of the other countries I have been to during Covid (Peru, Panama, Mexico and Brasil). 

So if you enjoyed your visit to BR, I am sure you will enjoy the cruise. Like anywhere outside of the US, just don't act like an "arrogant American" and remember South America is just as much "America" as North and Central....  and you'll be fine and have a great time. 

Actually current MSC schedule, post pandemic, is more Brazil centric than anything else...

 

While SP and even Santos from where the ships depart have really nothing to be appreciated there, Rio and Salvador da Baía do have some wonderful places to visit. Christ the Redeemer and "Pão de Açúcar" ride, more than justifies a stop in Rio. And St. Francis Assisi Church in Salvador da Baía more than justifies a visit there. That said for such a newcomer or someone wishing to visit again the places, that paves the way for such a wonderful holiday time. And don't forget. From December to March it is hot summer there while it is freezing winter here in Europe, for example. While not really cheap by any means, at least it is perhaps one of the cheapest ways for us here to have such a winter escape for a week, and with good look they may have such a beach time opportunity island on your itinerary as well! The middle East is becoming too expensive right now, so, a cruise in Brazil may be an affordable way to go on.

 

Agree with you on the "rough edges" safety wise on Brazil, but again; as you say; we have some ones one or the other way here in the first world as well. Follow the basic rules and one will be fine!...

 

The cruises I've taken were 2 out of 3 segments of an "MSC Grand Voyage" from Brazil to Copenhagen I believe. I made the Brazilian coastal run (also the last of their regular summer season) and the transatlantic crossing from Salvador da Baía onward to Leixões (Portugal). 2 very different crowds aboard.

 

From Santos to Salvador it was what I think to be the regular Brazilian fare on the MSC Magnifica that time: 80% Brazilian crowd with lots of families enjoying their holiday time, and such a Pentecostal Christian Church (on the likes of IURD if you know what the thing is about) doing some sort of conference with some 250 members aboard (they blocked the theater for their activities at late afternoon these days. A public prayer time offered from them as well at Sunday).

 

Now the transatlantic crossing was different. Brazilians the majority as well at a 60% capacity, but most were doing their definitive transit to live in Europe, more specifically in Portugal. They carried a very high luggage volume for free, so they found that way a cheap way to do the transit. As far as I know MSC started luggage weight control on transatlantic crossings in line with current air travel industry by 2019, one year after my crossing, so those "abuses" won't go round anymore and crowds will be different on said cruises. Regarding the remaining 40% crowd, some half of them were Germans, and the other 20% divided on some other 10 nationalities, including my group of 26 Portuguese individuals.

 

Have a nice day!

[Stockjock]

3 hours ago, Griff4AU said:

To answer your specific question... I will answer next month as I will be on the Preziosa for New Years. My better half is Brazilian and I am "in country" at least 7 times per year and have been for a few years. So I think what I offer about the country comes from experience and not the "internet keyboard commandos". 

 

I’m curious as to who these “Internet keyboard commandos” are. Perhaps you are referring to the individuals at the United States State Department who are writing these warnings?

[8420PR]

Thanks for all the input - very useful.

 

Last year we visited Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador and Fortaleza, spending around 5 weeks in Brazil.   The time difference is only 4 hours to Central Europe Time, which makes it a good option for distance working compared to other countries in North and South America.  I appreciate the warnings about crime - we took some basic precautions last year and would do again. 

 

 

21 hours ago, Nunagoras said:

I can to describe their sailings as "Brazilian party ship", but I haven't seen any drunken crowd, nor on the Brazilian itinerary, nor on the transatlantic part. They're there to enjoy the holiday family moment on a vibrant way, not specifically to drink.

 

Thanks Nunagoras, I think this is the main reason we are considering a cruise from Brazil.  Your post has raised our expectations significantly! 🙂

 

The second reason is to get to places that are not so easy to access - for example this cruise going to Ilhabela, Ilha Grande and Buzios would be a much more comfortable than spending many hours in a minibus visiting these places.

[rool]

We are just waiting to disembark from Fantasia after a short cruise out of Santos. We have lived in Brazil for 4 years now so it's our third cruise here.

Very, very noisy and virtually impossible to get a seat at all around the pool deck and, as said above, extremely loud music is played all day around the pool. Music in the bars will mostly be sertaneja, forro or mpb. The couple of european musicians seem to have gone.

The buffet is the same, very long queues and difficult to get a table. I'd recommend breakfast and lunches in the dining rooms where available.

With regards to the buffet, only paper cups for coffees were available and disposable plastic cups were used for beer in all the bars onboard.

Table service, if available, is very slow in the bars, instead you need to queue at the bar for one bar steward to input your order, you are then given a receipt to have to queue again to give to the bar tender.

I don't know of this is all peculiar to MSC cruises in Brazil, it was the same on Preziosa in April, but we are doing a TA from Rio to Barcelona in March and if it's the same we will reconsider whether to continue cruising with MSC.

It's a shame because we just reached Diamond.

 

[8420PR]

19 hours ago, Griff4AU said:

To answer your specific question... I will answer next month as I will be on the Preziosa for New Years. My better half is Brazilian and I am "in country" at least 7 times per year and have been for a few years. So I think what I offer about the country comes from experience and not the "internet keyboard commandos".  

Like many places in Central and South America, Brasil has some tougher areas - especially in SP and Rio and some of the jungle areas. I happen to love SP and Rio. Do I walk around with a Breitling / Omega exposed staring at Instagram on my iPhone 20 Super MaxGiant?  No... but I wouldn't do that in Chicago either. 

Most of the SA cruises run up and down the Atlantic from Argentina to Brasil. Honestly not great stops (just one guys opinion) but often the ship is nicer than the ports (on just about any cruise). I will know next month, but I would NOT expect to see a bunch of Brazilians. They likely want to run up and down their coast as much as I would have an interest  in an Atlantic cruise in the US. March is still the end of Winter / beginning of Spring in the N hemisphere - but it's still Summer heading in to Fall there - so I would GUESS (offered as such) more Europeans traveling for better weather. Honestly for a fun cruise, I think the Europeans and S Americans are more fun cruisers (less uptight) than US cruisers are. 

As for the cruise ship stops (if they don't change)... there won't be nearly the aggressive hustle the many of the central American and Caribbean stops have. With any cruise ship stop - there will be some and Brasil was hit VERY hard with the Pandemic - more so than any of the other countries I have been to during Covid (Peru, Panama, Mexico and Brasil). 

So if you enjoyed your visit to BR, I am sure you will enjoy the cruise. Like anywhere outside of the US, just don't act like an "arrogant American" and remember South America is just as much "America" as North and Central....  and you'll be fine and have a great time. 

 

I hope you enjoy your cruise on Preziosa!  I would love to hear what you find!  In the MSC forum there are only 5 threads with Brazil in the topic title - quite amazing given the number of MSC ships operating there.

[8420PR]

5 minutes ago, rool said:

We are just waiting to disembark from Fantasia after a short cruise out of Santos. We have lived in Brazil for 4 years now so it's our third cruise here.

Very, very noisy and virtually impossible to get a seat at all around the pool deck and, as said above, extremely loud music is played all day around the pool. Music in the bars will mostly be sertaneja, forro or mpb. The couple of european musicians seem to have gone.

The buffet is the same, very long queues and difficult to get a table. I'd recommend breakfast and lunches in the dining rooms where available.

With regards to the buffet, only paper cups for coffees were available and disposable plastic cups were used for beer in all the bars onboard.

Table service, if available, is very slow in the bars, instead you need to queue at the bar for one bar steward to input your order, you are then given a receipt to have to queue again to give to the bar tender.

I don't know of this is all peculiar to MSC cruises in Brazil, it was the same on Preziosa in April, but we are doing a TA from Rio to Barcelona in March and if it's the same we will reconsider whether to continue cruising with MSC.

It's a shame because we just reached Diamond.

 

Wow that's very different to all the other MSC cruises I have taken (in the Caribbean, Europe and Middle East).  I've never seen paper cups and plastic glasses (apart from the pool bar) onboard.

 

Did you have a drinks package?  How much did a beer cost onboard?

[rool]

1 hour ago, 8420PR said:

Wow that's very different to all the other MSC cruises I have taken (in the Caribbean, Europe and Middle East).  I've never seen paper cups and plastic glasses (apart from the pool bar) onboard.

 

Did you have a drinks package?  How much did a beer cost onboard?

Yes we have only experienced this within Brazil too. 

We had the easy plus package so didn't really take notice of the beer prices, sorry.

[Nunagoras]

3 hours ago, rool said:

We are just waiting to disembark from Fantasia after a short cruise out of Santos. We have lived in Brazil for 4 years now so it's our third cruise here.

Very, very noisy and virtually impossible to get a seat at all around the pool deck and, as said above, extremely loud music is played all day around the pool. Music in the bars will mostly be sertaneja, forro or mpb. The couple of european musicians seem to have gone.

The buffet is the same, very long queues and difficult to get a table. I'd recommend breakfast and lunches in the dining rooms where available.

With regards to the buffet, only paper cups for coffees were available and disposable plastic cups were used for beer in all the bars onboard.

Table service, if available, is very slow in the bars, instead you need to queue at the bar for one bar steward to input your order, you are then given a receipt to have to queue again to give to the bar tender.

I don't know of this is all peculiar to MSC cruises in Brazil, it was the same on Preziosa in April, but we are doing a TA from Rio to Barcelona in March and if it's the same we will reconsider whether to continue cruising with MSC.

It's a shame because we just reached Diamond.

 

As far as I understand, the Fantasia is now doing some part-to-full charter cruises for something I don't really know what is, if a TA or a local cultural event promotion venue. Those procedures are not regular MSC fare. I believe part of your experience would have been due to the charter, other part due to the ongoing crew shortage. Either way; a full ship with different rules paves the way for less than stellar cruise experience. I've also had an experience like that on another line. Have a nice day!

[Griff4AU]

@rool Wow, that is disappointing and I am sorry to hear that. The loud music does not surprise me, nor do the long lines. There is more than 1 cruise line that had reduced capacity or even changed sailings because of staffing issues. Cruising is back, but some lines can't get the staff. They would certainly prefer not to use paper / disposable. 

[mawvkysc]

5 hours ago, rool said:

 

Table service, if available, is very slow in the bars, instead you need to queue at the bar for one bar steward to input your order, you are then given a receipt to have to queue again to give to the bar tender.

I don't know of this is all peculiar to MSC cruises in Brazil, it was the same on Preziosa in April, but we are doing a TA from Rio to Barcelona in March and if it's the same we will reconsider whether to continue cruising with MSC.

It's a shame because we just reached Diamond.

 

Just off a three day out of Florida on Meraviglia . Very few servers if any and had to queue at the bar for the most part. We did not have to deal with the receipt situation though. Mugs for coffee and glass for beers. Drinks were weak in flavor not just weak in alcohol. 

[rool]

Just to say to keep an eye on things.

We have a new wave in progress here now and there were 56 thousand new cases yesterday.

We flew home from Sao Paulo today and masks are compulsory airside at airports and on the aircraft.

[Griff4AU]

On 11/25/2022 at 8:40 PM, rool said:

Just to say to keep an eye on things.

We have a new wave in progress here now and there were 56 thousand new cases yesterday.

We flew home from Sao Paulo today and masks are compulsory airside at airports and on the aircraft.

Just adding on to what @roolshared as I was in Rio this past weekend. Land in Rio (or SP) and you're given a mask when exiting the plane. In the city itself, I noticed an uptick in mask usage but certainly not everywhere. Malls?  Maybe 20% wearing them.  The outdoor watch party for the men's football match?  LMAO! ('pretty darn entertaining for this gringo).

 

I'll be able to update this in a few weeks as we're 19 days away from sailing, but the Preziosa is full - so I hope it's properly staffed. 
 

[rool]

2 hours ago, Griff4AU said:

Just adding on to what @roolshared as I was in Rio this past weekend. Land in Rio (or SP) and you're given a mask when exiting the plane. In the city itself, I noticed an uptick in mask usage but certainly not everywhere. Malls?  Maybe 20% wearing them.  The outdoor watch party for the men's football match?  LMAO! ('pretty darn entertaining for this gringo).

 

I'll be able to update this in a few weeks as we're 19 days away from sailing, but the Preziosa is full - so I hope it's properly staffed. 
 

We are back in our home state here in Brazil now and it's about the same as you say. An increase in Mask wearing but most aren't.

At bars for the football? Zero masks.

I'll keep an eye on the Anvisa website for any updates re cruises.

Enjoy your time there.

[8420PR]

I bit the bullet and booked a 3 night cruise on MSC Armonia from Itajai to Buenos Aires over Christmas, so can answer the questions I had in case it helps others.

 

Firstly, here is the drinks menu.   The Easy drinks selection is expanded with some Brazilian specialties, and the prices looked roughly comparable to Med cruises (perhaps a bit cheaper).  We pre-purchased the easy package and had a great time.

 

One curiosity as mentioned by rool is the system of queuing at the side of the bar for the server to input your order, getting a receipt, and then handing it to the bar staff to make for you.  I have never seen this on any other MSC cruise - where you are mostly served at your table or you can go to the bar as a last resort.   I am not sure if this is Brazil specific or MSC brazil specific, but on the first day it seemed to only be me that was confused by it.

QR_BF_APERITIF-AND-WINE-BAR_OTHER_DAYX_EN_1671839589.pdf

[8420PR]

Here are some menus. 

 

It was a combination of typical MSC dishes, Brazilian specialties and I think the "always available" is upgraded compared to Med cruises (I thought salmon was replaced by white fish and steak removed in the Med).

 

The Christmas menu was wonderful.   The steak tagliata (from the always available section) was also very good.

 

Overall, it was typical MSC food and service.  Some hiccups along the way, but overall a pleasant experience.

 

[8420PR]

Overall the type of passengers were the same as the Med - a mix of young people, couples, families and older people trying to have a good time.  We didn't hear anyone else talking English among themselves - it was either Portuguese or Spanish.  

 

All staff spoke English, but some announcements were Portuguese and Spanish only.  For example, in the theatre the cruise director didn't say anything in English.  Sometimes we had no idea what was happening, but went with the flow and didn't have any problems.

 

The staff we interacted with were friendly, and despite some typical MSC hiccups and misunderstandings I am sure that all staff just wanted us to have a good holiday and acted accordingly.

 

The shows were definatley not adapted for Brazil, as almost all songs were in English.  I thought the quality of singing was not the best I have seen on MSC, but after enough wine they were entertaining.

 

[8420PR]

Some information on the ports:

 

Itajai:  We boarded here.  We flew into Navegantes airport and landed at 22:30 in the evening, we then took an uber to the river ferry, took the ferry across the river and then walked to our hotel.  Brazilians we talked to beforehand didn't recommend this, but it seemed like most people on the flight did the same thing and the alternative would have been more than 1 hour in a car going to the nearest bridge.

 

The location shown on MSC etickets was incorrect - it showed we should go to the tourist pier.  Instead check-in took place at the convention centre and we were then bussed to the ship in an industrial port.  We queued for 1 hour to get into the convention centre, but was then checked in and on the bus in about 10 minutes.  Passports were handed in on boarding and picked up the evening before disembarkation.

 

Punta Dell'Est:  This was a tender port and MSC used both local tender ships and MSC Armonia's tender boats.  The weather was very pleasant, but with relatively big waves it was good to see some good seamanship skills from the crew that we passengers don't normally see.   We just walked around, saw the sights, went to the beach and had something to eat.

 

Buenos Aires:   It was painless disembarking here - with the only formality being putting our luggage through an x-ray for customs.