GEMS OF SOUTH AMERICA

V3304

Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro on Crystal Serenity
DATES : February 26 - March 10, 2013 (Days 12) CRUISE-ONLY FARES FROM : $7,180 Per Person

PLAN & BOOK THIS VOYAGE

Contact a Crystal Expert Travel Agency:

1-888-722-0021

Get a Quote

From Argentina's passionate tango to Brazil's sultry samba, relish the rhythmic beauty of South America.

Show all Port Details

Date	Port	Arrival	Departure
Feb 26, Tuesday	Buenos Aires, Argentina (overnight) »		Embark pm
	Cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, whose name means city of "favorable winds," is the capital of Argentina. With broad, well planned avenues, charming sidewalk cafés, carefully tended parks, elaborate monuments, noble statues and splendid rococo buildings, it exudes an air of sophisticated elegance. Until the 1880s, Buenos Aires was a mere village. However, it has now prospered into one of Latin America's most sophisticated centers, with a population of over 11 million. Buenos Aires has also frequently been dubbed the "Paris of the Southern Hemisphere," due to its superb restaurants, art galleries, museums and European-influenced architecture.
Feb 27, Wednesday	Buenos Aires, Argentina »		6 pm
	Cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, whose name means city of "favorable winds," is the capital of Argentina. With broad, well planned avenues, charming sidewalk cafés, carefully tended parks, elaborate monuments, noble statues and splendid rococo buildings, it exudes an air of sophisticated elegance. Until the 1880s, Buenos Aires was a mere village. However, it has now prospered into one of Latin America's most sophisticated centers, with a population of over 11 million. Buenos Aires has also frequently been dubbed the "Paris of the Southern Hemisphere," due to its superb restaurants, art galleries, museums and European-influenced architecture.
Feb 28, Thursday	Cruising the Atlantic Ocean »
	Your Day at Sea Enrich. Entertain. Escape. Adjust the compass of your mood and design your day exactly as you wish: pamper yourself at the Feng Shui-inspired Crystal Spa, work-out at our state-of-the-art fitness center or Walk-on-Water along our 360^o Promenade Deck; teach yourself something new with complimentary language lessons by Berlitz or piano instruction with Yamaha; enhance your computer skills at our Computer University@Sea or learn about art, history and worldly destinations with our engaging celebrity entertainers and speakers; sneak away to watch recently-released movies in the Hollywood Theater, shop our luxury boutiques, or simply relax by one of our tranquil pools. From Tai Chi and yoga to PGA golf instruction and paddle tennis on full-size courts, today is all about you. As evening arrives, dine on the inspired cuisines of Nobu Matsuhisa, Piero Selvaggio and Crystal’s own acclaimed chefs, enjoy special wine-makers dinners, lavish Broadway-style productions, intimate lounges, a pulsing dance club or our action-packed Crystal Casino. The choices are yours.
Mar 1, Friday	Montevideo, Uruguay »	8 am	6 pm
	Montevideo is the capital of Uruguay, South America's second-smallest country. Beyond urban limits, 90% of Uruguay's land is devoted to sheep and cattle grazing, as Montevideo is this nation's largest city. Legend tells us that its name originated from the words monte vide eu meaning "I see a mountain," exclaimed by an eager lookout when Magellan's fleet first arrived in 1520. Set in a picturesque location along the River Plate's shores, Montevideo evokes all the flavor of Spain with the massive masonry, hidden patios and palm-shaded plazas that are so reminiscent of that country. Attractions abound. Stroll wide boulevards and leafy parks, view imposing statuary or experience the thrill of an estancia visit.
Mar 2, Saturday	Punta del Este, Uruguay »	8 am	6 pm
	An upscale playground for the rich and glamorous, Punta del Este is the South American vacation spot for anyone who’s anyone. Exclusive luxury casinos, hotels, restaurants and nightclubs may be the lure for many visitors, but the resort city also offers plenty for those looking for simpler pleasures. Stroll through the heart of the city and you’ll discover galleries, a popular handicraft market, colonial architecture, and the historic lighthouse. Sun worshipers can also enjoy over thirty miles of beaches stretched along the peninsula.
Mar 3, Sunday	Rio Grande du Sol, Brazil »	9 am	6 pm
	While perhaps not boasting the cachet of Brazil’s other “Rio” to the north, Rio de Janeiro, Rio Grande do Sul can nonetheless compete for a top spot on any traveler’s itinerary. After all, Rio Grande shares with Rio de Janeiro (and with the region in general) traditional European influences wonderfully infused with gaucho culture, rhythmic music and flavorful cuisine. As for coastline, Rio Grande hosts a record-breaking beach. At 155 miles long, the Praia do Cassino is considered the longest stretch of beach in the world. Also of remarkable length is the city’s history, which dates to 1669 when the Portuguese established a colony here.Vestiges of both Portuguese and Spanish cultures are revealed in the handsome buildings found in the heart of the city.
Mar 4, Monday	Cruising the Atlantic Ocean »
	Your Day at Sea Enrich. Entertain. Escape. Adjust the compass of your mood and design your day exactly as you wish: pamper yourself at the Feng Shui-inspired Crystal Spa, work-out at our state-of-the-art fitness center or Walk-on-Water along our 360^o Promenade Deck; teach yourself something new with complimentary language lessons by Berlitz or piano instruction with Yamaha; enhance your computer skills at our Computer University@Sea or learn about art, history and worldly destinations with our engaging celebrity entertainers and speakers; sneak away to watch recently-released movies in the Hollywood Theater, shop our luxury boutiques, or simply relax by one of our tranquil pools. From Tai Chi and yoga to PGA golf instruction and paddle tennis on full-size courts, today is all about you. As evening arrives, dine on the inspired cuisines of Nobu Matsuhisa, Piero Selvaggio and Crystal’s own acclaimed chefs, enjoy special wine-makers dinners, lavish Broadway-style productions, intimate lounges, a pulsing dance club or our action-packed Crystal Casino. The choices are yours.
Mar 5, Tuesday	Santos/São Paulo, Brazil »	8 am	6 pm
	The largest city on the Sao Paulo coast, Santos became a commercial powerhouse thanks to its exportation of coffee. But what made the city internationally famous was the Santos Futebol Club, the home team of legendary soccer player Pelé. While Santos enjoys a reputation as a modern, cosmopolitan port city, visitors can still marvel at many historic sights, such as the canals that are over a hundred years old. Nature lovers will appreciate the largest beachfront garden in the world, according to the Guinness Book of Records, with a bike bath that extends the entire 3.3 miles of the garden.
Mar 6, Wednesday	Paraty, Brazil »	8 am	6 pm
	This colonial town is almost frozen in time. Founded by Portuguese immigrants, it became one of the world’s most important ports during the gold rush that swept over the area in the 18^th century. The money that poured into town resulted in a collection of beautiful colonial buildings. When the gold ran out, however, Paraty was basically abandoned and forgotten. But that cloud of neglect had a silver lining: The structures remained untouched, making Paraty a popular destination because of its well-preserved buildings. The historic town center is even closed to vehicles so visitors can experience Paraty as it was in its golden heyday.
Mar 7, Thursday	Ilha Grande, Brazil »	8 am	6 pm
	Literally meaning “Big Island,” Ilha Grande is a natural treasure, virtually untouched by humans. One of the last protected remnants of the Atlantic Rainforest, it is home to a rich and diverse ecosystem, including some of the largest remaining populations of endangered species in the world. The surrounding waters are also protected, so it’s possible to see tropical fish, penguins and whales all swimming together in harmony. Largely undeveloped, there are no roads, let alone cars, on Ilha Grande, but hikers have a choice of sixteen jungle trails that wind through tropical forests, alongside pristine waterfalls and up majestic mountain peaks.
Mar 8, Friday	Buzios, Brazil »	8 am	2 am +1 day
	Just north of Rio de Janeiro, this charming fishing village welcomes you with splendid beaches and year-round summer temperatures. Visitors can drink up the sun, explore the lush landscape, find bargains in the world-class boutiques, and snap a photograph with Bridget Bardot. Not the real one, of course. The French superstar put Buzios on the map when she visited the town at the height of her fame, and now locals and travelers alike come to sit on the lap of the Bridget Bardot statue, situated on the Orla Bardot.
Mar 9, Saturday	Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (overnight) »	9 am
	Vibrant Rio lies cradled in the outstretched arms of the Christ the Redeemer Statue, which stands atop Corcovado Mountain. At the feet of this magnificent landmark lies one of the world's most magnificent bays. Golden beaches with such alluring names as Copacabana and Ipanema stretch as far as the eye can see. There are close to two dozen such bays, which serve as a playground for some of the world's most beautiful people. All along this waterfront, which swirls with mosaic art, are five-star hotels, elegant shops, popular restaurants and a lifestyle to match. Winding its way along this magnificent mile or so is a constant parade of handsome Cariocas, as the local people are known.
Mar 10, Sunday	Rio de Janeiro, Brazil »	Disembark am
	Vibrant Rio lies cradled in the outstretched arms of the Christ the Redeemer Statue, which stands atop Corcovado Mountain. At the feet of this magnificent landmark lies one of the world's most magnificent bays. Golden beaches with such alluring names as Copacabana and Ipanema stretch as far as the eye can see. There are close to two dozen such bays, which serve as a playground for some of the world's most beautiful people. All along this waterfront, which swirls with mosaic art, are five-star hotels, elegant shops, popular restaurants and a lifestyle to match. Winding its way along this magnificent mile or so is a constant parade of handsome Cariocas, as the local people are known.