There is nothing like Carnival in Rio where GLBTs and everyone else celebrate like there's no tomorrow with samba parties, parades and scantily clad local ladies dancing on the tables at the various "balls". Then there's those mornings after when revelers can be seen laying in the streets with ice packs on their heads. Everybody takes time off during the festivities, even the thieves.
If you've never been, here's your chance. Crystal Cruises, http://www.crystalcruises.com, is offering two itineraries through Brazil during Carnival in 2012 that include four new opportunities for passengers to join in the fun such as grandstand seating, front-row box seats and luxury VIP sky box suites with gourmet goodies (which is amazing, folks, been there done that). You also get a choice of several fully escorted, reserved seating programs at the Sambadrome. There’s even an option to participate firsthand – marching in the parade, dressed in costume, and performing with one of the samba schools.
Crystal Symphony’s Miami-Rio and Rio-Buenos Aires voyages depart February 6 and 20, respectively, and end or begin on the parade’s two best nights, Sunday and Monday, when 30,000 glamorously-costumed members of the top samba schools thrill crowds with singing, dancing, drumming, and colorful floats.
All excursion participants (even those in the parade) will be accompanied by experienced, secure guides from beginning to end, with several convenient late-night shore-to-ship shuttles. Crystal’s Carnival excursions begin at $799/person, with $12,999/person for the VIP box suite package.
The 14-day, February 6th “Copacabana & Carnival” voyage calls in Miami, Barbados,Devil’s Island,Maceió, Salvador, and Rio. Travelers who reserve this cruise by Oct. 31 receive an additional $1000/person off 2-for-1 fares. “Book Now” fares start at $4,520/person.
The February 20th 12-day “Samba Serenade” cruise visits Rio,Buzios,Ilha Grande,Paraty,Santos/São Paulo, Itajai, Montevideo, and Buenos Aires. Until Oct. 31, 2-for-1 fares start at $5,840/person.
Both voyages include $1,000/couple “All Inclusive. As You Wish” shipboard credit, plus free air and airport/ship transfers to/from 24 North American gateways (or air credit). Family and friend groups of six+ who qualify for Crystal’s Family Memories Program also receive additional perks and savings.
For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent, call 888-799-4625, or visit www.crystalcruises.com.
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