A Perfect Voyage For The 2014 World Cup

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Aug. 8, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- What better way to uncover the beauty and excitement of Brazil but with an iconic voyage that offers not only an unforgettable sojourn, but a unique sense of adventure and captivating excursions, ending in Rio de Janeiro just in time for the 2014 World Cup. 

The 18-night sailing departs Miami on May 24^th and includes stops in Charlotte Amalie (St. Thomas), Bridgetown (Barbados), St. George (Grenada), Port of Spain (Trinidad and Tobago) along with Fortaleza, Salvador de Bahia, Ilheus and Rio de Janeiro (Brazil).  Rates start at $1019.00. 

While on board, unique enrichment and entertainment programs offer arts and crafts sessions, bridge, burraco and chess lessons, professional dance courses, including salsa, merengue and rock' n roll, with fascinating lecture programs tailored to each itinerary. Travelers relish in classical concerts, fly-on artists and live music from talented bands, while combined dining and entertainment programs take guests on delightful culinary journeys. Cocktails, cooking and flair bartending demonstrations, wine tasting and special menus inspired by local traditions are offered during special themed evenings. 

Along the journey, exciting shore excursions at stops throughout the Caribbean and Brazil offer guests a host of memorable experiences.  Highlights include:

A classic pirate schooner adventure in St. Thomas is perfect for adults and children alike.  Spend the day uncovering dungeons, treasure chests and pirate stockades led by a friendly "motley crew". Walk the plank and enjoy snorkeling surrounded by tropical fish, colorful living coral reefs and curious turtles.   In the crystal blue waters of Barbados, swim alongside friendly sea turtles feeding on coral rocks along the shore. Hawksbill and leatherback sea turtles are readily found swimming, feeding and nesting throughout the island. Next stop is Grenada, where passengers can embark on a rainforest adventure, exploring the various waterfalls of the "Seven Sisters", hiking through lush tropics, soaking in hot springs and cooling off in crystal clear waters. 

Once in Brazil, historical tours of the colonial city of Salvador, one of the oldest capitals in the Americas, feature local cuisine, music, architecture and Afro-Brazilian culture. Excursions highlight Salvador's key attractions, including the area's oldest colonial forte, Farol de Barra, the main plaza of Praca da Se, one of the finest examples of Brazilian baroque architecture and Igreja de Ordem Terceira and the infamous "healing room of miracles" of the Bonfim Church. 

In Rio de Janeiro, cable cars take you to the top of Sugar Loaf, one of several monolithic morros (hills) of granite and quartz that rise straight from the water's edge for incredible city vistas. Jeep tours include visits to the Christ statue, the Candelaria Church, Lapa Arch's, a charming cultural town full of galleries in Santa Teresa, and the Rodrigo de Freitas lagoon.  Architecture enthusiasts can take a scenic drive to view several of Oscar Niemeyer's pieces of art with a visit to the saucer-shaped Niteroi Contemporary Art Museum.

For more information, visit www.msccruisesusa.com or call 877-665-4655. 

SOURCE MSC Cruises USA