VIP Box Among New Luxe Options to Samba Through Rio's Carnival With Crystal Cruises

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- With two itineraries through Brazil during Carnival in 2012, luxury specialist Crystal Cruises announces four new opportunities for guests to experience the legendary Carnival spectacle during the cruises' overnights in Rio de Janeiro.  From grandstand seating and front-row box seats to luxury VIP sky box suites with gourmet goodies, guests have 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.

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Crystal Symphony's Miami-Rio and Rio-Buenos Aires voyages on February 6 and 20, respectively, 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, Maceio, 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/Sao 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.

Crystal Cruises' passion for taking care of guests in an inviting environment of extraordinary space, quality and choices has earned the company more "World's Best" awards than any other cruise line, resort, or hotel in history.  

For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent, call 888-799-4625, or visit www.crystalcruises.com.

CONTACT:  Mimi Weisband or Susan Wichmann 310-203-4305, [email protected]

VISIT:  Crystal's Media Center

SOURCE Crystal Cruises