that can be 3, 7,8 or 9, visiting Montevideo, Río de Janeiro, Ilhabela and Buzios and alternating, for example, with Ilha Grande, Porto Belo and Punta del Este. There also are 13- night-itineraries that travel around the North East of Brazil, and transatlantic that depart in Buenos Aires to Europe. Nowadays, the option of the cruise is becoming more and more selected. In this sense, Basilico explains that it is because of the kind of the trip, the comfort; you can visit many cities in a floating hotel without the necessity of packing and unpacking. The most important thing is that it allows you to visit many cities on the same transport, different from any other travel packages to Brazil, where you can visit two cities in a week as maximum». Concerning money, prices are more economical than a package since all meals are included and we don´t have to pay for then when arriving. «The whole voyage is paid, that is why there is no need to use money on board», comments the representative of Almundo.com. Although the cruises have «all included», the agencies offer the hire of drinks so that the-on board-service can be complete, as well as the possibility of adding the excursions in every city of the journey, paying with Argentine Pesos and in a financed way. The cruises in South America are generally booked with a year anticipation to take advantage of the promotions that ship companies offer, such as «2x1» or «the third passenger for free», what makes the price very economical. A cruise for Christmas today is about ARG $ 18,000 whereas for New Year increases to almost ARG $ 30,000 and for March 2015, it can got for ARG $ 15,500, always considering the price per passenger and with a cabin with balcony. In brief, the trip includes accommodation, 5 meals a day (breakfast, lunch, tea, dinner and midnight buffet), entertainment and on board activities, tips (from Buenos Aires) and the use of all the facilities. The only extra expenditure are the casino and the spa services that are not included in the price.
During Christmas´ time, ships are decorated for the occasion with the aim of creating a scenario where guests can enjoy the traditional Christmas carols, choir performance and the Midnight Mass, as well as a unique show of bright lights on the waves.
Vacations with Christmas spirit Christmas is celebrated sailing, with fireworks, a special menu, games and Christmas activities. In New Year, the party starts on board. Anchored in the Port of Copacabana, the show is unique: the fireworks light up the sky and make us realize of the beginning of the New Year. From the cruise, in the middle of the sea, the show covers 360° and it obliges the eyes no to miss anything. Some ships offer the possibility of going off to keep on celebrating on the beach, from 10.00 p.m. to 3.00 a.m. More than a million people wearing white are gathered to say goodbye to the old night, called Reveillon, in a party where everything is joy and where the sea and the sand make the perfect postcard for the occasion. Thus, barefoot on the sand or on board of a luxurious cruise, an unforgettable new year starts, with the desire of happy times and family union
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When the countdown strikes «0» and it is officially New Year, the city of Río de Janeiro intensely celebrates it. As soon as people acclaim the arrival of the New Year, it starts a spectacular firework show that lasts between 15 and 20 minutes. The fireworks are set off from ships and rafts anchored in the sea of Copacabana Beach.
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Pictures courtesy: -Marcela Benítez for Mib Photography -MSC Cruceros