19 Cruise Ships Set for New Year’s Eve Fireworks in Rio and Madeira
New Year’s Eve fireworks are becoming anchor attractions for cruise itineraries, as lines compete for front-row berths and sell destination moments as the holiday itself.
Cruise lines are set to ring in 2026 with major New Year’s Eve gatherings off Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana Beach and in Funchal on Portugal’s Madeira Island, with a combined 19 ships expected across the two destinations. Together, the calls are projected to bring nearly 40,000 passengers, plus thousands of crew members, to two of the cruise industry’s best-known holiday fireworks backdrops.
Copacabana Beach: seven ships expected offshore for the midnight display
In Rio de Janeiro, seven cruise ships are scheduled to assemble off Copacabana for the annual fireworks show that begins at midnight on January 1, 2026. The lineup spans MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises, and Plantours, and is expected to bring more than 18,000 passengers and nearly 7,500 crew members to the area.
Several of the vessels slated to be in position rank among the larger ships sailing in South America during the 2025-26 season. No official statement from Rio de Janeiro city authorities, the Port of Rio de Janeiro, or the participating cruise lines was included in available reports.
- MSC Seaview
- MSC Sinfonia
- MSC Fantasia
- MSC Armonia
- MSC Preziosa
- Costa Favolosa
- Hamburg (Plantours)
MSC Cruises leads the Rio gathering, including a chartered themed sailing
The largest ship scheduled to attend off Copacabana is MSC Seaview, which carries up to 4,140 guests. The vessel is sailing a seven-night cruise that departed from Santos, Brazil, before calling in Rio for the New Year celebration.
MSC Sinfonia, MSC Fantasia, MSC Armonia, and MSC Preziosa are also expected to attend. MSC Fantasia is arriving as part of a cruise that departed from Argentina, while MSC Sinfonia, MSC Armonia, and MSC Preziosa are operating itineraries focused on the Brazilian market during the period.
MSC Preziosa is scheduled to reach Copacabana on a charter operated for PromoA o Eventos. The Rio visit is part of a four-night themed cruise that includes concerts by local artists and bands.
Costa and Plantours: Buenos Aires departures and a longer stay after the countdown
Costa Cruises is expected to be represented by Costa Favolosa, which is scheduled to join the Copacabana gathering while sailing an eight-night cruise that began in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Plantours’ 420-passenger Hamburg is slated to be the smallest ship in the lineup and the only vessel from the brand expected for the celebration. Hamburg is sailing a 23-night cruise that began in the Canary Islands and includes Brazilian calls in Maceió, Ilhéus, and Salvador before continuing to Argentina and Uruguay.
After the fireworks display, Hamburg is scheduled to remain in Rio de Janeiro for two days before proceeding with its itinerary, while other ships are expected to continue their individual schedules across Brazil and the wider South American region.
Funchal: 12-ship New Year’s Eve gathering on Madeira
In the North Atlantic, Funchal is scheduled to host 12 cruise ships for its traditional New Year’s Eve fireworks display. The Portuguese island is expected to receive more than 20,000 passengers and nearly 10,000 crew members, with many of the visiting vessels serving German and British markets.
The largest and newest ship in the lineup is Mein Schiff Relax, which entered service earlier in 2025. The vessel is set to be joined by sister ships Mein Schiff 3 and Mein Schiff 7.
Other ships expected in Funchal include AIDAbella, Fred. Olsen’s Bolette, Phoenix Reisen’s Artania, and P&O’s Arcadia. Saga Cruises is scheduled to send Spirit of Discovery and Spirit of Adventure, while Marella Cruises is expected with Marella Voyager.
Silversea Cruises’ Silver Muse is slated to make its debut call in Funchal after completing a drydock in Italy, visiting Madeira as part of a cruise that also includes the Canary Islands and mainland Portugal.
As in Rio, some ships are expected to anchor offshore for views of the fireworks, while others will dock, allowing guests to go ashore and explore Funchal on January 1, 2026.
Holiday sailings highlight demand for event-driven itineraries
The twin gatherings underscore how cruise itineraries are increasingly built around marquee events, pairing onboard celebrations with well-known local traditions. With seven ships positioned off Rio and a 12-ship turnout expected in Madeira, both destinations are set to play prominent roles in cruise lines’ end-of-year schedules as passengers welcome 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When does the Copacabana New Year’s fireworks display begin?
The fireworks are scheduled to start at midnight on January 1, 2026.
How many cruise passengers and crew members are expected off Copacabana?
The seven-ship gathering is expected to bring more than 18,000 passengers and nearly 7,500 crew members to the area.
What is the largest cruise ship participating in Funchal’s event?
The largest ship in Funchal’s lineup is Mein Schiff Relax, which entered service earlier in 2025 and is also the newest vessel scheduled to participate in the celebrations.
Which cruise lines are hosting themed events on their ships?
In Rio, MSC Preziosa is scheduled to arrive on a four-night themed charter for PromoA o Eventos that includes concerts by local artists and bands.
What other Brazilian ports will Hamburg visit?
In addition to Rio de Janeiro, Hamburg is scheduled to call in Maceió, Ilhéus, and Salvador before continuing to Argentina and Uruguay as part of its 23-night itinerary.
