MSC Cruises Teams Up With Beto Carrero World on Brazil Excursion

MSC Cruises has signed a partnership with Brazil’s Beto Carrero World to sell a dedicated shore excursion for guests calling in Santa Catarina state, bundling transportation and priority-access features for a day at the theme park.

A theme-park partnership for Santa Catarina calls

MSC Cruises said the tour will be offered on calls at the ports of Itajaí and Balneário Camboriú, giving passengers an organized option to visit Beto Carrero World in Penha. The cruise line described the experience in its announcement as an “exclusive and unforgettable experience” and positioned it as a signature outing for the region.

Both Itajaí and Balneário Camboriú are about one hour from the park, according to the cruise line. MSC said the partnership began during the 2024-25 cruise season and is being carried forward as part of its broader South America program.

What the Beto Carrero World excursion includes

MSC Cruises said the full excursion package combines admission to Beto Carrero World with round-trip transfers from the port area. The day is designed to start with priority disembarkation from the ship, and the cruise line said the tour also includes VIP-style benefits intended to reduce waiting and improve access inside the park.

Those add-ons include fast-pass access for up to four attractions and VIP seating for the park’s Hot Wheels Epic Show. MSC also said it will sell a more flexible option that includes only the park priority passes, without the full bundle of tickets and transfers.

• Full package structure: MSC said the excursion bundles park entry and round-trip transfers, and it begins with priority disembarkation to streamline the start of the day.
• In-park access benefits: The cruise line said guests receive fast-pass access for up to four attractions, along with VIP seating for the Hot Wheels Epic Show.
• Alternate booking option: For travelers who want flexibility, MSC said it will offer a priority-pass-only purchase rather than the complete excursion bundle.

Beto Carrero World is described by MSC as the largest theme park in Latin America and offers more than 1,000 attractions for a day visit. The park is located in Penha and, according to the information released with the partnership, spans 14,000 square meters.

How it fits into MSC’s 2025-26 South America deployment

MSC tied the shore-excursion rollout to a busy 2025-26 South American season that began with the arrival of MSC Preziosa in Santos on October 26, 2025. The 2013-built ship sailed from Germany earlier in the month, completing a 21-night trans-Atlantic repositioning cruise with stops in France, England, Spain, and Portugal before reaching Brazil.

On the Brazilian leg of that repositioning voyage, calls included Salvador, Ilhéus, Búzios, and Rio de Janeiro. MSC said MSC Preziosa then moved into regional operations offering a range of itineraries, from three-night cruises to week-long voyages, with stops across Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay, including Angra dos Reis, Buenos Aires, and Montevideo.

MSC’s planned regional lineup for the season also includes MSC Seaview, MSC Sinfonia, MSC Armonia, and MSC Fantasia. With Itajaí and Balneário Camboriú among the ports served, the Beto Carrero World partnership adds a standardized land-tour option for Santa Catarina calls.

A key operational change for the season is Balneário Camboriú’s debut as a homeport for MSC Cruises. MSC Preziosa is among the ships tied to the new homeport, and the ship is scheduled to offer nine seven-night cruises to destinations in Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay during the 2025-26 season.

A more crowded South American lineup from major brands

MSC’s expanded regional plans come as other international operators also build out South American itineraries. Costa Cruises has announced its 2025-26 South American season with Costa Diadema and Costa Favolosa operating regional voyages that call at ports in Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay.

Other brands cited as including South America in their itineraries for the season include Princess, Oceania, Celebrity, and Silversea, while premium lines such as Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Azamara are also scheduled in the region. AIDAmar and Peace Boat’s Pacific World are also slated to visit during the season.

Ports are preparing for the traffic as well. The Port of Santos is scheduled to host 14 cruise ships during the 2025-26 season, spanning mainstream operators and luxury brands.

Infrastructure upgrades aimed at winning more cruise calls

Beyond shore programming, port destinations are also investing in facilities to make operations faster and more reliable. In Cabo Frio, in Rio de Janeiro state, Secretary of Economic Development Marcelo Dusi cited a new anchorage point, channel dredging, and a renovated cruise terminal as part of an effort to improve the guest and operational experience.

According to the local officials’ estimate cited, the changes reduced disembarkation time from 30 minutes to eight minutes. Cabo Frio hosted only two cruise calls during the 2024-25 season, and authorities are seeking private partners to operate the terminal as the town works to attract more visits in coming seasons.

With Balneário Camboriú entering the market as a homeport and more ships scheduled across the region, MSC’s Beto Carrero World partnership adds another structured, sellable shore option as the 2025-26 South America season continues to build.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is included in MSC Cruises’ Beto Carrero World excursion?

MSC Cruises said the full package includes entry to Beto Carrero World, round-trip transfers, priority disembarkation, fast-pass access for up to four attractions, and VIP seating for the Hot Wheels Epic Show. The cruise line also noted the park offers more than 1,000 attractions.

Can guests buy only priority access without the full tour?

Yes. MSC Cruises said it will sell an option that includes only the park priority passes, without the full excursion bundle of tickets and transfers.

Which ships are part of MSC Cruises’ 2025-26 South America season?

MSC Cruises’ planned lineup includes MSC Preziosa, MSC Seaview, MSC Sinfonia, MSC Armonia, and MSC Fantasia, with itineraries departing from ports in Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay.

How is Balneário Camboriú positioned in MSC’s South America deployment?

MSC Cruises is debuting Balneário Camboriú as a homeport for the 2025-26 season. MSC Preziosa is scheduled to offer nine seven-night cruises from the port to destinations in Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay.

What infrastructure improvements have been made in Cabo Frio?

Local officials said Cabo Frio created a new anchorage point, dredged its channel, and renovated its cruise terminal. The upgrades were cited as reducing disembarkation times from 30 minutes to eight minutes, and the town is seeking private partners to operate the facility.