Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Behind the Scenes at a Samba School

A Sneak Peek at Rio’s Famous Carnival Enjoy Privileged Access® backstage at a Brazilian samba school and discover more about Rio’s famous Carnival. Rio is home to the most famous outdoor parade in the world, and preparations for this phenomenal event are underway year-round. Each samba school counts thousands of participants; witness the dancers and musicians performing during a rehearsal. Go behind the scenes and discover what goes into producing the show, and admire the performers’ sparkling costumes and flamboyant feathered headdresses. Sip on a caipirinha cocktail as your guide describes the carnival’s origins, which began in ancient Greece, were celebrated in Europe during the Middle Ages and were brought to Brazil by the Portuguese through colonization. Slip on a few ensembles for a photo of this memorable moment, learn how to play percussion and try a few samba moves before returning to your ship. * Moderate - Walking portions may be long and somewhat challenging with occasional step-ups, stairs and inclines. Total time walking or standing normally ranges from 1.5 to 3 hours.