Excursion Rio carnaval parade grandstand special group tour at Rio de Janeiro

Held annually before Lent, Rio’s Carnaval is considered one of the world’s most spectacular festivals, uniting people and cultures from across the globe. While Carnaval is celebrated throughout Brazil, Rio’s extravagant Samba Parade, the culmination of festivities, is unmatched in terms of its grandeur and brilliance. Only 12 out of over 100 Samba schools in Rio make it to the Samba Parade, making this competition to earn the title of Best Ensemble exceptionally fierce.

With Silversea, enjoy a seamless experience as you’re transferred to and from this unforgettable spectacle, complete with spectacular seating in the Grandstand.  

00SPERIO-G Rio Carnaval Parade, GRANDSTAND SEATS, Special Group

Evening Event:  Sunday, February 15, 2026

Depart: Depart the ship at approximately 7:00 pm

Return: Return to the ship at approximately Midnight

Reserve: A minimum of 90 days prior to sailing

Immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Brazil as you experience the breathtaking spectacle that is Rio’s Carnaval.

IMPORTANT NOTE

This Special Excursion requires advance booking through Silversea Reservations no later than 90 days before sailing. Requests received after this date may be accommodated on a space-available basis and the programme price is subject to change.  Tickets are available in limited quantities and participation cannot be guaranteed for those guests not booking well in advance. Tickets are non-refundable once added to your booking. The price of tickets will increase closer to the date of Carnaval; therefore, the programme price is subject to change without advance notice.

Pier to Sambódromo

Your unforgettable adventure kicks off with a scenic drive of approximately one hour to Rio’s famed Sambódromo. Situated near downtown Rio de Janeiro at Rua Marquês de Sapucaí in Cidade Nova, this impressive structure stretches 1,968 feet (about 700 metres) along the street, and seats 72,500 spectators.  Designed by the renowned architect Oscar Niemeyer and built in 1983, the Sambódromo also serves as a venue for sporting events, conferences and concerts throughout the year, and houses a public education center thar currently educates 5,000 children.

The Grandstand & Parade

Upon arrival at the parking area, leave your coach for a short walk to the Sambódromo. Be prepared to walk approximately 200 meters from the coach to the Grandstand and climb about 90 stairs to reach your reserved bench-style grandstand seats in Sector 9.

Experience the Samba Parade – the highlight of Rio’s Carnaval celebration. The parades are the culmination of months of intense preparation by a dozen schools at the top of the highly competitive Carnavale League.  

On this night of the parades, you’ll witness the Special Group, where the top 12 Samba Schools compete in the ultimate showdown. Each night will highlight four top schools performing with unparalleled skill and creativity, as they vie for the coveted championship title. This is the climax of Rio’s Carnival, where the most talented and flamboyant Samba Schools present their grandest performances, competing fiercely for the honor of being crowned the best ensemble of the festival.

The parade unfolds as a brilliant masterpiece of melody, percussion, acrobatics, costume, choreography and special effects, with performers and Samba dancers moving down the half mile ‘avenida’ with a vibrant energy that can only be called electric. Marvel at the dazzling floats, vibrant costumes, and captivating performances, and join in the excitement as revelers clap, sing, shout and cheer around you for their favorite Samba schools.

Return Transfer

Return to the pier on any of the shuttle buses departing during the intervals (schedule to be announced onboard) between one school and the next, starting around 10:00 pm.

Please note: This Special Excursion departs after an early dinner onboard.

This is a party, festival atmosphere; congestion during the transfer and the walk to your seating area should be expected. It involves negotiating many steps and is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. Transfers to and from Carnival are exclusive to guests purchasing Silversea's Rio Carnaval package and cannot be sold separately. Space is limited; we suggest you purchase tickets well in advance to obtain the best seating at the best price.  

All Special Excursions require a minimum number of participants in order to operate as described.  If this minimum number is not met, Silversea reserves the right to offer the programme at a different rate based on private arrangements, or to cancel the specific departure.  Silversea's published cruise cancellation policy will remain in effect.  All Special Excursion fares are subject to change and are not guaranteed until payment is received in full by Silversea.   Onboard Spending Credit may not be applied to the purchase of this programme. All Special Excursions are non-transferable and non-refundable for any reason, within 90 days of sailing (unless otherwise noted above) and are recommended to guests 18 years of age and older.  This description is a general overview of this programme.  Our local operator reserves the right to substitute other sites if local situations, including holidays, changes made by airlines, government activities, and weather, require. The programme described here is provided by independent contractors. Silversea acts solely as ticketing agent. Silversea shall have no obligation or liability of any kind to guests for the business practices, acts or omissions in connection with or arising out of arrangements with independent contractors since they are neither agents for nor employees of Silversea Cruises. Silversea's liability does not extend beyond the vessel.

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