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Pier Mauá Hosts the Tenth Edition of the Shell Eco-marathon in Brazil

The competition brings together more than 500 students and over 50 teams from five countries; the event takes place August 25–27, with free admission

The Shell Eco-marathon will celebrate its 10th anniversary in Brazil in 2026 and will return to Pier Mauá in Rio de Janeiro from August 25 to 27, bringing together more than 500 students and over 50 teams from Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, and Peru. Free and open to the public, the event takes place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Armazém 4, and visitors can register in advance on the Shell website.

One of the country's largest academic energy-efficiency competitions, the Shell Eco-marathon challenges students to design, build, and drive vehicles capable of traveling the greatest possible distance while using the least amount of energy.

More than just a race on the track, the competition puts academic projects through real-world development and testing conditions. Students must integrate their knowledge of mechanics, electrical engineering, electronics, materials science, control systems, and energy management, transforming the theory they’ve learned in the classroom into solutions for real-world mobility challenges.

Three technologies on the track

The vehicles compete in two categories. The Prototypes are ultralight and designed to achieve maximum energy efficiency. The Urban Concept models, on the other hand, have features more similar to those of commercial cars, such as a steering wheel, doors, and four wheels.

Teams can choose from three energy sources: internal combustion (gasoline or ethanol); electric batteries; or hydrogen fuel cells. This diversity allows different solutions and efficiency strategies to be put to the test under the same conditions.

For Denise Lima, director of Pier Mauá, the Shell Eco-marathon has a special quality. “Few events physically transform the pier the way the Shell Eco-marathon does. For three days, our warehouses and outdoor area become a racetrack, workshop, and laboratory for hundreds of young people who are putting new possibilities for mobility to the test. It’s very interesting to witness this transformation and welcome students from different countries, especially during this edition that celebrates the competition’s 10th anniversary in Brazil,” Denise points out.

A Decade of Developing Talent

The Shell Eco-marathon was officially launched in France in 1985, and today it brings together more than 5,000 students from over 50 countries each year.

Throughout the competition, participants use the results obtained on the tracks to refine their designs, reduce vehicle weight, improve control systems, and find new ways to manage available energy.

In Brazil, the competition has also become a bridge between academic education and the challenges faced by the industry. In addition to energy efficiency, students work on issues related to performance, reliability, safety, materials, and new propulsion technologies.

As it marks its tenth anniversary in the country, the Shell Eco-marathon reinforces its role as a platform for experimentation and training a new generation of professionals to address the challenges of energy efficiency, decarbonization, and the future of mobility.

SERVICE
Shell Eco-marathon Brazil 2026
Date: August 25–27, 2026
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Warehouse 4 – Pier Mauá, Rio de Janeiro
Admission: free and open to the public
Registration for visitors: Shell Eco-marathon Brazil official website

Sabrina Brito is the curator of the “Sociedade 5.0” stage at Rio Innovation Week

Sabrina Brito has been invited to serve as curator of the Society 5.0 conference at the sixth edition of Rio Innovation Week, which will take place August 4–7 at Pier Mauá. She will oversee the programming for the Sociedade 5.0 stage on August 4, 5, and 6.

Inspired by the Japanese concept, the event invites reflection on a society in which innovation, artificial intelligence, and data exist to expand human capabilities and foster collective well-being. The program will bring together leaders and experts to discuss solutions that are already transforming fields such as healthcare, education, culture, mobility, sustainability, and smart cities, placing people at the center of innovation.

Pier Mauá is hosting Rio Innovation Week for the fifth time—Brazil’s largest innovation event

From August 4 to 7, the Pier warehouses will once again host one of the leading events for technology, innovation, and business, with an expected attendance of about 180,000 people

For the fifth year, Pier Mauá will host Rio Innovation Week (RIW), Brazil’s largest innovation event. From August 4 to 7, the terminal’s warehouses will host the sixth edition of the event, which will bring together major national and international figures, about 2,000 startups, hundreds of exhibitors, 60 conferences, and approximately 40 stages, with an expected attendance of 180,000 people.

Holding yet another edition at Pier Mauá solidifies a partnership that has grown alongside RIW itself and reinforces the historic warehouses of the Port District’s role as a venue for major national and international events. For four days, the venue transforms into a vast ecosystem of knowledge, business, culture, technology, and experiences.

“Hosting yet another edition of Rio Innovation Week reinforces Pier Mauá’s role as a venue for major events and as an active part of a Rio that fosters knowledge, creativity, and innovation. Over the course of five editions, we’ve witnessed the event’s growth and how it has come to occupy and transform our warehouses, bringing together different sectors, generations, and fields of knowledge. It is truly meaningful to see the Pier become, over the course of these four days, a vast space for connections, ideas, and experiences, open to the city and the world,” says Denise Lima, director of Pier Mauá.

Big Names at Pier Mauá

With the theme “Symbiosis—the future does not happen in isolation,” RIW 2026 seeks to forge connections between different fields of knowledge to discuss the challenges of the present and the possibilities for the future.

Among the confirmed speakers are Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai; Nobel Prize in Medicine laureate Edvard Moser; physicist Brian Greene; neuroscientist David Eagleman; astronomer and co-founder of the SETI Institute Jill Tarter; Supreme Federal Court Justice Cármen Lúcia; physicists Marcelo Gleiser and Paulo Artaxo; as well as Ailton Krenak, Djamila Ribeiro, Camila Farani, Regina Casé, Bela Gil, Seu Jorge, and Zélia Duncan.

Art and creativity also feature prominently in the program, with names such as Vik Muniz, Beatriz Milhazes, and Ernesto Neto, reinforcing the event’s multidisciplinary nature.

Among the new features of this edition are the 1st RIW FGV Economic Forum, dedicated to the economic, technological, and geopolitical challenges affecting Brazil and the Southern Hemisphere; new spaces focused on literature and immersive technologies; and the expansion of the Startup Program, which will feature the participation of more than 50 venture capital firms.

NAM Atlântico Returns to Pier Mauá
One of the major highlights of this year’s event will once again be the NAM Atlântico, the largest warship in Latin America and the flagship of the Brazilian Navy. After welcoming more than 52,000 visitors during RIW 2025, the ship returns to the event with panel discussions, exhibits, technological experiences, and interactive activities.

Visitors will also find immersive experiences throughout the event, including interactive installations that combine technology, light, sound, and collective participation.

For Pier Mauá, hosting an event of this magnitude once again reinforces its role in the Port Region as one of Rio de Janeiro’s leading hubs for events, culture, tourism, and the creative economy. Its strategic location, integrated with Praça Mauá and the Olympic Boulevard, allows the RIW to engage directly with one of the city’s most iconic areas.

Service | Rio Innovation Week 2026
When: August 4–7, 2026
Where: Pier Mauá – Av. Rodrigues Alves, 10 – Praça Mauá – Rio de Janeiro

Tickets: https://www.sympla.com.br/evento/rio-innovation-week-6-edicao/3438968

About Pier Mauá

Located in the Port Area of Rio de Janeiro, Pier Mauá manages the city’s International Cruise Terminal and occupies approximately 70,000 m² of surrounding space, including five warehouses with outdoor balconies overlooking Guanabara Bay and an 8,000 m² convention center behind Eduardo Kobra’s “Etnias” mural. With a prime location and integrated with major cultural and tourist attractions in downtown Rio, it hosts major national and international events throughout the year, establishing itself as one of the city’s leading event venues

The last ship of the cruise season arrives Monday (20) at Pier Mauá

The Costa Diadema Brings Nearly 5,000 Tourists to Rio de Janeiro

Photo: Courtesy of Costa Cruises

The cruise season at Pier Mauá has come to an end. The last ship to dock at the Rio de Janeiro port, this Monday (20) at 8 a.m., is the Costa Diadema, bringing nearly 5,000 tourists to Rio de Janeiro. This ship alone will inject R$ 3.8 million into Rio’s coffers through tourism.

The Season

It began on October 11 with the Scènic Eclipse, and the last ship, as mentioned above, will arrive in the Marvelous City on April 20, 2026: the Costa Diadema. In total, there were 28 ships, 21 on international itineraries and seven on domestic routes, totaling 84 port calls. Of these, two docked at Pier Mauá for the first time: the MS Vista and the Borealis. There were 57 port calls on Brazilian itineraries, 29 on international itineraries, and a total of 240,000 passengers, which injected $36 million into the city—that is, approximately R$1.2 billion into Rio’s economy.

View the complete itinerary for the 2025/2026 cruise season: https://piermaua.rio/programacao-navios

Rio Fashion Week returns to Pier Mauá and reestablishes Rio de Janeiro’s place on the global fashion calendar

Rio Fashion Week takes place this week, from Wednesday (15) through Saturday (18), at Pier Mauá, bringing together big names in Brazilian fashion such as Normando, Patricia Vieira, Handred, and Isabela Capeto, as well as the current “darling” of Rio’s fashion scene, Airon Martin. In addition to the fashion shows, the event features activations, roundtable discussions, culinary experiences, and business meetings. Tickets are on sale through Eventim—and, for the business sessions, also via WhatsApp—with four ticket categories: Hub, Business Sessions, Fashion Shows, and Club.

After ten years, the event returns with a refreshed concept, aimed at strengthening the connection between design, the market, and branding, reestablishing Rio as a key player in the national fashion calendar. More than just a series of fashion shows, Rio Fashion Week serves as a strategic business platform, fostering connections among designers, investors, and industry leaders.

For Denise Lima, director of Pier Mauá, hosting RFW reinforces the Pier’s role as a venue for major events in the city. “The return of Rio Fashion Week marks a new and important moment for fashion and for Rio de Janeiro. We are happy to continue being part of this story, which puts the city on an even more prominent stage nationally and internationally,” she notes.

In this new phase, Rio emerges not only as a setting, but also as a concept and a language, solidifying its potential as a global showcase for Brazilian fashion.

Nearly 50,000 tourists are expected to visit Pier Mauá by the end of March

Photo: Scènic Eclipse: Courtesy of Daniel Mendes

Photo of Passengers: Courtesy of Ascom Pier Mauá

The cruise season at Pier Mauá continues at a brisk pace. By the end of March, nine ships will have made nineteen port calls at the Rio de Janeiro port, bringing approximately 48,000 tourists to Rio de Janeiro—which represents R$ 37 million injected into the city’s economy.

The last ships in March to dock at the pier will be the Scénic Eclipse, carrying 237 passengers, and the Europa 2, carrying 516, both of which will dock on Thursday (27), bringing the total to 753 passengers on this double-docking day; the Europa 2 will stay overnight and won’t set sail until Friday (28) evening. On Saturday (28), it will be the MSC Fantasia’s turn, arriving and disembarking 4,363 tourists in the Marvelous City.

The cruise season in Rio began on October 11, 2025, with the arrival of the Scènic Eclipse—which will return to Rio this week—and ends on April 20 with the Costa Diadema. In total, there will be 28 cruise ships—21 on international itineraries and seven on domestic routes—with 84 port calls. The forecast calls for 57 port calls with itineraries in Brazil, 29 with international itineraries, and a total of 240,000 visitors, generating R$ 193.3 million for the economy of the state capital of Rio. The MSC Seaview will carry the largest number of passengers: 5,429, calling at the city on April 12, 2026.

“Rio de Janeiro has already established itself as one of the most desirable destinations for domestic and foreign cruisers and the Pier is ready to welcome visitors. Our focus and efforts are geared towards security, which enables tourists to enjoy our Marvelous City with peace of mind,” says Marcello Chagas, Pier Mauá's Operations Manager.

First Time

This season, two ships made their first-ever stops at the terminal, marking their first port of call in Rio de Janeiro: the MS Vista, which docked in Rio in January, and the Borealis, which stayed during Carnival in February.

New at Pier Mauá: Warehouse 3 is open for events all season long!

For the first time in its history, Pier Mauá is dedicating an entire warehouse during the cruise ship season to hosting events: Warehouse 3, with 3,500 m² and a spectacular view of Guanabara Bay and the Olympic Boulevard. This new initiative, which runs through April, has brought intense activity to the region, ensuring a steady flow of tourists and locals. Major events, such as Rio Innovation Week, Mondial de la Bière, and Rio Oil & Gas, have already taken place there. The highlights of 2026 include the Super Bowl LX Experience, an NFL event in Rio de Janeiro, which took place on February 8; and Rio Fashion Week, featuring 30 runway shows from April 15 to 18 of this year.

Pier Mauá Complex – a new culinary hub

Another new feature this year at Pier Mauá was the opening of the Pier Mauá Complex in the Touring Building, managed by the Belmonte Group. The complex features four restaurants located in Praça Mauá, between the Museum of Tomorrow, the Rio Art Museum, and the Olympic Boulevard. The culinary hub also features a large-scale event venue dedicated to electronic music and featuring national and international DJs. The Pier Mauá venue aims to become part of the city’s major events circuit, offering a downtown alternative to events similar in scope to those held at Riocentro. For the industry, the initiative accelerates the revitalization of the port area.

Ship Schedule (2025/26):

View the complete itinerary for the 2025/2026 cruise season: https://piermaua.rio/programacao-navios/

Pier Mauá Hosts Major Engineering Event

Engineering isn’t just about concrete and calculations; it’s the backbone of two-thirds of Brazil’s GDP. With a focus on promoting and restoring the technical profession’s leading role, the president of the Rio de Janeiro Regional Council of Engineering and Agronomy (CREA-RJ), civil engineer Miguel Fernández, announced the second edition of CREA AQUI for this Thursday (19), at Armazém 3 on Pier Mauá, in Rio’s Port Zone. The event, which has already become a fixture on Rio de Janeiro’s calendar and has established itself as the state’s largest gathering of engineering, agronomy, and geosciences professionals, aims to surpass the 5,000-participant mark this year.

“What motivated the creation of CREA AQUI was the need to organize an event focused on promoting major initiatives in the engineering, agronomy, and geosciences sectors in the state of Rio de Janeiro. This is a sector that has suffered greatly in recent years from attacks in the public eye, yet it is a fundamental sector, accounting for two-thirds of the country’s GDP. It is the economy’s main sector, driving social progress and protecting the environment. ”So, without engineering and without a qualified and properly regulated agronomy sector, it is impossible for us to achieve economic, social, and environmental progress,” argues Fernández, who conceived CREA AQUI as a gathering focused on promoting a positive agenda for the engineering professions.

“CREA is often called upon when there’s an accident or some kind of problem, and people ask, “Where is it? Where’s the industry? Where’s engineering? Where’s CREA?’ ”And we’re very visible in those moments, but we also need to be visible in our moments of victory, of positive solutions,” says the president of CREA.

As it approaches its 92nd anniversary on June 5, the Regional Council of Engineering and Agronomy of Rio de Janeiro looks to the future and reinforces its role as an agent of change for the professions that drive the development of the State of Rio de Janeiro. This initiative takes shape in the second edition of CREA AQUI, an event designed to anticipate trends, foster connections, and make an impact in the fields of engineering, agronomy, and geosciences.

Largest State-wide Engineering Conference

CREA AQUI 2026 is establishing itself as a platform for ideas, partnerships, and possible futures. It is a space where technology, purpose, and strategic vision come together to strengthen the professions and expand their impact on society. One example of this is the VLT (Light Rail Vehicle), which is currently circulating through downtown Rio, wrapped in CREA AQUI advertising.

The largest state-wide gathering of engineering, agronomy, and geosciences professionals, CREA AQUI has become a major networking event for professionals, business leaders, and state and municipal officials, who share ideas and projects offering solutions to the state’s most pressing problems. The mega-event, which drew about 4,000 people in June of last year, served as a sort of one-day SOEA. SOEA stands for Official Week of Engineering and Agronomy, which has been held for eight decades, taking place each year in a different Brazilian state capital. And the formula is set to be repeated this year at Pier Mauá.

According to Vinicius Marchese, president of the Federal Council of Engineering and Agronomy (CONFEA) and a telecommunications engineer, initiatives such as Crea Aqui strengthen the System’s reach.

“CREA-RJ’s leading role in organizing this major event is an example of the strength of our regional chapters in engaging with society. It is a forum for dialogue that values professional excellence and reaffirms Rio de Janeiro’s long-standing commitment to technological development and the advancement of our profession,” said Vinícius.

Rio, the Capital of Engineering

The SOEA atmosphere will also be evident because this edition of CREA AQUI is expected to feature the largest gathering of presidents of engineering councils. The presidents of 26 CREAs will be participating in the second meeting of the CONFEA/CREA System Presidents’ Council, which will be held at Pier Mauá on March 18 and 19. The meeting was scheduled in Rio so that the CREA presidents could attend CREA AQUI, at the invitation of the host, Miguel Fernández. For one day, Rio will become the capital of engineering.

With the primary goal of recognizing professionals, the event will feature discussions on the impact of engineering on the development of the state of Rio de Janeiro, as well as technical presentations, debates, panel discussions, and podcasts featuring engineering case studies, strategic networking, first-hand access to innovations and prototypes, the launch of technical books, awards for distinguished individuals and institutions, organic and technology fairs with exhibition booths from engineering institutions and companies, as well as cultural performances, such as one by singer Léo Jaime.

Participation at the booths has already been confirmed by OEC – Odebrecht Engineering and Construction, the top-ranked company in the sector; utility companies such as Cedae, Águas do Rio, Light, and Naturgy; and Mútua, the CREA Professionals’ Assistance Fund. At this booth, participants will be able to learn about the benefits offered to members, such as health insurance, supplemental retirement plans, insurance, financial assistance, training programs, and other initiatives focused on quality of life, well-being, safety, and professional development. The event will be curated by Petrobras, which relies on engineers as the company’s technical backbone, working in the fields of petroleum and geosciences, mechanical and naval engineering, chemistry, and production.

For the second time at the event, Cedae CEO Aguinaldo Ballon explains why it is important for the company to be there.

“Cedae is very proud to participate in CREA AQUI, an event that recognizes the professionals who make up the majority of the company’s workforce. Discussing innovation and technology is essential for Cedae, which has an investment plan of R$ 2.2 billion for engineering projects,” says Ballon.

Naturgy President Katia Repsold considers the company's participation in the event to be essential, since engineering is the company's technical foundation.

“For Naturgy, it is essential to participate in CREA AQUI as a representative of Rio de Janeiro’s natural gas sector. We are a company in which engineering plays a central role in our technical operations, and we will be there to showcase how we have transformed Rio de Janeiro’s natural gas distribution system through investments in technology and innovation for our more than 1 million customers in the state,” says Katia Repsold, president of Naturgy, a company that, over the past 29 years, has driven one of the largest energy transformations in the state of Rio, with a cumulative investment of R$ 11.3 billion, making it the second-largest group in terms of natural gas sales in Brazil.

Sinval Andrade, the institutional director of Águas do Rio, highlights the role of engineering in the pursuit of a better quality of life.

“CREA AQUI is an important venue for showcasing how engineering is directly linked to improving quality of life. At the Águas do Rio booth, we will present solutions that have been contributing to the restoration of Guanabara Bay. This effort has already removed approximately 130 million liters of sewage per day from the bay and has helped historically polluted beaches, such as Flamengo and Glória, become increasingly suitable for swimming. ”It is also an opportunity to engage the public, since the Bay’s recovery depends on collective effort and the participation of society as a whole,” says Sinval, director of the Aegea company.

Among the speakers who have already confirmed their attendance is engineer and scientist Silvio Meira. He is an electrical engineer, chief scientist, and founder of TDS Company. Meira will speak about professional entrepreneurship in the technology sector.

The keynote address will be delivered by another engineering luminary, Carlos Henrique Siqueira, who worked on the Rio-Niterói Bridge project and is a world-renowned authority on the maintenance of large structures. The event will feature three major special areas dedicated to Energy, Gas, and the Naval Sector; areas for professional associations and educational institutions; and the “Espaço Progredir,” CREA-RJ’s professional training program.

The event is supported by the Engineering Club and the Polytechnic School at UFRJ

CREA AQUI is supported by various companies and organizations that advocate for the sector, such as the UFRJ Polytechnic School—the oldest engineering institution in Brazil and the Americas, founded in 1792— and the Brazilian Engineering Club, which was founded in 1880.

The president of the Engineering Club, Professor Francis Bogossian, emphasizes that the organization stands in solidarity with the CREA-RJ initiative, “as it aligns with our mission to fight as a united front for the Brazilian nation, with the goal of defending national sovereignty—a cause in which Brazilian engineering plays a pivotal role.”.

“There is no development without engineering, and there is no engineering without the nation’s development; and no nation can do without its own development,” says Bogossian.

The director of the UFRJ Polytechnic School, professor and electrical engineer Sérgio Lima Netto—who was recently sworn in—applauds CREA-RJ’s initiative to hold CREA AQUI. He notes that he will be in attendance and looks forward to meeting students and professionals in engineering, agronomy, and geosciences there.

“Now in its second year, the CREA AQUI event has established itself as one of the leading forums for engineering, agronomy, and geosciences in Rio de Janeiro. Topics such as state and national development, entrepreneurship, and innovation, among others, are presented in a variety of formats, including podcasts, exhibits, roundtable discussions, and much more. Equally important are professional development opportunities, awards recognizing achievement, and, above all, the chance to network with our peers,” notes Lima Netto.

Panels Discuss the Development and Importance of Agronomy

The event will feature two major panel discussions. The first will address the development of the state of Rio de Janeiro. Participants will include the president of the Federal Council of Engineering and Agronomy (Confea), Vinicius Marchese; Francis Bogossian, president of the Engineering Club; Celso Cunha, president of Abdan (Brazilian Association for the Development of Nuclear Activities); and Suzana Kahn, director of Coppe/UFRJ.

Abdan President Celso Cunha emphasizes the importance of the event in strengthening engineers’ professional qualifications and technical responsibility:

“The world is experiencing a new boom in nuclear energy, driven by the need for reliable, clean, and large-scale energy. But there is a challenge facing the world as a whole: a shortage of skilled workers. It is not enough to invest in technology and infrastructure—we must train engineers, technicians, and specialists who are prepared to perform with excellence and safety. In this context, the role of the Regional Council of Engineering and Agronomy of Rio de Janeiro is fundamental. ”By strengthening professional qualifications and technical accountability, initiatives such as CREA Aqui become strategic for ensuring that Brazil is prepared to support the expansion of its nuclear program with competence and quality,” states Cunha.

The second panel will highlight the importance of agronomy in a way rarely seen at CREA-RJ. Moderated by agronomist Felipe Brasil, Rio de Janeiro’s State Secretary of Agriculture, Livestock, and Supply (SEAPA), the panel is titled “Agronomy in Flavors—Science You Can Taste.”.

The panelists will be Alexandre Hargreaves, from Ateliê do Queijo in Casimiro de Abreu; Fabricio Le Draper Vieira, from Capril do Lago in Valença, where Brazil’s most award-winning goat cheese is produced; Marcelo Maturano, from Vinícola Maturano; and Maurício Arouca, from Vinícola Arouca. They will discuss a project that is gaining momentum in the state: the new wine tour route through the state of Rio de Janeiro, officially launched last year, with support from Sebrae Rio in partnership with the Association of Winemakers of the Serra Fluminense (AVIVA) and the city of Areal, considered the “grape capital.”.

“The Agronomy panel will showcase family farmers and highlight best practices in agronomy, the environment, and tourism,” notes Secretary of Agriculture Felipe Brasil, a supporter of CREA AQUI since its first edition in 2025.

“CREA AQUI is here to stay, because its main purpose is to bring ideas together, connect them, and generate major projects for the future,” says Brasil.

Engineer and businessman Maurício Arouca, owner of Vinícola Arouca in Areal (considered the “grape capital”), will discuss the paradigm shift taking place in agronomy and his efforts to put Rio de Janeiro on the world wine map.

“Wine, when it comes down to it, is this: science that we taste. It involves soil, climate, vineyard management, irrigation, plant health, processes, quality control, traceability, and innovation—none of this happens “on the fly.” The CREA event conveys a message that I consider fundamental: Engineering and Agronomy need to be recognized not only when problems arise, but when they deliver solutions, when they drive development, and when they improve people’s lives. ”And what we’ve been doing in Areal is exactly that: creating a project that connects high-value agriculture, industry, tourism, services, jobs, and regional identity,“ says Arouca, head of the Vinnus Park project—a theme park dedicated to wine— confident that ”CREA AQUI helps build connections, a long-term vision, and a positive agenda based on competence.”.

Another panelist will be Marcelo Maturano, owner of Vinícola Maturano, which focuses on luxury wine tourism and the use of advanced technology in wine production. He is excited about CREA AQUI.

“Let’s talk about technological innovation in agriculture, specifically in vineyard cultivation in the Rio de Janeiro Mountain Region and in Teresópolis, which is located at an elevation of 950 meters. There, we use the double-pruning technique. The Maturano Winery is designed to produce 320,000 bottles and includes plans to build a hotel and a condominium nearby,” said Maturano.

The president of the Association of Agricultural Engineers of the State of Rio de Janeiro (AEARJ), agricultural engineer Leonardo da Costa Lopes, is another professional who is very excited about the event.

“The Agronomy in Flavors Panel will offer a glimpse into agriculture in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Although relatively small, the GDP of the agribusiness production chain generated more than R$ 30 billion in the state in 2020, according to the Rio de Janeiro State Federation of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries (FAERJ). Agriculture in Rio de Janeiro is characterized by great diversity in production and exceptionally high quality, which is further enhanced by its integration with experiential tourism—a blend of gastronomy, culture, and local production,” says Lopes, noting that “CREA AQUI will showcase how deeply agronomy is embedded in the state and how it can contribute to its development.”.

A campaign created by Simples Agência generated more than 400 new reviews and raised Pier Mauá's rating from 3.7 to 4.7 on TripAdvisor

A strategy developed by Simples Agência, which has been responsible for Píer Mauá’s communications since 2016, has led to a significant improvement in the passenger terminal’s digital reputation.

The campaign, conceived and executed by Simples, garnered more than 400 new reviews on TripAdvisor and raised the terminal’s rating from 3.7 to 4.7 on the platform—a significant jump that repositioned Pier Mauá among the highest-rated terminals in the industry.

The strategy was based on direct engagement with passengers, with promoters stationed at strategic locations throughout the terminal inviting the public to rate their experience via a QR code. The straightforward message—“Rate the Terminal. Get a Free Gift.”—generated high levels of spontaneous participation and rapid conversion.

More than just increasing the number of reviews, the initiative reinforces the role of digital reputation as a strategic asset in tourism. In an environment where online reviews influence travel decisions and perceptions of a destination, the increase in the rating to 4.7 strengthens Pier Mauá’s institutional image among shipping companies, tour operators, and the national and international travel industry.

According to Sabrina Brito, CEO of Simples Agência, the results demonstrate the power of simple strategies when there is careful planning and a deep understanding of the audience’s journey:

“Reputation isn’t built solely on a digital presence, but on real-world experience and active listening. We created a simple, direct, and strategic initiative that connects passengers to the terminal’s continuous improvement. The jump from 3.7 to 4.7 proves that when we make it easier for customers to provide feedback, the results are consistent and measurable.”

For Simples Agência, which has managed the Píer Mauá account for nine years, this case study underscores the importance of data-driven initiatives, building a close relationship with the public, and smart activation strategies in high-traffic environments.

The initiative is now part of the agency’s portfolio of strategic case studies in the areas of online reputation, customer experience, and institutional positioning in the tourism and infrastructure sectors.

Pier Mauá will have ships docking simultaneously throughout Carnival

On Carnival Saturday (the 14th) alone, four ships will be docked at Rio's international cruise port

Carnival will bring 40,000 tourists to Pier Mauá on eleven ships, with eighteen scheduled dockings, including the Borealis, which is making its debut in Rio’s waters and will remain in port for three days. All this activity is expected to inject more than R$ 31.5 million into Rio’s economy during the city’s main days of revelry, which run from Friday (February 13) through the Saturday after Carnival, featuring a parade of the champion samba schools at the Sambódromo (February 21).

On Friday (the 13th), three cruise ships will dock at Pier Mauá: the Costa Favolosa, at 7 a.m., with 3,780 people on board; Silver Whisper, at 8 a.m., which will remain in Rio until Carnival Monday (the 16th), carrying 466 passengers; and the aforementioned Borealis, with 1,685 tourists, which arrives at 6 p.m. and stays until 7 p.m. on Carnival Sunday (the 15th).

On Saturday (the 14th), the MSC Armonia will arrive at 8 a.m., carrying 2,680 passengers, and the Sapphire Princess will arrive at 9 a.m., carrying 2,670 tourists. As a result, four giant cruise ships will be docked at Pier Mauá on Saturday, the 14th, during Carnival alone.

On Sunday (the 15th), at 1:00 p.m., the MV Pacific World will dock with 2,419 passengers to join the Sapphire Princess at Pier Mauá, and on what is known as “Fat Monday” during Carnival (the 16th), the Aidamar will arrive at 11 a.m., bringing 2,686 tourists—making it the third ship to dock at the port on that date.

On Carnival Tuesday (the 17th), the MV Pacific World and the Aidamar will still be docked at Pier Mauá.

To wrap up the Carnival season, on Friday (the 20th), at 9 a.m., the MSC Fantasia will return to Rio with 4,363 passengers, as will the MSC Armonia, which arrives on Saturday (the 21st), the day of the champions, at 8 a.m., bringing 2,680 tourists. Also on Saturday, the Costa Favolosa will dock again at 7 a.m. February 2026 will be the month with the highest number of ship dockings this season: 27.

“Rio de Janeiro has already established itself as one of the most sought-after destinations for domestic and international cruise passengers, and the pier is ready to welcome visitors. ”Our focus and efforts are centered on safety, which creates the conditions for tourists to enjoy our Marvelous City with peace of mind,” says Marcello Chagas, Operations Manager at Pier Mauá.

New at Pier Mauá: Warehouse 3 is open for events all season long!

For the first time in its history, Pier Mauá has an entire warehouse available to event organizers for summer events: Warehouse 3, with 3,500 m² and a spectacular view of Guanabara Bay and the Olympic Boulevard. This new development comes in the midst of the cruise season, which brings intense activity to the region between October and April, ensuring a steady flow of tourists and locals. Major events, such as Rio Innovation Week, Mondial de la Bière, Rio Oil & Gas, and the Super Bowl LX Experience, have already taken place there. The highlight of this season is Rio Fashion Week, featuring 30 runway shows from April 15 to 18.

Ship Schedule (2025/26):

View the complete itinerary for the 2025/2026 cruise season: https://piermaua.rio/programacao-navios/

Pier Mauá Hosts the Super Bowl LX Experience, an NFL Event in Rio de Janeiro

While the oval ball hasn’t made its way to Rio yet, the highlight is the Super Bowl LX Experience, an NFL event in Rio de Janeiro that will take place at Armazén 3 on Pier Mauá, in Rio’s Port Zone, this Sunday (February 8). The event, featuring a live broadcast of the American football championship game between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks, will bring together fans of the NFL from seven countries across three continents, including Brazil, for a variety of activities.

The event will serve as a great venue for fans to watch one of the biggest sporting events on the planet together. The lineup includes the prestigious halftime show, which this year will feature Bad Bunny. Tickets are limited and available for purchase on the Ticketmaster website.

In addition to the game being shown on big screens, the event will feature NFL-themed activities, interactive experiences, musical performances, food options, and a store selling official merchandise. Four teams will be represented at the event: the Detroit Lions, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, and Philadelphia Eagles, which will host fan-focused activities.

The NFL will hold simultaneous Experience events in seven countries: Brazil, Australia, Germany, Canada, Spain, Mexico, and the United Kingdom. This is part of a global initiative by the league that reinforces its strategy for international expansion of the product.

Brazil is currently the second-largest market outside the United States, with more than 36 million fans, and has an official office of the organization. In 2026, the country will host an NFL regular-season game for the third consecutive year. Following two games held in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro will be the next host city, with a game at Maracanã later this year.

College American Football

Also in August of this year, Rio de Janeiro will host South America's first college football game, between the Virginia Cavaliers and the NC State Wolfpack.

The event is expected to boost Rio de Janeiro’s economy, generating an economic impact of R$ 400 million from tourist arrivals. The match will be played at Nilton Santos Stadium and will feature a layout different from the standard configuration of major sporting events in Brazil.

Pier Mauá Gets a New Dining District

The Pier Mauá complex, which manages the Rio de Janeiro International Cruise Terminal and a 50,000-square-meter area that includes the Touring Building, Espaço Mauá, five 19th-century warehouses—each measuring 3,500 m²—and an outdoor area of 8,500 m², will be home to Rio de Janeiro’s newest culinary hub. The project, which will open on the 24th (Saturday), is a venture of the Belmonte Group and will feature four restaurants located in the Touring Building, situated in Praça Mauá between the Museum of Tomorrow, the Rio Art Museum, and the Olympic Boulevard.

“The launch of the culinary hub in the Touring building is yet another landmark chapter in the revitalization of the Port of Rio. Seeing such an important space come to life through the efforts of the Belmonte Group reinforces our commitment to bringing a piece of the city’s history back to the people—with quality, culture, and experiences that honor the spirit of Rio,” says Denise Lima, director of Pier Mauá.

Conceived by businessman Antonio Rodrigues, founder of Belmonte, the project aims to create a gathering place that brings together food, music, and foot traffic in Downtown. “I think this area needs good things: great food, fun, and entertainment. And that’s the goal: to bring Rio residents to the city center and provide a cool place for them to have fun, eat well, and listen to good music. That’s what we’re trying to bring to this area,” says Antonio Rodrigues. “All Rio residents should be proud of the city center,” he adds.

The complex will also feature a large-scale event venue dedicated to electronic music and featuring national and international DJs. The idea is for the Pier Mauá venue to become part of the major events circuit, offering an alternative in downtown Rio to events similar in scope to those held at Riocentro.

For the industry, the initiative accelerates the port area’s recovery. “We’ve been very excited about this project from the start. After all, gastronomy is a major economic driver for the city. The region has been receiving attention and investment in recent years, but we believe that the arrival of the culinary hub will accelerate local revitalization, as we’ve seen happen in other parts of the city. And that’s a win for Rio residents as well as for domestic and international tourists,” notes Fernando Blower, president of SindRio.

The activity at the Touring Building follows the opening of Padaria Ipanema, also part of the Belmonte Group, which recently launched in the South Zone. The Pier Mauá building, which for decades housed the Touring Club of Brazil—founded in 1926—has undergone a restoration faithful to its history, has been given a new purpose, and underscores the importance of revitalizing downtown Rio with fine dining and even more high-quality entertainment options.

60,000 tourists visit Pier Mauá in January

The cruise season at Pier Mauá is in full swing, and in January, ten ships will make 22 port calls at the Rio de Janeiro port, bringing around 60,000 tourists to Rio de Janeiro and injecting R$ 48.6 million into the city’s economy. The highlight of the month is the 22nd, when three cruise ships will be at Pier Mauá: the MS Marina, which docks on the 21st and stays until the 22nd, bringing 1,258 passengers; the Aurora, with 2,258 crew members; and the MSC Sinfonia, with 2,626 people, totaling more than 6,000 tourists aboard the ships on that date.

Ships began docking on October 11, 2025, starting with the Scènic Eclipse, and the last one—the Costa Diadema—will arrive in the Marvelous City on April 20, 2026. In all, there will be 28 giant cruise ships, 21 on international itineraries and seven on domestic routes, with 84 port calls. The forecast calls for 57 port calls with itineraries in Brazil, 29 with international itineraries, and a total of 240,000 visitors, generating R$ 193.3 million for the economy of the state capital of Rio. The MSC Seaview will carry the largest number of passengers: 5,429, calling at the city on April 12, 2026.

Carnival and COP 30

Carnival will be very busy: between Friday (Feb. 13) and Monday (Feb. 16), the pier will host seven ships—three on Friday (Costa Favolosa; Borealis; and Silver Whisper), two on Saturday (MSC Armonia; and Sapphire Princess), one on Sunday (Pacific World), and another on Monday (Aidamar). February 2026, in fact, will be the month with the highest number of ship calls this season: 19.

The MSC Seaview, along with the Costa Diadema, also fulfilled the mission of providing accommodations for COP30 participants in Belém, Pará, between November and December 2025. Both ships were contracted by the federal government to meet the high demand for accommodations, offering approximately 3,900 cabins with a capacity for up to 6,000 people.

Highlights

This season, two ships will be new attractions at the terminal, making their first port call in Rio de Janeiro and promising to bring new experiences and options for visitors: the MS Vista, which will be in Rio this month (Jan. 23), and the previously mentioned Borealis. Among the coastal cruise ships that will pass through Rio, the MSC Armonia, the MSC Seaview, and the Costa Favolosa make regular stops. With the exception of the Seaview, the others board and disembark passengers at Pier Mauá. Another new development is that MSC Cruises will conduct partial embarkations on the coastal cruise ship MSC Sinfonia.

New at Pier Mauá: Warehouse 3 is open for events all season long!

For the first time in its history, Pier Mauá will have an entire warehouse available for events during the summer: Warehouse 3, with 3,500 m² and a spectacular view of Guanabara Bay and the Olympic Boulevard. This new addition comes in the midst of the cruise season, which brings intense activity to the region between October and April, ensuring a steady flow of tourists and locals. Major events, such as Rio Innovation Week, Mondial de la Bière, and Rio Oil & Gas, have already taken place there. The highlights of 2026 include the Super Bowl LX Experience, an NFL event in Rio de Janeiro, on February 8; and Rio Fashion Week, featuring 30 runway shows from April 15 to 18 of this year.

About the previous season

The 2024–2025 season saw 37 ships and 107 port calls, with Pier Mauá welcoming a total of 323,000 passengers, including those embarking, disembarking, and in transit.

Ship Schedule (2025/26):

View the complete itinerary for the 2025/2026 cruise season: https://piermaua.rio/programacao-navios/

A Chinese hospital ship and two MSC cruise ships will dock at Pier Mauá this Thursday (Jan. 8)

A special docking will take place at Pier Mauá this Thursday (the 8th) at 7 a.m., and the ship will remain in Rio until January 15: the Chinese hospital ship Ark Silk Road (Peace Ark class). It is a large medical vessel belonging to the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, part of the “Mission Harmony 2025” humanitarian mission, which provides free medical care (outpatient care, surgeries, and dental care) and promotes professional exchanges during visits to countries such as Jamaica, Barbados, and Nicaragua, sparking geopolitical debates about China’s influence around the world. The ship is 178 meters long, 24 meters wide, 35.5 meters high, and displaces 14,300 metric tons at a speed of 20 knots.

In addition to the Asian vessel, two luxury cruise ships operated by MSC—the Fantasia and the Sinfonia—will arrive at the Rio de Janeiro port on the same date (at 8 and 9 a.m.), bringing 7,000 tourists to the “Marvelous City.”.

MSC Fantasia

During its 2025/2026 season in South America, the MSC Fantasia will offer itineraries departing from Buenos Aires, Argentina, offering eight-, nine-, and ten-night cruises that visit Ilhabela, São Paulo; Balneário Camboriú, Santa Catarina; and Montevideo, Uruguay, carrying 4,363 passengers on board. The ship boasts a robust layout, featuring attractions such as the L’Avanguardia Theater, with Broadway-style shows and live music by international artists; the Casinò delle Palme; the Liquid Disco, a panoramic nightclub; a Formula 1 racing simulator; a 4D movie theater with sensory effects; boutiques, bars, restaurants, and themed lounges; and an entertainment area featuring a pool complex, a gym, a spa, tennis and basketball courts, mini-golf, and a running track, as well as a Kids“ area. The cruise ship features a ”yacht within the ship,” complete with its own reception area, 24-hour butler service, a private lounge and pool, and a dedicated restaurant.

MSC Sinfonia

With a capacity of 2,680 passengers, the MSC Sinfonia is a ship in the so-called “Lyric Class.” The vessel stands out for its more intimate and classic atmosphere and has recently undergone a renovation to modernize and expand its facilities. It’s ideal for those seeking a more relaxed cruise experience, with shorter lines and an elegant atmosphere. It features swimming pools, a luxurious theater with Broadway-style shows, a casino, a nightclub, and a game room. In terms of dining, the ship offers restaurants specializing in Mediterranean cuisine, a buffet, and themed bars (a Scottish pub, an American lounge, a piano bar, and a café). In terms of leisure, the Sinfonia features a spa with massages, a sauna, beauty treatments, and a hair salon; a fitness center with ocean views; a walking track; mini-golf; a multi-sport court; and areas for children as well as teenagers. The itinerary focuses on the Brazilian coast, covering the Southeast and South of the country, with departures from Pier Mauá (Rio de Janeiro), Santos, São Paulo, and Itajaí, Santa Catarina. There are seven-night cruises and three- to four-night mini-cruises, calling at destinations such as Ilha Grande, Rio de Janeiro. At the end of the 2025–26 season, the ship will make its transatlantic crossing back to Europe (Italy/Greece), departing from Brazil.

Ship Schedule (2025/26):

View the complete itinerary for the 2025/2026 cruise season: https://piermaua.rio/programacao-navios

Three ships dock at Pier Mauá on the first day of 2026, bringing 6,500 tourists to Rio

This Thursday (January 1, 2026), the first day of the year, three ships will dock at Pier Mauá at 7 a.m., 8 a.m., and 9 a.m., respectively: the MS Hamburg, flying the Bahamian flag; the Costa Favolosa, flying the Italian flag; and the MSC Sinfonia, flying the Panamanian flag, bringing 6,500 tourists to Rio. This morning, Wednesday (December 31), the MSC Fantasia also arrived in the Marvelous City with more than 3,000 visitors. In total, on the last day of 2025 and the first day of 2026, nearly 10,000 tourists will disembark at Pier Mauá during Rio’s festive New Year’s Eve celebrations.

About the Cruise Season

The cruise season at Pier Mauá began on October 11 with the Scenic Eclipse, and the last ship will arrive in the Marvelous City on April 20, 2026: the Costa Diadema. In total, there will be 28 ships (eight in November), 21 on international itineraries and seven on domestic routes, totaling 84 port calls—nine of which will take place this month. Of these, two will dock at Pier Mauá for the first time: the MS Vista and the Borealis. The forecast calls for 57 port calls on Brazilian itineraries, 29 on international itineraries, and a total of 240,000 passengers, which is expected to inject an average of $36 million into the city—or approximately R$200 million—into Rio’s economy.

Debuting in Rio de Janeiro

This season, two ships will be new additions to the terminal, making their first port call in Rio de Janeiro and promising to bring new experiences and options for visitors: the MS Vista and the Borealis. Among the coastal cruise ships that will pass through Rio, the MSC Armonia, the MSC Seaview, and the Costa Favolosa make regular stops. With the exception of the Seaview, the others handle passenger boarding and disembarkation at Pier Mauá. Another new development is that MSC Cruises will conduct partial embarkations on the coastal cruise ship MSC Sinfonia.

Special Cruises

Among the highlights of the season, the MSC Seaview will carry the largest number of passengers: 5,429. The ship will call at the city on April 12, 2026. Carnival will also be very busy: between Friday (Feb. 13) and Monday (Feb. 16), the pier will host seven ships—three on Friday (Costa Favolosa; Borealis; and Silver Whisper), two on Saturday (MSC Armonia; and Sapphire Princess), one on Sunday (Pacific World), and another on Monday (Aidamar). February 2026, in fact, will be the month with the highest number of ship calls this season: 19.

New at Pier Mauá: Warehouse 3 is open for events all season long!

About the Previous Season (2024/25)

The 2024–2025 season saw 37 ships and 107 port calls, with Pier Mauá welcoming a total of 323,000 passengers, including those embarking, disembarking, and in transit.

View the complete itinerary for the 2025/2026 cruise season: https://piermaua.rio/programacao-navios

Maritime tourism in Rio: cruise season starts this week at Pier Mauá

Summer is coming, the most anticipated time of the year in Rio de Janeiro! Along with the season comes the start of the cruise season at Pier Mauá. The ships start docking this Saturday (11/10) and the last one arrives in the Marvelous City on 20/04/2026. There will be a total of 28 giants, 21 with foreign itineraries and seven with national routes, with 84 berths. Of these, two will dock at Pier Mauá for the first time. The forecast is for 57 port calls in Brazil, 29 on international routes and the number of visitors to reach the 240,000 mark. The MSC Seaview will have the largest number of passengers: 5,429, passing through the city on April 12, 2026.

The first ship to have the honor of inaugurating the season is the expedition ship Scenic Eclipse, this Saturday (11/10) at 8am. The luxury cruise ship has several special features, including its own fleet of helicopters and submarines, used to reach destinations in remote regions such as Antarctica and the Arctic.

On October 25, also at 8 a.m., one of the giants of shipping will dock at the Pier: the MSC Preziosa, with capacity for 4,345 tourists. The Preziosa, which won the VT Award in 2018/2019, has as its trademark a staircase studded with Swarovski crystals. The ship has a water park with five swimming pools and a 120-meter-long waterslide that juts out of the ship. The list of attractions continues with a bowling alley, 4D cinema, theater with Broadway-style shows, casino, spa and sports court.

The ship will be cruising nationally for three to five nights, alternately visiting Ilhabela (SP), Búzios (RJ), Ilha Grande (RJ), Balneário Camboriú (SC) and Porto Belo (SC); and internationally for six to seven nights, visiting Búzios (RJ), Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Ilhéus (BA), Punta del Este (Uruguay), Montevideo (Uruguay) and Buenos Aires (Argentina). Boarding will take place in Santos (SP).

Special Cruises

Among the highlights of the season, the MSC Seaview will have the largest number of passengers: 5,429. The ship will pass through the city on April 12, 2026. Carnival will also be very busy: between Friday (13/02) and Monday (16/02), the Pier will see seven ships, three on Friday (Costa Favolosa, Borealis and Silver Whisper), two on Saturday (MSC Armonia and Sapphire Princess), one on Sunday (Pacific World) and one on Monday (Aidamar). February 2026 will also be the month with the most ships docking this season: 19.

The MSC Seaview, together with the Costa Diadema, will also fulfill the mission of providing accommodation for COP30 participants in Belém, Pará, between November and December 2025. Both have been contracted by the federal government to meet the high demand for beds, offering around 3,900 cabins with capacity for up to 6,000 people.

Highlights

This season, two ships will be new attractions at the terminal, making their first port calls in Rio and promising new experiences and options for visitors: the MS Vista and the Borealis. Among the cabotage ships that will pass through Rio, MSC Armonia, MSC Seaview and Costa Favolosa make regular calls. With the exception of the Seaview, the others will embark and disembark passengers at Pier Mauá. Another novelty is that MSC Cruises will be making partial embarkations on the cabotage ship MSC Sinfonia.

New at Pier Mauá: Warehouse 3 open for events throughout the season

For the first time in its history, Pier Mauá will have an entire warehouse for holding events during the summer: it's Warehouse 3, with 3,500 m² and a privileged view of Guanabara Bay and the Olympic Boulevard. The novelty arrives in the middle of the cruise season, which intensely moves the region between October and April, guaranteeing a constant flow of tourists and locals. Relevant events such as Rio Innovation Week, Mondial de la Bière and Rio Oil & Gas have already taken place there.

About the previous season

The 2024/2025 season saw 37 ships and 107 berths, during which Pier Mauá welcomed a total of 323,000 passengers, including embarkations, disembarkations and transit.

Ship Scheduling (2025/2026)

October

October 11th (Saturday)
Ship: Scenic Eclipse
Number of passengers: 237 + 30% crew
Arrival: 08h
Departure: 9pm

October 25th (Saturday)
Ship: MSC Preziosa
Number of passengers: 4,345 + 30% crew
Arrival: 08h
Departure: 6pm

November

November 6th (Thursday)
Ship: Swan Hellenic Vega
Number of passengers: 158 + 30% crew
Arrival: 08h
Departure: 7pm

November 11th (Tuesday)
Ship: Seabourn Venture
Number of passengers: 264 + 30% crew
Arrival: 07h
Departure: 5pm

November 16th (Sunday)
Ship: MSC Preziosa
Number of passengers: 4,345 + 30% crew
Arrival: 09h
Departure: 10pm

November 19th (Wednesday)
Ship: MSC Preziosa
Number of passengers: 4,345 + 30% crew
Arrival: 09h
Departure: 10pm

November 20th (Thursday)
Ship: MSC Fantasia
Number of passengers: 4,363 + 30% crew
Arrival: 11am
Departure: 9pm

November 22nd (Saturday)
Ship: Costa Favolosa
Number of passengers: 3,870 + 30% crew
Arrival: 08h
Departure: 5pm

November 24th (Monday)
Ship: Viking Jupiter
Number of passengers: 930 + 30% crew
Arrival: 08h
Departure: 5pm

November 27th (Thursday)
Ship: MSC Fantasia
Number of passengers: 4,363 + 30% crew
Arrival: 09h
Departure: 7pm

November 27th (Thursday)
Ship: Costa Diadema
Number of passengers: 4,947 + 30% crew
Arrival: 08h
Departure: 5pm

Access the full schedule for the 2025/2026 cruise season:
piermaua.rio/programacao-navios/

Pier Mauá wins two categories of the “Oscars of the Seas”

Rio's cruise terminal won “Best Port of Embarkation” and “Best Stopover of the Brazilian Season” (Rio de Janeiro)

On a night marked by tributes, music and special performances, the Krooze Awards, known as the Oscars of the Seas, celebrated the companies, destinations and ships that stood out in the 2024/2025 season. Pier Mauá stood out at the awards and won the trophy in the following categories Best Port of Embarkation It is Best Stopover of the Brazilian Season (Rio de Janeiro).

“Being recognized as the best port in Brazil is a source of pride for our entire team. Pier Mauá is more than just a terminal - it's Brazil's gateway to national and international maritime tourism. These awards reinforce our commitment to quality and the positive image that Rio de Janeiro projects to the world,” said Denise Lima, Director of Pier Mauá.

Promoted by Krooze, the largest cruise ecosystem in Latin America, the award honored 38 winners in 16 categories from different segments of the cruise industry, seven more than in 2024. In a maritime travel market that breaks records every season, with an increase in the number of cruisers and new products and services, the award consolidates itself as a benchmark for specialized vision.

In its second edition, the Krooze Awards brought new features. The traditional category of Best Theme Cruise has been split into two sub-categories - Best Theme Cruise It is Best Musical Theme Cruise - reflecting the growth of cruises that combine performances by artists and unique experiences on the high seas.

“These awards are the result of continuous improvement and operational excellence, the result of integrated action with Companhia Docas do Rio de Janeiro, Riotur, Visit Rio, the Federal Police and the Federal Revenue Service. Every boarding at Pier Mauá is the start of a remarkable experience, and we strive to ensure that everything - from the infrastructure to the passenger experience - lives up to what Rio de Janeiro represents: hospitality, beauty and efficiency,” added Américo Relvas, also Director of Pier Mauá.

For its management of the Rio International Cruise Terminal, Pier Mauá is a seven-time winner of the World Travel Award, in the category “Best Cruise Port in South America”, awarded by the prestigious publication Travel Week (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015 and 2016). In 2022 and 2024, he was elected Best Cruise Terminal in Latin America by the World Cruise Awards (sister event of the World Travel Awards). It was also elected Best Port of Embarkation for the Brazilian Season by the Krooze Awards in 2024 and 2025, and Best Stopover of the Brazilian Season at the Krooze Awards 2025.

Krooze Awards: the awards

The evening was attended by the main representatives of the national and international industry in the country. For the first time, the event was held in person, Oscar-style, at the Santos Augusta Theater in São Paulo.

Every year, the award brings together a jury made up of more than 40 trade experts, influencers, frequent travelers and journalists with in-depth knowledge of the maritime market.

About the Krooze Awards

The Krooze Awards is an annual awards event, considered the “Oscars of the Seas” in Brazil, which aims to recognize and celebrate the highlights of the maritime and river cruise industry operating in the country. Organized by Krooze, the event aims not only to honour excellence in service, infrastructure and innovation, but also to serve as a reference guide for Brazilian travellers, highlighting the best options and experiences available on the market. The winners are selected by a panel of notable judges, made up of specialists with vast experience and technical knowledge of the cruise sector.

First ocean liner arrives at Pier Mauá on Saturday (25) with more than 4,000 tourists

This Saturday (25), at 8am, one of the giants of navigation arrives at Pier Mauá: the MSC Preziosa, The ship has a capacity for 4,345 tourists. The ship, which won the VT Award in 2018/2019, has as its trademark a staircase studded with Swarovski crystals and will be welcomed in the Rio de Janeiro atmosphere with passistas and rhythmists from the samba school Império Serrano, This will ensure a warm welcome for the thousands of tourists who will disembark to enjoy the day in Rio de Janeiro.

Among the Preziosa's many attractions is the water park with five swimming pools and a 120-meter-long waterslide that juts out of the ship. The list of entertainment continues with a bowling alley, 4D cinema, theater with Broadway-style shows, casino, spa and sports court.

With several themed shows on board for the 2025/2026 season, the liner offers an eclectic program, such as the CH&X ship (with Chitãozinho & Xororó, Victor & Léo and Daniel), from November 15 to 18; the Cabaret Ship (with Leonardo, Daniel, Edson & Hudson and Roberta Miranda), from November 18 to 21; the Sorriso Maroto ship, from November 21 to 24; the Barretos Ship, from November 28 to December 1 (with Cézar Menotti & Fabiano, Maiara & Maraisa and Simone Mendes); the Tempo-Rei ship, by Gilberto Gil, with Paralamas do Sucesso, Liniker, Nando Reis, Elba Ramalho, João Gomes, Gilsons and Jorge Vercillo, from December 1 to 4; the Alexandre Pires ship (with Alexandre Pires, Thiaguinho and Só Pra Contrariar), from December 4th to 7th; Beautiful on the High Seas, with the recording of a DVD and the participation of Alcione, Xande de Pilares and Péricles, from December 13 to 16; and the New Year's Eve on the high seas (with Péricles, Ferrugem and Gloria Groove), from December 29, 2025 to January 2, 2026.

The MSC Preziosa will be cruising nationally for three to five nights, alternately visiting Ilhabela (SP), Búzios (RJ), Ilha Grande (RJ), Balneário Camboriú (SC) and Porto Belo (SC); and internationally for six to seven nights, visiting Búzios (RJ), Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Ilhéus (BA), Punta del Este (Uruguay), Montevideo (Uruguay) and Buenos Aires (Argentina). Boarding will take place in Santos (SP).

About the cruise season

The cruise season at Pier Mauá began on October 11, with the Scenic Eclipse, and the last ship will arrive in the Marvelous City on April 20, 2026: the Costa Diadema. In all, there will be 28 ships, 21 with foreign itineraries and seven with national routes, totaling 84 berths. Of these, two will dock at Pier Mauá for the first time: the MS Vista and Borealis.

The forecast is for 57 stopovers with itineraries in Brazil, 29 with international itineraries and a movement of 240,000 people, which should inject around 36 million dollars into the city. R$ 200 million in Rio's economy.

In November, traffic at Pier Mauá begins to intensify, with nine berths. Among the highlights are the Costa Diadema, bringing 4,947 people to Rio; the MSC Fantasia, with 4,363 tourists; and the Costa Favolosa, with 3,780 passengers. These three vessels alone represent the arrival of more than 13,000 people in the Marvelous City.

Debuting in Rio de Janeiro

This season, two ships will be new attractions at the terminal, making their first port calls in Rio: the MS Vista and Borealis. Among the cabotage ships that will pass through Rio, the MSC Armonia, O MSC Seaview and Costa Favolosa make regular port calls. With the exception of the Seaview, the others will embark and disembark passengers at Pier Mauá. Another novelty is that MSC Cruises will make partial embarkations on the cabotage ship MSC Sinfonia.

“Rio de Janeiro has already established itself as one of the most desirable destinations for domestic and foreign cruisers, and the Pier is ready to welcome visitors. Our focus and efforts are geared towards safety, making it possible for tourists to enjoy our Marvelous City with peace of mind,” says Marcello Chagas, Pier Mauá's Operations Manager.

Special cruises

Among the highlights of the season, the MSC Seaview will have the highest number of passengers: 5,429, passing through the city on April 12, 2026. Carnival will also be very busy. Between Friday (13/02) and Monday (16/02), the Pier will see seven ships: three on Friday (Costa Favolosa, Borealis and Silver Whisper), two on Saturday (MSC Armonia and Sapphire Princess), one on Sunday (Pacific World) and one on Monday (Aidamar). February 2026 will even be the month with the highest number of moorings of the season, totaling 19.

The MSC Seaview, together with the Costa Diadema, will also provide accommodation for participants in the COP30, in Belém (PA), between November and December 2025. Both were contracted by the federal government to meet the high demand for beds, offering around 3,900 cabins with capacity for up to 6,000 people.

New at Pier Mauá: Warehouse 3 open for events throughout the season

For the first time in its history, Pier Mauá will have an entire warehouse dedicated to events during the summer: the Warehouse 3, with 3,500 m² and a privileged view of Guanabara Bay and the Olympic Boulevard. The novelty arrives in the middle of the cruise season, which intensely moves the region between October and April, guaranteeing a constant flow of tourists and locals. Events such as Rio Innovation Week, Mondial de la Bière and Rio Oil & Gas have already been held there.

About the previous season (2024/2025)

The 2024/2025 season registered 37 ships and 107 berths, with a total of 323,000 passengers between embarkations, disembarkations and transit at Pier Mauá.