This year Rio de Janeiro will receive a record number of 11 cruise ships for the world famous Carnival on Sunday, February 7th. Eight cruise ships will stay overnight docked at Pier Maua. Three cruise ships will arrive in the morning and depart in the late afternoon.  Among the cruise ships arriving in Rio on Sunday, February 07, 2016 fo the Carnival are Celebrity Infinity, Costa Pacifica, Holland America Line Maasdam, MSC Lirica, MSC Poesia and Silversea Silver Spirit.

"It is like a soccer game in Maracanã. The difference is that there is movement all day. While some are going to sleep, others are leaving," said the manager of the Pier Maua, Alexandre Gomes.

A fleet of 150 bus is reserved for taking cruise passengers to watch the parade of the samba schools in the Sambadrome, and about 400 employees will work at the reception of ships, in roles ranging from transit operation to luggage handling.

Regarding the profile of the tourist who will enjoy the carnival in Rio de Janeiro, the Pier Maua Operations Manager highlights that are usually 60% of domestic tourists and 40% of international tourists flowing through the terminal during a regular season. This year, however, the profile has changed. "For the carnival is being different. We will receive on Sunday three ships with Brazilians, and the rest of international tourists. We are getting around 70% International for the carnival period."

RIO CARNIVAL 2016 OFFICIAL QUEEN & PRINCESSES