Phoenix Reisen’s Artania became the first ship to visit the Rio Grande during the 2024-25 cruise season.

Offering a 164-night world cruise that departed from Germany in late December, the ship arrived at the Brazilian port on January 19, 2025.

According to the local port authority, the 1982-built vessel docked around 6 A.M., with over 1,000 passengers onboard.

To welcome the visitors, Portos RS put together a special reception that included a cultural presentation by the CCN Sentinela do Rio Grande group, which showcased typical gaucho dances.

Additionally, visitors were able to taste jeropiga, a traditional drink from the region and explore local crafts that were available for purchase.

“The event demonstrates the potential of the port of Rio Grande to boost regional tourism, integrating local culture and economy,” the port authority stated.

“This cruise season is expected to invigorate the sector, benefiting the community and promoting gaucho traditions to visitors from all over the world,” it added.

As part of its world cruise, the Artania arrived in Brazil earlier this month, visiting several destinations in the country, such as Rio de Janeiro, Maceió, Recife and Ilhabela.

After visiting Rio Grande, the ship headed to Punta del Este, Uruguay, before making its way to Argentina, Chile and the South Pacific.

The next ship set to visit in 2024-25 is the Vasco da Gama, which is scheduled to arrive on February 15, 2025.

Offering a 148-night world cruise, the Nicko Cruises vessel is expected to bring roughly 1,500 guests to the port.

A second vessel from Phoenix Reisen, the Amera, visits Rio Grande one day later, on February 16, 2025, as part of a 103-night cruise to the Americas.

The port is also expected to host ships from Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises during the 2025-26 cruise season.