Crystal’s ultra-exclusive industry first: Private mass At Rio’s most famous monument

LOS ANGELES, Calif.

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – In an industry-first, Crystal Cruises is offering guests the opportunity to celebrate a private Sunday mass at the remote Our Lady of Aparecida Chapel, situated at the base of Rio de Janeiro’s most famous monument and one of the world’s Seven Wonders, the Christ the Redeemer statue. With the Rio to Miami “Exotic Amazon” voyage starting on Sunday, March 10, a local shipboard overnight on embarkation day allows for services to be held at 5 pm. Participation is limited to just 15 guests.

The spiritual expedition is the latest rare travel experience to be added to the luxury line’s new collection of “Boutique Adventures,” intimate shoreside experiences available only to Crystal travelers. Crystal’s Land Programs team spent more than a year seeking approval for the event, ultimately requiring sign-off from Rio’s diocese โ€“ which was finally secured this January. The church made a special exception for Crystal’s English-speaking, onboard priest, Monsignor Davis, to lead services, instead of the usually-required Brazilian clergy.

“As soon as I saw the space in 2011, I knew that bringing our guests there for worship would be a way to help them connect to this iconic landmark in a deeply personal way,” says John Stoll, vice president of land and port operations. “It is a testament to the dedication and reputation of Crystal and our tour partners that we have been able to secure this opportunity and get the chapel to open their doors just for us, when they haven’t for anyone else in this way before.”

The chapel was built for the statue’s 75th anniversary and named for the patron saint of Brazil. It’s located some 2,300 feet above the sea, offering incredible views of the city and the lush vegetation below. Crystal’s tour takes the intimate “congregation” through Rio and the Tijuca Forest, up Corcovado mountain, to reach the chapel and statue. A local theological expert will serve as guide for the day, offering perspective on Biblical culture and Brazilian religion.

About the author

Avatar of Linda Hohnholz

Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

Share to...