Christ the Redeemer watches over Rio de Janeiro. They had only recently put finishing touches on the statue when Mavis, my grandmother, made her first visit to the iconic Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil more than 70 years ago.
Mavis was a young Brit, living with her family in the Amazon, where her father was an engineer working on one of the first railroads being constructed in the jungles. It was on a side trip to Rio that Mavis would marvel at what is now the largest art deco statue in the world – Christ the Redeemer that stands majestically embracing the whole of the city from its grand perch on Corcovado Mountain.
She journeyed up this famed mountain by way of an electric railcar that jerked and jostled its way toward the summit, traveling through a lush rainforest along the way.
As she disembarked from the train, and climbed the many steps to the statue’s base, greeting her with open arms was Christ the Redeemer. And he was not like any depiction of Jesus Mavis had seen before.
To start, he was a bit on the tall side, standing some 130 feet high. Unlike most statues that looked upward and stretched their arms toward the heavens, this Christ looked down toward the city of Rio laid out like a sprawling blanket below him, holding his arms in such a way as if to suggest an embrace. While most were styled in emulation of the great art of centuries past, this statue was strikingly modern, bearing the hallmarks of Art Deco that Mavis knew signified the bold new world that was rapidly blossoming around her. This depiction of Christ was one that touched Mavis like none before and here he was, greeting her with outstretched arms.
I didn’t hear about my grandmother’s visit to this famous statue until I told her that I was being deployed to South America aboard Pacific Princess. It dawned on me that I would have the opportunity to trace her footsteps to this world-renowned landmark so many decades after her visit. Our circumstances could hardly be more different. She was barely a teenager on her journey up the mountain, traveling with her family, including several younger siblings for whom she cared. I would have charges of my own, but not children. As a shore excursions manager for Princess Cruises at the time, I shepherded groups of passengers to attractions at many ports of call.
When the time came to make my own journey up Corcovado Mountain, my Princess companions and I traveled by rail just as Mavis had. The day was sultry, and I was feeling fortunate for the wicking effect of my cotton T-shirt. Atop the mountain, I had read, I’d be at 2,400 feet, and a lot of what lay below was ocean. Surely I could expect to catch a cooling breeze.
If the images of the statue that pervade popular culture had prepared me for my encounter with this great monolith, nothing had prepared me for the view. The day was clear, and the city of Rio de Janeiro made a glorious display, stretched out in all directions with ocean beyond, spanning to infinity. My grandmother had described the place in great detail, including the chapel in the statue’s pedestal, which can hold more than 100 people. She and I had bonded over a shared love a cobalt blue glass, and she thrilled at the memories of cobalt tiles that lined the chapel.
I walked the perimeter of the statue, taking in the 360-degree view from all angles. Designed by sculptor Paul Landoviski, and engineered by Heitor da Silva, Christ the Redeemer was 10 years in the making, and completed in 1931. It’s been counted among the new Seven Wonders of the World; I was wondering myself how his creators managed to get all 635 tons of him situated here.
When I came through the chapel entrance, my heart leapt. Inside were the tiles. Blue. A familiar shade of cobalt. At that moment I felt my grandmother’s presence. Although she was miles away in my hometown of Reno, Nevada, I had never felt closer to her.
I found a warmth in the statue’s embrace that cuts across religious lines. And for me, that warmth has an additional ounce of meaning. For that statue’s outstretched arms are an enduring remembrance of my grandmother’s embrace.
The long-awaited journey up to Christ the Redeemer.
I had no idea that the Christ statue was so large, most of the pics that I have seen do not pay homage..Just looking at the statue I feel a sense of calming and peace. Your account is a tribute to your grandmother and your family , and just look how many people’s lives it has touched. Sharing stories of love and family are like snuggling under a goose down comforter during a noreastah blizzard. Keep on sharing, thank you.
My husband and I took the Cape Horn trip and enjoyed it very much, so we wanted to take the rest of the trip up to the Panama Channel but he ended up in the hospital and was still talking of taking the trip, but he did not make it,but his wishes were that I go.
DH and I are booked to sail on the Star in February 0f 2012 and we are arriving 2 days early so we can tour the city and visit the famed statue. Your story has made us even more anxious. Thank you
HI and to tell you that rio is a place that any man could ever dream of. My first time there back in 2008 was really an experince for me. such a beautiful place and the people were so friendly. I understand that Rio will have a big carnival coming up soon. Would any body know anything about this because if so I would love to be there. Great place.
You all make me green with envy we were looking forward to our cruise and stay in Rio with great expectations,so booked the Princess Cruise. Whilst sitting back waiting for it to come round received a phone call from my booking agent “Princess cruises” had “re-asigned” the ship to other destinations our trip was cancelled.
Very very dissappointed.
Larry,
You should know it is not A carnival, it IS CARNIVAL! It is the weekend, Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday in the Catholic Church. Friday is when things are just barely warming up. Be prepared for an extreme version of New Orleans Mardi Gras. Be safe and have fun.
Princess has a reputation for frequent changes to destinations less desirable so they can enjoy reduced charges for docking. We have bookings for a cruise to Rio commencing March 9th and already the company has made three port changes. They make no arrangements for the day of arrival so you are on your own in a city with no touring direction. They should do better on behalf of their passengers.
cant wait leaving jan 17 for the south america cruise which will end at rio de janiereo..but we are staing for 3 extra days to visit the city..i wish i could stay longer.
Louise from ottawa ontario canada
I loved your very personal story. I think I really related because, I too, love cobalt glass, blue tiles, and think of my own grandmother often on my travels. I plan to be on another Princess cruise in Feb. and will get to visit this amazingly described sight! Can’t wait!!!!
Thank you, Alice for your comment! I like that you think of your grandmother when you travel as well. I would love to hear of your visit to Rio in February! Will it be your first visit? – Crystal
Loved the story,too…and planning to go on the Princess in February also, Alice!
What Princess Cruise are you going on in Feb.? Missed seeing it – maybe we could still get on…Thanks, Pat
This is a very inspiritual destination and your story has given me a desire to see “Christ The Redeemer” in Rio. Thank You for your story.
Thank you, Marianne. It is a magical place! I hope you visit the statue soon – and on a Princess Cruise!
Best – Crystal
I, too, visited the Christ the Redeemer statue, in March of this year, 2010. It’s difficult to describe the feeling I had, looking up, seeing those outstretched arms–it was a phenomenal feeling–one that I will never forget! We were in Rio on a Princess Cruise–the Star Princess–stayed overnight in Rio–what a lovely place to visit! I am eager to go back! I will definitely make the trip back up to Corcovado!
Thank you, Mary. It is a place worthwhile visiting over and over again! I am glad you had the opportunity this year! The overnight call must have been fantastic! Rio is such a vibrant city at night! Best regards – Crystal
Dear Crystal,
Your Grandmother and you were very lucky to climb Corcorvado and view the statue. We envy both of you.
In December 2009, on our way to join the Antarctic cruise in Buenos Aries, we spent a week in Rio de Janeiro. The day we arrived it was raining as were the next two days. On the third day we took a rain soaked city tour that ended at the Sugarloaf mountain. The rest of the bus went up the mountain cable car but we refused as the rainclouds only allowed a view of the intermediate hill and obviously the view from the top would have been totally hidden by the clouds. We obtained refund tickets from the tour company and on our fifth day went up in sunny weather. However, on that day as on all previous days the “Redeemer” had not just his head in the clouds but his whole body. From the top of the Sugarloaf he was as invisible as he had been on the previous, rainy days.
On the sixth day we looked out from our hotel rooftop pool level. The sky was blue but a cloudbank still hid Corcovado. Nevertheless, in the hope of a cloud blowing wind, we took a cab to the train station and after a long wait were taken to the mountain top. We then spent two or maybe three hours at the snack bar level waiting for the clouds to blow over. During that time we took a number of photo shots of the Redeemer’s feet and one shot of the figure, ghostlike through a veil of cloud. However we took other photos as the view of the city from that level was clear and spectacular.
On the day we left to fly to Buenos Aries the sky was blue and cloudless. On our way to the airport we finally enjoyed a ten second view of the Redeemer in all his glory, between city high rise buildings, through the window of the taxi. .
By the way, the Antarctic Cruise was spectacular and memorable and in the Falklands, the penguins were just lovely.
I love this story – in particular about taking photos of just the Redeemers feet! These are the type of experiences that while not what you expected, make the trip memorable! And, gives you an excuse to come back to Rio so you see the statue in all his glory – hopefully in the sunshine! I am glad you enjoyed the Antarctica Cruise – now that is a bucket list experience! Thank you for your post. Best regards – Crystal
Reading Crystal’s article brought back fond memories of my trip in 1969 to South America to see the Statue as well as Macha Picchu, and Igausu Falls. What an experience that was. Would love to go back with my family and see how things have changed.
Hi Rosemary – It would be great for you to return and show your family! We have several cruises to Rio and Pre and Post Cruise Packages to Machu Picchu and Iguasu Falls! Hope you make it back one day! Best – Crystal
What a beautiful story! My husband and I are looking forward to our Princess cruise this December that would end in Rio. We are also visiting the Christ the Redeemer and anxiuosly looking forward to it. Thank you Princess.
We hope you enjoy it as well! Happy Cruising! Best – Crystal
My husband and I traveled from San Francisco to Rio on the Star Princess the autumn of 2008. Standing by the Christ statue was a mystical experience. I have a photo taken from Corcovado looking out onto the bay which I use as a screen saver. Each time I look at it I’m awed by the beauty. We will visit Rio again this winter, traveling on the Star from Rome. These experiences are amazing, ones not to miss if it’s at all possible. The Star is an incredible ship with a matchless crew. We’ve spent over 70 days traveling on the Star Princess gathering memories, watching sunsets in the South Pacific and experiencing the beauty of the world.
Hi Elizabeth – I hope you and husband enjoy the Star – sounds like it is your home away from home! And I hope your next visit to Rio is just as memorable as the one you describe above. Thank you for your post and happy cruising! Best – Crystal
My wife and I have booked with Princess on the Cruise tour that starts in Rio on January 4th. and five days later we travel on the Star Princess to the Antarctica for 17 wonderful days ending with the land tour to Machu Picchu. We will see many wonderful things during the month of January but we too, like many of you long to see our Christ open His arms to us after we leave this world, this visit to the Statue will be just a foretaste for us and what better way to start our lifetime dream tour but to experience this high lite of our rich Christian Heritage. Thank you Crystal for making our dreams become a reality. God Bless you and our new friends as we too go up that path into the shadow of His arms.
Great story, thanks for posting. I’m looking forward to Concorvado on Feb. 9, 2011 prior to departure on our Princess cruise around to Horn to Chile. Another item crossed off my bucket list.
Great Pat! I hope you have as a memorable experience as I did! Cruising Cape Horn is an adventure as well – very dramatic! Happy Cruising. Best regards – Crystal
Love Brazillllllll….
What’s not love, right?
Dear Ms Morgan,
I am extremely disappointed with the response I continue to receive from Princess.
I made a deposit while on board a Princess Cruise for a future cruise. At the time, I was told by the onboard cruise consultant that if I cancel, I would get full refund.
I think it was in early 2009, I am sure you have that information and can verify the date if needed. I was not told whether the rules have changed.
I booked in May of 2010 a cruise with the Princess for an October 2010 sailing I was never informed of any cancellation fees – I have received an email form Princess regarding the booking and I did not see a provision in any of the emails or a mention of cancellation fees of $200.00
I am not sure what your schedules are and I am not aware of their content. The information I got at the time of booking when speaking with Princess is that there is a schedule of payment that begins in July, August, September and final payment in September 30 days before departure.
I have been a member and a patron of the Princess for a long time and I have never been through schedules before. I am very disappointed right now in the manner that my deposit and my on board credit were taken away from any future cruise.
Princess took their promise away without any proper due process and acknowledgement of my membership and years of travelling with Princess. I can never return to the princess. My family will never book and will never cruise or travel with the Princess until this matter is rectified.
Customer service keeps delaying and making up stories. Can I please enlist your help. Thanks Charles
We are very sorry for your continued frustration. The cancelation penalty periods are listed on our booking confirmations. Unfortunately, we are unable to waive cancelation penalties when passengers cancel within one of these cancelation penalty periods. We do always recommend purchasing Princess Vacation Protection so that you would be protected in the case of canceling within penalty period for unforeseen reasons.
Great post Ms Morgan. I too returned to Rio with Princess in 2007 ( previously visited there in 196) for a 40th anniversary celebration. Went with the US Navy back then, I brought my wife this time. It was our first stop in a 21 day Antarctic Cruise, the Number 1 on my bucket list. Since then I’ve crossed off 5 more items on my list; visiting all with Princess. Thank You Princess for giving us these opportunities. Two more to cross off next January and August; with us cruising the Panama Canal and the Holy Land. Be Well, Tim Fagerstrom.
What a wonderful story, I want to visit the Rio soon myself. I agree with Michael McCombs: ” Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the Desires of your Heart: ” Psalms 37.4. Amen
I visited Rio in the fall of 1988 as a port visit during my US Navy ship’s cruise around South America from Norfolk to San Diego. I had heard about the statue and after seeing it from the harbor atop Corcovado Mountain, I knew I had to visit. I also took the rail ride up to the top and it was a very steep incline. It was an awesome experience to look up from the base at the face of Christ and see that view over the city. Also went to Ipanema beach, Sugar Loaf mountain, a large marketplace, and got terrified in the back seat of reckless taxi driver. Sailing around the horn was very rough seas making me wish I was back in Rio! The voyage from Rio to Acapulco took 25 days. It would be great to return to Rio with my family.
Amen,
” Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the Desires of your Heart. ” Psalms 37:4
I read the word and this Testimony and I now know where my Journey will begin with my Bucket List ……
God Bless
Thank you for this wonderful story. Made me want to put this on my bucket list.
Me Too!
Definitely on my “places to visit list” for 2011.
Thank you Crystal for sharing this wonderful experience. It has inspired me to visit South America! Beautifully written …. (and if you took the photos, wonderful too) … Sandy
Thank you for your service. Vietnam War was the war of my generation. I was there before you in 1966-67 and then back there for a 7-month (1970) with a DOD War Study Group out of the Pentagon. All total I served five years in East Asia during a 21-year active duty career ending in 1981. Having served all over the world, I find the East Asian people the most enjoyable on earth, when not at war with them, of course. The Vietnamese are especially gracious, forgiving, and hospitable.
Though American policies in this region since 1900 have been seriously flawed, Japanese War excepted, the East Asians have remained friendly and supportive of us. I must review your trip more thoroughly and possibly put it on our travel fantasy list. Thanks, and a Salute to You
So beautiful a feeling of peace and serenity, the Lord Jesus is My Redeemer. God’s willing My next cruise will be to Brazil and see this awesome place “Christ the Redeemer”.
Crystal thanks for sharing! You have always been so informative and helpful at work! Anyone who is able to get a chance to work with you is truely blessed! Thanks for your great story.
Crystal, as everyone else has said, your memoir is inspiring! Thank you to Princess for a delightful new spin on the e-newsletter. I am looking forward to reading every insightful travel experience, including the blog comments from grateful readers who are, undoubtedly, checking calendars and perusing upcoming itineraries for their next, much-anticipated cruise. My bucket runneth over!
Wonderful!
Can’t wait to see it some day.
Crystal……..Thank you so much for taking me on this journey with you as you relived the memory of your grandmother’s journey to the statue of Christ the Redeemer. Beautifully written and I truly felt like I was there with you. One day I hope to make the visit – with Princess of course!
What a lovely story, and so well written. Crystal, you could definitely have a career in writing should you ever wish to. My husband and I visited Rio from a cruise (though not with Princess). We wanted to have a few days there but it was not possible that time. We visited Christ the Redeemer. The journey up the mountain in the rail car was wonderful and had as much charm in it’s own way as the experience at the top, which has been described so well by yourself and the many others who have been up. We could not get time to go up Sugar Loaf though this is on our bucket list for next time we visit. We booked a similar cruise with the same company two years ago and we had bookings for a hotel stay for 3 nights, but the company was taken over and that holiday was not on offer but we may yet visit Rio again, with Princess next time!
This blog is a wonderful addition to the Princess travel experience. Just reading excites me about our next planned Princess cruise which will be our 12th! Alaska and South America are both amazing places to visit! Looking forward to your next entry!! Also want to know how to print these special stories!
Thank you so much for the writing. We are going to Rio in March with Princess. Now so looking forward to seeing Christ the Redeemer. Saw the one in Lisbon, This will be even more inspiring.
Beautiful, what lovely details.
Crystal Morgan of Princess Cruises,my heart sunk after reading your beautiful and inspiring story.
In July-Aug 2007,my husband Helmut,(passed away July 2009) did a 30 day land tour of South America.Now reading the Princess’ blog and Crystal’s vivid description of Christ the Redeemer brings back that exact description of a wonderful place.I love to see it again,maybe with Princess Cruises this time.
Anyhow,my next bucket list on Princess, is to NZ Christmas and New Year Cruise.
Can’t wait to read your next blog,Princess.
I love it.
I was lucky enough to visit Rio last year, unfortunately not on a Princess cruise, rather a 15 day land trip through Brazil. Your words made me feel like I was back at Corcovado Mountain and the famed statue. Luckily it’s off of my bucket list, but would love to return to Brazil with Princess.
Love the blog!
Amazing, emotional , inspiring beautifully written story. Thank-you.
Thanks for the blog idea we look forward to each weeks adventure.
Love adding to our bucket list especially when Princess takes us there.
Crystal brought tears to her Dad’s eyes with her writing and storytelling. Grandmother Mavis would be as proud of her as Mom and Dad are.
Hello everyone from Princess Cruises! Thank you so very much for all the wonderful comments and interest in our blog! The story of Rio and my grandmother is special to me and I am grateful to share with all of you. Just got back from Cartagena, Colombia (crossed another country off my list!). The Old City is another must see – the colonial architecture, the Spanish-style balconies, the tree-lined plazas. . . a beautiful destination!
Also visited Cartagena with my husband (died July 2010) on Sea Princess Sept 09 during Panama cruise – lovely memories of a beautiful place and you brought these back. Going on Star Princess in Feb 2011 (first solo trip but know Princess cruises are very friendly) and have only cruise day in Rio but intend to visit the statue no matter what. My father spoke of it and had black and white photos (from his Royal Navy days in the 1940′s) and I vowed to see it one day.
Terrific story….One for the Bucket List for sure!
Hi from Princess Cruises! Thank you all for such nice comments this past week about our new blog. In response to requests to be able to print each essential experience, we’re introducing this feature in the coming week. Thanks for checking back to discover the next inspiring experience from one our destination experts!
How can I print this wonderful travel story?
My husband,Noel, is confined to a wheelchair. On the cruise ship they were doubtful if he would get to the top of Corcovado. But we had come to Rio and were going to get up there. It proved easier than we anticipated. The train journey was fine. When we reached the escalator one of the employees there just carried Noel in his wheelchair up to the top. The clouds were very low that day and glimpses of the city below came and went in the mist. Christ came and went as well and it was really magic. We are going back to Rio early next year. Perhaps it will be sunny. But whatever the weather it is an experience not to be missed.
My husband Joe and I really enjoyed Rio but the most beautiful and memorable feeling is when you are traveling anywhere in Rio you see that amazing statue, Christ the Redeemer .and you actually feel like his arms are protecting you as well as the city, This is a definite bucket list item for anyone that loves to travel.
I’ve been on 4 Cruises with Princess so far although not to South America – yet – I say yet because your words made me want to go. They also brought tears to my eyes and brought back the memories of travelling to Egypt a few years ago and thinking I might be treading in my father’s footsteps when he was in the army there. Keep on with the travel bucket – it’s a great idea..
I visited Rio on a cruise several years ago. The ride up to the statue is very exciting. i also did the helicopter flight around the statue which I would recomend and it was reasonably priced too. If you get the chance just go.
We went to Rio a few years ago and is an experience we will never forget. Took the cog wheel
train to the top of Corcovado Mountain climbed the many steps then admired the view.
You can walk around the statue and see the whole of Rio.
I too was inspired by the story and Princess’s insight to initiate the blog.We have scheduled to arrive before our February cruise to take advantage of visiting the site. My wife and I look forward to the next blog….Princess once again exceeding expectations!!
Been French born but Portuguese raised, i have to tell you that since a young kind i always felt that Christ the Redeemer was the ultimate creation of the world,… i first visit the place were a live presently in Lisbon as i turned 8 years old,… my first emotion was that i actualy landed in “Brasil” as in a good 25 minutes from my home in Sesimbra ( 15 kilometers from Tagus River) were the replica of Christ the Redeemer is in Portugal,… i am now 37 Years of age,… and it is in my plans to visit the original and experience the sun raise at the corcovado mountain….
Nothing on all the cruises that we have taken even come close to comparison as the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio. It was several years ago that we experienced the wonder, humility, grace, beauty and closeness while we toured the statue grounds. Even today, we live for the day to revisit this beautiful spiritual icon.