SeeCalifornia.com

Not all Brazilian women are young, beautiful and love to dance. But when a group called Brazilian Nites puts on a party–be it Mardi Gras or in this case, New Year’s Eve at the Queen Mary, it sure seems like it! New Year’s Eve annual party on board the historic ship is a gala not soon forgotten. It includes plenty of Brazilian women dancing non-stop, lots of men syncopating and drumming, and authentic Brazilian buffet!

Brazilian New Year is one of the most celebrated festivals in Brazil where it is known as Ano Novo or Reveillon. People dressed in white offer flowers and gifts to the Iemanja, the Goddess of the Water in the Brazilian Umbanda religion. Party-goers who attend the New Year’s Eve celebration in Southern California can soak up Brazilian culture, dancing non-stop to the pulsating rhythms of Samba, Marcha, Samba-Reggae, Forro, Pagode, Frevo and Carnavala Electrico. Tickets are available for all ages, costing between $45 and $75, Brazilian Buffet is an extra fee of $25-35. See: braziliannites.com

A second party option on the Queen Mary ship includes dancing to contemporary bands, party favors, all on-board entertainment, and best views of a midnight fireworks show in Long Beach Harbor. That party for ages 21 and older offers dinner package options or basic admission beginning at $109. See: queenmary.com