Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known as Pelé, died this Thursday in Brazil at the age of 82. In his life outside football, “O Rei” has left everything behind: movies, music, gossip and even an unforgettable cruising experience.

In 2009 there was the Pele’s cruisea cruise dedicated to the figure Pelé in which the former footballer accompanied guests on board for a week.

It was full of luxuries that promised passengers to live”The Carnival of Brazil”. We went from parties and musical performances starring Brazilian bands to a soccer field for playing 6 against 6 and tables with “100% Brazilian flavours”.

Pelé presented it in October 2008. The Pele’s cruise she left Venice on 28 June 2009 and sailed until 5 July. She passed through Bari (Italy), Olympia, Mykonos and Rhodes (Greece) and Dubrovnik (Croatia).

The cruise ship on which the three-time world champion was traveling was one Costa Serenaflagship of the Costa Cruises fleet.

A unique experience

The idea for Pele to have his own cruise came from a paella he shared with his friend. Alejandro Figueroa, who was the one who put him in touch with Costa Cruises. “Only God knows why these things happen,” said the Brazilian in the 20th minute.

“I am happy to be on board the Costa Serena together with other big names in sport and the world media for this special event dedicated to my two great loves: football and my land,” commented the football legend as he presented the trip.

“Here I will feel at home and I am sure that, regardless of nationality, all passengers will be as happy as I am about the wonders of Brazil,” concluded Pele at the time.

When asked in the interview with 20 Minutes which friends he would take on a cruise with him, Pele didn’t hesitate to say that he would share it with three colleagues: “The idea is to bring many friends together. As my father once told me: “It’s better to have friends than money.” I would choose three Brazilians: kaka, Robinho and Ronaldinho. I also hope that Di Stéfano is healthy enough to accompany us.”

The following year, Pele’s cruise ship plans to return to the ring, but in South America, for the centenary of the Corinthians club, aboard the Costa Concordia.