Brazil cruise season to expand 24% for 2026/2027 cycle

The 2026/2027 cruise season in Brazil is set to expand, with a projected 24% increase in capacity compared to the previous cycle. According to data from the Ministry of Tourism and CLIA Brasil, eight ships will operate regularly along the coast, providing a total capacity of over 800,000 berths.

Major ports including Santos, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, and Maceió will serve as embarkation and disembarkation points. Santos is expected to be the primary hub, with 161 scheduled calls and a capacity for 640,000 berths. Itineraries will connect Brazilian destinations such as Búzios and Ilhabela with international locations including Buenos Aires, Montevideo, and Punta del Este.

In Ilhabela, the local government anticipates receiving approximately 250,000 passengers and crew members. This influx is expected to inject roughly R$ 100 million into the local economy through spending in restaurants, tourism services, and retail. Scheduled vessels for the season include ships from MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises, and Corazul Cruzeiros.