Brazil is preparing for an expanded coastal cruise season in 2026–2027, with 8 ships scheduled to operate regular domestic itineraries, one more than during the 2025–2026 season. The deployment will include MSC Virtuosa, MSC Divina, MSC Musica, MSC Splendida and MSC Seaview, alongside Costa Diadema, Costa Serena and Corazul’s Buenavista.
The arrival of Corazul introduces a new operator to a market traditionally dominated by MSC and Costa. Buenavista is scheduled to begin revenue operations from homeport Santos on October 23rd, two weeks earlier than initially planned.
The vessel can accommodate up to 2,140 guests and will operate itineraries departing from Santos and Rio de Janeiro, with calls at destinations including Búzios, Ilhabela, Balneário Camboriú and Salvador. Selected longer cruises will feature overnight stays in Salvador, while the programme will also include Christmas, New Year and Carnival departures.
MSC Cruises will introduce MSC Virtuosa to the Brazilian market, with the ship scheduled to operate seven-night cruises from Santos, calling at Búzios, Salvador and Maceió. Embarkation will also be available in Salvador and Maceió.
MSC Divina will operate its first regular Brazilian season, focusing on shorter itineraries from Santos. Meanwhile, MSC Seaview and MSC Splendida will offer longer cruises combining Brazilian ports with destinations in Argentina and Uruguay, including Buenos Aires and Punta del Este.
Passengers will be able to embark or disembark at seven Brazilian ports: Santos, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, Maceió, Itajaí, Balneário Camboriú and Paranaguá. The return of Paranaguá to regular embarkation operations is among the changes for the upcoming season, while Balneário Camboriú is expected to expand its role after joining the embarkation network in 2025–2026.
Beyond the eight ships assigned to regular coastal cruises, another 28 vessels operated by 22 cruise companies are scheduled to make more than 200 calls at 32 ports and stopping points during international voyages. These itineraries will extend cruise activity beyond Brazil’s principal coastal routes to destinations that include the Amazon region.
The planned expansion follows a weaker 2025–2026 season. According to Brazil’s Ministry of Ports and Airports, regular coastal cruises carried 602,864 passengers during that period, ~28% fewer than in the preceding season.
Commenting on the sector’s prospects, CLIA Brasil president Marco Ferraz noted that the increase in capacity partly reflects changes in global ship deployment and geopolitical conditions. He also highlighted the need for improved port infrastructure, more competitive operating costs and greater regulatory certainty to support sustained growth in Brazil’s cruise market.