Brazilan cruise season could be canceled for the 5 ships currently anchored off the coast of Santos (Sao Paulo, Brazil) after Anvisa (country's Health Regulatory Agency) recommended suspension of the 2021-2022 winter season due to the rapid increase in COVID outbreaks on ships and in the country.
A number of media outlets in Brazil reported that Anvisa had sent a document to the Ministry of Health which would have the final word about the future of the cruise season.
The recommendation was announced after verifying the “exponential increase” of COVID cases on all liners sailing in the country, among the crew members and passengers. Since the start of the cruise season in November last year, Anvisa has been monitoring cases, due to the defined protocols for cruise ships sailing in Brazil.
After the rise of COVID cases, the Italian cruise shipping companies Costa and MSC suspended operations in Brazil until January 21, 2022. Since the temporary suspension, the Health Regulatory Agency evaluated the epidemiological scenario and given the rise in cases, both in the cruise ship sector and in the country, decided to recommend cancellation of the season.
Since the start of the cruise season, Anvisa has documented a total of 1177 positive cases among the crew and passengers on ships, which is a strong increase in cases.
The 5 ships that are part of the Brazilian 2021-2022 season include Costa Diadema, Costa Fascinosa, MSC Seaside, MSC Preziosa, MSC Splendida. All these liners are currently off the Santos' coast (port map link).