Cruise ships are resuming operations in Brazil following authorization from the Ministry of Health and in line with the reduction in new coronavirus cases. The sector will continue its season until April 18, with four ships sailing 19 different itineraries throughout the country. These routes will visit eight different destinations: Balneário Camboriú, Itajaí, Porto Belo, Santos, Ilhabela, Rio de Janeiro, Angra dos Reis/Ilha Grande, and Búzios.
“The decision to resume the cruise season was made based on the alignment of the relevant authorities with the cruise industry, the states, and the municipalities involved, in order to guarantee the safety of tourists and crew members. This is a very important sector for job creation and economic activity in Brazil. We will have more than a month to enjoy this season, of course, safely, respecting all health protocols,” said Gilson Machado Neto, Minister of Tourism.
At the same time, the president of the Tourism Agency, Embratur, Carlos Brito, has announced that the 2022/2023 season is scheduled to begin in October, arguing that the reactivation of the sector is “essential and a great step to further strengthen and promote the resumption of tourism in our country.”.
This recovery has been driven by the package of measures recently approved by the Ministry of Tourism to promote cruise tourism in the country. In addition, the Ministry announced the creation of a training course for ship crews in collaboration with the Brazilian Navy, and this course is expected to begin in July of this year.
