Cruise ship season to restart in November in Brazil, with 92 planned arrivals in Rio de Janeiro
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The resumption was authorized by the federal government on October 2 and brought hope to travelers and entrepreneurs alike. The optimism is reflected in the figures. Thirty-six ships are expected to pass through Pier Mauá, 4 more than the figure registered before Covid-19, with 92 berthings.
During the season, 107,000 passengers are expected to board and disembark in the city. Nationwide, the estimated impact on the economy is R$2.5 billion (US$454 million) and almost 35,000 jobs will be generated.
“We are extremely motivated and happy. As is well known, cruise passengers are loyal and consistent. Everyone had great expectations,” says Pier Mauá’s operations director Américo Relvas, who promises to rehire employees laid off in the pandemic.
According to the federal government’s authorization decree, tourist navigation in Brazilian waters will be allowed as of November 1. The document was signed by the Chief of Staff, the Minister of Health, the Minister of Justice, and the Minister of Infrastructure. However, it was up to Minister of Tourism Gilson Machado to make the announcement. In a video, he emphasized the government’s “total commitment” to guarantee what he referred to as a “beautiful season.”
The sector is waiting for a publication by the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (ANVISA) with the health rules. However, the Ministry of Tourism has anticipated that Covid-19 tests will be required for all passengers, and that crew members will have to be vaccinated and present three tests, in addition to quarantine. The use of masks will be mandatory, and sanitizing will have to be constant.
According to Costa Cruises, cabin sales in this period as compared to the 2019/2020 season are higher in absolute numbers. Of the 2 confirmed cruises, one of them will have Rio de Janeiro as a point of embarkation: the Costa Fascinosa, with capacity for 3,780 passengers bound for Argentina. There are also travel options for Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
“The Brazilian people love to travel by ship. And the Rio de Janeiro market is strategic for us. For months, we have been responsibly preparing ourselves to build a safe product, without losing the essence of offering the best in comfort, entertainment, and service,” says Costa Cruzeiros CEO for South and Central America Dario Rustico.
As for MSC, the schedule includes 5 ships with stops in Rio. The MSC Preziosa will offer 3-night cruises with alternate stopovers in Ilhabela and Cabo Frio. There are also 5 and 6-night cruises, stopping in Cabo Frio, Ilhéus, and Salvador. With a longer period, of 7 or 8 nights, the cruise sails to Salvador and Maceió.
“Even with restrictions, this is the opportunity for guests who like cruises to return. We have noticed the interest of the Brazilian public in planning a high-sea vacation. We have resumed our operations in several parts of the world and we will bring this solid experience to cruising in the country,” assures MSC Cruzeiros’ General Director in Brazil Adrian Ursilli.
According to a survey by the Brazilian Cruise Ship Association (CLIA Brasil), 82% of passengers who have already taken cruises want to do it again. According to CLIA’s chairman Marco Ferraz, this is the moment to meet a repressed demand.
There are offers for free guests and prices starting from R$4,400 (US$799) in the Basic category, for purchases made until October 14 and for trips during New Year’s Eve.
For its part, MSC is offering flexible reservations with no rebooking fee, free second guests, and discounts for seniors and health professionals who work on the front line against Covid-19. In both companies, trips can be purchased in up to 12 credit card installments.
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