Standfirst: The Port of Santos in São Paulo is preparing for a busy cruise season running from October 2026 to 4 April 2027. The latest municipal programme lists 164 cruise calls, 10 ships and around 785,000 passengers and crew, with December expected to bring the highest traffic.
The Port of Santos is scheduled to handle 164 cruise calls during Brazil’s 2026–2027 cruise season, according to the latest operational update from the Municipality of Santos. The programme covers 103 operating days and is expected to bring substantial visitor activity to Santos and the wider Baixada Santista region.
For passengers, the schedule confirms Santos’ continuing importance as a departure, arrival and transit point for South American cruises. The season is due to run from October 2026 until 4 April 2027, although cruise schedules can be adjusted by operators as operational planning develops.
What the Port of Santos cruise programme includes
The municipal projection is the latest of several official estimates issued ahead of the season. Earlier forecasts listed 146 and 161 calls, before the Santos update increased the operational figure to 164.
- Season: 2026–2027
- Location: Port of Santos, São Paulo, Brazil
- Season dates: October 2026 to 4 April 2027
- Projected cruise calls: 164
- Ships listed: 10
- Cruise companies: Seven
- Expected passengers and crew: Around 785,000
- Operating days: 103
- Passenger terminal: Terminal Marítimo de Passageiros — Concais
The figures represent a projection rather than a guarantee that every call will operate exactly as planned. Travellers should confirm sailing details, embarkation instructions and port arrangements directly with their cruise company before departure.
Ten ships listed for the 2026–2027 season
The official Santos programme names 10 vessels. Six are identified as operating in cabotage services, while four are listed as long-haul ships.
- MSC Divina
- Costa Diadema
- Buenavista
- MSC Virtuosa
- MSC Musica
- MSC Seaview
- Zaandam
- Queen Anne
- Azamara Journey
- Insignia
The list includes ships serving Brazilian coastal itineraries as well as vessels connecting Santos with wider South American cruise routes.
Buenavista scheduled for frequent Santos calls
Buenavista is expected to play a particularly prominent role. Operated by Corazul Cruzeiros, the ship arrived at Santos on 20 October 2026, with its first commercial departure scheduled for 30 October.
The vessel has capacity for approximately 2,000 passengers and is expected to make 100 calls at Santos during the season. Its itineraries are planned to last between three and seven nights, with embarkation available from Santos and Rio de Janeiro.
December expected to be the busiest month
December 2026 is projected to record the highest level of activity, with 40 cruise calls and approximately 214,000 passenger and crew movements. That represents about 27% of the total movement forecast for the full season.
The concentration of calls is likely to increase demand for local transport, accommodation, restaurants, shops and shore excursions. Passengers travelling during December may therefore benefit from arranging transfers and excursions in advance, particularly on embarkation and disembarkation days.
Expected economic effect on the region
The São Paulo tourism authority estimates that the cruise season could generate around R$1.5 billion for the Baixada Santista economy. Separate official research estimates average spending of approximately R$962.55 per cruise passenger in cities where travellers embark or disembark.
That spending may reach hotels, restaurants, local transport providers, retailers, tour operators and visitor attractions. The effect is expected to be especially visible in December, when passenger movement is forecast to peak.
Santos links Brazil with South American cruise destinations
The port’s schedule reflects both domestic coastal demand and international connectivity. The main recorded origins for ships arriving in Santos include:
- Búzios: 47 occurrences
- Itajaí: 26
- Maceió: 16
- Buenos Aires: 13
- Ilhabela: 12
- Balneário Camboriú: 9
Key onward destinations include Búzios, Rio de Janeiro, Angra dos Reis, Balneário Camboriú and Buenos Aires. This makes Santos an important link between Brazil’s coastline and wider South American itineraries.
What cruise passengers should check
The published schedule is useful for understanding the scale of the season, but individual travellers should rely on their cruise operator for booking-specific information. Before travelling, passengers should:
- Confirm the ship, sailing date and embarkation port.
- Check the required check-in time and terminal instructions.
- Allow extra time for transfers on busy December dates.
- Review passport, visa and health-document requirements for every country on the itinerary.
- Check whether excursions and transfers must be booked in advance.
- Monitor the cruise company’s notices for timetable or port changes.
Travellers from Ireland should also confirm the entry requirements for Brazil and any additional destinations included on their itinerary with official government sources before booking or departing.
Why the latest Santos figure matters
The number of projected calls has changed as different authorities updated their forecasts. The federal ports ministry previously listed 146 calls, the São Paulo tourism authority later cited 161, and the Municipality of Santos subsequently published 164 as the latest operational figure.
Passenger estimates also vary. The Santos municipality expects around 785,000 passengers and crew, while the state tourism authority has published a higher projection of approximately 832,000. These totals should be treated as separate estimates rather than combined into one figure.
Conclusion
The Port of Santos is preparing for a substantial 2026–2027 cruise season, with 164 scheduled calls between October 2026 and 4 April 2027. December is expected to be the busiest period, while the wider programme could provide a significant boost to tourism businesses across the Baixada Santista region.
Passengers should treat the municipal schedule as a planning guide and confirm their own sailing, terminal and document requirements with the cruise operator before travelling.