RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The government of Rio de Janeiro sent a letter to the Ministry of Tourism on November 16 in favor of the resumption of the cruise season on the Brazilian coast.
The season, which runs from November to April in this country, was suspended last year because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Cruise Lines Association has held meetings in recent weeks with the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Health, and health regulator ANVISA to establish health protocols for the safe resumption of this tourism segment.
For example, it has not yet been determined whether routes from abroad or coastal trips, not including international legs, will be considered next season.
What is certain is that proof of vaccinations and Covid-19 testing will be required for guests and crew, that ships will operate at reduced capacity, and that masks will be required to be worn in all environments.
Of next season’s seven cruises, at least six will pass through ports in Rio de Janeiro state, including the capital and cities such as Búzios, Angra dos Reis, and Cabo Frio.
Clia (Cruising Line International Association) estimates that 130 routes and about 570 calls will be made this season in Brazilian ports such as Salvador, Maceió, Recife, and Ubatuba.
The company estimates that the resumption of operations will inject R$2.5 billion into the economy and create 35,000 jobs.