Cruise season called off

Update 25/02/2022: the Ministry of Health authorised the resume of the cruise season with effect from 7 March 2022. Read more.

Update 15/02/2022: CLIA Brazil announced it further extended the halting of cruise operations at least until 4 March 2022.

Update 31/01/2022: the Cruise Lines International Association’s Brazilian branch (CLIA Brazil) reported that it had extended the voluntary halting of operations in Brazilian ports until 18 February 2022.

While CLIA Brazil maintains that the cruise sector adopts the strictest health protocols among the transport industry, with continuous monitoring, testing and reporting of COVID-19 cases, the federal port health authority ANVISA reiterated its recommendations to the  Ministry of Health that the 2021/22 cruise season is permanently cancelled.

After an exponential rise in COVID-19 cases aboard the five cruise ships currently sailing the Brazilian coast, the cruise season was suspended until 31 January 2022

Outbreaks and quarantine

COVID-19 cases have reportedly been detected on passengers and crewmembers on the MSC SPLENDIDA (62 cases), COSTA DIADEMA (30 cases), MSC PREZIOSA (33 cases), COSTA FASCINOSA (7 cases) and MSC SEASIDE (90 cases). Following the protocols for cruise ships issued by the National Agency of Health Surveillance (ANVISA), the epidemiological scenario onboard the first two vessels was raised to Level 4, implying quarantine. The other three are currently on Level 3, which means a controlled outbreak where disembarkation or embarkation is allowed.

Voluntary suspension

On 3 January 2022, the Brazilian branch of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA Brazil), representing MSC Cruises and Costa Cruises, issued a statement informing that the cruise lines are voluntarily suspending cruise services in Brazil until at least 21 January 2022.

The halting of the activities aims to streamline the procedures and operation issues in handling shipboard COVID-19 outbreaks. However, if no agreement is reached with the relevant authorities, the current cruise season may be cancelled at once.

Port health authority recommendation

Meanwhile, ANVISA reiterated its recommendation to the Ministry of Health that the cruise season be called off until the epidemiological scenario in the face of the coronavirus’ variant is adequately assessed.

More about measures imposed by the Brazilian authorities to deal with the COVID-19 on vessels and platforms here.

Issued 04.01.2022. Updated 25.02.2022

Please read our disclaimer.

Related topics: