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Cruise Season resumed on March 5, and now vaccinated travelers will be allowed on cruises
The Brazilian Association of Maritime Cruises (CLIA) announced on March 2 the decision to allow cruise companies to proceed with the cruise season 2021-2022.
As of March 5, cruises are resuming operations and considering the current covid restrictions. This resolution arrives after months after a voluntary season suspension agreed by CLIA in accordance with Brazilian authorities due to the increasing amount of COVID-19 cases in the country.
Marco Ferraz, president of the Brazilian CLIA, said: “We are ready to cruise, offer unique experiences and impact the country’s economy positively.”
The Brazilian Minister of Tourism, Gilson Machado Neto, also shared his approval: “The decision to resume the cruise season was made based on the alignment of the competent authorities with the cruise sector, states and municipalities involved, in order to guarantee the safety of tourists and crew members. This is a very important segment for employment generation and activation of the economy in Brazil.”
This season will have 19 itineraries —that include destinations like Santa Catarina, São Paulo, and Rio de Janeiro— operated by Costa and MSC Cruises and will extend until April 18. CLIA also announced that season 2022-2023 will begin in October.
COVID Protocol For Passengers Embarking Cruises In Brazil
In order to approve this decision, the CLIA had to work hand in hand with the Brazilian government and local authorities to agree on the best solution for the tourism and cruises industries. CLIA expressed gratitude towards the ministries—of tourism, health, justice, and infrastructure—, municipalities, the public health agency ANVISA, and the Civil Cabinet. All the parties involved committed to maintaining strict COVID measures.
Travelers willing to embark on cruises in Brazil will have to consider the current protocol:
- Provide proof of vaccination— applies for all passengers aged 12 and over.
- Show a negative COVID test result before embarking.
- 10% of passengers and crew members will be tested for sampling frequently during the voyage.
- Masks will also be required.
- Cruise companies will also request travel insurance for coverage of the disease.
- Vessels will operate in reduced capacity to facilitate social distancing.
Crew members will also be required to provide proof of vaccination and follow protocol. Cruises must also guarantee proper cleaning and ventilation, and facilities for medical attention and quarantine.
Passengers who comply with all requirements will be able to enjoy the fantastic destinations Brazil has to offer. Now that the CDC has removed its warning to avoid cruises, more American travelers can start booking.
Cruises Destinations In Brazil
Brazil hosts some of the world’s most attractive destinations for cruise enthusiasts: beautiful beaches, rich culture, and different sceneries across the Brazilian coast.
There are popular cruises like the Costa Fascinosa that offer itineraries from Santos to Buzios and explore Itajaí and Rio de Janeiro. Celebrity Infinity offers longer journeys that go from Fort Lauderdale to Rio de Janeiro and from Buenos Aires to São Paulo. And the transatlantic options—like the Norwegian Star or MSC Cruises— have routes from Spain and Italy to Brazil.
Travelers will get to see the most exciting cities and natural landscapes on the most iconic cruise stops in Brazil:
Rio de Janeiro: The most popular destination with long famous beaches like Copacabana and Ipanema, beautiful people, and incredible nightlife with powerful sounds of samba. Known by locals as the “Marvelous City.”
São Paulo (Santos): This coastal city hosts the largest seaport in Latin America. Visitors can expect great coffee and seven kilometers of beach, and visit Pelé —the famous soccer player— monument.
Buzios: An ocean peninsula full of hills and stunning bays. Brigitte Bardot, the French actress, made this paradise famous and tourists now can take a picture with her sculpture here.
Ilha Grande: This gorgeous rainforest island is located near Rio and is frequently visited by cruises. Besides enjoying its gorgeous beaches, travelers can also go for hikes and discover amazing waterfalls and lakes. It was also inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com