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Giant Ships Resume Port Calls in Four Cities in Santa Catarina Until April 2026, Boosting Trade, Hospitality, and Services Amidst a Contraction Scenario in Brazil
The 2025/2026 cruise season in Santa Catarina has already started and, despite a national contraction scenario, it is expected to generate over R$ 200 million in the State’s economy. Furthermore, the expectation is that more than 270,000 passengers will circulate through the four cities that will receive embarkations or port calls until April 2026.
This information was disclosed by the NSC Total portal, based on data from the municipalities and a study by the National Association of Cruise Lines (Clia Brasil) in partnership with the Getúlio Vargas Foundation (FGV), which calculates the average economic impact per passenger.
Although the numbers are lower than those of the previous season, the sector remains strategic for Santa Catarina tourism. After all, the flow of visitors stimulates trade, gastronomy, transportation, and hospitality, especially in the coastal cities that concentrate operations.
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In total, Santa Catarina will have 95 confirmed port calls, a number 20% lower than the 120 registered last summer. Still, the State maintains a relevant position on Brazil’s cruise map.
Economic Impact Exceeds R$ 200 Million and Reinforces Strategic Importance of the Sector
The financial impact calculation considers the estimated average spending per passenger. According to the Clia Brasil study in partnership with FGV, each tourist, on average, spends:
- R$ 709.47 in the cities where they make port calls
- R$ 918.15 in the cities where they embark or disembark
These amounts include direct, indirect, and induced effects in services such as trade, transportation, hospitality, and food.
Throughout the season, 279,322 passengers are expected in the four cities in Santa Catarina. Therefore, even with national contraction, the total impact is expected to exceed R$ 200 million.
In comparison, last season there were 415,000 passengers and 120 port calls. This represents a reduction of 32% in the number of tourists and 20% in port calls.
However, despite the decrease, the municipalities see the season as essential to maintain the economic rhythm during the summer months.
Itajaí
- 37 port calls (two less than the previous 39)
- 100,000 expected passengers
- Estimated impact: R$ 70.9 million
- Start: November 30
The majority of passengers are expected to embark and disembark in the city, which increases the length of stay and spending volume.
Balneário Camboriú
- 47 port calls (13 less than the previous 60)
- 160,000 passengers, with 155,000 in port calls and 5,000 in embarkations/disembarkations
- Estimated impact: R$ 114.5 million
- Start: November 13
Additionally, Balneário Camboriú debuts as an official embarkation and disembarkation point at the Atracadouro Barra Sul. This change is strategic, as tourists who start or end their trip tend to stay longer in the city.
Porto Belo
- 8 port calls (compared to 17 the previous year)
- 17,822 passengers
- Estimated impact: R$ 12.6 million
- Start: November 29, with the Costa Favolosa ship and its 3,500 passengers
São Francisco do Sul
- 3 port calls (one less than the previous 4)
- 1,500 passengers
- Estimated impact: R$ 1 million
- Start: October 15
Although it receives smaller ships, with a capacity between 400 and 500 passengers, the municipality bets on creative economy and strengthening local craftsmanship.
Why the Season Decreased in Brazil and What It Means for SC
The reduction in port calls in Santa Catarina reflects a more challenging national scenario. Throughout Brazil, there will be two fewer ships in the 2025/2026 season.
Additionally, the total offer will be 670,000 beds, about 20% lower than the previous summer. Last season, the national economic impact was R$ 5.4 billion.
According to the National Association of Cruise Lines, the main obstacles include:
- High operational costs
- Port infrastructure
- Regulation and legal security
- Tax burden
Therefore, although Brazil has the potential to grow in cruise tourism, the sector depends on greater competitiveness to attract international companies.
Still, Santa Catarina maintains a strategic advantage. Being located between São Paulo and Argentina, ships can make port calls both on the way to and from international routes. Consequently, this increases the flow and favors the stay of visitors.
Moreover, the consolidation of the embarkation port in Itajaí and the novelty in Balneário Camboriú strengthen the State’s positioning in the nautical scenario.
Thus, even with national contraction, SC remains a regional leader in maritime tourism.
Do you believe that Brazil should invest more in infrastructure and competitiveness to attract more cruise ships in the coming years?
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