The short answer: the 2026/2027 season in Santos runs from early November to early April, with MSC and Costa. There are direct flights from Amsterdam to São Paulo, and the cruise terminal is about an hour and a half by road from the city.
Why Santos
- Summer when it is winter at home. December to February is high summer in Brazil: beaches, warm sea and long evenings.
- The most departures in Brazil. Almost every ship of the Brazilian season embarks passengers in Santos.
- Combine it with a city trip. São Paulo is close by, and Rio de Janeiro is a call on many routes.
- A one-way trip back to Europe. In April the ships return to Europe across the Atlantic — a long, relaxed way home.
Who sails from Santos in 2026/2027
- MSC Cruises — MSC Virtuosa, the largest ship ever to sail in Brazil, plus MSC Seaview, MSC Divina and MSC Musica.
- Costa Cruises — Costa Diadema, with dozens of departures from Santos during the season.
In February some world cruises, such as Cunard's Queen Anne, also call at Santos — but only as a stop; you cannot join them here.
What sails from Santos
| Route | Typical length | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Mini-cruises | 3 to 4 nights | Ilhabela, Ilha Grande, Rio de Janeiro or Búzios — easy to add to a trip to Brazil |
| Brazilian coast | 5 to 7 nights | Routes with Salvador, Maceió or Búzios |
| Argentina and Uruguay | 7 to 9 nights | Buenos Aires, Montevideo and Punta del Este in one trip |
| New Year and Carnival | Varies | The first departures to sell out; decide well in advance |
| Back to Europe | About 3 to 4 weeks | At the end of the season Costa Diadema, for example, sails from Santos to Kiel in Germany on 5 April 2027 |
Based on cruise line announcements for the 2026/2027 season. Ships, dates and routes change; always check the specific sailing. The whole season, with all ports: South America cruise season →
Which language is spoken on board?
During the Brazilian season the ships are geared to Brazilian guests: the atmosphere is lively and announcements and entertainment are mainly in Portuguese, usually also in Spanish and English.
Getting there
- Flights. There are direct flights from Amsterdam to São Paulo-Guarulhos, and connections via other European hubs.
- From the airport to the port. Santos is about 80 kilometres from São Paulo: around an hour and a half by road, longer at weekends. On boarding days there are direct buses from Guarulhos and Congonhas airports to the terminal, taking about two hours; taxis, ride-hailing apps and transfers are also available.
- The terminal. Cruises leave from Concais, the passenger terminal of the port of Santos. Large suitcases are checked in there and delivered to your cabin later.
Practical tips
- Check your boarding time. Cruise lines give each guest a time slot; arriving much earlier usually means waiting in the heat.
- January weekends are the busiest. On some days tens of thousands of people pass through the terminal.
- Sun and heat. Pack sun protection and light clothes; in December to February it is hot and humid.
- Documents. Many European passports, including Dutch and Belgian ones, need no visa for a short tourist stay in Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay; check the rules for your passport and route.
Common questions
When is the cruise season in Santos?
In 2026/2027 from early November to early April. December to February is high season, when Brazilians are on summer holiday.
Which ships sail from Santos?
MSC Virtuosa, MSC Seaview, MSC Divina and MSC Musica, plus Costa Diadema.
How do I get from São Paulo airport to the cruise terminal?
By road it is about an hour and a half. On boarding days there are direct buses from Guarulhos and Congonhas to the terminal; taxis, ride-hailing apps and transfers work too.
Can I sail back to Europe from Santos?
Yes, at the end of the season. In April several ships cross the Atlantic back to Europe; Costa Diadema, for example, sails from Santos to Kiel on 5 April 2027.
Are cruises from Santos in Portuguese?
Mainly, yes: the season is designed for Brazilian guests. Spanish and English are usually available too.
How the club fits in
Cruises from Santos that are available in the club work on the same terms as any other route. You choose one way to pay per booking: the member price (INsider Pricing), roughly 17% below the listed price, or your Reward Points, which can cover up to half of the cruise price. They do not add up. To pay up to 100% with points, you need to have accumulated enough points and book 270 days or more before departure.
Not every cruise line can be booked through the club: check the specific sailing in the club's search.
How booking with points works →
Ships, routes and dates are based on announcements by the cruise lines and the terminal for the 2026/2027 season and may change; check the current itinerary and terminal information before you travel. Percentages describe the club's rules and are indicative. Reislite is an independent information site run by partners, not a website of inCruises.