Brazil Deploys Two Cruise Ships for COP30 Delegates Amid Accommodation Crisis, Raising Questions About Sustainability

Published on November 11, 2025

Brazil deploys two cruise ships for COP30 delegates amid accommodation crisis, raising questions about sustainability. As the world prepares for the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil, the country is facing criticism for its decision to use two large diesel-powered cruise ships as floating hotels for delegates. With an estimated 45,000 participants expected at the summit, the city’s hotel infrastructure, which typically accommodates only 18,000 guests, could not meet the demand. In response, the Brazilian government turned to the Costa Diadema and MSC Seaview cruise ships to house delegates and officials, a move that has sparked significant controversy. While the decision addresses immediate logistical challenges, it contradicts the summit’s focus on reducing carbon emissions and addressing climate change, given the significant environmental impact of the cruise ships’ diesel consumption. As debates about sustainability and environmental responsibility intensify, travelers heading to Brazil for the event must navigate the complexities of this accommodation arrangement, all while considering the broader implications for the global climate agenda.

Concerns About Sustainability Emerge While Addressing Accommodation Gap by using Cruise Ships As COP30 Floating Hotels

With the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) approaching, Climate Change accredited sessions are set to take place in Belém, Brazil. But with scarce available lodging, the federal government has responded by hosting delegates in two diesel-powered cruise ships in the port city, which many see as a loosley affiliated “hotels on a ship” which sparked environmental concerns with hypocrisy on the environmental objectives of the conference. This seems highly innovative to the accommodation crisis in a city with limited hotel facilities, and to many it is a floating hotel, Burnley has been a place to complicated and thought less admire cruise ships to visit. While Brazil ponders on the crisis, globe trotters see it to justify climate-sustainability discussions as a country with a diverse hotel infrastructure to complicated travelers.

Two Cruise Ships as COP30 Accommodations

Brazil had a problem when it came to the amount of lodging available within Belém due to the undershot expectations on the amount of registered delegates as well the amount of media personnel. According to the data available, the amount of hotel rooms Belém had available was 18,000. That amount was far below the 45,000 needed for the COP30 and was completely outnumbered. As a solution, the government of Brazil decided to use the cruise ships that were docked as floating hotels. These ships are the Costa Diadema and the MSC Seaview and will be housing delegates and government representatives on the summit.

At first, this move was praised for its creativity in dealing with the accommodation crisis. Now, however, questions around the sustainability of this solution have emerged. Along with their high fuel consumption, cruise ships burn quite a lot of fuel. As an example, the cruise ship Costa Diadema consumes around 135 liters of diesel per hour. With the focus of the summit being on the reduction of global fossil fuel dependence, the use of such fuel accommodation options drew the ire of environmentalists and other concerned citizens. This decision highlights the contradiction of hosting a global climate conference and, at the same time, using high-emission cruise ships to accommodate the delegates who are there to discuss reducing fuel consumption.

Brazil’s Challenge: Balance Environmental Pricing and Tourism Interests

The use of cruise ships illustrates how Brazil is trying to balance its environmental responsibilities and huge growing tourism industry. Tourism is an important and lucrative sector to Brazil with growing revenue and Brazil recently hit a record 6.9 billion USD in revenue from international tourism and tourism with 6.9 billion USD in tourism revenue. This trend is likely to continue. However, with a focus on the upcoming COP30 conference, Brazil is likely to face new pressures with the growing costs of airfare, accommodation, and the city’s living capacity to handle a large volume of international tourists, Belém.

The environmental concerns of large diesel cruise ships and floating accommodations tend to be brushed aside to ignore the environmental dangers. Tourists planning to take cruise implementation floating accommodations in Belém do so with environmental concerns in mind. Having large diesel powered cruise line accommodations also contradicts Brazil’s self-image of a global leading citizen in environments conservation

The Role Of Airlines In The Surge Of COP30

Demand for flights to Brazil has increased for airlines as COP30 approaches. The United States, Argentina, and Chile are getting ready for huge amounts of delegates, tourists, and business leaders to travel to Belém. LATAM Airlines, Gol Linhas Aéreas, and American Airlines are some of the airlines expanding their flights to cater to the needs of these international events.

The increased flights to Belém help travelers coming from countries near Brazil such as Argentina and Chile. Belém is strategically located in Brazil’s Amazon region. LATAM Airlines is the major South American airlines and has increased their flights and added extra and bigger planes to meet the demand of the flights to Belém. Travelers coming from the United States and Europe will be able to take flights from Delta Air Lines and Air France, who have added more flights to Brazil that will connect to Belém through São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro.

There are problems to deal with too. Because of high demand, few seats available on flights, and the limited infrastructure in Belém, the cost of flights may be high, particularly during the events. It is suggested that travelers buy tickets early to get better prices and to make sure that seats are available on desired flights. For people who would like to add more to their COP30 experience with a vacation in Brazil, this is also a wonderful time to visit other famous Brazilian cities like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, the northeast coast beaches, and then the Amazon region.

A Strain on Belém’s Hospitality Industry

Now that Belém, the host city for COP30, is getting ready for a significant increase in the amount of people, the hotel industry is also getting ready. Belém will be able to support around 10,000 more people because of the cruise ships, which will allow them to have more than 10,000 beds for delegates and tourists. Because of the city’s small hotel infrastructure, the demand for hotel rooms will increase, which will increase the cost of rooms during the time around the conference.

Before the event, well-known hotels like Accor, Marriott, and Hilton will likely stay at full capacity. But travelers should remember to be cautious with their budget, as room prices will be related to the traveler- inflating prices during this time. Due to the need for affordable accommodations, bookings for Airbnb and vacation rentals will also fill up.

Attendees of COP30 who want to enjoy and celebrate the local culture and hospitality should also be prepared and book their accommodations well before their stay. Belem has local cultural tours and Amazonian cuisine. For travelers, attending a large international conference that is not hosted in a major city will be a logistical hassle. This is to be expected as this large-scale event is in a city not known for international confiserences at this level.

New Opportunities in Sustainable Travel?

Brazil’s COP30 is surrounded by floating hotels criticism. We must admit it allowed tourists to see the Amazon Rainforest. Consequently, they see one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. Tourists in Belém, during the amazon summit, will see the impact of climate change, deforestation, and the effect of taken conservation actions. We hope the situation improves in the future.

For eco-tourists and sustainability-focused travelers, the Amazon region is filled with wildlife to appreciate and even tour. Some tour options include boat cruises along the Rio Amazonas and visits to indigenous communities. We recommend responsible travel options and choose eco-friendly tours to encourage the protection of the rainforest and the communities.

Travelers must have the awareness of the consequence of their travel. United Airlines and British Airways offer carbon offset options paying towards their flight environmental impact. This is a positive travel option aligned with the COP30 goals. Tourists participating in COP30 must choose this option to encourage a positive environmental impact.

Travel Tips for COP30 Visitors

1. Book Early: Since COP30 is going to increase demand for travel to Belém and the surrounding area, make your travel arrangements early in order to avoid higher prices and diminished options.
2. Think About Different Options: If you’re looking for a more sustainable option, consider staying in hotels or Airbnb properties outside of Belém, where prices may be lower, and availability higher.
3. Offset Your Carbon Emissions: Many airlines and travel companies now offer ways to offset your carbon footprint. Look into this when you book your flights to ensure your journey is more environmentally friendly.
4. Get Ready for the Heat: Bringing lightweight, breathable clothing, a hat, some sunscreen, and a large refillable water container will help you to not get dehydrated.
5. Responsible Travel: Select eco-friendly tours that contribute to the well-being of the people in the area, and help protect the environment when the rainforest is your destination.
6. Respect Local Culture: Belém and the Amazon region have ripe cultural heritage. Respect for and involvement with the local population, including patronage of their businesses, is appreciated often.

Sustainable Travel in Brazil

With Brazil hosting COP30, there is an opportunity to help the country heal its reputation as a destination for sustainable travel. Diesel-powered cruise ships, however, undermine some of the country’s environmental goals and investments in Amazon ecotourism. Still, there are reasons for a positive outlook.

Brazil can keep COP30’s positive impacts while promoting responsible tourism and building eco-friendly lodgings. Attending the conference, international travelers should study the Amazon and its lessons, and contributing to the climate and environmental narrative in tourism.

Brazil deploys two cruise ships for COP30 delegates amid accommodation crisis, raising questions about sustainability. This decision has sparked criticism, as it contrasts with the summit’s focus on reducing carbon emissions.

Handling COP30 Brasil Experience Separately from Regular Uses from

Brazil COP30 – One of the world’s most important international climate conferences. With the upcoming COP30 climate conference in November the concern goes, the floating hotels are diesel powered polluted cruise ships. Switzerland is the home of diesel powered floating hotels. Tourists enjoy the sights while ignoring the climate changes. COP30 is a conversation around the world markers. Travellers in Brazil are able to join world conversations in climate action. Brazil has and will be a resource for people. People are able to join together in global conversations in climate action and change. COP30 is the place to be from across the world.

Make the most of your time and engage world climate in changes conversations by attending the conference in COP30 Brazil. Then, incorporate a visit to the world’s largest rainforest in your plans, to enjoy the central and ease regional climate action change. Lastly, to show the world climate change action incorporate a pass for the cultural modern world to Belém. Brazil is a place for world climate join community, COP30 Brazil is making the world changes and we We will be waiting for everyone’s responsible decisions. While responsible decision is made we will be waiting for all the world compass to engage in world community climate changes. Each of the will follow.