Port of Itajaí Launches 2025-26 Cruise Season with Costa Diadema Arrival, Bringing More than Four Thousand New Guests and Boosting its Local Tourism and Economy Growth

Published on December 4, 2025

The 2025-26 cruise season officially got underway at the Port of Itajaí in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil, with the arrival of the Costa Diadema, marking a very important moment for the regional maritime tourism. The Costa Cruises ship, which was until recently a floating hotel for a United Nations event in Belém, brought 4,200 guests and 1,200 crew members into port to mark the beginning of a busy and lucrative season for the Brazilian port.

The Costa Diadema is part of the interporting operations of Costa Cruises, and aside from the guests who were already onboard from previous cruises, it received 977 more guests and bid farewell to 970 at Itajaí-an evident growth in the demand for cruises in Brazil. This is yet another step forward in Brazil’s expanding cruise tourism, and it further secures Itajaí’s position as a vital point of departure and arrival within the country’s burgeoning maritime tourism industry.

Economic Significance of the Cruise Industry for Itajaí

The arrival of the Costa Diadema highlights the economic importance of the cruise business for Itajaí. João Paulo Tavares Bastos, the superintendent of the Port of Itajaí, emphasized how each cruise ship call positively impacts the local economy. He explained that thousands of people—tourists and crew members alike—are circulating in the region, contributing to local consumption and helping generate income for businesses in Itajaí and the wider Santa Catarina state.

“The arrival of the first cruise ship already shows the size of the opportunity that this season represents for Itajaí,” said Tavares Bastos. He further pointed out that each ship strengthens the local economy by offering a tangible link between maritime tourism and regional economic development, and reaffirms the Port of Itajaí’s role as an essential connection point for Brazilian tourism.

Costa Diadema and MSC Sinfonia Lead the 2025-26 Cruise Season

As part of its 2025-26 deployment, the Costa Diadema will make regular visits to Itajaí alongside the Costa Favolosa, offering three- to seven-night cruises to Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay. Travelers will have the opportunity to embark not only in Itajaí and Santos, but also in Buenos Aires and Montevideo, enhancing the port’s appeal as an international cruise hub.

In addition to Costa Cruises, MSC Cruises is also boosting the local tourism economy. The MSC Sinfonia will sail from Itajaí this season, offering a series of seven-night cruises to various Brazilian destinations. The presence of multiple cruise lines at the port further solidifies Itajaí’s status as a growing tourism and maritime travel hub in the region.

Additional Cruise Line Visits and Growing Passenger Numbers

Alongside Costa Cruises and MSC Cruises, Oceania Cruises is set to make three transit calls to Itajaí during the 2025-26 season. These additional visits reflect the increasing international interest in the port and the broader Brazilian cruise market. As the number of cruise lines visiting Itajaí continues to rise, it reinforces the region’s growing importance in South American tourism and the increasing demand for unique travel experiences in Brazil’s coastal regions.

Cruise Tourism’s Impact on Local Communities and Economy

The steady growth in cruise tourism at Itajaí offers immense benefits to local communities, businesses, and tourism-related industries. The increase in passenger traffic brings a surge of visitors, providing opportunities for local hotels, restaurants, tour operators, and transport services to expand their reach. The influx of tourists also strengthens the local economy by boosting retail sales, creating employment opportunities, and stimulating demand for regional goods and services.

The development of eco-friendly and culturally enriching tourism offerings for cruise passengers is helping Itajaí diversify its tourism appeal, moving beyond traditional beach vacations to more nature-focused, cultural and adventure tourism. With the support of both international cruise lines and local businesses, the city is developing a holistic tourism model that attracts a broad range of visitors while supporting sustainable development in the region.

Sustainable Cruise Tourism: A Key to Long-Term Growth

The expansion of cruise tourism in Itajaí also underscores the region’s commitment to sustainable travel. As the port welcomes more ships, the focus remains on ensuring that the increase in tourism is managed in an eco-conscious manner, balancing economic growth with the protection of natural resources. The development of low-impact tourism facilities, such as nature trails and cultural programs, helps mitigate the environmental impact of increased passenger arrivals, making it a sustainable model for future tourism growth.

Looking ahead, the Port of Itajaí plans to continue evolving its cruise offerings by expanding shore excursions, creating tourism infrastructure that supports eco-tourism and cultural exchange, and ensuring the local community is actively involved in tourism development. By investing in sustainable practices and promoting responsible tourism, Itajaí can maintain its growth as a leading cruise destination while preserving its natural and cultural heritage.

A Bright Future for Cruise Tourism in Itajaí

Looking toward the future, cruise tourism will continue to be a key component of Itajaí’s tourism strategy, contributing significantly to the region’s economic growth. With rising passenger numbers, the development of eco-friendly infrastructures, and a focus on local participation, the Port of Itajaí is creating a sustainable model for maritime tourism that benefits both visitors and the local population. The arrival of Costa Diadema marks the beginning of a new chapter for Itajaí, reinforcing its role as an essential player in the global cruise market and setting the stage for further tourism success in the years to come.

Itajaí’s Growing Role in Brazil’s Cruise Tourism Sector

The 2025-26 cruise season is a turning point for the Port of Itajaí, as the coming of Costa Diadema and a bigger representation on the part of MSC Cruises underlines the growth of the port in the Brazilian cruise tourism sector. Ongoing investment by the city in eco-tourism and tourism infrastructure remains fundamental to turning cruise tourism into a vital economic driver for the region. With more ships, more passengers, and increased opportunities for local businesses, the future is very bright for Brazil’s tourism industry-and that includes Itajaí.