Buenavista undergoes adjustments to resume cruises at the Port of Santos

Corazul promises to address the problems and resume cruises with the Buenavista next Friday (Maurício Martins/AT)

Corazul Cruzeiros assures that all the problems identified during the Buenavista's first voyages will have been addressed by this Thursday (12), one day before the deadline announced by the company last week for the resumption of regular sailing operations.

The vessel, which was docked at the Giusfredo Santini Passenger Terminal, operated by Concais, left the facility late last Monday afternoon and is now at an anchorage outside the Port of Santos. In other words, it is secured to the seabed by means of an anchor, chain and cable.

"Following our schedule, we are carrying out additional technical and operational activities to ensure the best possible experience for all guests", says Corazul Operations Director Camille Appeldoorn. "With the exception of the casino, which depends on equipment currently being shipped to Brazil, and the shops, which are already open, all issues are being addressed during this break," he adds, referring to problems involving cabins, swimming pools, crew numbers, and food and beverage services, all of which were the subject of passenger complaints, along with other inconveniences.

According to Corazul's Operations Director, the Buenavista's return to service will include scheduled departures from the Port of Santos to Rio de Janeiro and Búzios (RJ). "From then on, our entire season will proceed as planned. Except in cases of force majeure, there will be no further cancellations", he assures.

Last Friday, Corazul Cruzeiros announced the suspension of four Buenavista departures: two from Santos (one scheduled for that day and another for the following Monday) and two from Rio de Janeiro (scheduled for last Saturday and Tuesday (10)), where passengers also board the ship.

Camille made it clear that the Buenavista's presence outside the Santos port complex is "a normal procedure when there are no guests on board" and is also intended "to avoid unnecessary expenses". This is because standard port fees are charged while the Buenavista is docked at the passenger terminal. "We bear these costs throughout the entire period", he emphasizes.

Assessment Corazul's decision followed an assessment of the Buenavista's first two departures. A Tribuna was on board the ship's maiden voyage, which took place from October 30 to November 2, departing from the Port of Santos, and identified the problems.

The company had already announced that it would issue full refunds to passengers who boarded the maiden cruise and promised a 25% bonus toward a future voyage.

Sales R11 Travel, the company representing Corazul in sales in Brazil, said in a statement that all dates for the 2026/2027 cruise season involving the Buenavista, starting this Friday, are now open for bookings.

The company added that all passengers affected by the canceled departures had been informed of their refund options. "Guests who have booked upcoming cruises have had their reservations confirmed", the statement concludes.