Santos Port Authority in Brazil Launches New Fee Discount Program for Cruise Ships

Santos Port Authority (SPA) has announced significant reductions in operational fees for cruise ships docking at the Port of Santos, Brazil̢۪s primary cruise hub. This strategic move is part of a newly introduced regulatory framework, effective since October, aimed at boosting tourism and rewarding high passenger volumes.

Cruise operators will enjoy a sliding scale of fee reductions, ranging from 10% to a generous 60%, based on the number of passengers their ships bring to the port. The maximum discount is reserved for companies transporting over 680,000 passengers during the season.

Additionally, SPA has incorporated incentives for vessels that meet or exceed certain benchmarks on a local sustainability and efficiency index. These eco-conscious measures are intended to encourage more sustainable practices among operators.

The new fee structure will be in place for a trial period of 12 months, with the possibility of extension depending on its success, as assessed by SPA. Discounts will initially be applied based on the cruise lines̢۪ projected passenger counts, with final adjustments made at the close of the season using data from SPA̢۪s comprehensive tracking system.

To qualify for these discounts, cruise operators must submit advance estimates of passenger numbers and confirm their schedules with SPA.

For the 2024-25 season, the Port of Santos is poised to receive a bustling array of cruise ships, including three MSC Cruises vessels—MSC Grandiosa, MSC Seaview, and MSC Splendida—that will use the port as their base. The MSC Armonia is also scheduled for departures from Santos in February and March. Costa Cruises will add to the activity with departures aboard Costa Diadema and Costa Pacifica.

Santos will further host transit calls from an array of prestigious cruise lines such as Princess Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Crystal, and Villa Vie Residences, solidifying its role as a key player in Brazil̢۪s cruise industry.