Study estimates cruises added BRL 4.76 billion to Brazil’s economy

Cruise activity injected an estimated BRL 4.76 billion into Brazil’s economy during the 2025/2026 season, according to a study conducted by Fundação Getulio Vargas in partnership with the Brazilian Cruise Association. The estimate covers ships operating between Brazilian ports and international vessels passing along the country’s coast.

The study attributed BRL 4.28 billion in economic activity to cabotage operations, along with 64,529 jobs and BRL 166.3 million in federal, state and municipal taxes. Cruise companies’ operating and logistics expenses accounted for BRL 2.28 billion, while passenger and crew spending in embarkation, disembarkation and transit cities generated another BRL 2 billion. Researchers recorded 602,864 passengers embarking on cabotage ships and estimated that every BRL 1 invested by cruise companies generated BRL 3.89 in Brazilian economic activity.

For long-haul cruising, the survey counted 21 vessels transiting Brazil and attributed BRL 480.94 million in economic impact, 7,500 sustained jobs and BRL 51.15 million in taxes to the segment. Combined with cabotage, cruise activity was associated with approximately 72,000 jobs during the season.

Separately, Brazil’s Ministry of Ports and Airports formalized a lease agreement in 2026 for the Maritime Passenger Terminal at the Port of Maceió. The terminal covers 5.6 thousand square meters and has capacity for up to 612 passengers per day.