Marcelo OliveiraFive ships leave the port of Santos for the 2026-to-2027 New Year’s turnover, with 4- to 7-night itineraries, starting at R$ 7,883 per person in an interior cabin (Sept/2026). New Year’s Eve at sea from Santos is the most practical option for anyone living in São Paulo who wants to ring in the new year on a ship’s deck — and three of them sail past Copacabana during the fireworks.
| Departure port | Terminal Marítimo de Santos (Concais), Av. Cândido Gaffrée, s/n — Macuco, Santos-SP |
|---|---|
| Ships and dates | MSC Virtuosa (12/26), MSC Seaview (12/27), Costa Diadema (12/27), MSC Divina (12/29), Buenavista/Corazul (12/30) |
| Duration | 4 to 7 nights, depending on the ship |
| Price range (Sept/2026) | R$ 7,883 to R$ 14,494 per person (Sept/2026) — interior to balcony cabin (Clube dos Cruzeiros, Sept/2026) |
| What’s included | Cabin, meals at the buffet and main restaurants, onboard entertainment and pool area. Alcoholic drinks and shore excursions are charged separately (except Buenavista, which is all inclusive) |
| Documents | Brazilian adults, Brazil only: RG or CNH (MSC and Costa). Argentina/Uruguay: physical RG accepted or valid passport |
| Cancellation policy | Varies by cruise line; penalties increase as the departure date approaches — confirm at the time of booking |
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Before boarding, it’s worth exploring Santos on land: the historic center, Monte Serrat and the aquarium are outings that fit into half a day. Civitatis’s Santos Tour for Cruise Passengers fits perfectly into your embarkation morning.
In this article · 9 topics
- Which ships leave Santos for New Year’s 2026/2027?
- How much does a New Year’s cruise from Santos cost?
- Cabin types: which one is worth it?
- How to get to the port of Santos and where to park
- What documents do I need to board?
- New Year’s cruise from Santos: is it worth it?
- What nobody tells you about a New Year’s cruise from Santos
- Frequently asked questions
- Conclusion
🚢 This article is part of the 2026/2027 Cruise Guide: every ship, port and price of the season.
Which ships leave Santos for New Year’s 2026/2027 and what’s each one’s itinerary?
In the 2026/2027 New Year’s season, five ships board passengers at the Terminal Marítimo de Santos (Concais), with departures between December 26 and 30. There are three MSC ships, one from Costa and the Buenavista from Corazul — each with a different itinerary, from the shortest (4 nights on MSC Divina) to the longest (7 nights on the others).
MSC Virtuosa — 7 nights (12/26 to 01/02)
The MSC Virtuosa boards in Santos on December 26, 2026 for a 7-night itinerary with stops in Búzios, Salvador, Ilhabela and a sail past Copacabana on the night of December 31 to watch Rio’s fireworks. It’s the newest ship in the fleet in Brazil — launched in 2021 — and has the MSC Yacht Club (a premium area with butler service and an exclusive restaurant). Interior cabin prices start at R$ 9,504 per person (Sept/2026) and balconies from R$ 14,494 (Sept/2026.
MSC Seaview — 7 nights (12/27 to 01/03)
The MSC Seaview sets sail from Santos on December 27 on an itinerary with stops in Balneário Camboriú, Punta del Este and Buenos Aires, returning to port on January 3. It’s a strong choice for anyone who wants to visit Uruguay and Argentina without catching a flight. The New Year’s turnover happens at sea or in the port of Buenos Aires (confirm the final itinerary at the time of booking). Interior cabin from R$ 8,634 (Sept/2026) and balcony from R$ 10,974 (Sept/2026. Because it visits Argentina and Uruguay, it accepts an original physical RG in good condition or a valid passport for Brazilians; a CNH is not valid.
MSC Divina — 4 nights (12/29 to 01/02)
The MSC Divina is the shortest itinerary and one of the most sought-after: 4 nights departing Santos on December 29, with stops in Angra dos Reis, Búzios and a sail past Copacabana on the night of December 31. It’s MSC’s so-called “New Year’s Eve at Sea” — anyone who wants to watch the Copacabana fireworks from the sea and doesn’t have a full week off tends to pick this one. See the complete guide to New Year’s Eve at Sea on the MSC Divina, with line-up, included items and extras. Interior cabin from R$ 9,468 (Sept/2026) and balcony from R$ 10,788 (Sept/2026).
Costa Diadema — 7 nights (12/27 to 01/03)
The Costa Diadema leaves Santos on December 27 for Buenos Aires and Montevideo, with a stop in Itajaí on the way back. Costa is known for its Italian style (food and entertainment), and the Diadema is one of the line’s largest ships. It’s the most affordable option of the season: interior cabin from R$ 7,948 (Sept/2026) and balcony from R$ 9,586 (Sept/2026. On these stops, Brazilians can use an accepted original physical RG or a valid passport; a CNH is not valid.
Buenavista (Corazul) — 5 nights (12/30 to 01/04)
The Buenavista is the Corazul Cruzeiros ship and stands out for being truly all inclusive: the Corazul Plus package includes premium drinks, wines and cocktails at no extra cost. Board in Santos on December 30 for 5 nights with stops in Rio de Janeiro, Búzios and Ilhabela — and a sail past Copacabana during the New Year’s fireworks. Interior cabin from R$ 7,883 (Sept/2026) and balcony from R$ 9,290 (Sept/2026.
Comparison table of New Year’s cruises from Santos
| Ship | Departure | Nights | Itinerary | Copacabana fireworks | Interior (Sept/2026) | Balcony (Sept/2026) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSC Virtuosa | 12/26 | 7 | Búzios, Salvador, Copacabana, Ilhabela | ✅ Yes | R$ 9,504 (Sept/2026) | R$ 14,494 (Sept/2026) |
| MSC Seaview | 12/27 | 7 | Balneário Camboriú, Punta del Este, Buenos Aires | ❌ No | R$ 8,634 (Sept/2026) | R$ 10,974 (Sept/2026) |
| MSC Divina | 12/29 | 4 | Angra dos Reis, Copacabana, Búzios | ✅ Yes | R$ 9,468 (Sept/2026) | R$ 10,788 (Sept/2026) |
| Costa Diadema | 12/27 | 7 | Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Itajaí | ❌ No | R$ 7,948 (Sept/2026) | R$ 9,586 (Sept/2026) |
| Buenavista (Corazul) | 12/30 | 5 | Rio, Copacabana, Búzios, Ilhabela | ✅ Yes | R$ 7,883 (Sept/2026) | R$ 9,290 (Sept/2026) |
Prices per person in a double cabin, subject to change (Sept/2026). Reference quote: Clube dos Cruzeiros. Compare dates and book on Logitravel.
How much does a New Year’s cruise from Santos cost and what’s included?
The cheapest New Year’s cruise from Santos in 2026/2027 starts at R$ 7,883 per person in an interior cabin on the Buenavista, 5 nights (Sept/2026), and the most expensive reaches R$ 14,494 for a balcony on the MSC Virtuosa, 7 nights (Sept/2026). But the cabin price isn’t everything you’ll spend — and knowing that before you book avoids surprises.
What’s included in the cabin price
On all ships, the cabin price covers accommodation, all meals at the buffet and main restaurants (breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks), entertainment (shows, theater, themed parties including the New Year’s party), pool area, gym and kids’ programming. Water, juice at the buffet and coffee are usually included.
What’s NOT included (and hits your wallet)
Alcoholic drinks on MSC and Costa ships are charged separately — an MSC drinks package (Easy Drink) costs from US$ 33/day per person (Sept/2026). The exception is the Buenavista: the Corazul Plus package already includes premium drinks, wines and cocktails at no extra fee. Beyond drinks, prepare for the extras many people forget to factor in:
- Service charge (gratuity): from US$ 14 to US$ 18 per person per night (Sept/2026), automatically charged to your onboard account
- Shore excursions: ranging from R$ 150 to R$ 600 per person per stop (Sept/2026), depending on the tour
- Internet/Wi-Fi: packages from US$ 10/day (Sept/2026, limited speed; don’t expect streaming)
- Specialty restaurants: from US$ 20 to US$ 50 per person per meal (Sept/2026)
- Spa and treatments: massages from US$ 100 (Sept/2026)
The real total cost of a New Year’s cruise from Santos
In practice, a 7-night New Year’s cruise from Santos costs between R$ 10,000 and R$ 18,000 per person (Sept/2026), adding up cabin + service charges + drinks package + 1-2 excursions. If you choose the Buenavista (5 nights, all inclusive), the real cost lands between R$ 9,000 and R$ 12,000 (Sept/2026) because drinks are already in the price. For the MSC Divina (4 nights), expect something between R$ 11,000 and R$ 14,000 per person (Sept/2026). These figures assume a double cabin — for solo, multiply by 1.5 to 2x.
What cabin types are there and which one is worth it?
Cabins fall into four main categories on almost all ships: interior (no window), ocean view (with a porthole or window), balcony (with a private veranda) and suite. The price difference between interior and balcony is around 30% to 50%, and the choice depends more on how much time you plan to spend in the cabin than on luxury.
| Type | Average size | Best for | Worth it if… |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interior | 12–14 m² | Those who only sleep in the cabin | Budget is the priority |
| Ocean view | 13–16 m² | Those who like natural light | The difference from interior is small |
| Balcony | 17–22 m² (with veranda) | Couples and anyone who wants to watch the fireworks from the cabin | You plan to watch the New Year’s turnover from your balcony |
| Suite / Yacht Club | 25–50 m² | Those who want a premium experience | The budget allows it and you prioritize exclusive service |
For New Year’s specifically, the balcony has a unique bonus: anyone who books a cabin facing the right side of the ship (port or starboard, depending on the route) can watch the Copacabana fireworks from their own veranda — without fighting for space on the deck. If that’s the goal, book early and ask the agent which side of the ship will face the coast on the night of the 31st.
How to get to the port of Santos and where to park?
The Terminal Marítimo de Santos (Concais) is on Avenida Cândido Gaffrée, in the Macuco neighborhood, about 80 km from São Paulo via the Anchieta-Imigrantes highways. Access is simple, but traffic on the descent from the mountains on embarkation days (December 26 to 30) can turn 1h15 into 3 hours — leave early.
By car
Via Rodovia dos Imigrantes (SP-160), the fastest route. From São Paulo’s south zone, it’s about 70 km. Enter “Terminal de Cruzeiros de Santos” or “Concais Santos” in your GPS and follow the signs on arrival. The Ecovias toll costs around R$ 36 each way (Sept/2026).
Parking
The terminal has its own parking with daily rates between R$ 60 and R$ 80 (Sept/2026), ideal for anyone leaving the car for the whole trip. A cheaper alternative: accredited parking lots on the streets of the Macuco neighborhood, which offer a shuttle to the terminal, for R$ 30 to R$ 50/day (Sept/2026). Book in advance — they fill up at New Year’s.
By bus
From Terminal Rodoviário Jabaquara (next to the Jabaquara metro station in São Paulo), buses leave for Santos every 15-20 minutes via Viação Cometa, with fares around R$ 35 (Sept/2026). Santos’s bus station is a 10-minute taxi ride from the cruise terminal.
Private transfer
Transfer services between São Paulo and the port of Santos cost between R$ 250 and R$ 400 per vehicle (Sept/2026), with pickup at your hotel or airport. It’s the most comfortable option if you’re coming from outside São Paulo and don’t want to worry about parking.
What documents do I need to board?
For cabotage cruises (which stop only at Brazilian ports), an original RG with a recent photo is enough — no passport needed. That’s the case for the MSC Virtuosa, MSC Divina and Buenavista in the 2026/2027 season. The MSC Seaview and Costa Diadema, which stop in Punta del Este and Buenos Aires, accept an original physical RG in good condition or a valid passport for Brazilians; a CNH is not valid.
CNH for boarding — checked on 10/16/2026: for Brazilian adults, MSC and Costa accept a CNH in good condition on cruises with stops only in Brazil. With Argentina or Uruguay, the CNH is not valid: bring an accepted original physical ID or a valid passport, per the cruise line.
Minors under 18: MSC’s list (clause 5.9.1) for domestic travel requires an RG, original birth certificate or passport with at least 6 months’ validity; Costa requires an RG issued less than 10 years ago or an original birth certificate only for children under 12. CNH is not on these lists for minors. Bring proof of parentage and the authorizations required depending on the accompanying adults and the itinerary. Details are in documents for a cruise.
Tip: the itinerary passes through Uruguay and Argentina, where Brazil’s SUS doesn’t cover you, and the ship’s medical center charges separately. Compare travel insurance for the cruise here.
In addition to your ID, bring:
- Booking confirmation (e-ticket or voucher, printed or digital)
- International credit card to open an onboard account (the cruise line places a pre-authorization)
- Minors: an individual document accepted for the itinerary, proof of parentage and authorization depending on accompanying adults. For Argentina and Uruguay, a birth certificate alone isn’t enough.
- Vaccination card — check whether the itinerary requires yellow fever or another vaccine
Tip: do the cruise line’s online check-in in advance (MSC and Costa offer this via app). Those who board with everything pre-approved face shorter lines at the terminal.
New Year’s cruise from Santos: is it worth it? Who it’s for and who it’s NOT for?
A New Year’s cruise is worth it for anyone who wants a complete New Year’s turnover without organizing anything — party, food, entertainment and accommodation in a single package. But it’s not for everyone, and knowing that before you buy avoids frustration on board.
Who it’s for
- Families with kids: the ships have kids’ programming all day, and the turnover usually has an earlier party for the little ones
- Couples who want convenience: everything taken care of, without booking hotel + restaurant + party separately
- Anyone who wants to see the Copacabana fireworks without the crowd: three of the five ships sail past the beach on the night of the 31st
- Those who like itineraries with several destinations: 3 to 5 cities in a single trip
Who it’s NOT for
- Those who get seasick easily: choppy seas in summer are common along the southeast coast; if you’ve never sailed, consider a shorter itinerary (4-5 nights) to test it out
- Anyone who wants a free-for-all party with pagode and street blocos: the onboard New Year’s is organized by the cruise line, with a DJ and a show on deck — it doesn’t have the energy of a beach party
- Those who want total freedom: boarding and disembarkation times at stops are strict — if the ship sails at 5 pm, you need to be on board by 4 pm
- Those on a very tight budget: with the extras, the real total cost is high; a New Year’s in beach destinations can come out cheaper
What nobody tells you about a New Year’s cruise from Santos
A New Year’s cruise has gotchas that booking sites don’t highlight — and knowing them before you board makes the difference between enjoying it and getting frustrated.
- The ship does NOT stop in front of Copacabana: it SAILS PAST the beach. You see the fireworks for 15-20 minutes from a distance (1-2 km from the coast). Don’t confuse this with being on the sand. Anyone expecting a close-up view will be disappointed.
- The New Year’s deck gets packed: on ships that pass by Copacabana, everyone heads up to the deck at the same time. If you want a good spot, arrive at least 1h30 before midnight.
- Gratuity isn’t optional: the service charge is automatically debited to your onboard account — from US$ 14 to US$ 18/night per person (Sept/2026). You can ask to have it removed at guest services, but the process is uncomfortable and doesn’t always work.
- Cell signal disappears at sea: without the ship’s internet package, you’re offline. Onboard Wi-Fi is slow and expensive. Download movies and music before boarding.
- Sea days (no stop) can be tedious: on a 7-night itinerary, 2-3 days are at sea without stopping at any port. If you don’t enjoy pool/show/spa all day, that time can drag.
- Buffet food is good, but repetitive: after the 4th day at the same buffet, the excitement fades. Specialty restaurants are worth it at least once — but they’re charged separately.
Before boarding, check out the tours available in Santos and in the port cities — many activities sell out during the New Year’s period.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the cancellation and refund policy for New Year’s cruises?
The cancellation policy varies by cruise line and by date. On MSC and Costa, cancellations made more than 90 days in advance usually get a partial refund (minus an administrative fee). Within 90 days, penalties increase progressively — from 50% to 100% of the amount paid. On the Buenavista/Corazul, the conditions are similar. Confirm the deadlines and percentages at the time of booking, because they vary between agencies.
Are there restrictions for children, seniors or pregnant women on cruises?
Children from 6 months old can board most ships (MSC and Costa). There’s no upper age limit, but all passengers need travel insurance. Pregnant women over 24 weeks are generally not allowed to board — a medical certificate with the gestational age is required. Minors without their parents need the authorization required for the itinerary; judicial authorization is reserved for the specific cases set out in the applicable rules.
Are alcoholic drinks included in the New Year’s cruise?
On MSC ships (Virtuosa, Seaview and Divina) and Costa (Diadema), alcoholic drinks are not included in the cabin price. Drinks packages (like MSC’s Easy Drink) cost from US$ 33 per day per person (Sept/2026). The exception is the Buenavista, from Corazul, which operates with the Corazul Plus package — there, premium drinks, wines and cocktails are already included.
Is there internet and Wi-Fi on board?
All ships offer paid Wi-Fi. On MSC, packages start at around US$ 10 per day for basic use and reach US$ 30 or more per day for streaming (Sept/2026). The speed is lower than on land — video calls and streaming work slowly or unstably. At port stops, cell signal returns to normal.
Which ship sails past Copacabana during the New Year’s fireworks?
In the 2026/2027 season, three ships leaving Santos sail past Copacabana Beach on the night of December 31: the MSC Virtuosa, the MSC Divina and the Buenavista (Corazul). The MSC Seaview and Costa Diadema run itineraries to the south (Punta del Este and Buenos Aires) and don’t pass through Rio at the turnover.
Conclusion
Five ships, three that show the Copacabana fireworks from the sea, prices starting at R$ 7,883 and the most accessible port for anyone leaving São Paulo: the New Year’s cruise from Santos in 2026/2027 has an option for every profile and budget. If the priority is seeing the turnover at Copacabana without the crowd, MSC Virtuosa, MSC Divina and Buenavista are the names. If it’s visiting Uruguay and Argentina, MSC Seaview and Costa Diadema deliver that. Compare the itineraries in the table above, add the extras to the cabin price to get the real cost and book early — New Year’s cabins sell out months before departure. To understand how New Year’s Eve at sea works in general, read the complete guide to New Year’s cruises on Voyage Voyage.