The Ministry of Tourism announced, at the beginning of October, that the return of sea cruises will begin in November. The approval, given jointly by the Presidency of the Republic and the Ministries of Health, Justice and Infrastructure, is based on the measures established for the recovery of tourism. According to the government, the expectation for 2021/2022 is the generation of R$2.5 billion for the economy, besides creating 35 thousand jobs. This represents an11% increase, compared to the 2019/2020 tourism season.
According to the Ministry of Tourism, the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (ANVISA) will publish norms with the sanitary protocols after publishing the ordinance, but what is known is that travelers must respect the rules of the cities at the port where they will dock. In general, among the protocols required by Anvisa there will be the presentation of Covid-19 tests taken in up to 48 hours before embarkation – or testing at that moment –, proof of vaccination, the use of masks and social distancing.
The vessels themselves must reduce their capacity for passengers, besides constant disinfection and sanitizing, and offering fresh air without recirculation (the same applied to the special filters on airplanes). However, it’s worth remembering that the announcement from the Ministry of Tourism is contrary to a position from Anvisa. On September 10th the Agency declared itself against the liberation of cruises, warning that the current epidemiological and sanitary conditions are unfavorable to the return of the cruises. At that time, Anvisa did not divulge any prediction for reevaluating the non-authorization.
*Restrictions and liberations about trips in 2021 may undergo alterations according to the incidence of new cases of Covid-19. Always seek up-to-date information.
