In January, 10 ships make 22 calls at Pier Mauá, bringing about 60,000 tourists and generating an estimated R$ 48.6 million for Rio.
The cruise season at Pier Mauá is moving at full speed in January. Ten ships are scheduled for 22 calls at Rio’s port. As a result, operations should bring around 60,000 tourists to Rio de Janeiro.
The estimate points to R$ 48.6 million injected into the local economy. In addition, the terminal strengthens its role as a key gateway for visitors. The month’s peak comes on January 22.
January 22 brings three liners
On January 22, three ships will be at Pier Mauá at the same time. MS Marina docks on January 21 and stays through January 22, carrying 1,258 passengers. Meanwhile, Aurora arrives with 2,258 crew members.
Also that day, MSC Sinfonia brings 2,626 people. In this way, the combined total exceeds 6,000 tourists onboard. The schedule underscores the month’s strong pace at the terminal.
Season 2025/2026 outlook
Ship calls began on 10/11/2025 with Scènic Eclipse. The last arrival is expected on 04/20/2026, when Costa Diadema reaches Rio. Overall, the season includes 28 ships and 84 calls.
Among them, 21 operate international itineraries and seven run domestic routes. The outlook includes 57 calls tied to Brazil itineraries and 29 linked to international routes. Therefore, visitor numbers may reach 240,000.
The projected economic impact totals R$ 193.3 million for the city. MSC Seaview is expected to carry the highest passenger count, at 5,429. It calls in Rio on April 12, 2026.
“Rio de Janeiro has already established itself as one of the most desired destinations for Brazilian and international cruise travelers, and Pier Mauá is ready to welcome visitors. Our focus and efforts are directed toward safety, enabling tourists to enjoy our Marvelous City with peace of mind,” said Marcello Chagas, Pier Mauá’s Operations Manager.
Carnival and February peak
Carnival is expected to intensify port activity. From Friday (02/13) through Monday (02/16), the Pier will host seven ships. On Friday, Costa Favolosa, Borealis, and Silver Whisper call in Rio.
On Saturday, MSC Armonia and Sapphire Princess arrive. On Sunday, Pacific World docks, followed by Aidamar on Monday. In addition, February 2026 will be the busiest month, with 19 calls.
COP30 accommodation support
MSC Seaview and Costa Diadema also served as accommodation for COP30 participants in Belém. The operation ran between November and December 2025. Both ships were hired by Brazil’s federal government.
The ships provided around 3,900 cabins. As a result, capacity reached up to 6,000 people. The move aimed to address the high demand for beds during the event period.
First-time calls and operational updates
This season includes two ships making their first-ever call at the Rio terminal. MS Vista is scheduled to be in the city on 01/23. Borealis is also listed as a first-time attraction.
Among coastal cruise ships, MSC Armonia, MSC Seaview, and Costa Favolosa make regular calls. Except for Seaview, the others handle embarkation and disembarkation at the Pier. In addition, MSC Cruises will run partial embarkations on MSC Sinfonia.
Warehouse 3 opens for events
For the first time, Pier Mauá will dedicate an entire warehouse to events during the season. Warehouse 3 spans 3,500 m² and overlooks Guanabara Bay and the Olympic Boulevard. Thus, the venue joins the heavy cruise flow from October through April.
The space has already hosted Rio Innovation Week, Mondial de la Bière, and Rio Oil & Gas. In 2026, highlights include the Super Bowl LX Experience on February 8. Finally, Rio Fashion Week is set to stage 30 runway shows from April 15 to 18.
Previous season totals
The 2024/2025 season recorded 37 ships and 107 calls. Pier Mauá handled 323,000 passengers, including embarkation, disembarkation, and transit. In this way, the terminal maintained a high volume of activity.