The Costa Favolosa became the first large ship to visit Ilhabela this season with a call on November 24, 2025.

The Costa Cruises ship arrived at the Brazilian destination during its first sailing in the region after repositioning to South America for the winter.

The three-night cruise departed from Santos on November 23, 2025, and also included a visit to Balneário Camboriú.

According to Ilhabela’s authorities, the Favolosa brought over 3,800 guests, who were greeted by professional guides and tour operators.

“Cruise tourism brings visitors who consume, enjoy tours, restaurants, and local commerce, generating direct returns for residents who depend on tourism,” said Ilhabela’s Mayor, Toninho Colucci.

“Many of these tourists fall in love with the island and return at other times to enjoy Ilhabela for longer. We are prepared to welcome them well and showcase the best of the city,” he added.

The 2025-26 season in Ilhabela started in early October with a visit from the Scenic Eclipse, which brought over 150 guests to the town as part of its repositioning voyage to Antarctica.

After the Costa Favolosa and the Scenic Eclipse, Ilhabela is expected to welcome 49 additional calls through April 2026.

The vessels are set to bring over 217,000 passengers and crew members to the town for a projected economic impact of over R$ 80 million.

Other ships set to visit Ilhabela in 2025-26 include the MSC Fantasia, which will make regular visits to the town during its cruises from Argentina.

The MSC Armonia is also set to visit the town as part of a series of short cruises departing from Rio de Janeiro.

In addition to MSC and Costa ships, Ilhabela is also hosting vessels from other cruise lines, such as Celebrity Cruises, Silversea, Azamara, AIDA Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.