Corazul Cruceros’ maiden season will start slightly later than planned, with the Buenavista now scheduled to depart on its first cruise on October 30, 2026.
The Spanish startup cruise line will launch service in South America, initially offering short cruises to Brazilian destinations.
Previous plans called for the 1995-built ship to welcome passengers for a shakedown cruise on October 23 before kicking off its maiden cruise on October 26, 2026.
According to local sources, the sailings were canceled due to delays in the vessel’s transit from Hong Kong to Brazil.
Previously operated by Astro Ocean Cruises in China, the Buenavista is currently crossing the Atlantic on its way to its homeport in Santos, Brazil.
Having departed Hong Kong in late September, the 1,806-passenger vessel made technical calls in Singapore, Mauritius and South Africa during its monthlong repositioning voyage to South America.
In a statement sent to Portal G1 Santos, Corazul said the arrival was delayed due to “adverse sailing conditions and delays in administrative authorizations from government agencies.”
“Schedule changes are not uncommon in the cruise industry, particularly during intercontinental repositioning,” the company added.
According to AIS data, the Buenavista left South Africa earlier this week and is scheduled to dock in Santos in the early hours of October 29, 2026.
Speaking with Cruise Industry News earlier this month, Corazul COO Camille Appeldoorn said the ship is being prepared for its debut during transit.
“The ship itself doesn’t need that much uplifting because it was very well maintained and in good shape,” he explained at the time.
“The primary thing to do is to transform it from being a Chinese vessel, as it was very much catered to that market, and bring it to the Corazul style,” Appeldoorn added.
He also noted that the vessel underwent hull cleaning and painting in Singapore before heading to Mauritius to take on additional crew members and supplies.
As part of its maiden season in Brazil, the Buenavista will offer three- to seven-night cruises departing from Santos and Rio de Janeiro.
The shorter sailings will feature visits to destinations along the country’s South and Southeast coasts, including Balneário Camboriú, Búzios, Ilhabela and Cabo Frio.
In January and February 2027, the ship is also scheduled to offer weeklong cruises to Brazil’s Northeast region, which are highlighted by overnight calls in Salvador.
