Cruise to Santos, Brazil - Ports of Call
Santos, Brazil Cruises
The state of Sao Paulo in Brazil is the home of the city of Santos. T The beach garden, which is 5.335 km long, is included in the Guinness Book of Records as the longest beachfront garden. Toward the center of the beach garden, a tourist information building greets visitors.
Best Things to do in Santos, Brazil
It is a city noted for its historic town center, the football team Santos FC, and beaches. An ample tree-lined promenade separates the beach from the seafront condominiums and hotels, with much activity in the way of walking, bicycling, skating, rollerblading, playing Frisbee, etc., for family and friends alike. The Museu do Café Brasileiro, Aquário Municipal, and Neo-Gothic style Santos Cathedral should await your discovery if you decide against the sandy options. Here on our itinerary, a few more activities await you in Santos.
Santos Bay
Take a boat tour to Santos Bay. The coast makes Santos every more attractive and shows you the best way to experience the beauty of Santos from a boat. Several tour operators offer tours and cruises to you along the coast. You’ll see Santos from a different point of view. Be sure to book such tours in advance because these tours often sell out due to the area’s beauty.
The Pele Museum
There's something for everyone at the Pele Museum, so include it in your shore excursion itinerary if you are a sports fan. Against the stereotypical idea, football is not really just associated with Brazil but quite a big chunk of Brazilian Culture which makes this place an absolute must-see. It houses over 2,000 pieces from Pelé's private collection, the greatest player of all-time in Brazil. Displays tell the story of his life, from the beginning of his career down to the trophies, awards, and jerseys he won.
Port of Santos Museum
An entrance-free museum for fun in Santos is the Port of Santos Museum. It sits within an ancient Victorian mansion erected somewhere in the early 20th century. Ancient artifacts, relics, phones, typewriters, and all sorts of objects related to Brazil's largest port. There are a few antique four-wheelers even. Well, you may consider this a little weird, but this is an excellent stop to include on any Santos itinerary.
Monte Serrat
The Monte Serrat is the highest mountain in Santos. There are a few ways to get to the top of the mountain-the views are truly magnificent! You can either take the funicular cable car to the top or climb some 400 steps to reach the summit. Viewing from any side is worth it any day! There is also a bar at the top of the mount where you can just relax, drink your favorite beverage, and soak in the panoramic views of Santos.
Chico Mendes Botanical Garden
Check out Chico Mendes Botanical Garden, as it is a bit different from other green spaces in Santos. You will find vast green space throughout the garden with three lakes, walking paths, and unique flora and fauna. The best thing to do here is to have a picnic because the views are mesmerizing. The area also offers guided tours where you can learn more about the gardens.
Top Cruise Line to Santos Cruise Port
Santos truly remains one of the most active ports on the South American cruise map. Being the major port serving São Paulo, the travelers have a combination of golden beaches, rich culture, and city life. Some of the largest cruise lines ply this route, each offering a distinctive style of cruising in Brazil. A few of the best cruise lines operating in Santos include:
MSC Cruises
MSC is one of the largest cruise lines in South America, holding a strong berth in Brazil. Passengers on modern, stylish ships, incorporating Italian design, also enjoy lively entertainment onboard. The line targets families and couples, with lots of activities, restaurants, and tours highlighting attractions in Santos and around.
Costa Cruises
A celebration of traditional Italian hospitality, Costa offers cheap ways to experience Brazilian life. Occasionally, Santos is packed into the itinerary as part of a bigger South American journey, thus affording the travelers the option of getting a sip of São Paulo culture or some beach time just close by.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Given the titles of Freestyle Cruising, Norwegian allows guests to have flexible dining and entertainment options. With Santos as one of the ports on its roster, passengers can take on the more cultural visits or the coastal adventures.
Carnival Cruise Line
The family favorite, meant for fun and acting cheap. Guests have a good time sightseeing or taking it easy on the beach when docked in Santos. Carnival entertains you and keeps you busy; sports events with water slides, and comedy shows as an attraction!
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Regent is the incarnation of all luxurious things where all-inclusive packages treat their guests to fine dining, drinks, excursions, and the like. Santos features on Regent's longer voyages along the South American coastline, hence ideal for those that would mix enrichment and comfort. With smaller ships and impeccable service, guests get to enjoy an intimate and indulgent experience.
Oceania Cruises
Oceania is a fine choice for those who appreciate good food and culture, given its gourmet culinary offerings and destination-based itineraries. Stops at Santos allow travelers to either explore the cosmopolitan offerings of São Paulo or just chill by the ocean. In a more relaxed luxury ambience, Oceania Cruises propose a wonderful fusion between an intimate and enriching cruise experience.
Cunard Line
The very mention of Cunard conjures up images of classical distinction and the good old tradition of cruising. Occasionally, Cunard transatlantic and world voyage itineraries abruptly drop anchor at Santos in a classy affair of a few hours to explore Brazil. The onboard experience is a dignified one, with white-glove service, formal evenings, discussions on culture, in an environment steeped in tradition yet geared towards exploration.
Best Time to Visit Santos
Santos is best visited from April to June and from October to November when the sun agrees to shine warmer but not so scorching.
Summer (December to March): Summer is the high beach-time. The weather was hot and humid, usually hitting the highest 80s in Fahrenheit (about 30°C). It is all about sun and sand, but with that came higher prices and more crowds, especially during Carnival in February.
Fall (April to June): A super pleasant visit. Warm but not so humid weather and fewer crowds on beaches. It is quite a happy medium between nice weather and low tourists.
Winter (July to September): It never really got cold in Santos, but the temperature would fall in the low to mid-60s Fahrenheit (about 18–20°C). It becomes calm, with the tourists no longer flocking toward the beach. This is the kind of season where one could truly enjoy sightseeing, museum trips, and wandering downtown — they'd do it all without crowds.
Spring (October to November): An additional favorable period to visit. Temperatures will raise to give the city a lively buzz but slightly subdued compared to the summer. Be it tanning or exploring, this should be on your itinerary.
Packing Tips for Cruises to Santos
The city of Santos has the real tempting spirit of a port city with fine beaches, lovely weather, and an alluring array of cultural delights. Consider packing little, light food for the soul on the warm days, or maybe a bit thicker for the excursions.
- Clothes: lightweight outfits, swimwear, beach cover-ups, casual wear, evening wear, and a light sweater or jacket.
- Shoes: Flip-flops or sandals, comfortable walking shoes, and casual dress shoes
- Essentials: Sunscreen & sunglasses, wide-brimmed hat or cap, insect repellent, reusable water bottle, beach bag, daypack, travel adapter, and small umbrella or rain jacket.
- Must-Haves: Passport and travel documents, local currency, and a copy of documents.
General Overview When Cruising in Santos, Brazil
Santos is one of Brazil's prime cruise ports, possessing an interesting fusion of beaches, history, and beachside attractions along the corridors of São Paulo. Depending on the traveler, Santos can be the last appearance en route or a destination.
Highlights for Cruise Visitors:
- Starting point for excursions to São Paulo
- The popular beach with a long stretch of sand under coconut palm Guillaume
- The Coffee Museum traces back the city's mercantile past
- The old town with colonial buildings and colorful markets
- Warm and tropical weather is just perfect for outdoor beach activities
- Laid-back rhythms accompanied by purely Brazilian tempo
Santos, Brazil Cruise Port Facilities & Amenities
Being the largest cruise port in South America, Santos also holds the status of the main cruise base along Brazil's coastline. It is also the port easier for tourists flying in and out through São Paulo to enter, with 1-1.5 hours by road. The port is rather modern, busy, and capable of handling large numbers of passengers.
Located Within Docks:
- Concais Passenger Terminal-Witnessing has the largest passenger volumes in the country, it entertains almost all cruise ships that come into Santos.
Facilities at the Port:
- Waiting areas, and check-in counters with air conditioning terminals
- Lounges and food court
- Toilets
- Porters and porterage services for baggage on and off cruises
- Basic souvenir kiosks for drinks, snacks, and gifts
Cruise Passenger Amenities:
- Taxi and shuttle service from just outside the terminal
- Bus transfers to São Paulo and other excursion points often provided by cruise lines
- Tourist information desk for further information and local maps
- ATM and currency exchange facilities within the terminal