In preparation for hosting the COP30 United Nations Climate Change Conference, the Brazilian government has announced plans to charter two large cruise ships Costa Diadema and MSC Seaview, to serve as floating hotels for international delegations attending the event.
The high-profile summit, set to take place in Belém from November 10 to 21, 2025, will gather world leaders, climate experts, NGOs, and media from across the globe. With local infrastructure in the Amazonian capital limited, the chartered vessels will provide much-needed accommodations from November 5 through 22 during of the summit.
Floating Capacity Boost for Belém
According to Brazilian newspaper Folha de São Paulo, the two ships were introduced to representatives from 103 embassies during a recent event in Brasília. The Costa Diadema, part of Costa Cruises’ fleet, can host over 4,500 guests, while MSC Cruises’ Seaview boasts capacity for more than 5,000 guests, effectively expanding the city's hospitality capacity.
Both ships will remain docked at the Port of Outeiro for the duration of the conference. The federal government is already investing in renovating and expanding the port's passenger terminal, aiming to double the facility’s available space to handle the influx of attendees.
The two vessels were initially scheduled to operate regular 2025–2026 South American cruise itineraries, but their deployment has been adjusted to support the climate summit.
• Costa Diadema is expected to arrive in Santos in late November, where it will resume sailings that include Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay. The ship will also offer departures from Itajaí and Buenos Aires before returning to Europe in April 2026.
• MSC Seaview, meanwhile, will operate seven-night cruises departing from Santos, Maceió, and Salvador starting late November 2025 through April 2026.
