Cruise ship operations have been temporarily suspended in Brazil.
Industry association CLIA said it has imposed a ‘voluntary’ suspension for new voyages until January 21.
Cruise ships currently sailing will complete their journeys.
It came after a recommendation from Brazil’s health agency Anvisa to halt cruises due to ‘a spiralling increase of Covid-19 cases on board ships in recent days.’
Anvisa noted an ‘accentuated explosion’ of nearly 800 cases on cruise ships in the last nine days.
"In recent weeks, the two affected cruise companies have experienced a series of situations that directly impact ships’ operations, making continuation of the cruise ships impractical at this moment," Anvisa said.
"During this pause, we are working on behalf of the cruise companies that operate in the country – MSC Cruzeiros and Costa Cruzeiros – to look for points of alignment with the federal government, Anvisa, states and municipalities," CLIA said in a statement.
