Port information & tips for Itajai
Itajaí is the vibrant gateway to the Brazilian coast in the state of Santa Catarina and impresses as a significant cruise port with a blend of maritime tradition and modern joie de vivre. The charming city on the Rio Itajaí-Açu welcomes guests with a relaxed atmosphere, lush greenery, and proximity to some of the most beautiful beaches in southern Brazil. Highlights in the immediate vicinity include the imposing Igreja Matriz do Santíssimo Sacramento and the historic Mercado Público, which delights with regional delicacies and local handicrafts. In addition, the picturesque waterfront promenade Avenida Beira Rio invites you to stroll. The ships dock at the Pier Turístico Guilherme Asseburg, from where the city center and its sights are easily accessible on foot thanks to the central location.
The cruise port of Itajaí in Brazil is easily accessible thanks to its convenient location near the city center and good connections to the nearest airport, Navegantes. The modern terminal offers passengers a pleasant embarkation and is an ideal starting point for exploring the charming city and its surroundings.
Airplane
Travel from the DACH region typically involves a long-haul flight to Brazil. The closest airport to the Itajaí cruise port is Navegantes–Ministro Victor Konder International Airport (NVT), located in Navegantes only about 3.3 kilometers away. Direct flights from Europe to NVT are rare, but connecting flights via major Brazilian hubs such as São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro can be booked without any problems.
Transfer & Shuttle
From Navegantes Airport (NVT), you can reach the Itajaí cruise port comfortably in various ways. A taxi ride takes about 21 to 22 minutes and costs around R$ 129-130. Alternatively, you can use ride-sharing services like Uber, which can cover the approximately 16-kilometer route in an average of 36 minutes for about R$ 54. Public bus connections are also available, providing direct access to the terminal or the city center.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long journey from the DACH region, we strongly recommend staying overnight in a pre-cruise hotel in Itajaí or the surrounding area to start your cruise relaxed and to cushion against possible flight delays. Numerous hotels can be found in Itajaí, including the Hilton Garden Inn Praia Brava, which are ideal for a restful start to your vacation. Arriving early also allows you to gather your first impressions of this fascinating region.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents usually include a fixed time slot for check-in, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is generally scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
