A new cruise brand is getting ready to enter the market with a very clear goal to make Spanish-speaking travelers feel completely at home onboard.
Corazul Cruceros has confirmed it will officially launch in July 2026, aiming squarely at families and groups who want a cruise experience designed around Iberian culture, language, and traditions.
The company believes there has been a noticeable gap in the market since Spain lost its dedicated cruise brand, and Corazul is stepping in to fill that space with a product built from the ground up for Spanish guests.
A Ship Designed for Comfort, Culture, and Familiarity
Corazul Cruceros will debut with a single ship, the Buenavista, which will welcome up to 2,000 passengers. The vessel is scheduled to enter service in early July 2026, with its inaugural sailing set for July 8.
The ship has an interesting past. Originally built for the British market as the Oriana, it later operated under different ownership before being selected as the foundation for Corazul’s new venture. Now renamed Buenavista, the ship will be fully repositioned for Spanish travelers.
Spanish will be the main language onboard, with Portuguese and English also spoken. Shore excursions will be offered in Spanish, ensuring guests never feel out of place or disconnected during their trip.
Mediterranean Focus and a Travel-Agent-First Sales Model
Corazul’s initial itineraries will focus primarily on the Mediterranean, with additional plans for a short Caribbean season and sailings to Brazil between November and February.
The company is also exploring visa-free cruise routes in Latin America and the Caribbean, responding to growing travel restrictions faced by some markets.
One of Corazul’s most distinctive moves is its sales strategy. The brand will not sell directly to consumers at any point. Instead, all cabin sales will go through travel agents, a decision designed to rebuild strong partnerships within the trade.
This approach is expected to appeal especially to online and traditional travel agencies looking for exclusive inventory and a clear role in the booking process.
With ticket sales opening on February 1, 2026, Corazul Cruceros is positioning itself as a familiar, welcoming option for Spanish travelers ready to return to cruising on their own terms, in their own language.
The launch adds to Carnival’s growing focus on longer, experience-led sailings, a strategy also reflected in Carnival Pride’s new Carnival Journeys cruise from Baltimore, which offers guests a more immersive way to explore the region.
