Corazul to Launch Spanish-Language Cruises From Barcelona in 2026

Corazul Cruceros has announced plans to launch a new cruise brand aimed at Spanish-speaking travelers, with its inaugural sailing scheduled for July 8, 2026, from Barcelona.

The company said it will begin operations with a single ship, Buenavista, and build the onboard experience around Spanish-language service and what it describes as an Iberian-style atmosphere geared toward families and groups of friends. Corazul has also set Feb. 1, 2026, as the start date for ticket sales.

Launch schedule: sales opening and pre-inaugural voyages

Corazul’s initial program is scheduled to begin in July 2026, with a series of voyages from Barcelona ahead of the brand’s formal debut on July 8. The company’s schedule includes a five-day shakedown cruise departing July 4, 2026, and a three-day christening cruise in the run-up to the inaugural sailing.

After the inaugural cruise, Corazul plans a summer season of eight-day Mediterranean itineraries departing from Barcelona.

Buenavista: ship size, layout, and onboard venues

Buenavista will serve as Corazul’s first and only ship at launch. The company has described the vessel as a 2,000-guest ship while also listing a maximum capacity of 2,231 passengers across 941 cabins.

The ship is 261 meters long and has 13 decks. Corazul says public spaces and onboard programming are intended to support a relaxed, social style of cruising centered on shared time together, with an approach designed for multigenerational travel.

Onboard amenities highlighted by the company include:

• Pool areas: Four pools and whirlpools positioned as social gathering points during sea days.
• Dining: Six restaurants offering a mix of cuisines for different group sizes and travel styles.
• Bars and lounges: Seven bars intended to support a more communal onboard rhythm.

Corazul has framed the concept around “the Mediterranean way of life,” tying the ship’s layout, daily routines, and service philosophy to “human connection and shared moments.”

Spanish-language service and shore excursion plans

Corazul said Spanish will be the primary onboard language. The company also said Portuguese and English will be available onboard through crew language capabilities.

Shore excursions are planned to be conducted in Spanish, which Corazul has linked to making it easier for Spanish-speaking guests to engage with destinations in a more natural way.

Seasonal deployment: Mediterranean summers, Caribbean homeporting, and Brazil calls

Corazul’s initial deployment starts in the Mediterranean, with Barcelona serving as the departure point for early voyages and the summer program. The company plans for Buenavista to reposition to the Caribbean and homeport in La Romana, Dominican Republic, in October 2026.

For the winter season, Corazul has outlined South America plans that include Brazil, with ports cited by the company including Recife, Salvador, and Santos. Corazul has also said its broader itinerary mix will range from shorter breaks to longer sailings, with options spanning four-day trips up to 15-day voyages.

In addition, the company said it is exploring visa-free cruise itineraries in Latin America and the Caribbean as it evaluates routing and market access, noting that visa requirements have become more difficult to obtain for certain travelers.

Distribution strategy: travel agents as the exclusive sales channel

Corazul has positioned its sales approach around travel agents rather than direct bookings. A company executive said the strategy is intended to build distribution through travel sellers, including guaranteed B2B inventory.

“One of our unique selling points is that we guarantee B2B cabin sales. There will be no direct-to-consumer sales now, nor in the future,” said Busquets, Corazul Cruceros’ vice president of sales.

Brand positioning and what Corazul has not disclosed

Corazul’s launch follows the collapse of Spain’s previous top cruise brand, Pullmantur, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Busquets said, “We believe the market has been waiting for a tailor-made Iberian product for a long time.”

He added, “We want to bring family home comfort to sea, where our guest is not a minority on the ship, but feels right at home and is surrounded by peers in an Iberian atmosphere.”

Corazul has provided details on the ship’s intended experience and itinerary plans, but it has not disclosed additional information on ship operations management or its ownership structure.

Ship background: from Oriana to Buenavista

Buenavista previously sailed for other operators. The ship was originally built as Oriana for P&O Cruises serving the British market, then sold in 2018 to Astro Ocean Cruises and later operated as Piano Land. Corazul has indicated it will now be renamed Buenavista for its Spanish-market deployment, and company renderings show the vessel in a new livery.

Near-term milestones for the brand include opening sales on Feb. 1, 2026, operating the pre-inaugural voyages from Barcelona, and launching the inaugural sailing on July 8 before transitioning from a Mediterranean summer to Caribbean and South American deployments later in 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When does Corazul Cruceros start sailing, and what is the inaugural date?

Corazul Cruceros has scheduled its first sailings for July 2026, with the inaugural cruise planned for July 8, 2026, departing from Barcelona.

What pre-inaugural cruises are planned before the first official sailing?

The company’s schedule includes a five-day shakedown cruise departing July 4, 2026, as well as a three-day christening cruise scheduled in the run-up to the inaugural sailing.

What are Buenavista’s size and passenger capacity?

Buenavista is 261 meters long with 13 decks. Corazul has described it as a 2,000-guest ship while also listing a maximum capacity of 2,231 passengers across 941 cabins.

What languages will be used onboard and on shore excursions?

Spanish will be the primary onboard language. Corazul has said Portuguese and English will also be available through crew language capabilities, and shore excursions are planned to be conducted in Spanish.

How will Corazul sell cabins and open bookings?

Corazul has said it will not sell directly to consumers and will instead distribute inventory through travel agents and other B2B channels. Ticket sales are scheduled to open on Feb. 1, 2026.