Brazil to Provide Free Cruise Ship Cabins for Delegates as Developing Nations Face COP30 Housing Crunch

With the COP30 climate summit in Brazil just days away, dozens of countries are scrambling to secure accommodation, leading.

The host nation to take an unusual step — offering free cruise ship cabins to ensure poorer delegations can attend. The conference, scheduled for November 10–21 in the Amazonian city of Belém, is expected to attract around 50,000 participants. However, the city only has about 18,000 hotel beds, driving room prices up to several hundred dollars a night and putting a strain on low-income and climate-vulnerable nations.

According to Brazilian officials, as of October 31, 149 countries had confirmed lodging, while 37 were still struggling to find accommodation.

Brazil’s Move to Ensure Inclusivity

To guarantee that “every country has a voice” at COP30, Brazil has pledged free cruise ship cabins for delegates from poorer nations. The offer comes after African and small island states raised concerns over soaring prices despite partial subsidies.

A leaked UN email revealed that the initiative is backed by private donors and the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, with logistical coordination from the UN Development Programme. The support is primarily aimed at delegations from African nations, small island states, and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) — nearly 100 groups in total.

COP30 president André Corrêa do Lago welcomed the plan, saying it “will ensure broad and inclusive participation from developing nations who are often most affected by climate change.”

Meanwhile, several European delegations have also voiced frustration over inflated accommodation prices, with some officials reportedly reconsidering in-person attendance after being quoted over $500 per person per night.

Brazil’s decision to repurpose cruise ships for lodging reflects both the logistical challenges of hosting a global summit deep in the Amazon and the country’s determination to make COP30 one of the most inclusive climate conferences yet.