MSC Splendida to Homeport in Rio de Janeiro for the 2026–2027 South American Winter Season

MSC Cruises has announced that the MSC Splendida will be homeporting in Rio de Janeiro for the winter season of 2026–2027, marking the ship’s first operational deployment from this port in its South American journey. Initially, plans included operating from Argentina, but adjustments have shifted the focus towards Brazil, expanding the itinerary options for the season and reinforcing MSC’s presence in established locations.

With the MSC Splendida joining the MSC Musica, the company aims to solidify its operational base in Rio, offering 8-9 night roundtrip itineraries that will visit ports in Argentina and Uruguay. These sailings are crafted to meet ongoing regional interest, allowing passengers to explore the beautiful coastlines of Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay on modern vessels.

Alongside these new Rio departures, MSC will maintain its seasonal program from Buenos Aires, creating a dual embarkation strategy in South America. This operational reconfiguration comes after earlier plans had assigned the MSC Lirica to Rio de Janeiro, a move that was altered when that ship was redeployed to the Eastern Mediterranean. Consequently, MSC Splendida will take over the intended capacity, alongside limited departures from MSC Musica, which is set to offer five roundtrips from Rio in January and February while primarily positioned in Santos.

The 2026–2027 season will see further participation from MSC Virtuosa and MSC Divina, enhancing the deployment strategy with additional vessels. Management has indicated that the ships will feature upgraded facilities, including the MSC Yacht Club, presenting a premium offering designed to attract guests looking for exclusive accommodations and high-quality onboard services.

The itineraries for MSC Splendida will emphasize cultural experiences and a mix of coastal and urban port visits. Passengers can expect voyages that connect Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires, featuring eight to nine-night circuits that allow visits to Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay. The shorter MSC Musica program from Rio aims to cater to families and those seeking brief getaways with a service approach tailored to shorter durations.

Overall, MSC will deploy four ships in seven homeports across South America during this upcoming season, highlighting a sustained commitment to the region. Ports like Balneário Camboriú are included in the company’s expansion plans, demonstrating a strategic move to diversify network availability and improve utilization of ports throughout the southern hemisphere’s winter months.

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