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

MSC Cruises has officially announced that the MSC Splendida will homeport in Rio de Janeiro for the winter 2026–2027 South American season. This marks the first time the vessel will operate from this port as part of its South American itinerary.

Initial plans had considered solo departures from Argentina; however, the deployment strategy has shifted to focus on Brazil, enhancing the company’s regional itinerary offerings. This adjustment is part of a revamped operational framework designed to fortify MSC’s established presence in the region.

With the addition of MSC Splendida alongside MSC Musica, MSC Cruises is bolstering its operational capabilities in Rio de Janeiro, allowing for 8-9-night roundtrip itineraries that include stops in Argentina and Uruguay. These sailings are in response to ongoing regional demand, showcasing the coastlines of Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay on modern vessels.

In addition to the new Rio departures, MSC will maintain its seasonal operations from Buenos Aires, offering two embarkation points in South America. The changes occur following the redeployment of MSC Lirica to the Eastern Mediterranean, which led to the cancellation of most Brazilian sailings and created a need for capacity at the port. This gap will be filled by MSC Splendida, as well as limited departures from MSC Musica, which is scheduled to conduct five roundtrips from Rio in January and February, while predominantly operating from Santos.

The fleet in the region will also include MSC Virtuosa and MSC Divina, contributing to a wider range of offerings as part of the seasonal deployment across multiple vessels. The upcoming season is anticipated to be marked by modern ships boasting upgraded amenities, including the MSC Yacht Club—a premium segment aimed at providing exclusivity and high-level service.

The itineraries planned for MSC Splendida will feature a mix of cultural exploration and urban stopovers, designed to take guests through Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay on eight- to nine-night voyages. This format not only allows travelers to experience multiple countries but also enhances access to an array of shore excursions and regional ties. MSC Musica will complement these offerings with a shorter program from Rio targeting families and travelers looking for more concise itineraries.

For the 2026–2027 season, MSC Cruises will deploy four ships across seven homeports in South America. The inclusion of ports like Balneário Camboriú signifies a commitment to expanding the network and developing new embarkation points, demonstrating a strategy aimed at increasing regional coverage and optimizing port utilization throughout the southern hemisphere winter.

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