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 2026–2027 winter season, marking its first deployment from this port in South America. The initial plans had set aside standalone departures from Argentina; however, the operational strategy has shifted towards Brazil, which expands the company’s itinerary offerings in the region.

With the addition of MSC Splendida alongside the MSC Musica, MSC Cruises aims to bolster its operational presence in Rio. Passengers can expect 8- to 9-night roundtrip itineraries from Rio, visiting popular ports in Argentina and Uruguay, catering to ongoing regional demand for coastal exploration. Meanwhile, the company will continue to operate from Buenos Aires, maintaining two embarkation points in South America.

Changes to the deployment occurred after MSC Lirica was designated to Rio but was later reassigned to the Eastern Mediterranean, which vacated capacity at the port. To fill this gap, MSC Splendida will take over this role, complemented by limited voyages from MSC Musica, which is set to conduct five roundtrips from Rio between January and February and primarily serve from Santos.

In addition to the ships already mentioned, MSC Virtuosa and MSC Divina will also be part of the fleet operating in the region, highlighting the company’s strategy to deploy multiple vessels across South America during the season.

The experiences aboard these modern ships will feature enhanced facilities, including the exclusive MSC Yacht Club, aimed at attracting travelers seeking luxury and exceptional service.

Itineraries will focus on cultural discovery alongside urban and coastal ports, allowing guests to explore Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay within a single cruise. This strategic mix of longer voyages and shorter family-friendly programs is designed to appeal to various traveler preferences and elevate the overall cruise experience.

For the 2026–2027 season, MSC will operate four ships across seven homeports in South America, incorporating new destinations like Balneário Camboriú into its expanding network and demonstrating its commitment to enhance regional operations during the winter months.

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