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 set sail from Rio de Janeiro during the winter season of 2026–2027, marking its debut operational base in South America. Initially, there were plans for the ship to operate solely from Argentina; however, adjustments to the deployment schedule shifted focus toward Brazil, broadening the company’s itinerary options in the region.

With MSC Splendida joining MSC Musica, MSC Cruises is solidifying its presence in Rio de Janeiro. The new routes will offer 8-9-night roundtrip itineraries visiting ports in Argentina and Uruguay, catering to ongoing regional demand and allowing passengers to experience the diverse coastlines of Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay aboard modern vessels.

In addition to Rio de Janeiro, MSC will maintain its seasonal program from Buenos Aires, providing travelers with multiple embarkation points in South America. The operational updates came after MSC Lirica was reassigned to the Eastern Mediterranean, which left a gap in capacity at Rio. To fill this, MSC Splendida will replace Lirica along with select departures from MSC Musica, which will operate five roundtrips from Rio between January and February, while primarily sailing from Santos.

The South American fleet will also include MSC Virtuosa and MSC Divina, enhancing the seasonal deployment and reinforcing a broader presence in regional markets. The upcoming season will focus on modern ships with improved facilities like the MSC Yacht Club, aimed at guests seeking premium offerings and exclusive services.

Itineraries for MSC Splendida will combine cultural experiences with coastal and urban destinations, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in diverse locations while benefiting from expanded shore excursion options. The nine-night routes will span jurisdictions, ensuring that guests not only enjoy beautiful landscapes but also engage in the rich cultures of the ports visited.

In total, MSC will deploy four ships across seven South American homeports for the 2026–2027 season, demonstrating a commitment to growing its operations in the region. New ports such as Balneário Camboriú will be added to the network, aligning with a strategy to diversify coverage and enhance the cruise experience during the southern hemisphere’s winter season.

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