MSC Cruises’ 2026-27 winter South American expansion season will focus on Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay with the addition of the Fantasia class MSC Splendida from Rio de Janeiro. Passengers can now enjoy a variety of eight- and nine-night luxury voyages that combine cultural exploration, scenic coastline and premium onboard experiences. The move not only expands itinerary options, but also strengthens MSC’s presence in Rio, offering travelers flexible departures along MSC Musica and creating a more comprehensive South American cruise program.

This relocation will strengthen MSC’s presence in Rio, alongside MSC Musica, which continues to sail from the city. Together, the two ships will cover key destinations in Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay, offering passengers a wide range of itineraries designed to showcase South America’s culture, cuisine and natural beauty. The addition of Splendida ensures that MSC maintains a solid regional schedule following initial adjustments that temporarily reduced vessel availability in the region.

A previous fleet change moved MSC Lirica from Rio to the Eastern Mediterranean, resulting in the cancellation of several flights to Brazil. With the introduction of Splendida, MSC is bringing back a variety of itineraries for travelers departing from Rio, as well as offering alternative boarding options via Buenos Aires.

Splendida will operate a combination of eight and nine-night cruises connecting major ports in South America. Onboard, passengers will enjoy a wide range of amenities, including the exclusive MSC Yacht Club, with private suites, exclusive lounges and personalized service for those seeking a premium experience. These services allow guests to combine cultural exploration with luxury and comfort at sea.

Cruises from Rio are scheduled between December and March, coinciding with the region’s peak summer season. In addition to Splendida, MSC Musica will offer five departures from Rio between January and February, ensuring passengers have multiple options to plan their trip.

The South American winter schedule will see a total of four MSC ships, Splendida, Musica, Virtuosa and Divina, covering seven ports across the continent. Among them, Balneario Camboriu has been officially added as MSC’s homeport following its debut in the 2025-26 season. This network expansion reflects MSC Cruises’ commitment to comprehensive coverage of the region’s most popular destinations.

Each ship offers a variety of onboard experiences to suit different traveler tastes, including fine dining, live entertainment, wellness facilities, and family-friendly activities. With modern ship design, luxurious accommodations and first-class amenities, MSC continues to establish itself as the premier choice for travelers seeking a quality cruising experience in South America.

Splendida’s repositioning highlights Rio de Janeiro’s strategic importance as a cruise hub. Ease of access, rich culture and beautiful coastline make it an ideal gateway to exploring South America. Departing from Rio, passengers will have the opportunity to visit the dynamic cities of Argentina, the picturesque coastal towns of Uruguay and the diverse landscapes of Brazil, combining culture, cuisine and natural beauty in one journey.

By expanding Splendida’s homeport options, MSC Cruises focuses on passenger demand and itinerary flexibility, ensuring travelers can experience luxury voyages without compromise.

Overall, the 2026-27 South American winter season positions MSC Cruises to deliver a memorable and well-rounded cruise experience. With Splendida joining Rio’s voyages, the route will attract both seasoned cruisers as well as first-time visitors eager to explore Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay, enjoying state-of-the-art ships and premium service everywhere.