MSC Cruises has substituted MSC Sinfonia for MSC Lirica on its winter 2025-2026 South America deployment, citing operational realignment across its fleet. The reassignment affects voyages originally planned in Brazil, although departure dates, lengths, and ports of call remain unchanged.
Introduced late November through March, MSC Sinfonia will operate 3- to 7-night cruises from Santos (Brazil)—including week-long sailings via Rio de Janeiro and Itajaí. Shorter 3- and 4-night cruises will also depart from Santos, with itineraries continuing to visit favored Brazilian destinations such as Búzios, Ilhabela, and Salvador.
International calls to Montevideo and Buenos Aires complement the regional programme, supported by MSC Seaview, Preziosa, Armonia, and Fantasia.
Originally built in 2002 and previously deployed year-round in the Eastern Mediterranean, MSC Sinfonia is noted for its European Moderne interiors, onboard leisure venues, dining venues, and family amenities following a 2015 ‘Renaissance’ extension.
MSC anticipates the ship will maintain the comfort, dining quality, and entertainment experience expected by its guests.
The decision also prompted the cancellation of a planned 21-night transatlantic repositioning cruise aboard MSC Lirica. MSC attributed this change to the same operational considerations, noting that customers have been offered alternate voyages and full refunds where applicable.
With the deployment of Sinfonia and four sister ships, MSC Cruises aims to deliver a varied South American programme, enabling guests to explore iconic coastal cities and cultural hubs. The transition reflects MSC’s fleet flexibility and its commitment to preserving itinerary integrity during operational shifts.