MSC Cruises has confirmed that MSC Splendida will commence operations from Rio de Janeiro during the winter season of 2026–2027, marking the vessel’s first deployment from that port in its South American operations. Earlier planning had envisaged standalone departures from Argentina; however, subsequent adjustments to the deployment schedule have reoriented capacity toward Brazil while broadening the company’s regional itinerary structure. These changes form part of a revised operational roadmap for the forthcoming season and reinforce the carrier’s presence in its established homeports.
With the introduction of MSC Splendida alongside MSC Musica, the company strengthens its operational base in Rio de Janeiro. The new deployment enables eight- to nine-night itineraries from Rio calling at ports in Argentina and Uruguay. Such sailings are intended to respond to sustained regional demand and to provide access to the coastlines of Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay aboard modern tonnage. In addition to the Rio departures, MSC continues its seasonal program from Buenos Aires, thereby maintaining dual South American embarkation points within the network.
Operational adjustments were implemented after earlier plans designated MSC Lirica for Rio de Janeiro. The redeployment of that ship to the Eastern Mediterranean resulted in the cancellation of most of its Brazilian sailings and created a capacity gap at the port. The revised structure replaces that capacity with MSC Splendida and limited departures from MSC Musica, which is scheduled to conduct five round trips from Rio between January and February while primarily operating from Santos. Further fleet participation in the region will include MSC Virtuosa and MSC Divina, contributing to a broader seasonal deployment across multiple vessels.
Management representatives have indicated that the upcoming season will be characterized by modern ships equipped with enhanced facilities, including the MSC Yacht Club experience, which is positioned as a premium segment offering exclusivity and elevated service standards. The Yacht Club product remains a strategic component in attracting guests seeking differentiated accommodation and onboard services within the broader cruise market.
The itineraries assigned to MSC Splendida in South America are structured to combine cultural exploration with coastal and urban port calls. Voyages departing from Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires are planned as eight- to nine-night circuits incorporating destinations in Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay. This format allows passengers to experience multiple jurisdictions within a single sailing while benefiting from expanded shore excursion programs and regional connectivity. MSC Musica’s shorter program from Rio is designed to complement this offering, targeting families and shorter-duration travelers with a service profile suited to its operational design.
For the 2026–2027 season, MSC will deploy four ships in South America across seven homeports, reflecting continued fleet allocation to the region. Ports such as Balneário Camboriú are integrated into the company’s network expansion, reinforcing the gradual development of additional embarkation points and operational bases. The pattern demonstrates an ongoing strategy to diversify regional coverage and increase port utilization during the southern hemisphere winter period.