After opening the cruise season in the region in early November, MSC Cruises is operating a six-ship lineup in South America.
Cruise Industry News looks at the highlights of the company’s deployment in the destination, which includes departures from eight homeports in Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay.
MSC Seaview
Sailing Season: Nov. 7, 2024, to Apr. 18, 2025
Homeports: Santos (Brazil)
Itineraries: Three- and seven-night cruises to destinations in Brazil, in addition to seven-night sailings to Argentina and Uruguay
The MSC Seaview opened MSC Cruises’ 2024-25 season in Brazil and South America. After arriving at the port in early November, the vessel has been sailing from Santos on a series of three- to seven-night cruises to destinations in Brazil.
In addition to a series of charter theme cruises for PromoAção, the MSC Seaview is also scheduled to offer seven-night cruises to Uruguay and Argentina before returning to Europe in mid-April.
MSC Orchestra
Sailing Season: Nov. 30, 2024, to Mar. 9, 2025
Homeports: Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)
Itineraries: Short cruises to Brazilian destinations, as well as week-long cruises to Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay
Sailing from Rio de Janeiro, the MSC Orchestra is offering various itineraries to Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay.
Before embarking on a repositioning cruise to the Mediterranean in early March, the 2007-built ship sails to a series of destinations in the region, including Ilhabela, Salvador, Buenos Aires and Punta del Este.
MSC Poesia
Sailing Season: Dec. 4, 2024, to Apr. 3, 2025
Homeports: Buenos Aires (Argentina); and Montevideo (Uruguay)
Itineraries: Eight- and nine-night cruises to Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil
The MSC Poesia kicked off a series of eight- and nine-night cruises to Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay in early December.
Departing from Buenos Aires and Montevideo, the longer itineraries visit destinations in Brazil, including Balneário Camboriú, Búzios and Rio de Janeiro.
MSC Grandiosa
Sailing Season: Dec. 7, 2024, to Apr. 5, 2025
Homeports: Santos, Maceió and Salvador (Brazil)
Itineraries: Seven-night cruises to destinations in Brazil
As the largest cruise ship ever to sail in South America, the MSC Grandiosa is currently offering seven-night cruises in Brazil, sailing from Santos, Maceió and Salvador.
The regular itinerary, set to be operated by the 4,888-guest vessel through early April, also includes a stop in Búzios.
MSC Splendida
Sailing Season: Dec. 13, 2024, to Mar. 28, 2025
Homeports: Santos and Itajaí (Brazil); Buenos Aires (Argentina)
Itineraries: Seven-night cruises that sail between Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay
Initially set to offer a winter season in China, the MSC Splendida was redeployed to South America in July.
Joining MSC’s five-ship lineup in the region, the 2009-built vessel is offering a series of seven-night cruises to Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay, departing from Santos and Buenos Aires. Passengers can also board the ship in Itajaí on selected sailings.
MSC Armonia
Sailing Season: Dec. 17, 2024, to Mar. 28, 2025
Homeports: Santos, Itajaí and Paranaguá (Brazil); Buenos Aires (Argentina)
Itineraries: Seven-night cruises to Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina, as well as three- and four-night cruises to Brazil
The MSC Armonia will also be cruising in South America during the 2024-25 season. After arriving in the region in mid-December, the ship is offering a series of seven-night cruises to Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay, departing from Itajaí, Paranaguá and Buenos Aires.
Starting in early February, the vessel repositions to Santos for a series of three- and four-night cruises to Búzios, Ilha Grande and Ilhabela.
