In a further change to its 2026-27 winter season in South America, MSC Cruises announced that the MSC Splendida will also offer cruises departing from Rio de Janeiro in 2026-27.

Initially set to depart exclusively from Argentina, the Fantasia-class vessel will now sail from the Brazilian port on select dates.

According to a press release, the change will complement MSC’s offerings in Rio de Janeiro, with the Splendida joining the MSC Musica at the homeport.

As previously reported by Cruise Industry News, the company recently adjusted its 2026-27 deployment, reducing the number of ships in South America.

Originally set to offer cruises departing from Rio de Janeiro between December and March, the MSC Lirica was redeployed to the Eastern Mediterranean as part of the changes.

The move resulted in the cancellation of most of the company’s departures from the port, which is one of the main homeports in the country.

“We will have a strong 2026/2027 season, featuring modern ships that will offer complete, world-class experiences, all featuring the MSC Yacht Club, our luxury cruise experience that has been highly sought after,” stated Adrian Ursilli, MSC Cruises’ managing director in Brazil.

The MSC Splendida is set to offer a series of eight- and nine-night cruises that sail between Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay.

In addition to departing from Buenos Aires, the sailings will now interport in Rio de Janeiro between December and March.

Sailing from Santos during most of the season, the MSC Musica will also offer five cruises departing from Rio between January and February.

In addition to the MSC Musica and the MSC Splendida, MSC’s 2026-27 season in South America also features the MSC Virtuosa and the MSC Divina.

MSC will offer cruises departing from seven ports in the region, including Balneário Camboriú, which became a homeport for the brand in 2025-26.