MSC Cruises Expands South America Fleet for Winter

MSC Cruises is set to deploy five ships to South America for the 2026-27 winter season, following the decision to reposition the MSC Seaview to the region.

Originally planned to sail in the Southern Caribbean, the 2018-built ship will now operate itineraries to Brazil and Argentina. This adjustment forms part of a wider redeployment strategy, which also included the cancellation of MSC World Europa’s sailings in the Middle East.

The MSC Seaview will join MSC Virtuosa, MSC Divina, MSC Splendida, and MSCMusica, with cruises departing from a total of eight homeports across the region.

A key highlight of the season is the arrival of MSC Virtuosa, which will become the largest cruise ship operating in South America. The 4,888-passenger vessel will offer seven-night cruises to destinations in Brazil, sailing from Santos, Salvador, and Maceió.

The MSC Divina, which previously visited the region briefly during the 2014 FIFA World Cup, is now scheduled for its first full season in South America. The 2012-built ship will operate shorter cruises from Santos, along with weeklong itineraries to Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay, departing from Buenos Aires and Balneário Camboriú.

Another Fantasia-class vessel, MSC Splendida, will also sail in the region, offering itineraries to Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay. In addition to Buenos Aires, the ship will depart from Rio de Janeiro.

Completing the lineup, MSC Musica will focus primarily on short cruises from Santos. However, between December and February, the 2006-built vessel will offer longer sailings to Argentina and Uruguay, as well as seven-night itineraries departing from Itajaí, Paranaguá, and Rio de Janeiro.

Notably, MSC will no longer operate cruises from Montevideo during the 2026-27 season. Local reports suggest the decision is due to higher operational costs in the country. Despite this, the port will still be included as a transit call on various itineraries.

Alongside MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises and Corazul Cruceros will also be active in South America during the season, deploying three additional ships, including the 3,700-passenger Costa Diadema and the Buenavista, which was built in 1995.