MSC Sinfonia Begins 2025–26 Cruise Season in South America

The MSC Sinfonia arrived in South America in late November to launch its 2025–26 season in Brazil.

After completing a transatlantic repositioning voyage without passengers, the 2002-built ship docked in Santos on November 25, 2025.

As part of MSC Cruises’ five-ship lineup in the region, the Sinfonia is now operating a series of short cruises from Santos. These three- and four-night sailings visit ports in Rio de Janeiro state, including Ilha Grande and Búzios.

Beginning in late December, the vessel will transition to weeklong itineraries that add destinations such as Ilhabela and Angra dos Reis. Guests will also have the option to embark in Itajaí and Rio de Janeiro for these longer voyages, which run through late January.

Afterward, the Lirica-class ship will return to short cruises from Santos before heading back to Europe without guests in mid-March.

The itineraries were originally planned for the MSC Lirica but were reassigned to the MSC Sinfonia in July. At the time, MSC Cruises said the switch was required due to “operational reasons related to the broader deployment of its fleet.”

Once its South American season concludes, the Sinfonia will reposition to the Eastern Mediterranean to offer weeklong cruises calling at ports in Italy and Greece, including Piraeus, Bari, Argostoli, Santorini and Corfu.

In addition to the MSC Sinfonia, MSC Cruises’ 2025–26 South American program includes the MSC Seaview, MSC Preziosa, MSC Fantasia and MSCArmonia. These ships will sail from ports in Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay, such as Santos, Rio de Janeiro, Maceió, Salvador, Buenos Aires and Montevideo.