MSC Cruises Expands South America Fleet to Five Ships

MSC Cruises is shaking things up for its 2026-27 South America season. Here’s what cruise travelers need to know about the latest changes.

MSC Cruises Expands South America Fleet to Five Ships

MSC Cruises now plans to send five ships to South America for the 2026-27 season. The updated lineup includes sailings from Brazil and Argentina. The big news is the addition of the MSC Seaview, which was originally headed to the Caribbean.

Why Did MSC Add the Seaview?

The MSC Seaview got reassigned after MSC canceled its 2026-27 Middle East season. Instead of the Caribbean, the ship will now head to South America. It arrives in November and will offer seven-night cruises to Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay.

The Seaview will sail from three home ports: Santos, Buenos Aires, and Balneário Camboriú. It runs through March 2027. The ship takes over some itineraries that were originally planned for the MSC Divina.

What’s Changing for the MSC Divina?

With the Seaview stepping in, the MSC Divina is shifting its focus. The Divina will now sail shorter three- and four-night itineraries from Santos. This change was a deliberate decision by MSC.

Ignacio Palacios, MSC’s sales and revenue manager in Brazil, explained the thinking behind it. “We decided to have the MSC Divina offering only short cruises through the end of the season. We have a year with lots of national holidays, so having shorter itinerary choices facilitates our guests’ vacations,” he said.

MSC Musica Gets a New Schedule Too

The MSC Musica is also seeing some changes for 2026-27. The ship is dropping its Santos-based cruises to Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay. Instead, it will sail from Paranaguá, Itajaí, and Rio de Janeiro.

The Musica is returning to South America after a major refurbishment. It will offer a new seven-night itinerary along the Brazilian coast from late December through late February. Shorter cruises from Santos to Rio de Janeiro destinations are also on the schedule in November, December, and March.

Palacios noted that this move was designed to better serve Brazilian cruisers. “We are also increasing the offerings for guests who live near Rio de Janeiro or in Brazil’s South region,” he explained.

Already Booked? Here’s What You Need to Know

If your booking is being moved to the MSC Seaview, you don’t need to do anything. MSC will automatically adjust your reservation. Palacios offered this reassurance: “We will provide support and all the assistance so that this change does not affect the experience of the customers.”

The Other Two Ships in the Region

Two more MSC ships will round out the South America season.

MSC Virtuosa

The MSC Virtuosa is making its debut in Brazil during the 2026-27 season. It will offer seven-night cruises departing from Santos, Salvador, and Maceió.

MSC Splendida

The MSC Splendida is a returning favorite in South America. It will sail longer itineraries covering Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay. Home ports for the Splendida include Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro.