MSC Cruises has officially opened bookings for its 2027–2028 winter deployments, introducing a series of repositioning voyages that will transport ships from Europe to South America. These long-distance crossings offer passengers a unique opportunity to experience several days at sea while visiting various ports across Europe, the Atlantic islands, and South America.
The planned itineraries span 17 to 20 nights and are designed to connect European embarkation points with popular destinations in Brazil and Argentina. The voyages will see MSC ships making stops at key ports in Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, and select Atlantic islands before setting sail for South American ports. Five MSC vessels will operate these repositioning cruises, further solidifying the company’s presence in the burgeoning South American market.
Repositioning cruises, such as these, are typically characterized by a more leisurely pace, extended sea journeys, and a broader range of geographic exploration. By unveiling these itineraries well over a year ahead of schedule, MSC Cruises is offering passengers the ability to plan their travels with greater flexibility, including considerations for holiday planning, international travel documentation, and long-haul air connections tied to embarkation and disembarkation points on both continents.
The five ships designated for the South America deployment in 2027–2028 include MSC Virtuosa, MSC Divina, MSC Splendida, MSC Musica, and MSC Sinfonia. Each ship has a unique route, promising a variety of experiences for travelers. Deployments are set to commence between late October and mid-November 2027, after which these ships will continue operating seasonal itineraries throughout the winter months.
Kickstarting the season will be MSC Divina, scheduled to set sail from Civitavecchia on October 29, 2027. This 18-night journey to Santos will include stops in Italy, France, Spain, and Brazil, featuring ports like Barcelona, Salvador, Ilhéus, and Ilha Grande. The itinerary cleverly merges popular Mediterranean destinations with various coastal ports in Brazil.
MSC Musica will embark on its journey from Genoa on November 6, 2027, with a 17-night crossing to Santos. This route emphasizes cultural enrichment with calls at southern European and Atlantic island ports, such as Marseille, Valencia, and Funchal, before heading across the Atlantic to Brazil.
Another vessel, MSC Sinfonia, will also depart from Genoa in early November 2027 for an 18-night cruise to Santos. This journey includes visits to Marseille, Tarragona, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, and Recife, merging highlights from Mediterranean cities, Atlantic islands, and northeastern Brazil before reaching southeastern South America.
Returning for its second consecutive winter season in South America, MSC Virtuosa will depart Barcelona on November 16, 2027. This modern ship will make additional stops at Spanish ports before its Atlantic crossing, which includes Brazilian hotspots like Maceió, Salvador, and Ilhabela, culminating in Santos in early December.
Lastly, MSC Splendida is set to undertake the longest journey among the fleet. Departing Civitavecchia on November 16, 2027, this Fantasia-class vessel will embark on a 19-night cruise that concludes in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The itinerary offers an exciting multi-country South American experience, with stops in Spain, Brazil, and Uruguay, enriching passengers with diverse cultural and scenic vistas.
With these new itineraries, MSC Cruises is not only enhancing its operational footprint in South America but also paving the way for an adventurous winter season at sea for travelers eager to embark on unforgettable journeys.