MSC Sinfonia Arrives in Brazil Launching 2025-26 South America Season with Short Cruises and Weeklong Journeys Across Iconic Coastal Destinations

Published on December 4, 2025

MSC Sinfonia’s arrival in Brazil marks the official start of its 2025-26 South America season, launching a fresh series of short coastal cruises and extended weeklong journeys designed to showcase some of Brazil’s most iconic destinations. The ship’s deployment brings travelers new access to scenic islands, vibrant beach towns, and culturally rich ports, offering a mix of flexibility, variety, and immersive coastal experiences that define this year’s expanded regional cruise program.

As part of a five-ship deployment in the region, the Sinfonia is beginning with a series of short cruises departing from Santos. These three- and four-night voyages focus on destinations within Rio de Janeiro state, offering travelers an engaging mix of natural beauty and coastal charm. Ports of call include Ilha Grande, famous for its lush rainforest, secluded beaches, and calm bays, and Búzios, a stylish seaside town known for its cobbled streets, vibrant nightlife, and scenic waterfront.

From late December, the Sinfonia will extend its offerings with weeklong cruises that explore more of Brazil’s scenic coastline. These longer itineraries will visit Ilhabela, an island celebrated for its untouched beaches and tropical landscapes, and Angra dos Reis, a destination with clear waters and numerous surrounding islands perfect for day trips and exploration. Passengers will have the option to embark in Itajaí or Rio de Janeiro, providing flexibility for travelers from different regions. These itineraries will continue through late January, allowing ample opportunities for guests to experience Brazil’s coastal treasures.

Once its South American season concludes, the MSC Sinfonia will undertake additional short cruises from Santos before returning to Europe without passengers in mid-March. The vessel was originally scheduled to operate these itineraries under a different ship, but adjustments to fleet operations prompted the reassignment to the Sinfonia. This move ensures the vessel is fully optimized for seasonal demand and provides consistent service throughout the deployment.

After completing its South American winter season, the Sinfonia is scheduled for Eastern Mediterranean cruises, offering weeklong journeys to destinations in Italy and Greece. Itineraries will include ports such as Piraeus, Bari, Argostoli, Santorini, and Corfu, giving travelers a chance to combine cultural exploration with scenic Mediterranean sailing. These cruises cater to travelers looking for history, local gastronomy, and picturesque coastal landscapes.

The 2025-26 South American season features a total of five MSC Cruises vessels, with the Sinfonia complementing its sister ships to provide a variety of itinerary options. Collectively, the fleet will operate from major ports in Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay, including Santos, Rio de Janeiro, Maceió, Salvador, Buenos Aires, and Montevideo. This deployment highlights MSC Cruises’ commitment to offering diverse routes that appeal to both first-time cruisers and seasoned travelers.

Costa Cruises is also actively operating in South America during the same season, with the Costa Favolosa and Costa Diadema offering regular itineraries. The presence of multiple cruise lines ensures travelers have a wide range of options, from short coastal getaways to weeklong adventures exploring multiple countries along the South American coast.

The MSC Sinfonia, built in 2002, is designed to balance comfort, entertainment, and leisure. Onboard, passengers can enjoy a variety of dining venues, recreational activities, wellness and spa facilities, and entertainment programs suitable for all ages. Whether the goal is relaxation, adventure, or cultural discovery, the Sinfonia offers a versatile cruise experience that caters to different interests and travel styles.

With cruise travel growing in popularity across South America, the arrival of the MSC Sinfonia provides both regional and international travelers with new options to explore Brazil and its neighboring countries. The combination of short itineraries, weeklong journeys, scenic destinations, and onboard amenities positions the Sinfonia as a key vessel in MSC Cruises’ South American operations, promising memorable journeys and unique experiences throughout the 2025-26 season.