MSC Splendida switched from China to South America for upcoming 2024/25 season

The ship had been scheduled to operate from Shenzhen and Xiamen from December to April. MSC said Splendida's China deployment is 'postponed.' MSC Bellissima, which began homeport operations from Shanghai in March, will resume the line’s China sailings in January, as scheduled.

Follows Royal Caribbean change

This follows Royal Caribbean International deciding not to send a second ship to China in May 2025. Ovation of the Seas, which had been planned for Tianjin, will be going to Los Angeles instead. Spectrum of the Seas continues to operate from Shanghai.

Six South America ships

The 4,363-passenger MSC Splendida will join five other MSC ships in South America: MSC Armonia, MSC Grandiosa, MSC Orchestra, MSC Poesia and MSC Seaview.

Based from Santos, Brazil, MSC Splendida will sail seven-night itineraries including Buenos Aires, Punta Del Este in Uruguay and either Balneario Camboriu or Itajai in Brazil’s Santa Catarina region.

Departures are scheduled from Dec. 13 to March 21.

Market leader

MSC Cruises now offers more than 120 sailings in South America, where it leads in capacity.