Marcelo OliveiraThe MSC Splendida New Year’s cruise is the most premium option among the New Year’s sailings departing from Rio de Janeiro in the 2026/2027 season. The 333-meter ship sets sail on December 31, cruises along the Copacabana coastline during the fireworks and continues for 8 nights to Búzios, Punta del Este and Buenos Aires — the longest international itinerary of the celebration.
| Departure | Rio de Janeiro — 12/31/2026 at 6 PM |
|---|---|
| Duration | 8 nights (returns 01/08/2027) |
| Itinerary | Copacabana (fireworks) → Búzios → Punta del Este → Buenos Aires |
| Price | Balcony from R$ 14,583/person (Sep/2026) — interior cabins and suites sold out |
| Ship | MSC Splendida — 333 m, 4,300 passengers, 17 decks |
| Highlight | Copacabana fireworks seen from the sea + international itinerary |
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The MSC Splendida sails from Rio on 12/31/2026, watches the Copacabana fireworks from the sea and calls at Búzios, Punta del Este and Buenos Aires over 8 nights, with balcony cabins from R 14,583 per person (Sep/2026).
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🚢 This article is part of the 2026/2027 Cruise Guide: every ship, port and price of the season. Prefer to compare with a land-based New Year’s? Check out the Voyage Voyage New Year’s guide.
How much does New Year’s on the MSC Splendida cost?
The MSC Splendida New Year’s cruise is the most expensive of the 2026/2027 season departing from Rio. Balcony cabins start at R$ 14,583 per person in double occupancy (Sep/2026), and the interior, ocean view and suite categories are already sold out — a sign that demand outpaced supply months before the trip.
The price includes accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinner in the main restaurants, theater shows, pools and kids’ programming. Not included are drinks, shore excursions, specialty restaurants, spa, Wi-Fi and travel insurance. In practice, adding drinks and one excursion in Búzios or Buenos Aires, the real cost per person lands between R$ 16,000 and R$ 19,000 (Sep/2026).
| Cabin | Price per person | Status (Sep/2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Interior | — | Sold out |
| Ocean view | — | Sold out |
| Balcony | From R$ 14,583 (Sep/2026) | Available |
| Suite / Yacht Club | — | Sold out |
Installments of up to 12 times on a credit card are offered by most agencies. Compare prices across at least three operators: rates vary according to each one’s policy and how close you are to the departure date.
What’s on board the MSC Splendida? Facilities and restaurants
The MSC Splendida is 333 meters long, with 17 decks, 1,637 cabins and capacity for more than 4,300 passengers. Launched in 2009, it belongs to MSC’s Fantasia class and is one of the largest ships operating in Brazil in the 2026/2027 season.
On board there are 7 restaurants and 2 buffets. La Reggia (decks 5 and 6) and Villa Verde (deck 5) are the main ones, included in the fare. The Bora Bora and Pago Pago buffets stay open until 2 AM — handy if you miss dinner time. Those wanting premium experiences pay extra at Butcher’s Cut (steaks), L’Olivo (Mediterranean) and Sea Pavilion (seafood and Asian).
For leisure, the ship offers 5 pools (one with a retractable roof), a theater with nightly shows, a 4D cinema, a Formula 1 simulator, a bowling alley, a casino and the Club 33 disco. The MSC Aurea Spa has a sauna, Turkish bath, massages and a gym with sea views. Kids have areas divided by age group, including partnerships with Lego and Chicco.
What’s the MSC Splendida itinerary for New Year’s 2027?
The MSC Splendida departs Rio de Janeiro at 6 PM on December 31, 2026 and returns to the same port on January 8, 2027, totaling 8 nights. It’s the longest New Year’s cruise among those departing from Rio this season, and the only one with a truly international itinerary.
| Date | Port | Arrival | Departure |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12/31 | Rio de Janeiro | — | 6 PM |
| 12/31 | Copacabana (fireworks) | 9 PM | 12 AM |
| 01/01 | Búzios | 8 AM | 4 PM |
| 01/02-03 | At sea | — | — |
| 01/04 | Punta del Este 🇺🇾 | 8 AM | 4 PM |
| 01/05 | Buenos Aires 🇦🇷 | 8 AM | 6 PM |
| 01/06-07 | At sea | — | — |
| 01/08 | Rio de Janeiro | 9 AM | — |
The countdown happens at sea, with the ship positioned in front of Copacabana beach between 9 PM and midnight. On the following days, Búzios offers crystal-clear beaches for the first swim of the year. Punta del Este and Buenos Aires are the international highlights — bring dollars or pesos for shopping and excursions, since the exchange rate on board isn’t worth it.
Is the MSC Splendida New Year’s cruise worth it?
The MSC Splendida New Year’s cruise is worth it for anyone looking for the most complete sailing of the celebration, with an international itinerary and big-ship facilities. It’s the right choice if you want to combine the New Year’s party with Punta del Este and Buenos Aires in a single departure.
The strengths are clear: 8 nights (double some competitors), 3 countries on the itinerary, 7 restaurants, 5 pools and the pass by Copacabana during the fireworks. The MSC Yacht Club adds a layer of exclusivity with a private restaurant, sun deck and concierge — but the suites in that category are already sold out (Sep/2026).
The weak point is the price. With balconies from R$ 14,583 per person (Sep/2026) and cheaper categories sold out, the Splendida costs nearly double the 3-4 night New Year’s cruises departing from Santos. The math makes sense if you were already planning to visit Uruguay or Argentina — the itinerary replaces flights and hotels. For those who just want the New Year’s party at sea, ships like the MSC Seaview or the Costa Diadema deliver the experience for less.
MSC Splendida or MSC Seaview: which to choose for New Year’s?
The MSC Splendida and the MSC Seaview are the two largest MSC ships for New Year’s 2027 departing from Rio, but they cater to different profiles. The Splendida bets on a long international itinerary; the Seaview offers more nights at Brazilian beaches for a lower price. For departures outside the celebration, with cabins and full specs, see the MSC Splendida guide.
| Criteria | MSC Splendida | MSC Seaview |
|---|---|---|
| Nights | 8 | 7 |
| Itinerary | Búzios + Punta del Este + Buenos Aires | Ilha Grande + Ilhabela + Búzios |
| Copacabana fireworks | Yes | Yes |
| Balcony from | R$ 14,583 (Sep/2026) | R$ 10,726 (Sep/2026) |
| Best for | International itinerary, premium experience | Brazilian beaches, best value |
In short: choose the Splendida if Punta del Este and Buenos Aires are on your radar and your budget allows. Go for the Seaview if your priority is beaches, price and a more modern ship (2018 versus 2009).
What’s the MSC Splendida cabin like?
The 1,637 cabins on the MSC Splendida are divided into interior, ocean view, balcony and suites. Nearly 80% have balconies — a high proportion that ensures good availability in that category, even when the others sell out (as happened this New Year’s).
Standard balcony cabins are about 17 m² plus the balcony, with a convertible double bed, bathroom with shower stall, TV, air conditioning, safe and minibar. The Aurea experiences add priority spa access and premium pillows. At the top, the MSC Yacht Club suites occupy exclusive decks with a butler, restaurant and private sun deck.
Tip: since interior, ocean view and suites are already sold out for New Year’s (Sep/2026), anyone who hasn’t booked yet is competing for the remaining balconies — the sooner, the more deck and ship-position options.
What nobody tells you about New Year’s on the MSC Splendida
The biggest complaints from those who sailed on the MSC Splendida involve currency exchange, port logistics and crowded decks during the countdown — problems that are avoidable with planning.
- Currency exchange on board is bad. The ship charges in reais, but excursions in Punta del Este and Buenos Aires are cheaper when paid in local currency. Bring dollars or pesos before boarding.
- Búzios is by tender. The ship anchors offshore and you go ashore by tender boat — the process takes 20-30 minutes. If you get seasick, take medication beforehand.
- Buenos Aires has port fees. Disembarking in Buenos Aires may incur a migration fee. Brazilians don’t need a visa for Uruguay or Argentina, but bring a valid ID or passport.
- Specialty restaurants fill up for New Year’s. Book Butcher’s Cut or L’Olivo on the first day via the MSC for Me app — waiting until the 31st means no table.
- Crowded deck at the countdown. Everyone wants to see the Copacabana fireworks from the open deck. Secure your spot at least 1 hour before midnight, especially on the upper decks with a view toward starboard (right).
Frequently asked questions
Does the MSC Splendida pass by Copacabana on New Year’s?
Yes, the MSC Splendida positions itself in front of Copacabana beach between 9 PM and midnight on December 31, 2026. Passengers watch the fireworks from the open deck, with a prime view of the pyrotechnic show — one of the most sought-after experiences of the New Year’s cruise with Copacabana fireworks.
How many nights does the MSC Splendida New Year’s cruise last?
The MSC Splendida New Year’s cruise lasts 8 nights, from December 31, 2026 to January 8, 2027. It’s the longest among the New Year’s cruises departing from Rio de Janeiro in the 2026/2027 season.
Does the MSC Splendida have a Yacht Club?
The MSC Splendida has the MSC Yacht Club, MSC Cruises’ most exclusive category, with suites on private decks, a reserved restaurant, a sun deck with an exclusive jacuzzi and 24-hour butler service. For New Year’s 2026/2027, the Yacht Club suites are already sold out (Sep/2026).
Do children pay on the MSC Splendida New Year’s cruise?
MSC Cruises’ policy for children varies according to the current promotion. In some campaigns, children up to 11 years old don’t pay the cruise fare (only port taxes). Confirm the availability of this promotion for the New Year’s departure directly on the MSC Cruises website.
Before boarding, check out the Rio de Janeiro tours with an English-speaking guide — a great way to make the most of embarkation day or the return.
Conclusion
New Year’s on the MSC Splendida is the right bet for anyone who wants the most complete celebration at sea: 8 nights, Copacabana fireworks, Búzios the next day and two international destinations that would be worth the trip on their own. The price is steep, but the package replaces what would be at least three separate bookings. Compare the options in our complete New Year’s cruise guide and secure your cabin before the remaining balconies are gone too.