South American Discovery – Rio & Buenos Aires

About this cruise

There's a reason 9-night cruises are the most popular length. This one sails from Buenos Aires on December 27, 2026 and visits Ilhabela, Rio de Janeiro, Buzios and Montevideo. It starts gently with sea days, so by the time you reach the first port you'll have explored the ship and actually feel on holiday. Colourful colonial towns, long coastlines, and steak that deserves its reputation. You get around 9 hours in each port, which is enough for an excursion, lunch, and some wandering around on your own. When you're not ashore, MSC Splendida takes the food seriously, with 6 restaurants to choose from. 2 are included, and the rest are worth the splurge. If you like having options (restaurants, bars, activities, entertainment), a big ship delivers that. Pro tip: fly in the day before. Buenos Aires has plenty to offer, and you'll board relaxed instead of rushed. While everyone else deals with the December cold, you'll be somewhere warmer. And floating. Good route, good ship, good timing. It all lines up.