MSC Orchestra Makes Its First Call of the Year in Salvador, Brazil

The MSC Orchestra was the first cruise ship to visit the Brazilian port of Salvador in 2025. The MSC Cruises liner, which was offering a New Year’s trip, arrived in Bahia on January 2.

According to the local port administration, around 2,550 people were on board the ship, which remained parked overnight.

The visit is part of an eight-night voyage departing from Rio de Janeiro in late 2024. The cruise itinerary included stops in Salvador, Búzios, and Ilhabela.

On December 31, the MSC Orchestra joined five other cruise ships at Copacabana for the beach’s fireworks display.

After beginning in late October, the 2024-25 cruise season in Salvador is planned to contain 61 calls.

The ships are expected to carry more than 230,000 passengers to the port in northeastern Brazil.

“This season shows Salvador’s position as a major tourist hub, solidifying its place as the third largest port in Brazil for cruise ships,” said Demétrius Moura, head of commercial relations at the Bahia Port Authority.

The itinerary is emphasized by regular calls from the MSC Grandiosa, the largest ship currently serving the Brazilian market.

Since mid-December, the 4,888-passenger ship has been visiting Salvador as part of weeklong cruises in the region.

In addition to MSC and Costa Cruises ships, the season will feature visits from other companies such as Phoenix Reisen and Cunard.

The British operator will visit Salvador with Queen Victoria in February, as part of a five-year return to Brazil schedule.

Other ships scheduled to visit the harbor include Silversea’s new Silver Ray, which will begin operation in June 2024, and Villa Vie’s Odyssey.

The residential ship, which made her premiere in September, will visit Salvador for 12 hours on March 10, 2025.