MSC Lists 5 Reasons to Choose its Winter 2026-27 Sailings

MSC Lists 5 Reasons to Choose its Winter 2026-27 Sailings

MSC Cruises has spotlighted its 2026-27 winter season, featuring 168 destinations across 72 countries.

In a press release, the company highlighted five reasons to pick its itineraries this winter:

1. MSC World Asia’s Inaugural Season

MSC Cruises’ newest ship, which recently embarked on sea trials, will set sail for her inaugural season from December 4, 2026, offering seven-night Mediterranean itineraries to Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa, Civitavecchia for Rome, Messina and Valletta.

Guests can look forward to more than 40 bars, lounges and restaurants, a new Pan-Asian street food concept, the longest dry slide at sea at 81.3 meters and The Harbour outdoor destination, among other things.

2. Iconic Mediterranean Destinations at a Slower Pace

Six ships will sail in the Mediterranean during winter, allowing guests to explore the region without crowds. These are the MSC World Asia, MSC Euribia, MSC Magnifica, MSC Sinfonia, MSC Lirica and MSC Orchestra

Seven-night sailings will be offered to Spain, France, Italy, Malta, Tunisia, Greece and Turkey, with highlights including Barcelona, Civitavecchia for Rome, Istanbul, Valletta and Piraeus for Athens.

Longer options include 10- to 12-night sailings on the MSC Lirica to Cyprus, Egypt, Croatia and Greece and 10-night sailings on the MSC Magnifica to Morocco and Spain, visiting destinations such as Pyramids of Giza, Dasoudi Beach and Krka National Park.

3. Holidays in Northern Europe

The MSC Preziosa will offer seven-night sailings to Northern Europe, calling at Hamburg, Rotterdam for Amsterdam, Cherbourg, Zeebrugge for Bruges and Brussels, Le Havre for Paris and Southampton for London.

The ship recently kicked off a new year-round deployment in the region, allowing guests to discover landmarks in London and Paris, Amsterdam’s canals, Bruges’ medieval streets and the festive atmosphere of Brussels and Hamburg’s Christmas markets.

4. Sunny Caribbean Winter

Guests looking to escape the cold can choose mini-getaways, seven-night adventures and extended sailings to the Caribbean and Antilles and visit destinations including Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Saint Lucia, Grand Turk Island and The Bahamas.

This season will mark the line’s first departures from La Romana in the Dominican Republic, and many itineraries also feature Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, MSC Cruises’ private island in The Bahamas.

Operating the itineraries will be nine ships: the MSC World America, MSC World Europa, MSC Grandiosa, MSC Meraviglia, MSC Opera, MSC Poesia, MSC Seascape, MSC Seaside and MSC Seashore.

5. Winter Sun in the Canary Islands

The MSC Fantasia will offer seven-night itineraries to the Canary Islands and Madeira, calling at Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Puerto del Rosario, Funchal, Arrecife and Las Palmas.

Guests can discover Lanzarote and La Palma’s volcanic landscapes, relax on Gran Canaria’s Maspalomas Beach, or explore Funchal, Madeira.

MSC Ready for Alaska Debut, Accelerating North America Growth

MSC Ready for Alaska Debut, Accelerating North America Growth

MSC Poesia Photo Credit Spacejunkie2 - Flickr Account https://flic.kr/ps/GkiQt

MSC Cruises is ready for the Poesia’s debut in Alaska, as the ship will spend the summer sailing Alaska cruises on Mondays from Seattle, marking the company’s entry to the region.

“We’re so excited for this moment,” said Lynn Torrent, president of MSC Cruises North America.

“From the time we announced the program until now, we’ve been approaching Alaska with the understanding that this is a highly seasonal destination. A destination-driven market where the itinerary and the natural environment are such an important part of the experience for our guests.”

The Poesia emerged from drydock freshly refurbished and readied for the market.

“We’ve really thought very carefully about the refurbishment,” she said. “At the same time, we’re making sure that the destination is really reflected in the journey. We’re incorporating Alaska-inspired dining, wellness and enrichment programming. Even the small touches, we have cocktails that bring together the itinerary and the onboard experience, like ‘Unwind in Juneau.’”

Among the headline additions to Poesia is the Yacht Club, MSC’s exclusive ship-within-a-ship concept.

“We know we see not only strong demand for the Yacht Club, but very, very high guest satisfaction,” Torrent noted.

New dining venues including Butcher’s Cut steakhouse and Kyoto sushi bar have also come aboard, along with an enhanced spa.

“Butcher’s Cut rates very high in terms of guest appeal,” she added.

On the responsible tourism front, MSC has inked a partnership with Orca that Torrent called a key differentiator.

“We will have a dedicated Marine Mammal Observer onboard during peak whale season,” she explained. “That allows us to add a strong educational layer to the experience and really give guests something to be excited about.”

From Europe to North America

When MSC first opened Alaska for sale, early bookings skewed heavily toward the line’s established European loyalist base, something Torrent said was fully expected.

“As soon as we opened for sale, our very loyal and robust past guests from around the world came in,” she said.

But the North American mix has strengthened considerably since.

“We’re seeing a very healthy mix from North America,” Torrent said. “It gives us another opportunity to introduce MSC Cruises to new guests and new travel advisors in another part of the country, just like we’re seeing with Galveston. “

Sandy Cay: A Second Private Island

Beyond Alaska, Torrent pointed to Sandy Cay, MSC’s second private destination in the Bahamas, as more major news in the brand’s near-term growth story.

The island, set to open in 2028 within the same 64 square miles of protected waters surrounding Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, is being designed with both MSC Cruises guests and the line’s Explora Journeys ultra-luxury brand in mind.

“We think of Sandy Cay as a natural extension of what we’ve already built in Ocean Cay,” Torrent said. “It complements that experience and really stays true to the nature-rooted identity.”

The island will be a tender operation, with ships docking at Ocean Cay and guests ferried across. It will feature five beaches.

“The goal is really to create something that’s a bit more refined, while maintaining that very relaxed, genuine atmosphere,” she said.

Seashore Updates and Flexible Dining

Coming off an April drydock, the MSC Seashore has received a pair of new food and beverage concept.

Red Cactus BBQ & Ribs, offering breakfast burritos, pulled pork hash, brisket, and ribs from Deck 8 aft. In addition is The Chicken Man, a fried chicken and comfort food venue on Deck 18 aft.

“These venues are good examples of how we continue to evolve the onboard experience based on guest feedback and invest across the fleet,” Torrent said. “It’s not only about new ships, although we’re very focused on that, and new destinations, but it’s also about that constant evolution.”

MSC is also piloting a new flexible dining program called “Dine on Your Time,” currently available on Seashore and Seaside, allowing guests to forgo fixed dining times in favor of open seating. Traditional fixed dining times remain available for those who prefer them.

Eyes Forward

“We’re constantly innovating, expanding, and listening to travel advisors and guests as we really think about how to enhance our product,” she said.

“North America continues to be a key growth market for us, and you’re seeing that as we continue to expand our deployment in Galveston and Alaska, and strengthen our presence in our key U.S. homeports.”

In addition is the new World-Class ship, the MSC World Atlantic, which begins service from Port Canaveral in late 2027.

 

MSC Removes Visits to Tracy Arm Fjord in 2026

MSC Removes Visits to Tracy Arm Fjord in 2026

MSC Cruises is removing Tracy Arm Fjord from the itineraries of its inaugural season in Alaska, which is scheduled to start in May.

According to a statement sent to booked guests, the MSC Poesia will now visit a different glacier in the region.

“Unfortunately, we are unable to proceed with the planned navigation around the Tracy Arm Fjord, as current ice conditions and geological instability prevent safe navigation in the area,” the company explained.

“Since your safety and comfort are our top priority … we are pleased to offer you an alternative and equally enriching experience: you will navigate around Endicott Arm, a beautiful nearby fjord renowned for its spectacular scenery,” MSC added.

According to the company’s revised itinerary, the MSC Poesia is also set to offer scenic cruising at Dawes Glacier.

“Although this change is due to reasons beyond our control, we sincerely apologize for any disappointment this may cause,” MSC added.

As part of MSC Cruises’ maiden season in the region, the MSC Poesia is scheduled to arrive in Seattle on May 11, 2026.

Sailing from its new summer homeport, the 2008-built vessel is poised to offer a series of seven-night cruises to destinations that include Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Juneau and Victoria.

The season runs through late September, when the ship is scheduled to embark on a repositioning cruise to Florida.

Joining MSC’s lineup in Miami, the MSC Poesia offers a series of ten- and 11-night cruises to the Southern, Western and Eastern Caribbean during the 2026-27 winter season.

In related news, Carnival Cruise Line also announced plans to remove visits to Tracy Arm Fjord from its itineraries for the upcoming summer.

With three ships sailing in the region, the company replaced the visits to the glacier with scenic cruising at Endicott Arm Fjord.

MSC Poesia Enters Drydock for Major Refurbishment

MSC Poesia Enters Drydock for Major Refurbishment

The MSC Poesia recently entered drydock at the Palumbo Shipyard in Malta to undergo a major refurbishment project.

Having completed its winter season in Northern Europe, the MSC Cruises vessel arrived at the facility on Feb. 19, 2026.

As part of a modernization effort that will see all of the Musica-class ships undergoing refits, the 2008-built vessel is now set to get new features and venues.

The project includes the addition of MSC Yacht Club, the company’s ship-within-a-ship concept that will feature 62 new suites.

Guests staying in these new staterooms will take advantage of private areas including a sun deck, a restaurant and a lounge.

The MSC Poesia is also getting two new specialty restaurants: the American-style Butcher’s Cut Steakhouse and Kaito Sushi Bar.

Other areas undergoing significant changes include the MSC Aurea Spa, which will be redesigned and modernized.

The ship’s gym will be moved to a new area, where it will offer a fresh layout and state-of-the-art equipment.

Upon completing its drydock, the MSC Poesia is set to kick off a repositioning voyage to North America ahead of MSC’s first season in Alaska.

The two-part voyage starts with a trans-Atlantic crossing to PortMiami that is set to depart from the Italian port of Civitavecchia on April 6, 2026.

The 90,000-ton ship is then scheduled to offer an 18-night cruise to the Panama Canal that sails between Florida and Seattle.

Starting in early May, the MSC Poesia offers a series of seven-night cruises to destinations in Alaska and Canada.

Sailing roundtrip from Seattle, the itineraries are highlighted by scenic cruising at Tracy Arm Fjord and Inside Passage. Ports of call set to be visited include Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point and Juneau.

Following MSC’s maiden season in the region, the vessel is scheduled to reposition to Miami for longer cruises to the Caribbean and Central America during the 2026-27 winter season.

MSC Cruises to Add Yacht Club to Two More Ships

MSC Cruises to Add Yacht Club to Two More Ships

MSC Cruises is bringing its MSC Yacht Club to two additional ships, the MSC Musica and the MSC Orchestra, according to a press release.

The expansion marks the completion of the MSC Yacht Club refurbishment for the entire Musica class.

The MSC Musica will receive the upgrade later in 2026, ahead of the South American season, followed by the MSC Orchestra in the first quarter of 2027 ahead of its season in the Mediterranean from Bari, Italy.

Once complete, all four ships in the Musica class, the MSC Poesia, the MSC Magnifica, the MSC Musica and the MSC Orchestra will feature the MSC Yacht Club.

The MSC Yacht Club is designed as a ship within a ship concept, featuring spacious and elegant suites, 24-hour butler and dedicated concierge service, as well as exclusive private venues including a restaurant, lounge and sundeck.

Guests of the MSC Yacht Club benefit from personalized services.

This includes daily in-suite indulgences such as fresh fruits, macarons and chocolates, and a complimentary bottle of premium spirits.

Guests can take advantage of unpacking and packing services, private shopping appointments in the onboard boutiques outside regular opening hours, and more.

Guests will also receive MED by MSC, the cruise line’s exclusive collection of organic bath amenities crafted for MSC Yacht Club guests.

With the addition of the MSC Musica and the MSC Orchestra, the MSC Yacht Club will be available across 19 ships fleetwide.

The MSC Musica will sail in South America from November 2026 through April 2027, offering cruises to Brazilian destinations and eight-night to nine-night holiday sailings to Buenos Aires, Montevideo and Punta del Este over Christmas and New Year.

The season concludes with a 16-night transatlantic crossing departing Santos on April 1, 2027, to Genoa.

The MSC Orchestra will begin sailing with the new MSC Yacht Club from Bari, Italy, from March 13 to April 24, 2027, exploring Turkey’s destinations, including Izmir and Istanbul, with calls at Piraeus and Corfu, Greece.

 

MSC Meraviglia to Sail from Southampton in 2027

MSC Meraviglia to Sail from Southampton in 2027

The MSC Meraviglia will sail from Southampton for the 2027 season, MSC Cruises announced in a press release.

According to the company, the 2017-built ship will arrive at the British port on May 18, 2027, kicking off a six-month deployment.

“We want to give our customers new experiences, so it’s wonderful that the MSC Meraviglia is sailing from the United Kingdom in Summer 2027,” said Antonio Paradiso, vice president of international sales at MSC Cruises.

Replacing the MSC Virtuosa, the Meraviglia will offer a series of six- to 14-night cruises to destinations in Northern Europe and the Norwegian Fjords.

The season also includes longer itineraries to the Mediterranean, which will feature visits to additional destinations, such as Ibiza in Spain, Tangier in Morocco and Gibraltar in the United Kingdom.

While the Meraviglia takes over the itineraries from Southampton, the MSC Virtuosa is set to operate a full season in the Western Mediterranean.

Paradiso said that the changes to the company’s deployment in the region follow guests’ feedback, noting that the two ships are part of the same class.

“We’re seeing strong demand from UK customers for Mediterranean cruises, so having the MSC Virtuosa there for Summer 2027 is a natural fit for us,” he added.

“We also offer great value Fly & Cruise prices with flights from many regional airports, so customers can relax knowing that flights, transfers and the cruise fare are all included in the price,” he continued.

Paradiso also highlighted the 2026-27 winter season in the United Kingdom, which will see the MSC Preziosa replacing the MSC Poesia.

“I’m delighted to have the MSC Preziosa back in the UK doing the longest season ever from Southampton,” he said.

The 2013-built ship is set to offer a series of seven-night cruises to England, France, Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands between October 2026 and April 2027.

Bookings for the new 2027 itineraries onboard the MSC Meraviglia and the MSC Virtuosa are set to open on Oct. 14, 2025.

MSC: Market Leader in Europe

MSC: Market Leader in Europe

MSC has 17 ships in the European market, with 13 sailing in the Mediterranean and four in Northern Europe, said Gianni Onorato, CEO, in an interview with Cruise Industry News.

Onorato also pointed out the new 5,400-guest World Asia, which will debut in Europe in 2026, making MSC the only brand putting new tonnage into the European market.

“The key feature for our European homeporting is accessibility,” he said, pointing to air, high-speed rail and drive-in potential.

“Some ports are responding to this type of need, while others are more difficult.

“With so many embarkation points, we pick up local guests that have easy access in France, Italy, Germany, Spain, the UK and elsewhere.”

MSC has key investments in Barcelona and Marseille in terminals, and Valencia continues to become more important as Spain is a key source market for MSC, Onorato said.

“It is really accessible with high-speed trains from Madrid; similar to Marseille with Paris,” he continued.

‘Potential’

The core European markets remain full of potential.

“In Italy, the market is about 1 million guests in a country of 60 million people,” Onorato said. “France is very tiny, as is Spain, and in Germany, we are offering a different product from the national brands; it’s the same in the UK. If guests want a British experience, they can consider one of the other brands; if they want a more international experience, they can choose MSC.”

Germany may represent the market with the most potential, as it's the largest holiday-package market in Europe, Onorato said.

Emerging source markets include Eastern Europe, highlighted by Poland, Romania, Hungary and the Czech Republic.

“These countries have residents who are travelling the world, and a cruise is an opportunity,” Onorato said.

Inventory Management

MSC has a unique differentiator in Europe which is its interporting program, meaning guests can board at any port on an itinerary and then disembark a week later. They are not tied in to starting their cruise on a Sunday for instance.

MSC will then allocate inventory based on multiple homeports on the same itinerary. This means that a ship with a set seven-day cruise with five ports is essentially five different programs from an inventory perspective.

“You need to respect the cabin allocation,” said Onorato. “For the local markets, this makes access to the ships very easy with lower transportation costs.”

‘Growing’

The LNG-powered World Asia will add to the company’s European presence in 2026, while the World Atlantic heads to the U.S. and Port Canaveral in 2027. After that, two more World Class vessels are on order from Chantiers de l’Atlantique with delivery dates in 2029 and 2030.

“We will have continuous and properly balanced growth,” Onorato said.

That includes sourcing European guests for cruises elsewhere, including in Alaska, where the Poesia debuts in 2026. MSC’s initial wave of bookings primarily came from European customers for the Seattle-based program.

Further south, there are programs out of Miami, Port Canaveral, Galveston, and from Brooklyn, while the company expands its Caribbean presence with a year-round program from La Romana with the 2004-built Opera beginning in winter 2026-27 through summer 2027. For the winter 2026-27 season, the Opera will be joined by the 2018-built Seaview, marking the first time the company operates two ships during the season in the South Caribbean.

“I’m bullish on this,” Onorato said. “It’s an interesting program, and going year-round is very exciting. The Dominican Republic is an attractive destination for Europeans, with no visa requirements and good airlift.”

Excerpt from the Cruise Industry News Quarterly Magazine Summer 2025

MSC Poesia to Offer Longer Cruises from Miami in 2026-27

MSC Poesia to Offer Longer Cruises from Miami in 2026-27

The MSC Poesia is set to offer a series of ten- and 11-night cruises from PortMiami during the 2026-27 winter season.

According to published deployment, the 2009-built ship is scheduled to offer longer itineraries to the Eastern, Western and Southern Caribbean, as well as the Bahamas.

The MSC Poesia is set to arrive in South Florida in mid-October, following MSC’s first-ever season in Alaska.

After a 19-night repositioning voyage via the Panama Canal, the vessel embarks on a five-night cruise to Grand Cayman and Jamaica before kicking off a series of ten- and 11-night sailings.

The longer cruises visit destinations around the region, including Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao in the Southern Caribbean; Roatán, Colón and Puerto Limón in Central America; as well as St. Thomas, St. John’s and St. Kitts in the Eastern Caribbean.

The deployment also includes visits to Cartagena de Indias in Colombia, Montego Bay in Jamaica, and Cabo Rojo in the Dominican Republic.

With sailings currently scheduled through late March, the ship’s winter season includes nearly 20 cruises.

The Poesia joins two other ships scheduled to sail from PortMiami in 2026-27: the new MSC World America and the MSC Seaside.

While the World-class vessel offers seven-night cruises to the Eastern and Western Caribbean, the Seaside is set to operate three- and four-night sailings to the Bahamas.

All itineraries onboard the two ships include visits to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, the company’s private island destination near Bimini.

In addition to the three ships sailing from Miami, MSC is deploying four vessels in other homeports across the United States in 2026-27.

The MSC Meraviglia is set to return to New York City for the season, while the MSC Seascape continues to sail from Galveston. Port Canaveral will welcome two vessels: the MSC Seashore and the MSC Grandiosa.

MSC USA: Readying for Big Moves

MSC USA: Readying for Big Moves

“We’re excited about how the product is positioned in the U.S. market with very clear points of distinction, with our European style and American comfort, and how we bring that together,” said Lynn Torrent, executive vice president and chief commercial officer.

Torrent said MSC had tweaked the product for U.S. passengers and was gaining ground on marketing and driving wider brand awareness ahead of the MSC World America’s arrival in Miami this spring.

“We’re expanding our U.S. deployment,” she continued. “We’re adding Galveston this year, a second ship in Port Canaveral and sailing to Alaska from Seattle in 2026.”

Much of the immediate focus has been revealing feature after feature on the new World America for her Miami-based deployment of week-long cruises. These include a new sports bar concept and a comedy club, in addition to the first Eataly at Sea concept which will feature dishes and cocktails only available on the World America.

A new terminal with shore power will be awaiting World America in Miami, and a second new terminal will be ready for the MSC Seascape in Texas.

“We’re investing significant yin marketing and trade sales support in Texas,” said Torrent.

More ships in the market mean MSC has the attention of travel advisors, said Torrent, and continues to enhance tools and training options. Travel agents can benefit from lunch-and-learn seminars, virtual training, and more. Torrent said the company had a lot of on-the-ground support for advisors in Texas.

While Torrent focuses heavily on North American deployed ships, the company is also busy sourcing guests for cruises in Europe and elsewhere.

“We have a significant offering in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, and the World Europa and Euribia have driven more interest. The Yacht Club is popular with American guests looking for a premium, unforgettable experience.”

2026 brings more deployment and more berths to the U.S. market, as MSC will debut in Alaska, with the Poesia offering a week-long program from May to September.

“Alaska is a marquee destination. It completes our global portfolio,” Torrent said. “We think there is a lot of demand globally for Alaska. There is significant momentum already.”

Excerpt from the Cruise Industry News Quarterly Magazine Winter 2024-25

 

Costa Pacifica Becomes First Ship to Watch Santos’ Firework Display

Costa Pacifica Becomes First Ship to Watch Santos’ Firework Display

The Costa Pacifica became the first cruise ship to watch the New Year’s Eve fireworks display in Santos, Brazil.

The Costa Cruises ship reached the town as part of an eight-night cruise to Brazil.

Before anchoring in Santos Bay for the 14-minute firework display, the Pacifica embarked guests in Santos and Rio de Janeiro.

In addition to its two homeports, the itinerary also included visits to Búzios, Angra dos Reis, Ilhabela, and Balneário Camboriú.

According to Santos Mayor Rogério Santos, the operation highlights the town’s status as a major cruise hub.

“It is an extremely important action to promote Santos not only during New Year’s Eve but throughout the season, in all seasons of the year,” he said.

Continuing its deployment in South America, the Costa Pacifica is set to offer a series of three- to seven-night cruises from Santos and Rio through late March.

Costa’s 2024-25 season in the region also includes the Costa Diadema and the Costa Favolosa, with itineraries departing from different homeports.

A traditional destination for cruise ships during New Year’s Eve, Rio de Janeiro received six ships to ring in 2025.

The lineup included two vessels from Costa Cruises, the Costa Favolosa and the Costa Deliziosa, as well as four ships from MSC Cruises, including the MSC Grandiosa, which is currently the largest vessel sailing in Brazil.

The 4,888-guest ship joined the MSC Seaview, the MSC Orchestra and the MSC Poesia for the 12-minute firework display.

In Portugal’s Madeira Island, 11 cruise ships gathered in Funchal for the port city’s New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Nine different companies were represented, including AIDA, Cunard, and Fred. Olsen, Hapag-Lloyd, Marella, Phoenix Reisen, Saga and TUI.

The largest ship on the scene was the 3,000-guest Queen Anne, which entered service for Cunard in April 2024.

 

Three New Cruise Lines to Alaska in 2026

Three New Cruise Lines to Alaska in 2026

Three cruise lines are adding cruises to Alaska to their schedule in the summer of 2026: Azamara, MSC, and Virgin.

Returning to the destination after a seven-year hiatus, Azamara will offer a series of ten- to 13-night cruises in Alaska and Canada starting in May 2026.

Sailing in the region for the first time, the Azamara Pursuit will operate open-jaw itineraries that sail between Whittier and Vancouver.

According to Azamara, the voyages were created to prioritize unspoiled destinations, visiting locations such as Kodiak, Dutch Harbor and Icy Strait Point.

The deployment will also include excursions aimed at bringing guests closer to natural beauty, unparalleled wildlife and authentic culture, Azamara said.

MSC Cruises will debut for the first time in Alaska in 2026, with the MSC Poesia offering a series of seven-night cruises from Seattle.

The season runs from early May to late September and includes a regular itinerary that visits Ketchikan, Icy Strait Hoonah, Tracy Arm, Juneau and Victoria.

In a press release, MSC Cruises CEO Gianni Onorato said that the new operation in Alaska and Canada further expands the company’s global offerings by sailing to a must-see region.

Virgin Voyages is also debuting in Alaska in 2026 with the new Brilliant Lady. After entering service in late 2025, the ship is scheduled to spend its first summer season in the region.

From May to September, the Brilliant Lady offers 17 voyages to 12 destinations in Alaska, including Sitka, Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway.

Ranging from seven to 12 nights, Virgin’s itineraries sail from Seattle and Vancouver and also include destinations in Canada, such as Prince Rupert and Victoria.

According to the company, the cruises will give guests opportunities to experience Alaska’s wildlife and landscapes while taking part in activities that include salmon fishing, glacier trekking, lumberjack shows and dog sledding.

As one of the most popular cruise destinations in the world, Alaska accounted for nearly five per cent of the industry’s market share this year, according to data from the 2024 Cruise Industry News Annual Report.

MSC Magnifica to Reposition to Europe in 2025

MSC Magnifica to Reposition to Europe in 2025

MSC Magnifica berthed in Queensferry, Photo credit Spacejunkie2 Flickr

Previously scheduled to offer short cruises to the Bahamas, the MSC Magnifica is now set to sail in Europe during the summer season of 2025.

Joining MSC Cruises’ lineup in the Western Mediterranean, the 2010-built cruise ship will offer a new seven-night itinerary to Italy, France, and Spain.

The itinerary, which is set to run between early May and early October 2025, includes visits to Genoa, Marseille, Valencia and Tarragona.

With only one day at sea, the itinerary also includes stops in Civitavecchia and Livorno, from where guests can visit Rome and Pisa, respectively.

Following the summer program, the MSC Magnifica is scheduled to offer varying itineraries in the Western Mediterranean before kicking off MSC Cruises’ 2026 World Cruise.

Taking over the global voyage from the MSC Poesia, the 2,550-guest vessel is set to depart from Genoa on January 6, 2026.

During the 119-day world voyage,, the 89,600-ton ship is scheduled to travel 36,000 nautical miles and visit 47 destinations in 32 countries and five continents.

Currently sailing from PortMiami, the MSC Magnifica has been offering three- and four-night cruises to the Bahamas and Florida since late 2023.

In addition to Nassau, Freeport, and Key West, the vessel’s itineraries also include visits to MSC Cruises’ private island destination, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.

Now, the MSC Seascape is scheduled to offer three- to seven-night cruises to the Caribbean and the Bahamas departing from PortMiami in 2025.

After entering service next April, the 5,400-guest MSC World America is also set to sail from the South Florida homeport on a year-round basis.

MSC Cruises fleet in the United States for the summer of 2025 also includes the MSC Meraviglia sailing from New York City and the MSC Seashore sailing from Port Canaveral.

MSC Revving Up for Global Exposure

MSC Revving Up for Global Exposure

MSC Cruises is aggressively building up its global exposure through sponsorships of sports, including auto racing, soccer and basketball, in addition to the more traditional sales and marketing channels.

Comparing the cruise line to the worldwide Formula 1 racing series, Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises, said: “We share common goals; we are focused on sustainability and driving new technologies, while also being in the entertainment business. F1 allows us to deliver our brand message across the world.

“This fits with our other sports sponsorships, such as the well-known soccer brands Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea, and in basketball, the New York Knicks, which is drawing record spectator and (TV) viewer numbers.

“These sponsorships give us a high and positive visibility across the globe and in key markets,” Onorato added.

Showcasing MSC Cruises’ product this summer is the new 181,500-ton, 4,888-passenger (double occupancy) Euribia, built by Chantiers de l’Atlantique.

Onorato described the Euribia as the most environmentally sustainable cruise ship ever built and as for the new hull livery, he explained: “What is most important is not the decoration itself, but the message it sends with the hashtag ‘save the sea.’ Our assignment to the artist was to interpret our love of the sea and the need to care for and protect the sea.”

Built to run on LNG, the Euribia used biofuel on her first sailing, however, which meant net-zero greenhouse gas emissions, according to Onorato.

“The Euribia will allow us to sail in the heritage fjords of Norway,” he continued. “She will give us access to regions that in the future will become more restricted. In addition, our customers are also looking for a ship like this that is more environmentally oriented. I think that more and more sustainability will be a driver in people’s choice of holidays.”

The new ship is also fitted for shore power connection and will be dedicated to Northern Europe during its first year of operation.

Onboard features are shared with other ships of the same platform, Onorato said, noting that these have been fine-tuned. “Every time we introduce a new ship we work to improve and perfect certain aspects,” he said. “Thus, we have focused a lot on the entertainment and have three new shows on board as well as speciality restaurants ranging from Japanese to French and Italian cuisines, and bars similar to what you will find in high-end European destinations.”

Meanwhile, MSC continues to invest in new technologies like dual-fuel engines and systems to run on LNG, while also testing fuel cells, Onorato explained.

“For our legacy ships, we see non-fossil fuels as the solution, you can call it biofuels or synthetic fuels. And while our new ships run on LNG, longer-term solutions may also include hydrogen.

“We will do the necessary modifications to our ships so they will be ready to burn new fuels whenever these become available on a large scale.”

The clear target is net zero emissions across the entire fleet by 2050. Meanwhile, a target is to reach 40 per cent carbon intensity reduction by 2030, compared to 2008, is on track and already MSC Cruises is at 33 per cent, according to Onorato

“We believe the cruise market will continue to grow, and we are committed to maintaining our own leading position,” he said. “Our goal is not necessarily to be bigger than the other major brands, but to have our piece of the cake if I can put it that way.

“How far we will grow will be determined by our customers. What I can say is that we had 2.7 million passengers in 2019 and are on track to reach 4.2 million this year. So that means our customers love us.”

Photos: Gianni Onorato; MSC Euribia (Credit: Oceanliner Photos)

Excerpt from the Cruise Industry News Quarterly Magazine Summer 2023

MSC World Cruises Set to Depart from Barcelona on Separate Itineraries

MSC World Cruises Set to Depart from Barcelona on Separate Itineraries

After leaving Genoa earlier this week, the two MSC Cruises ships on world cruise itineraries are now in Barcelona and set to sail in different directions.

The MSC Poesia and MSC Magnifica departed Genoa on Thursday for their respective four-month cruises and both vessels called Marseille in France before arriving simultaneously this morning in the Spanish port.

 Nearly 600 Spanish guests today boarded both ships before they started their different routes, the company said.

The MSC Poesia will next sail to Funchal on the island of Madiera and the MSC Magnifica to Cadiz in Spain.

 Nearly 4,200 guests from 54 countries will sail the world on both vessels, an industry first for two global voyages operated by a major cruise line.

The MSC Poesia will call 53 ports in 33 different countries and her 117-day voyage will cross the Atlantic, transit the Panama Canal and travel up the West Coast of Central America and North America and then sail the Pacific Ocean before an extended period in Asia.  The vessel will cross the Indian Ocean and return to Europe via the Suez Canal.

MSC Magnifica’s 119-day sailing will circumnavigate South America following a transatlantic voyage, crossing the South Pacific Ocean to the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea, the Red Sea and then through the Suez Canal into the Mediterranean Sea.  The ship will visit 43 destinations in 24 different countries.

Doha Set for Three MSC Ships and Other Cruise Ships for World Cup

Doha Set for Three MSC Ships and Other Cruise Ships for World Cup

MSC Europa

Three MSC Cruises ships will serve as hotel accommodations for the FIFA World Cup fans in Qatar. The MSC World Europa and MSC Poesia will be berthed next to the new Grand Cruise Terminal, and the third cruise ship, the MSC Opera, will be on the opposite side of the port.

At a maximum capacity, all three vessels can accommodate over 13,000 guests, significantly increasing the much-needed berths during the event.

In addition, two Ponant ships are expected to be berthed at a premium location in the heart of Doha Port, alongside the Golden Horizon which is set to host Croatian fans.

The 22nd edition of the competition which will take place from Nov. 20 to Dec. 18 is the first FIFA World Cup to be hosted by Arab countries. The host nation expects about 1.2 million fans to arrive in Qatar during the competition.

The Grand Cruise Terminal, which is at its final construction stage, is part of an ambitious project set by Qatar Tourism to attract over six million international visitors a year by 2030. The terminal building is set to be inaugurated at the naming ceremony of MSC Cruise’s newest ship the MSC World Europa.

The facility will have two cruise terminals with an aquarium in the middle section and an art gallery. The terminals are designed to simultaneously handle a complete passenger turnaround for two mega-size cruise ships.

With its structural and decorative functions, the building honours traditional Arab architecture and restores the historical link between Doha and the sea. The visually stunning architecture incorporates 1154 elegant arches, representing unity, purity, and glory.

Located in the heart of Doha, the new Grand Terminal is a stone’s throw away from the city’s most popular tourist attractions; the gorgeous promenade Corniche, the Museum of Islamic Art, the National Museum of Qatar, Msheireb Downtown and the traditional market Souq Waqif.

Constructed to expand the intended use as a cruise terminal and transform into a flexible multi-functional space for year-round public events, exhibitions and conferences, Doha’s Grand Cruise Terminal has the potential to become the city’s next landmark.