MSC is changing its winter schedule again
MSC Cruises has abandoned the planned return of the ship MSC World Europa to the Middle East in the winter of 2027/2028. The ship will remain in the western Mediterranean, while the new MSC World Asia is moving to the southern Caribbean.
MSC Cruises for the second time in a few months, it is changing the long-term schedule of one of its largest ships. The MSC World Europa was supposed to spend the winter of 2027/2028 in the Middle East, but the company confirmed on 20 August that it will instead continue cruising the western Mediterranean. The reason for the change was not stated in the official announcement.
The decision is also interesting because of the previous schedule change. In March of this year, MSC withdrew the MSC World Europa from its originally planned 2026/2027 season in the Middle East and reassigned it to the Caribbean. At that time, the company was still announcing the ship's return to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain and Qatar during the 2027/2028 winter.
World Europa takes over the winter Mediterranean
Under the new schedule, MSC World Europa will operate seven-day itineraries with embarkation in multiple Mediterranean ports. The route includes Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa, Civitavecchia, Messina and Valletta.
For the European sales network, this means that a large World-class capacity remains on the market, accessible via short-haul flights and, for some passengers from the Adriatic region, by arriving by land at Italian ports. This can be particularly interesting for agencies looking for a cruise product during the winter without an intercontinental flight.
MSC World Asia is sailing to the southern Caribbean
The change also affects MSC World Asia, the company's new flagship. Instead of the previously planned Mediterranean departures, the ship will spend the 2027/2028 winter in the southern Caribbean. Seven-day and 14-day cruises with embarkation in Fort-de-France, Pointe-à-Pitre and Bridgetown will be on offer.
Guests who have already booked MSC World Europa in the Middle East can transfer to another cruise or request a full refund. MSC is also contacting passengers whose bookings are affected by the redeployment of MSC World Asia and MSC Meraviglia.
Two consecutive schedule changes for the MSC World Europa show how quickly major cruise lines can redirect capacity between regions.
