MSC Cruises Cancels Transatlantic Voyage and Introduces New Ship Substitute

A planned transatlantic cruise aboard MSC Cruises’ MSC Lirica has been canceled, disappointing guests who were looking forward to the November 7, 2025, departure from Venice, Italy. This 21-night cruise was set to include exciting stops in Greece, Spain, and the Canary Islands before arriving in São Paulo, Brazil, on November 28.

While MSC Cruises has not specified the exact reasons for the cancellation, they are offering several options for those affected. Guests can choose to cancel their booking and receive a full refund without any penalties. Alternatively, they may opt for another transatlantic cruise of similar value with price protection for a comparable stateroom. The third option allows guests to rebook on any other MSC cruise, with the cruise line waiving any change fees and providing a €75 (about $88 USD) onboard credit as an incentive.

Those who rebook will need to pay any fare difference for more expensive sailings, but MSC Cruises will refund any balance if the new cruise is cheaper. Additionally, the cruise line is offering to reimburse up to $400 per person for any airfare or hotel change fees, subject to approval.

With the cancellation, MSC Lirica will not be proceeding to South America for the winter season as initially planned. Instead, MSC Sinfonia will take over the schedule with 3-, 4-, and 7-night itineraries to popular destinations like Buzios and Ilha Grande through March 2026. The itineraries and departure dates remain unchanged, with the only difference being the ship.

As the cruise industry often faces various operational challenges, such as mechanical difficulties or labor disputes, adjustments like these are not uncommon. For guests who had planned this significant voyage, the cruise line emphasizes their commitment to help find suitable alternatives, allowing travelers to adjust their plans with manageable timelines.

For further details about alternative cruises, travelers can explore options and compensation structures provided by MSC Cruises.

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