Significant Itinerary Updates for MSC Magnifica’s World Cruise 2026

MSC Cruises has made significant changes to the itinerary of the MSC Magnifica’s 118-night world cruise, which is set to sail from Italy, Spain, and France starting on January 5, 2026. The primary reason for these alterations is the rerouting of the cruise away from the Red Sea due to security concerns in the region. This decision has led to an extension of the cruise by 12 days, making it a total of 131 nights.

The new route will keep the original itinerary intact until April 8, 2026, at which point the ship will head south to navigate around Africa via the Cape of Good Hope. This revised journey will include additional stops in the Seychelles, Mauritius, La Réunion, South Africa, Namibia, and Cape Verde, thereby enriching the geographical variety of the cruise. However, stops in Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Jordan, Egypt, and Greece have been canceled due to this rerouting.

In addition to these changes, MSC Magnifica will substitute its originally scheduled calls at San Francisco with Los Angeles, and Honolulu with Hilo, Hawaii. It will also add a stop at Pago Pago in American Samoa.

MSC has assured passengers that the extended cruise duration and revised plan will not incur additional charges. All pre-purchased onboard packages, like beverage and internet services, will automatically be extended for the extra days. Furthermore, any shore excursions previously booked for canceled ports will be refunded directly to guests’ payment methods.

While MSC recognizes the changes may disappoint some travelers, the company emphasizes that the adjustments are essential for safety and aim to enhance the overall experience with new adventures. For those unwilling to accept the new provisions, MSC is offering full refunds without penalties.

This operational modification illustrates MSC’s flexibility in response to geopolitical risks, reinforcing its commitment to passenger safety while providing an opportunity for an enriched exploration of global destinations. The updated itinerary promises a more extensive experience along the African coastline, offering a captivating alternative narrative for a global voyage.

For more information, visit MSC Cruises and details on the itinerary change here.

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