MSC Cruises Pulls MSC World Europa From Middle East for Winter 2027-28

Image: The MSC World Europa, the line's first LNG-powered ship. (photo via MSC Cruises) (Photo Credit: (photo via MSC Cruises))
Image: The MSC World Europa, the line's first LNG-powered ship. (photo via MSC Cruises) (Photo Credit: (photo via MSC Cruises))
Sarah Kuta
by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 12:00 PM ET, Thu August 20, 2026

MSC Cruises is making changes to its winter 2027-28 cruises.

MSC World Europa was originally scheduled to sail in the Middle East. However, the vessel will offer seven-night itineraries in the western Mediterranean instead, visiting Barcelona (Spain), Marseille (France), Genoa (Italy), Civitavecchia (Italy), Messina (Italy) and Valletta (Malta). MSC Cruises did not provide a reason for the change, which comes amid continued tensions in the Middle East.

Meanwhile, MSC World Asia—the brand’s new flagship—will spend the season in the South Caribbean, offering  seven- and 14-night itineraries from Fort-de-France (Martinique), Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe) and Bridgetown (Barbados). 

MSC World Asia’s itineraries will incldue visits to Castries (Saint Lucia), St. George’s (Grenada), Philipsburg (St. Maarten), St. John’s (Antigua and Barbuda), Basseterre (Saint Kitts and Nevis), Roseau (Dominica) and Kingstown (Saint Vincent and the Grenadines).

MSC Cruises is contacting travel advisors and guests who were booked on MSC World Europa in the Middle East for the winter 2027-28 season. The brand says it’s providing them with “clear, comprehensive information regarding their options,” including the possibility to move their booking to another sailing or request a full refund.

Guests booked on MSC World Asia in the Mediterranean or MSC Meraviglia in the South Caribbean will see their bookings updated and will be contacted directly about any individual changes.

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