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MSC to Deploy World-Class Ship to Port Canaveral

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MSC announced plans to deploy its fourth world-class ship to Port Canaveral for the Winter 2027-28 season, offering year-round seven-night Caribbean cruises.

According to a press release, the yet-to-be-named ship will join MSC World America as the second World Class vessel operating in North America.

Additionally, the MSC Grandiosa will begin its year-round Caribbean program from the port in winter 2026-27, following its inaugural season in winter 2025-26.

The MSC Seashore will continue operating year-round three- and four-night Bahamas itineraries.

Lynn Torrent, executive vice president and chief commercial officer, of MSC Cruises USA, said:  “Our commitment to Port Canaveral is stronger than ever, thanks to the incredible support from our partners there and the growing demand from our guests who love the port’s convenient location. Having ships dedicated to offering both short and 7-night cruises year-round will ensure we have the right options available no matter when someone wants to sail. We’re especially excited to bring a world-class ship to Port Canaveral, continuing our long-standing pledge to deploy our most modern and innovative ships in the Caribbean market.”

Capt. John Murray, CEO, of Port Canaveral, said: “We are excited to have MSC Cruises expand their presence at Port Canaveral with the arrival of MSC Grandiosa and the deployment of their fourth World Class ship to homeport with us. The addition of these exceptional ships to our homeported fleet will add even more sailing options from Central Florida and reaffirm the cruise industry’s confidence in our ability to consistently deliver a world-class guest experience.”

MSC Meraviglia Set for European Return in 2026

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The MSC Meraviglia is set to return to Europe in 2026 after sailing exclusively from New York City in April 2023.

According to the MSC Cruises website, the 2017-built vessel will offer a summer season in the Western Mediterranean starting in early May 2026, ahead of returning to North America later in the year.

As part of the deployment, the Meraviglia will offer a series of seven-night cruises to destinations in Italy, France, Spain and Tunisia, scheduled through October 2026.

The summer season in the region includes a series of seven-night itineraries to the ports of Livorno, Naples, Palermo, Tunis, Barcelona and Marseille.

Upon completing its European schedule, the 4,500-guest ship is scheduled to return to North America ahead of the 2026-27 winter season.

Starting in November 2026, the vessel offers a series of seven-night cruises to the Bahamas and Florida, departing from New York City.

In addition to MSC’s private island destination of Ocean Cay, the itinerary is scheduled to visit Nassau and Port Canaveral.

The MSC Meraviglia is also set to offer trans-Atlantic crossings before and after its summer season in the Western Mediterranean.

On its way to Europe, the vessel sails from New York City on April 19, 2026, offering a 16-night cruise that sails to destinations in Canada, Portugal, Spain, Gibraltar and France.

The ship then offers a similar itinerary on October 20, 2026, sailing from Barcelona for a 19-night crossing to the United States.

After repositioning from Port Canaveral, the MSC Meraviglia arrived at its homeport in New York City in April 2023.

As part of a year-round deployment on the U.S. East Coast, the vessel has been offering itineraries to Florida, the Bahamas and Bermuda, as well as Canada and New England.

MSC USA: Readying for Big Moves

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“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