MSC CRUISES UPDATES WINTER 2023-24 ITINERARIES

Geneva, Switzerland – October 23, 2023 – MSC Cruises has cancelled MSC Orchestra full winter schedule, which consisted of sailing in the Red Sea from November 8, 2023 to April 17, 2024, due to the proximity of some ports of call to Israel as well as the number of restrictions in the bordering countries that would have adversely affected passengers’ travel experiences.

The line is also making changes to some of its other itineraries to ensure the safety of guests and crew, in light of the current geopolitical situation, travel restrictions issued by local authorities in certain destinations, and various government advisories against travel to certain areas.

MSC Sinfonia’s winter schedule has also been cancelled from November 12, 2023 to April 15, 2024, as the ship’s itinerary was focused on Haifa, Israel. MSC Cruises has also made some minor changes to the Grand Voyages itineraries for MSC Virtuosa, MSC Opera and MSC Splendida, as well as two 11-night sailings on MSC Armonia.

Guests affected by the itinerary changes can move their cruise to an alternative ship and itinerary of a similar length. They can also request a full refund.

The safety of guests and crew is always MSC Cruises’ top priority. As this is an evolving situation, the line will continue to monitor the situation and modify ship itineraries if necessary.

Full details of the new itineraries now available are online on the MSC Cruises website.

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About MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises is the world’s third largest cruise brand as well as the market leader in Europe, South America, the Gulf region and Southern Africa. It is also the fastest growing global cruise brand with a strong presence in the Caribbean, North America and the Far East markets.

Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, MSC Cruises is one of the two brands that sit within the Cruise Division of MSC Group, the world’s leading and privately held shipping and logistics conglomerate with over 300 years of maritime heritage. MSC Cruises – the contemporary brand - has a modern fleet of 22 vessels combined with a sizeable future global investment portfolio of new vessels, terminals and other assets. The fleet is projected to grow to 23 cruise ships by 2025, with options for six more vessel orders in place through 2030.

MSC Cruises offers its guests an enriching, immersive and safe cruise experience inspired by the Company’s European heritage, where they can enjoy international dining, world-class entertainment, award-winning family programs, and the very latest user-friendly technology on board. To learn more about MSC Cruises’ itineraries and experience on board its ships, click here.

The line’s number one priority has always been the health and safety of its guests and crew, as well as the communities at the destinations its ships serve.  In August 2020, MSC Cruises implemented a new comprehensive and robust health and safety protocol to become the first major line to return to sea. To learn more about MSC Cruises’ health & safety protocol, click here.

MSC Cruises has long been committed to environmental stewardship, with a long-term goal to achieve net zero emissions for its operations by 2050. The Company is also a significant investor in next-generation environmental marine technologies, with the objective to support their accelerated development and availability industry-wide. To learn more about the Company’s environmental commitment, click here. 

Finally, to learn more about the MSC Foundation, MSC Group’s own vehicle to lead, focus and advance its conservation, humanitarian and cultural commitments, click here.