MSC Cruises cancels 2022 World Cruise, will double up in 2023 instead

MSC Cruises has cancelled its 2022 World Cruise aboard MSC Poesia, citing an ongoing patchwork of COVID-19 restrictions at different ports of call around the world that make the voyage unfeasible.

The World Cruise will be shifted to 2023 instead, which means that next year MSC Cruises will sail two work voyages, one aboard MSC Poesia, which was previously scheduled, and the other aboard MSC Magnifica.

The two ships will sail a similar itinerary for 2,500 passengers each, departing on January 4th from Civitavecchia and on January 5th, 2023 from Genoa, Italy.

RELATED: MSC World Europa completes sea trials ahead of Arabian Gulf season

RELATED: Middle East ports among 51 destinations on 2024 Princess World Cruise

MSC Cruises says those guests who move their booking to 2023 will be able to book a complimentary cruise between January 1st and May 3rd, 2022 so that they can still enjoy a cruise holiday during this period.

The offer is valid for guests who had booked a minimum of 30 nights for the MSC World Cruise 2022. MSC Poesia’s World Cruise 2023 is currently sold out and has a waiting list, so this also provides an opportunity for those guests to sail on MSC Magnifica.

MSC Poesia and MSC Magnifica will set sail together in 2023 with embarkation in Civitavecchia (January 4th), Genoa, Italy (January 5th), Marseille, France (January 6th) and Barcelona, Spain (January 7th).

Once they cross the Mediterranean Sea, the ships will part ways in the Atlantic Ocean with MSC Magnifica circumnavigating South America, crossing the South Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean, bound for the Arabian Sea.

She’ll then transit the Red Sea and Suez Canal to return to the Mediterranean Sea.

MSC Poesia will transit the Panama Canal and travel up the West Coast of Central America and North America whilst moving on to the Pacific Ocean and then an extended period in Asia. Crossing the Indian Ocean, the ship will return to the Mediterranean via the Suez Canal.

MSC Magnifica will visit 43 destinations in 24 countries with more than 25 UNESCO World Heritage sites across five continents. The 117-day voyage offers nine extended overnight stays, and the ship will cross the equator twice.

There are also 15 shore excursions included in the cost of the cruise ticket. The ticket is also inclusive of a beverage package and 30% discount on laundry. Other excursions can also be booked in advance or during the cruise.