MSC Cruises considering switching Middle East for Africa on 2025 World Cruise

MSC Cruises is weighing its options for the upcoming 2025 World Cruise aboard MSC Magnifica amid the ongoing security crisis in the Red Sea.

The cruise line is considering changes to the itinerary and may reroute the ship around Africa if Houthi attacks on shipping from Yemen continue.

MSC Magnifica will depart on the 116-night cruise on January 5th next year, visiting 50 destinations in 21 countries, including Suez, Safaga, and Sharm El-Sheikh in Egypt, and Aqaba in Jordan, if the itinerary remains unchanged.

If the security situation in the Red Sea does not improve, however, the ship may visit destinations in Africa instead of the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

“Considering the ongoing political instability across the Red Sea, we may have to amend your itinerary,” MSC Cruises stated in a letter sent to booked guests.

If the itinerary is amended, the cruise would sail from the South Pacific to Europe via a new route across the Indian Ocean and Africa.

“We are constantly monitoring the situation, and we are working with experts across the globe to make sure we have the latest intelligence,” MSC added. “If we cannot guarantee a safe transit through the Red Sea, the MSC Magnifica will sail directly towards Southern Africa after leaving Australia in late March 2025.”

The proposed new itinerary includes the ship sailing round the Cape of Good Hope and continuing its way to the Mediterranean via the West Coast of Africa, following a similar route taken by dozens of other cruise ships that have had to avoid the Red Sea.

This new route would necessitate the cancellation of port calls in Southeast and South Asia, Jordan and Egypt, and would extend the duration of the world cruise by four nights.

“To offer a complete experience, we have worked hard to add new exciting destinations in the Maldives, Seychelles, Madagascar, South Africa, Namibia, Senegal, Morocco, Spain and France,” the company stated.

If the change is confirmed, guests will see their cruise extended for no extra cost, while a non-refundable onboard credit of 500 euros per cabin will be offered, along with a 1,000 euro discount on new bookings for any MSC itinerary visiting the Far East between 2024 and 2026.

Passengers will also have the option to cancel the booking for free and receive a full refund.

“We will share more information when the full itinerary is confirmed. We are always mindful that societal and weather events can impact all cruise itineraries,” MSC said.

A final decision is expected to be taken in November this year.