MSC Cruises drops Middle East leg from 2026 World Cruise amid ongoing conflicts

MSC Cruises has confirmed it will amend the itinerary for its 2026 World Cruise on board the MSC Magnifica, dropping the Middle East segment of the voyage due to ongoing regional instability.

The 118-night cruise, scheduled to depart Europe in early January 2026, was originally set to visit 47 destinations in 32 countries, including Dubai and other Arabian Gulf ports followed by a Suez Canal transit. 

MSC Magnifica was meant to call in Dubai, United Arab Emirates for an overnight stay on April 17th, as well as Khasab and Muscat in Oman on April 19th and 20th. Aqaba, Jordan, the gateway to the Lost City of Petra, was also on the itinerary before the ship was meant to cross into the Mediterranean through the Suez Canal.

However, MSC Cruises said in a statement it had been forced to make “difficult” changes to avoid transiting through the Red Sea and surrounding areas.

“First and foremost, we want to acknowledge that changes to a long-anticipated journey can be disappointing, and we deeply appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate this situation,” MSC said in a statement.

“Due to ongoing geopolitical instability in the Red Sea region and following a comprehensive assessment with our security team and external partners, we have made the difficult decision to adjust the planned itinerary to avoid transiting through affected areas. The safety, comfort and peace of mind of our guests remain our highest priorities,” it added.

The announcement comes against the backdrop of heightened tensions between Israel and Iran, as well as repeated Houthi attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea, which have caused several cruise lines to reroute vessels. 

The revised itinerary is expected to be finalised by August 31st, 2025. MSC Magnifica will most likely bypass the Middle East entirely, with Cape Town in South Africa emerging as the likely alternative gateway between Europe and Asia.

MSC acknowledged the uncertainty the delay might cause: “We understand that not having the revised itinerary immediately available may cause concern. Please rest assured that we are in the final stages of confirming the updated route.”

The line said the postponement of details was due to the time required to secure berthing arrangements at alternative ports, but assured guests that new destinations are already being validated by authorities.

Passengers unwilling to accept the new route will be offered the option to cancel their booking for a full refund, though MSC added that this option would only be available for a limited period once the new itinerary is released.

“We are confident that the revised itinerary will continue to offer a rich and memorable experience, and we look forward to welcoming you aboard for what promises to be the journey of a lifetime,” the company said.