MSC Cruises has begun a major refit and refurbishment of MSC Magnifica at Palumbo Malta Shipyard, marking the start of an extensive upgrade programme for the line’s Musica Class ships. 

The project is among the most comprehensive refits undertaken by MSC Cruises in the past decade and is being fully designed and managed in-house by the company’s Technical Department.

MSC Magnifica, in service since 2010, is the first of two Musica Class ships scheduled for transformation at the Maltese shipyard. Her sister ship, MSC Poesia, will follow in February 2026, with both vessels due to emerge with new facilities including the MSC Yacht Club, a suite-only enclave previously reserved for newer ships in the fleet.

The refurbishment of MSC Magnifica will introduce 63 new suites as part of the MSC Yacht Club, two specialty dining venues — Butcher’s Cut steakhouse and Kaito Sushi Bar — and an expanded MSC Aurea Spa and Technogym Fitness Centre featuring a barber service, workout studios and a redesigned outdoor area. 

The work is expected to be completed by December, with the full MSC Yacht Club experience debuting in summer 2026 on Northern Europe itineraries.

“These upgrades highlight our commitment to offering guests the best possible experience and facilities across our fleet,” said Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises. “By introducing our MSC Yacht Club to these ships — along with new restaurants, gyms, and wellness spaces — we are giving guests more exclusivity and choice than ever before.” 

“The MSC Yacht Club is one of our most highly regarded products, known for its exceptional service, elegant spaces, and exclusive amenities, and we are proud to bring this experience to MSC Magnifica and MSC Poesia – in time for our first Alaska season and the 2027 MSC World Cruise,” he added.

MSC Poesia’s upgrade will include 69 suites within the MSC Yacht Club, an All-Stars Sports Bar, and the same dining and wellness enhancements as MSC Magnifica. 

She is scheduled to rejoin the fleet in May 2026 for her Alaska debut, sailing seven-night itineraries from Seattle through September before repositioning to Miami for Caribbean cruises in winter 2026/2027.

MSC Magnifica will resume operations from Warnemünde, Germany, on May 16th, 2026, offering cruises to Denmark, the Baltics, Scandinavia and Finland. Later in 2026 she will move to the Mediterranean for sailings of three to eight nights visiting Barcelona, Civitavecchia for Rome, and Marseille, ahead of embarking on the 2027 MSC World Cruise — a 121-night voyage calling at 45 destinations across 25 countries.