MSC Cruises’ 2nd-largest ship MSC Euribia transits Suez Canal for 1st time

MSC Euribia has transited the Suez Canal for the first time while repositioning to Northern Europe from the Arabian Gulf in the Middle East.

The LNG-powered vessel completed its passage on April 26th, 2026, travelling as part of the southern convoy, which included Celestyal Cruises’ Celestyal Journey, after navigating through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

MSC Euribia, which had been alongside in Dubai for nearly two months, departed the UAE in mid-April and initially faced uncertainty over its return route to Europe.

Industry expectations had pointed towards a longer repositioning via the Cape of Good Hope, mirroring the ship’s outbound voyage to the Middle East in October 2025. The confirmed Suez Canal transit instead provides a shorter and more direct route to the Mediterranean.

The vessel is currently sailing without passengers and is scheduled to resume service in Northern Europe, operating itineraries to the Norwegian fjords and Denmark from Germany for the summer season.

According to the Suez Canal Authority, MSC Euribia is among the largest cruise ships to transit the canal. The ship measures 331 metres in length, with a beam of 51.9 metres, and is powered by liquefied natural gas, with a gross tonnage of more than 180,000.

In line with established protocol for first-time transits, officials boarded the vessel during its passage to mark the occasion.

A delegation led by Capt. Khaled Nada, First Chief Pilot, and Capt. Raouf Moselhy, Chief Pilot, presented a commemorative gift to the ship’s master during a brief ceremony on board. The transit took place with 192 crew members on board.

“MSC Euribia, one of the largest cruise ships in the world, has transited through the Canal on its first voyage amongst vessels of the southern convoy after navigating through the Strait of Bab el-Mandeb,” said Ossama Rabiee, Chairman, Suez Canal Authority.

He added that the canal continues to accommodate modern vessels through ongoing development work.

“The transit of cruise ships is a positive indicator reflecting the continued attractiveness of the Canal as a major east-west transit route, thanks to the time savings and reduced operating costs it offers,” Rabiee said.

He added that recent infrastructure projects, including widening sections of the southern canal and extending double-lane areas, have enhanced navigational safety and capacity.

The Suez Canal also recorded the transit of Celestyal Journey during the same period, as part of a broader movement of cruise vessels repositioning from the Middle East to Europe following the reopening of key maritime corridors.

The passage of MSC Euribia through the canal reflects a shift in routing decisions as operators move vessels back into position for the European summer season.

The ability to transit via the Red Sea and Suez Canal has reduced repositioning times compared with alternative routes around southern Africa, allowing schedules to be stabilised after several weeks of disruption.

The transit also underscores the continued role of the Suez Canal as a critical link in global cruise deployment, particularly during periods when operational flexibility is required to respond to changing conditions across key shipping routes.