Guests anxiously awaiting an upcoming MSC cruise were delivered bad news: their sailing is canceled due to a mechanical problem affecting the ship's speed.
MSC made the difficult decision to cancel MSC Meraviglia’s May 11 cruise to the Bahamas. The weeklong sailing was slated to depart from New York’s Brooklyn Cruise Terminal and call at Port Canaveral, Florida; Nassau, Bahamas; and Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.
The cruise line sent a notice to passengers on April 16 explaining their reasoning:
"Due to a mechanical issue affecting the ship’s ability to operate at standard cruising speeds, we must proceed with necessary repairs. As a result, and with deep regret, we have made the very difficult decision to cancel your upcoming sailing."
"Please rest assured that this issue does not compromise the safety of our guests and crew. The decision is being made out of an abundance of caution...We understand how disappointing and disruptive this news is, especially since you’ve been looking forward to your vacation with us,” it added.
Guests can either rebook or request a full refund
While upsetting, passengers can choose any other MSC Cruises' sailing to any destination and on any departure date.
All payments made toward the canceled sailing will automatically be transferred to the new cruise. Plus, guests who rebook by May 2, 2025, will receive a non-refundable $100 in onboard credit per person, for a maximum of $200 per cabin.
Additionally, they'll also receive a 50% Future Cruise Credit (FCC) based on the cruise fare paid for the original sailing to be used toward a future MSC departure.
Guests who booked through MSC Cruises should call the cruise line directly at 1-866-420-3584, while those who made their reservation through a travel agent should contact their advisor.
The other option that MSC is giving passengers is to request a full refund. The refund will automatically be processed to guests' original form of payment if no new cruise is booked by May 2.
However, everyone will receive the 50% FCC.
Read more: MSC Cruises ships by age — from newest to oldest
Not the only cruise impacted
According to a user on Reddit, other future sailings aboard the MSC Meraviglia have been impacted by the propulsion issues.
"Booked on the Meraviglia May 4, this morning we got an email stating that due to mechanical issues we will be 3 hours late to Port Canaveral (all shore excursions cancelled), and 1 hour late to Nassau. We get $100 per person (up to $200 per cabin) on board credit," wrote Puzzleheaded_Eagle60.
"Wouldn’t be surprised if ours gets cancelled too, so we’ve put some plan B options in place. Hey, vacation is still vacation!" they added.
The changes are disappointing. One user said it's the only time they can take a vacation, so their options include paying $1,500 more to go on MSC Seashore or $400 on World America out of Florida.
Another remarked that the changes "screwed" them. "I have flights booked from Toronto to New York for this cruise," said No_Supermarket8611, "Their 200 credit in offer doesn't cover my cost. Vacation planning in vain.
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Growing up, she traveled frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas during her freshman year of high school. Having sailed on nearly 30 cruises across different lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC, and Princess, she loves sharing her insight and expertise on all things cruising!
