MSC Cruises

Over 39 million travelers are expected to embark on a cruise vacation in 2026. Despite the strong demand and booking records, another cruise line has joined the growing list of companies hiking daily gratuities for its guests.

Effective May 11, 2026, MSC Cruises will raise the daily gratuity rate (AKA "Hotel Service Charge") on North American sailings to the Caribbean and Alaska by $1 for standard cabins and $3 for exclusive Yacht Club suites. 

MSC Cruises' MSC Euribia is stuck in the Middle East amid the ongoing war in Iran and can't kickstart her European season as scheduled. 

The 184,000 gross-ton vessel was supposed to depart Kiel, Germany, on May 2, 2026, on a 7-night voyage to Denmark and Norway. However, MSC canceled the ship's first European cruise of the season since the vessel is stuck in Dubai. 

The ongoing war in Iran continues to impact cruise operations in the Middle East, with one cruise line entirely scrapping its upcoming season from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha. 

MSC World Europa was supposed to offer 7-night round-trip sailings throughout the Middle East this winter and next spring, according to Cruise Mapper. However, MSC Cruises' recent press release confirms that those plans have been tossed out the window. 

Crew members working aboard two MSC cruise ships have reportedly faced extended contracts and canceled sign-offs amid the ongoing situation in the Middle East. 

According to Crew Center, crew members from the MSC Poesia and MSC Seaside cruise ships told the publication that their scheduled disembarkations have been canceled — allegedly due to flight availability problems.

On Thursday, February 5, 2026, MSC Seaside broke free from its moorings and drifted away from the pier in The Bahamas.

The incident happened at MSC Cruises' private island, MSC Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, while guests were waiting to return to the ship. 

MSC Cruises recently confused many passengers with an unexpected ban. 

Like other cruise lines, MSC has a long list of prohibited items that aren't allowed onboard their fleet, many of which are common sense. You wouldn't, for example, try to smuggle illegal drugs or explosives on your Caribbean cruise. 

A relatively new player in the North American cruise market, MSC Cruises has turned heads — and for good reason. 

The line's newest ship, MSC World America, is a beaut, and after sailing on some of the world's largest ships, including Icon of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas, I knew I had to see if MSC's mega-ship could hold its own. 

As MSC's first-ever newbuild for the North American market, it's full of features designed to appeal specifically to U.S. travelers, including a sports bar, comedy club, and British-style pub. 

Guests onboard MSC Meraviglia's November 30 cruise were notified that their itinerary will be adjusted due to planned maintenance that affects the ship's sailing speed. 

"Due to planned maintenance affecting the ship's cruising speed, we have made some necessary adjustments to your itinerary below," the email notice reads. 

"Please rest assured that this maintenance does not affect the safety of our guests or crew, which remains our highest priority."