Two MSC Cruises’ ships have departed from Genoa in Italy for simultaneous world cruises which is an industry first, according to the cruise line.

The MSC Poesia and MSC Magnifica will sail together for the start of their respective voyages with more than 4,200 guests from 54 countries onboard the two vessels before the ships part ways at the edge of the Mediterranean Sea for different routes around the globe, the company said.

The MSC Poesia’s 117-day voyage will cross the Atlantic, transit the Panama Canal and travel up the West Coast of Central America and North America before sailing the Pacific Ocean and then an extended period in Asia.  Crossing the Indian Ocean, the ship will then return to the Mediterranean via the Suez Canal. In total, MSC Poesia will call 53 ports in 33 different countries.

The MSC Magnifica’s 119-day sailing will circumnavigate South America following a transatlantic voyage, cross the South Pacific Ocean on to the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea, the Red Sea and then through the Suez Canal into the Mediterranean Sea.  The ship will visit 43 destinations in 24 different countries.

Veteran Brazilian Chef and Restauranteur Allan Vila Espejo will serve a menu onboard both ships, the MSC Poesia will feature both internationally renowned Japanese American Chef Roy Yamaguchi and Michelin-starred Swedish chef, TV personality and author Niklas Ekstedt, and MSC Magnifica will host renowned Peruvian Chef James Berckemeyer.

The MSC Poesia will also sail a world cruise next year, with a brand-new itinerary that includes 52 destinations in 31 different countries navigating the Mediterranean, Red Sea, South Africa, South America, Caribbean, USA and Canada, before returning to mainland Europe via Greenland and Iceland.  One of the standout features of the 2024 world cruise will be a segment that explores the River Amazon in Brazil.