MSC Cruises is considering changes to the itinerary of its upcoming world cruise, the company announced in a statement sent to booked guests.

Set to depart onboard the MSC Magnifica in January 2025, the 116-night cruise may visit destinations in Africa instead of the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

“Considering the ongoing political instability across the Red Sea, we may have to amend your itinerary,” MSC Cruises stated.

If necessary, the cruise would sail from the South Pacific to Europe via a new route across the Indian Ocean and Africa, the company added.

“We are constantly monitoring the situation, and we are working with experts across the globe to make sure we have the latest intelligence,” MSC continued.

“If we cannot guarantee a safe transit through the Red Sea, the MSC Magnifica will sail directly towards Southern Africa after leaving Australia in late March 2025.”

The proposed new itinerary includes the ship sailing round the Cape of Good Hope and continuing its way to the Mediterranean via the West Coast of Africa.

“As a result, we would sadly need to cancel the stopovers in Southeast and South Asia, Jordan and Egypt,” the company explained.

To accommodate the new itinerary, MSC would also need to extend the duration of the world cruise, which would gain another four nights.

“To offer a complete experience, we have worked hard to add new exciting destinations in the Maldives, Seychelles, Madagascar, South Africa, Namibia, Senegal, Morocco, Spain and France,” the company stated.

If the change is confirmed, guests will see their cruise extended for no extra cost, the statement added, and would also receive a non-refundable onboard credit of 500 euros per cabin, as well as a 1,000 euros discount on new bookings for any MSC itinerary visiting the Far East between 2024 and 2026.

“We will share more information when the full itinerary is confirmed. We are always mindful that societal and weather events can impact all cruise itineraries,” MSC said, noting that a final decision is expected to be announced in November.

According to the statement, passengers will also have the option to cancel the booking for free and receive a full refund.