The MSC Magnifica recently kicked off MSC Cruises’ 2026 World Cruise in Europe, which will sail to a wide range of destinations over 132 nights.
Sailing from ports in Italy, Spain and France, the global voyage officially started in Genoa on January 5, 2026.
Before returning to the Italian port in May, the 2010-built ship is set to visit 46 destinations in 33 countries around the world.
According to MSC, the itinerary was designed to evoke the pioneering spirit of past explorers and is highlighted by seven overnight calls.
Covering over 40,000 nautical miles, the cruise will sail to ports of call in Europe, the Caribbean, the Americas, the Pacific, Australia, Asia, Africa and the Indian Ocean.
Among the ports of call set to be visited are Bridgetown, Barbados; Cartagena de Indias, Colombia; Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; San Diego, California; Hilo, Hawaii; Wellington, New Zealand; and Sydney, Australia.
The MSC Magnifica is also scheduled to visit destinations in Southeast Asia and the Far East, including Tokyo, Japan; Shanghai, China; Singapore; Port Klang, Malaysia; and Da Nang, Vietnam.
Ahead of kicking off its world cruise, the ship underwent a major refurbishment project at a drydock in Europe in late 2025.
As part of a multi-million-dollar refit, the 2,516-guest vessel saw the addition of upgraded staterooms and new features, such as two new specialty restaurants.
The Magnifica also debuted an enhanced spa and a new fitness center, in addition to a series of larger suites.
In related news, MSC changed the original itinerary of the world voyage in mid-2025 due to security concerns in the Middle East.
As reported by Cruise Industry News at the time, the cruise was initially set to cross the Red Sea and the Suez Canal on its way back to Europe.
A new route was introduced to avoid visiting the region, which was deemed “not allowing for a secure and safe passage.”
To allow for a longer repositioning voyage via Africa, the cruise gained 12 additional days, which were offered to booked guests at no extra cost.
