MSC Cruises is adjusting its deployment for the 2027-28 winter season, with the MSC World Europa taking over itineraries that were initially scheduled for the new MSC World Asia.
Currently under construction at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in France, the MSC World Asia was scheduled to offer seven-night cruises to the Western Mediterranean.
According to social media reports, passengers with bookings for the World Asia are being informed of the changes.
Cruise Industry News learned of at least four sailings that were moved to the World Europa, with departures scheduled for January and February 2028.
“We regret to inform you that, due to operational reasons affecting MSC World Asia’s deployment, we have moved your cruise to the MSC World Europa,” MSC said in a statement sent to a guest.
“All other details remain unchanged, including date of departure, port of embarkation and itinerary,” the company added.
MSC said the two vessels offer a “similar next-generation cruising experience,” with the same hallmark features, venues, entertainment spaces and dining concepts.
According to the statement, MSC will refund fare differences for affected sailings that are now being sold for less than guests originally paid.
“We know that you have spent time planning your perfect cruise and we sincerely apologize for this necessary change,” the company added.
Covering Spain, France, Malta and Italy, the seven-night itineraries originally announced for the MSC World Asia include visits to Barcelona, Marseille, Valletta, Messina, Civitavecchia and Genoa.
The vessel was part of an eight-ship lineup in the region, which also included the MSC Euribia, the MSC Seaview, the MSC Lirica and others.
The MSC World Europa was originally scheduled to offer cruises in the Arabian Gulf during the 2027-28 winter season.
Sailing from Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha, the ship was set to visit Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.
In addition to the homeports, the planned deployment featured visits to Sir Bani Yas, Khalifa Bin Salman and others.
The cruises, which were set to take place between November 2027 and March 2028, are not currently listed on MSC Cruises’ website.
