• shipsanitor com
• October 23, 2024
• MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises Cancels 2025 Repositioning Voyages Due to Safety Concerns

On October 21, 2024, MSC Cruises announced the cancellation of a scheduled repositioning voyage onboard the MSC Euribia. Originally planned for April 5, 2025, the 28-night cruise was set to link Dubai in the United Arab Emirates to Kiel, Germany. After concluding its winter deployment in the Middle East, the LNG-powered MSC Euribia was scheduled to visit several key destinations, including Qatar, Oman, Jordan, and Egypt, before transiting the Suez Canal and continuing through Italy, Spain, France, and England.

However, sources in Europe indicate that safety concerns in the Red Sea prompted the cancellation of the itinerary. Instead, the MSC Euribia will sail to Northern Europe without passengers, navigating around Africa to prepare for its summer 2025 program, which includes seven-night cruises to the Norwegian Fjords and Denmark, departing from Kiel between May and October.

Additionally, MSC Cruises cancelled another repositioning cruise aboard the MSC Musica. Scheduled to depart from Durban, South Africa, on April 2, 2025, the 24-night cruise was supposed to visit Indian Ocean and European ports before arriving in Genoa, Italy. Citing operational reasons for the change, MSC Cruises apologized to affected guests for any inconvenience.

These cancellations come as MSC adjusts its deployment plans amid evolving safety and operational concerns. The MSC Euribia will continue to serve the Middle East with week-long itineraries during the 2024-25 winter season, with regular stops in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Sir Bani Yas, and Bahrain.

Photo credit @msc Cruises