MSC Cruises today revealed that MSC Magnifica will join MSC Poesia as the second ship on the round-the-world itinerary: MSC World Cruise 2023. For the first time in the industry, the two ships will carry more than 5,000 passengers on a round-the-world voyage, both departing from Barcelona on January 7, 2023, for simultaneous world cruises, although they will take different routes around the globe.
MSC Magnifica will replicate the same itinerary that MSC Poesia was scheduled to follow for the 2022 MSC World Cruise. Unfortunately, the decision to cancel the 2022 World Cruise was made after careful consideration and evaluation, as it would not have been possible to proceed due to the numerous ports still experiencing restrictions as a result of the pandemic. Therefore, MSC Magnifica will offer affected passengers an alternative way to experience the trip of a lifetime.
Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises, commented: “Unfortunately, we had no choice but to cancel the MSC World Cruise 2022, but we know that for many people, a world cruise is truly the trip of a lifetime, so it was important for us to offer the best possible solution for our passengers. The MSC Poesia world cruise in 2023 was already sold out, so we worked to modify the MSC Magnifica's schedule so that we could offer the same itinerary as in 2022, just one year later, with the ship sailing on the same date and calling at the same ports as planned.”
Sales for MSC Magnifica's 2023 World Cruise are now open, and passengers who booked this cruise for 2022 will be contacted shortly and given priority to reschedule their existing MSC Magnifica booking. For those who agree to move their booking to 2023, MSC Cruises will offer, as a token of appreciation for their loyalty, a complimentary cruise between January and early May 2022, allowing them to enjoy a cruise holiday during this period. MSC Poesia's 2023 World Cruise is currently sold out and has a waiting list, so this also offers an opportunity for those passengers to sail on MSC Magnifica.
MSC Poesia and MSC Magnifica will set sail together in 2023, embarking in Barcelona on January 7th, with earlier embarkations in Genoa, Italy (January 5th) and Marseille, France (January 6th). This will be a very special moment of celebration for our travelers on both ships as they prepare to embark on their round-the-world voyages.
Once they cross the Mediterranean Sea, the ships will separate in the Atlantic Ocean. MSC Magnifica will circumnavigate South America, cross the South Pacific Ocean and then the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea, the Red Sea, and then, through the spectacular Suez Canal, return to the Mediterranean Sea.
Meanwhile, MSC Poesia will transit the Panama Canal and travel along the west coast of Central and North America as it heads towards the Pacific Ocean, then spend an extended period in Asia. Crossing the Indian Ocean, the ship will return to the Mediterranean via the Suez Canal.
MSC Magnifica will visit 43 stunning destinations in 24 countries, including more than 25 UNESCO World Heritage sites across five continents. The spectacular 117-day voyage will feature nine nights in port, and the ship will cross the equator twice.
Beginning in the Mediterranean, the ship will head southwest, stopping in Lisbon, Portugal, and Funchal, Madeira, before reaching Mindelo, Cape Verde. There, it will cross the equator and arrive in South America. Once ashore, passengers will enjoy 11 unforgettable destinations in Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Chile, including two days in Rio de Janeiro, the world-famous coastal city; Buenos Aires, the Argentine capital renowned for its collection of Latin American art; and, of course, Ushuaia, with its breathtaking landscapes and natural beauty.
Departing from South America and crossing the South Pacific Ocean, passengers will visit the exotic and idyllic islands of Tahiti in French Polynesia and Rarotonga and Aitutaki in the Cook Islands. Afterward, the itinerary continues to New Zealand and Australia to discover destinations such as Auckland, Napier, and Wellington, as well as two days in Sydney to experience the beaches and all the attractions this metropolis has to offer.
More exploration awaits you on the secluded beaches of Lifou & Mare Islands in New Caledonia, Alotau with its turquoise waters, then Papua New Guinea before heading to Lombok Island in Indonesia, continuing the journey to Singapore and Port Klang towards Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia).
Before reaching the incredible transit of the Suez Canal, passengers will be able to discover more unforgettable destinations such as Colombo (Sri Lanka) and two days to enjoy the sights, smells and flavors of Mumbai (India), before arriving in Salalah (Oman) and Aqaba (Jordan), to visit the ancient site of Petra.
With no more than four consecutive days at sea, passengers will also enjoy a total of nine overnight port calls including Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), Buenos Aires (Argentina), Ushuaia (Argentina), Valparaíso (Chile), Callao (Peru), Papeete (Tahiti), Sydney (Australia), Benoa (Indonesia) and Mumbai (India), allowing them plenty of time to explore these stunning destinations and enjoy a night ashore.
MSC Cruises is known for offering an incredible variety of shore excursions designed to suit all tastes, giving passengers the freedom to make the most of every moment on land. The MSC World Cruise 2023 is no exception, with 15 shore excursions included in the cruise fare. Of course, additional excursions can be booked both in advance and during the cruise. More information about shore excursions will be available soon.
Passengers will sail in style and comfort on MSC Magnifica during this incredible round-the-world trip, which also includes: a beverage package, 15 shore excursions included in the price, and a 30% discount on laundry.
