MSC World Europa. Photo: MSC Cruises The third largest cruise line in the world and Europe's market leader, MSC Cruises, has announced its schedule for the upcoming Winter 2026-2027 season, with plans to strengthen its presence in the Caribbean by introducing service to the French Antilles.
The cruiseline initially planned to sail in the Middle East between November 2026 and April 2027, but "will now operate 7- and 14-night itineraries with embarkation in FortdeFrance (Martinique), PointeàPitre (Guadeloupe) and Bridgetown (Barbados) as well as calls to Castries (Saint Lucia) and Saint George (Grenada), Philipsburg (St. Maarten/ Netherlands Antilles), St. John (Antigua and Barbuda), Basseterre (Saint Kitts and Nevis), Roseau (Dominica), and Kingstown (Saint Vincent and the Grenadines)."
The adjustment will offer guests "a sunny winter holiday in one of the world’s most desirable warm weather destinations, along with all of innovative features and next generation experiences," says MSC.
The MSC Seaview will be replaced by the MSC World Europa, which will also make its debut in the region with itineraries from the French Antilles.
Guests who had booked on MSC World Europa for the Middle East cruises are currently being contacted by MSC Cruises and offered "clear, comprehensive information regarding their options, including the possibility to move their booking to another sailing or request a full refund."
On the other hand, guests booked on sailings from the French Antilles this winter should not notice any changes to their itineraries or dates.
The ship is also planned to sail Middle East cruises in the Winter 2027-2028 season, with Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani Yas, Bahrain and Doha as highlights.
MSC Cruises currently offers 23 modern ships cruising across five continents and over 100 countries via 300+ destinations.