MSC Cruises is expanding in the States and taking on major players in the industry. European-owned cruise line MSC Cruises announced this week that it would be adding one luxury liner to its major cruise ship hubs in the U.S.
Under MSC’s updated plan, 5 ships in total will be operating out of Port Miami, Port Canaveral in Florida, as well as its port in New York City just in time for the holiday travel season at the end of 2023. Here are all the details we have so far.
New Ship To Set Sail By Late 2023: MSC Divina
The newly announced ocean liner operating from the United States will be the company’s 3,502-passenger, the MSC Divina, which will be operating out of Port Miami.
This ship has previously sailed in the region and has served cruisers in North America.
MSC’s Expansion For In The United States
MSC’s new cruise line for the U.S. market means that the cruising company will be expanding its itineraries throughout the Atlantic regions of Bermuda, New England, Canada, the Caribbean, and The Bahamas for the 2023/2024 travel season.
Back in March of this year, MSC announced that it will be launching its first voyage out of New York City in early 2023, which will be the 4th MSC ocean liner to sail out of the United States.
The three MSC liners currently in operation are two in Port Miami and another operating from Port Canaveral. The new ship launch will make for two vessels operating out of the New York City port.
President of MSC Cruises U.S., Rubén Rodríguez, made the following statement during Thursday’s announcement: “Bringing more ships to the U.S. allows us to offer a wide variety of itineraries, adding new destinations and providing more opportunities for travelers to discover our unique international flavor.”
“It’s especially exciting to know how many of those guests will experience Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve and see firsthand how we’ve embraced the island’s natural beauty, and how committed we are to sustainability. Caring for the ocean and showing our guests the true extent of its wonders drives everything we do at MSC Cruises,” he continued.
MSC Vessels: North American Itinerary For 2023
To review, here’s the new schedule for MSC’s operations out of North America by late 2023:
New York City: New York’s Brooklyn-based port will see the likings of the MSC Meraviglia, a 4,500-passenger-sized cruiser. Upon launch from its new American port next summer, it will take cruisers throughout destinations in New England and Atlantic Canada (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and PEI) before heading down to Bermuda and arriving back in New York City.
The fall and winter itinerary for 2023 also has the liner sailing south to Bermuda, Florida, and on to The Bahamas. Bookings for 2023 are currently available on MSC’s official website.
Port Canaveral: Operating out of Orlando, the new 4,540-passenger-sized MSC Seashore liner will be replacing its sister ship, the MSC Seaside. Cruise itineraries for 2023 and 2024 will include anything from 2 nights to 2 weeks, taking cruisers to destinations throughout the Caribbean (Jamaica, The Bahamas, Mexican Caribbean, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, and more).
Port Miami: The luxurious 4,540-passenger-sized fleet, the MSC Seascape, will offer week-long Caribbean cruises out of Port Miami throughout the year. The MSC Magnifica, a 2.500-passenger liner, will offer some shorter cruises sailing out of Miami to The Bahamas and Key West.
Finally, the MSC Divina will have everything from 3 to 11-night cruises sailing out of Miami by late next year. The longer itineraries will sail to cruise destinations in Central and South America for the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
MSC currently has 19 ships operating in ports around the world, and this 5th U.S.-based cruise ship will mean that almost a quarter of its vessels will be sailing out of North America.
Please note that vaccinations are currently no longer required to be on board an MSC ship. You can see the website for the latest details on the company’s travel restrictions guidance.
