Published on August 8, 2025 |
By: TTW News Desk
MSC Cruises has announced a significant change in its itinerary for the upcoming winter season of 2026-2027. The MSC Meraviglia, which has been sailing year-round from the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal in New York City since spring 2023, will be relocated to Miami for the winters. This move comes as part of MSC’s ongoing strategy to optimize global cruise deployment and align with evolving travel demand. As a result, a number of previously scheduled sailings from New York will be canceled, affecting many travellers who had already made bookings for the 2026 winter season.

The Meraviglia’s New Homeport in Miami

Starting in April 2026, the MSC Meraviglia will depart for Europe before making its way to Miami for the winter season. The repositioning of the ship to Florida’s bustling port will offer guests more options for sailing to the Caribbean and the Bahamas, regions that have grown in popularity among cruise travellers. This move will bring four MSC ships to Miami for the 2026-2027 winter season, an increase from the three ships that were homeported there in the current winter season.

A New Wave of Caribbean and Bahamas Sailings

Advertisement
With the relocation of the Meraviglia to Miami, MSC Cruises will now operate a total of seven ships sailing in the Caribbean, offering an expanded range of itineraries. In addition to Miami, other homeports will include Galveston, with the MSC Seascape, and Port Canaveral, with the MSC Seashore and MSC Grandiosa. This broadening of the cruise line’s operations ensures that travellers have a wealth of choices when planning their winter cruise vacations.
Expanded Caribbean Itineraries:

• Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic will see more frequent visits, offering guests access to one of the region’s most popular ports.
• Grand Turk, a destination that MSC Cruises ships have visited sporadically in the past, will now be included on more itineraries, providing a unique and exotic stop for travellers.

MSC Cruises’ commitment to enhancing its Caribbean offerings has been clearly reflected in the company’s updated itineraries. The Meraviglia’s new six-night and eight-night sailings will explore some of the most beloved and scenic destinations in the region.

Detailed Itineraries on the MSC Meraviglia

The MSC Meraviglia’s new winter itineraries from Miami will include several popular ports of call across the Caribbean and the Bahamas. Guests can expect to visit a variety of stunning destinations, each offering their own charm and appeal.

• Eight-Night Itinerary: This longer itinerary will include stops at the following ports:
• Amber Cove
• St. Maarten
• St. Kitts
• St. Thomas and St. John’s (U.S. Virgin Islands)
• Antigua and Barbuda
• San Juan (Puerto Rico)
• Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic)
• Nassau (Bahamas)
• Six-Night Itinerary: This shorter route will cover:
  • Grand Turk
  • Puerto Plata
  • Nassau
  • MSC’s private island, Ocean Cay, which is a unique MSC destination that offers an exclusive beach experience for cruise passengers.

Both itineraries are designed to maximize the guest experience, combining tropical beauty with cultural exploration, while also including MSC’s private island, Ocean Cay, offering an exclusive, all-inclusive beach day. These sailings are expected to attract a diverse range of travellers, from those seeking relaxation to those wanting to explore multiple destinations.

Benefits for Travellers

This move offers several advantages for cruise enthusiasts looking to explore the Caribbean and Bahamas. Here are some key benefits:

• Increased Departure Options: The Meraviglia’s relocation means that there will now be four MSC ships homeported in Miami, giving travellers more flexibility when booking their cruises.
• New Destinations and More Frequent Visits: Ports like Amber Cove and Grand Turk will see more visits, providing travellers with an expanded selection of destinations to choose from.
• Varied Itinerary Lengths: With both six-night and eight-night itineraries available, passengers will be able to select the duration that best suits their schedules, whether for a shorter getaway or a more leisurely cruise experience.
• MSC’s Private Island Experience: Ocean Cay, the exclusive MSC destination in the Bahamas, will be featured on these itineraries, offering guests a unique private beach day experience, which is a standout feature of MSC Cruises’ offerings.
• Diverse Travel Options: With multiple ships sailing from different homeports like Galveston and Port Canaveral, travellers will have an array of options for convenient departure points, whether they are based in the U.S. or traveling internationally.
• Specialized Caribbean Routes: With more frequent calls to key Caribbean destinations such as St. Maarten, Nassau, and St. Thomas, passengers can experience the best of the region’s beaches, culture, and natural beauty.

A Smooth Transition for Booked Guests

MSC Cruises has made provisions for guests whose bookings were affected by the shift from New York. Those who had already booked a sailing from Brooklyn for the 2026 winter season will be offered a refund, a future cruise credit, or the opportunity to rebook on an alternative sailing departing from Miami or another U.S. homeport. These flexible options will ensure that guests are not left stranded by the changes and can easily adjust their plans to suit their needs.

Conclusion: Final Thoughts on MSC Winter 2026 Repositioning to Miami

The decision to reposition the MSC Meraviglia from New York to Miami for the winter season in 2026 is a strategic move that will enhance MSC Cruises’ presence in the Caribbean and Bahamas. It brings with it an expanded range of itineraries, new travel options, and more frequent visits to popular destinations like Amber Cove and Grand Turk. For travellers, this offers a golden opportunity to explore more destinations in the region, enjoy the exclusive experiences provided by MSC, and embark on a cruise that suits their schedule and travel preferences.
With more MSC ships operating from Miami and other U.S. homeports, the benefits of this expansion will be felt by cruise lovers throughout the country, making winter 2026-2027 an exciting season for ocean travellers.

Advertisement
Tags: Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, Meraviglia, Miami, MSC, New York

I want to receive travel news and trade event update from Travel And Tour World. I have read Travel And Tour World’sPrivacy Notice.
Friday, August 8, 2025
Friday, August 8, 2025
Friday, August 8, 2025
Friday, August 8, 2025
Friday, August 8, 2025
Thursday, August 7, 2025
Friday, August 8, 2025
Friday, August 8, 2025

source