MSC Cruises Completes Major Upgrade of MSC Magnifica Ahead of World Cruises

MSC Cruises has completed a major refurbishment of its ship, MSC Magnifica, at the Palumbo shipyard in Malta. The ship spent about two months in drydock for extensive upgrades and has now returned to service, starting its winter sailings in the Mediterranean Sea. These sailings come ahead of the ship’s 132-day world cruise scheduled to begin in January.

During the drydock, MSC Magnifica received several exciting improvements. The ship now has two new specialty restaurants: Butcher’s Cut, a premium steakhouse, and Kaito Sushi Bar, offering fresh sushi and Japanese cuisine. These new dining options provide guests with more variety and a unique food experience while onboard.

The ship’s wellness and fitness facilities were also updated. The spa has been redesigned to provide a more relaxing and modern environment. The Technogym fitness center received new equipment, along with added workout studios to give guests more space for exercise and classes. A new barber salon was added for personal grooming, and the outdoor Aurea area was expanded, offering more space to relax and enjoy the sea views.

MSC Cruises has also announced future plans for MSC Magnifica. The MSC Yacht Club, the company’s luxury ship-within-a-ship concept, will be introduced in the summer of 2026 when the ship sails Northern Europe itineraries from Warnemunde, Germany. The Yacht Club includes private suites, exclusive dining areas, a dedicated pool deck, and personalized butler service, giving guests a premium cruise experience.

The ship’s sister vessel, MSC Poesia, will also undergo a similar upgrade. It will enter the Palumbo shipyard in February 2026 for a refit, which includes the addition of a 69-suite MSC Yacht Club, a new sports bar, and the same specialty restaurants, spa, and gym enhancements. These upgrades will be completed ahead of MSC Poesia’s debut in Alaska, where it will sail from Seattle during summer 2026.

Looking ahead, MSC Magnifica will sail a 121-night world cruise in 2027, visiting 45 destinations in 25 countries. This cruise will also mark the first time the MSC Yacht Club will be available on a global voyage. Sales have already opened for the 2028 world cruise, a 115-night journey from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean, across the Pacific, through Australasia, Asia, and the Arabian Peninsula, before returning to Europe.

With these upgrades and world cruises, MSC Cruises continues to enhance its ships and offer modern facilities, luxury experiences, and longer, exciting journeys for travelers seeking adventure and comfort at sea.