MSC Grandiosa Arrives as Second Homeported MSC Ship at Port Canaveral

The MSC Grandiosa made its debut at Port Canaveral on Saturday. The ship begins a new schedule of week-long voyages to the Caribbean and the Bahamas. This marks a major expansion for MSC Cruises at the Florida port. The MSC Grandiosa is now the second MSC Cruises vessel based there.

The MSC Grandiosa joins the MSC Seashore as a homeported ship. The MSC Seashore is now shifting to shorter three- and four-day cruise schedules. This means travelers have twice as many options for sailing with MSC from Port Canaveral. The arrival of the MSC Grandiosa also brings a new type of vessel to the United States. It is the first Meraviglia-plus Class ship to operate in U.S. waters.

Captain John Murray, the Port Canaveral CEO, expressed his excitement about the new arrival. He called MSC a “valued partner.” He also praised the addition of the “beautiful new ship.” Murray believes the MSC Grandiosa, doubling the sailing options, demonstrates confidence in the port’s ability. He affirmed the port’s commitment to delivering a world-class guest experience.

Lynn Torrent, President of MSC Cruises North America, called the ship’s arrival a “major milestone.” This is the first time the cruise line has positioned two ships to sail from Port Canaveral. She thanked the port partners for their support. She noted this investment makes it easier for guests to enjoy the cruise line’s unique blend. The experience combines European style with American comfort.

Port representatives and ship staff celebrated the new partnership. They joined MSC Grandiosa Captain Danilo Cha for a traditional maritime plaque exchange. This ceremony is a customary way to commemorate a ship’s inaugural call at a new homeport. It officially marks the beginning of the ship’s service from Port Canaveral.

The MSC Grandiosa offers guests two distinct seven-day itinerary options. The first option is a Bahamas and eastern Caribbean route. This sailing includes stops in Nassau, MSC’s private island Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, Puerto Plata, and San Juan. The second option focuses on the western Caribbean and the Bahamas. Key destinations on this route are Cozumel, Costa Maya, Grand Cayman, Montego Bay, Falmouth, and Nassau. Guests can also combine these two seven-day cruises. Combining the voyages allows for a longer, 14-day sailing round-trip from Port Canaveral.