MSC Splendida Itinerary Change Due to Rough Weather in the Western Mediterranean

MSC Cruises has adjusted the current itinerary of MSC Splendida after adverse weather conditions were forecast in the Western Mediterranean. The cruise line confirmed that the decision was taken to ensure the safety and comfort of all guests and crew onboard the cruise ship.

MSC Splendida Cancels La Goulette Call

According to a statement shared with guests onboard, MSC Splendida will no longer visit La Goulette, Tunisia, as originally planned. Weather reports indicated rough sea conditions in the southern Mediterranean on Thursday, February 12, with strong wind gusts reaching up to 50 knots. Entering the port under such conditions would have posed operational challenges and potential safety concerns.

MSC Cruises explained that after carefully monitoring the weather forecasts and consulting with maritime experts, the captain and bridge team made the difficult but necessary decision to cancel the port call. The company emphasized that passenger safety always remains its highest priority when operating cruise ships in changing weather conditions.

Sea Day Added to the Itinerary

As a result of the cancellation, MSC Splendida will now spend Thursday cruising in the Mediterranean Sea instead of docking in Tunisia. The cruise line confirmed that onboard activities and entertainment programs will be adjusted to enhance the guest experience during the additional sea day.

Guests can expect a full schedule of entertainment, live performances, themed events, enrichment activities, and dining experiences throughout the day. MSC Cruises stated that its crew is working to ensure that passengers continue to enjoy a memorable cruise vacation despite the itinerary change.

Palma de Mallorca Added as Replacement Port

While the visit to Tunisia has been removed, MSC Splendida will now call at Palma de Mallorca, Spain, on Friday, February 13, 2026. This new port visit replaces an originally scheduled sea day. The addition of Palma de Mallorca offers guests the opportunity to explore one of Spain’s most popular Mediterranean destinations, known for its historic cathedral, charming old town, and scenic coastline.

MSC Cruises also confirmed that new shore excursions for Palma de Mallorca will be available for booking onboard the cruise ship. Meanwhile, any shore excursions previously reserved through MSC for La Goulette will be automatically refunded to guests’ onboard accounts.

Official Statement from MSC Cruises

In its official communication, signed by Captain Corrado Iaconis, MSC Cruises thanked guests for their understanding and cooperation. The cruise line noted that the situation was due to circumstances beyond its control, highlighting that weather-related itinerary adjustments are sometimes necessary during Mediterranean cruise operations, especially during the winter season.

MSC Splendida’s Current Deployment

MSC Splendida recently returned to service after completing a routine drydock at the Palumbo Malta Shipyard in Valletta. The 2009-built cruise ship is currently operating seven-night Western Mediterranean cruises, visiting ports across Spain, Italy, France, and Tunisia.

The ship’s winter season in the region is scheduled to continue through late April 2026. After that, MSC Splendida is expected to transition to a refreshed weeklong itinerary in the Western Mediterranean, offering guests new destination experiences.

Weather-related itinerary changes are not uncommon in the cruise industry, particularly during winter months in the Mediterranean. Cruise lines continuously monitor sea conditions to ensure smooth and safe voyages, adjusting schedules when necessary to protect passengers and crew while maintaining a high-quality onboard experience.