MSC Cruises has confirmed that the MSC World Europa will return to the Middle East for the winter 2027–28 season. This marks the ship’s second winter season in the region, showing the cruise line’s growing focus on the Arabian Gulf.
According to information shared on MSC Cruises’ website, the LNG-powered MSC World Europa will reposition to the Middle East in late November 2027. Before that, the ship will complete its summer sailings in the Western Mediterranean. After the summer season ends, the vessel will begin a long repositioning cruise from Europe to Dubai.
The journey to the Middle East will be a 21-night cruise, offering guests the chance to visit several famous ports across Europe, the Eastern Mediterranean, and the Middle East. The itinerary includes stops in Italy, Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, Egypt, Oman, and Qatar. Popular ports such as Civitavecchia (Rome), Naples, and Piraeus (Athens) are part of the route.
Before passing through the Suez Canal, the MSC World Europa is also scheduled to visit Marmaris in Turkey, Limassol in Cyprus, and Alexandria in Egypt. These ports give travelers a mix of history, culture, and coastal scenery. After crossing into the Red Sea, the ship will continue toward the Arabian Gulf.
The final part of the cruise includes calls in Muscat, Oman, and Doha, Qatar. The voyage will end in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, where the ship will make an overnight stay. This allows guests more time to explore the city’s landmarks, shopping areas, and modern attractions.
MSC Cruises has not yet shared full details of all its winter itineraries. Still, the company expects the MSC World Europa to begin its Middle East winter sailings on December 11, 2027. More cruise options in the region are likely to be announced closer to the season.
The MSC World Europa is no stranger to the Middle East. The ship is also scheduled to return to the region in late 2026 for another winter season. After its first Arabian Gulf season, the 205,700-ton vessel has been sailing mostly in the Mediterranean.
As MSC Cruises’ first World Class ship, MSC World Europa was built at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard and entered service in late 2022. It was later joined by MSC World America, which began sailing in the Caribbean in April 2025. MSC Cruises is also preparing to add more World Class ships in the coming years, along with a new ship series planned for 2030.
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