MSC Magnifica Makes First-Ever Call at Shanghai Wusongkou Terminal

MSC Magnifica made its inaugural call at the Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal on March 29, 2026, bringing more than 2,500 passengers to the city. The visit coincided with MSC Cruises’ 20th year operating in the Chinese market, which the company first entered in 2006.

First-time Shanghai call marked by a formal welcome

The March 29 call was marked by a plaque exchange between MSC Cruises executives and Shanghai port authorities at the Wusongkou terminal. MSC positioned the inaugural visit as both an operational milestone and a signal of its long-term commitment to the market.

“The arrival of the MSC Magnifica in Shanghai on our 20th anniversary is a powerful statement,” a company representative said. “It connects our historic beginnings here with our present global ambitions, reaffirming China’s pivotal role in our network.”

Shanghai added to the ship’s 2026 World Cruise routing

MSC Magnifica’s arrival formed part of the ship’s 2026 World Cruise itinerary, placing Shanghai within a longer global route. MSC framed the stop as an example of its focus on offering worldwide cruise products while continuing to engage with local stakeholders in China.

Shore excursions highlighted signature Shanghai landmarks

With more than 2,500 passengers on board, the port call supported a full day of organized touring built around well-known city attractions. MSC said guests were offered curated shore excursions that included major landmarks and cultural sites.

• The Bund was included as a waterfront highlight and one of Shanghai’s most recognized sightseeing areas, featured as part of the call’s shore program.
• Yu Garden was offered as a historic garden complex and a common stop for guided visits during cruise calls in the city.
• Additional Shanghai landmarks were also included in the ship’s excursion lineup, expanding options beyond the best-known signature sites.

Trade preview in Shanghai for the 2028 World Cruise product

MSC Cruises also used the anniversary call to present its 2028 World Cruise product to trade partners and key clients in Shanghai. The company said the forthcoming itinerary is expected to include extended port stays and exclusive experiences, and it positioned the product toward Chinese travelers interested in longer, more immersive global voyages.

Two decades in China and continued ship deployments

MSC Cruises entered the Chinese market in 2006 and has deployed multiple vessels to Chinese homeports over the years, including MSC Bellissima. The company has described this approach as part of its effort to integrate with local cruising demand while building its broader global footprint.

With MSC Magnifica now having made its first visit to the Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal, MSC’s near-term focus in the city is tied to ongoing trade engagement around its 2028 World Cruise itinerary, alongside its continued operation of world-cruise calls such as the 2026 Shanghai stop.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When did MSC Cruises first enter the Chinese market?

MSC Cruises began operating in China in 2006.

How many passengers were aboard MSC Magnifica during the Shanghai call?

The ship docked in Shanghai with more than 2,500 passengers on board.

What did MSC Cruises highlight about the 2028 World Cruise itinerary?

MSC said the 2028 World Cruise is expected to include extended port stays and exclusive experiences, and it was presented in Shanghai to trade partners and key clients.

Which other MSC ship has been deployed to China’s homeports?

MSC has deployed multiple ships to China over the years, including MSC Bellissima.