MSC Meraviglia Delays New York Departure 24 Hours on Winter Forecast

MSC Cruises delayed MSC Meraviglia’s departure from New York City by 24 hours as severe winter weather was forecast along the ship’s route, forcing schedule changes for its early-February 2026 sailing to the Bahamas and Florida.

The 171,598-gross-ton ship was set to leave the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal on Sunday, February 1, 2026, for a seven-night voyage, but instead departed at 10 a.m. on Monday, February 2. In a message shared with guests, Captain Maurizio Ruggiero said, “We have proactively decided to delay our departure… to ensure the safety and comfort of all our guests and crew.”

Forecast conditions drove the decision to delay

MSC tied the postponement to projected adverse conditions, including extreme cold, strong winds, and rough seas affecting the departure route and the U.S. East Coast marine environment. The National Weather Service was monitoring a coastal low-pressure system, including potential coastal flooding, following Winter Storm Fern, which had brought snow and freezing rain to the region about a week earlier.

How the port schedule changed after the one-day delay

The later departure pushed the itinerary back, shifting timing in Florida and the Bahamas and ultimately removing a private-island call. Ruggiero told guests the revised schedule would extend time in Port Canaveral, saying, “We can therefore offer you an extended stay in Port Canaveral,” and added it would give guests additional time ashore.

• Feb. 1, 2026 (planned departure day): MSC Meraviglia remained alongside in Brooklyn instead of sailing, as forecast conditions prompted the operational change.
• Feb. 2 (new departure): The ship departed Brooklyn at 10 a.m., one day later than originally scheduled.
• Port Canaveral timing: Arrival moved to Wednesday, February 4, instead of Tuesday, February 3, with MSC extending the stop. The updated plan also included an additional hour in Port Canaveral.
• Ocean Cay removed: The ship canceled its scheduled call to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, which had been set for February 4. “Regrettably, we must cancel our scheduled call to Ocean Cay,” Ruggiero told guests, linking the change to safety and comfort considerations.
• Nassau and return to New York: MSC said the ship would work back toward its original timing by February 5, including a slightly longer stay in Nassau, about 30 minutes more than originally planned, followed by two sea days and a return to New York on February 8, 2026.

Onboard operations, guest updates, and Ocean Cay refunds

MSC communicated the changes through onboard notices and guest messaging and acknowledged the disruption. Ruggiero apologized for the changes, describing them as driven by conditions outside the cruise line’s control, and thanked guests for their patience.

During the additional day in port on February 1, guests were able to remain onboard, with dining and entertainment available. Retail shops stayed closed until after departure in line with local regulations.

MSC also addressed the impact on shore activities. The cruise line said shore excursions purchased through MSC would be modified to match the revised schedule where possible. For Ocean Cay, MSC said excursions tied to the canceled call were canceled and automatically refunded to guests’ onboard accounts.

Recent winter advisories and a planned homeport change next season

The disruption followed earlier winter-weather messaging related to Brooklyn sailings. Ahead of a January 25 departure, MSC warned passengers to anticipate hazardous conditions and potential travel disruptions from Winter Storm Fern, while noting the storm was not expected to directly change the ship’s scheduled arrival or departure.

Looking to the following winter season, MSC Meraviglia is scheduled to homeport in Miami, rather than Brooklyn, for the 2026-27 winter season, a move MSC said is intended to reduce exposure to similar winter weather disruptions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What caused MSC Meraviglia’s one-day delay in New York?

MSC said projected severe winter weather, including strong winds and rough seas along the ship’s route, led to the decision to delay departure by 24 hours for safety and comfort. The National Weather Service was monitoring a coastal low-pressure system with potential coastal flooding after Winter Storm Fern affected the region.

When did MSC Meraviglia depart Brooklyn after the delay?

The ship left the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal at 10 a.m. on Monday, February 2, 2026, after originally being scheduled to depart on Sunday, February 1.

Which stop was canceled because of the schedule change?

MSC Meraviglia canceled its planned call to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, MSC’s private-island destination in the Bahamas, after the delayed departure required itinerary adjustments.

Will guests receive refunds for Ocean Cay shore excursions?

Yes. MSC said Ocean Cay shore excursions booked through the cruise line were canceled and automatically refunded to guests’ onboard accounts.

What changed about the Port Canaveral and Nassau calls?

Port Canaveral shifted to Wednesday, February 4, instead of Tuesday, February 3, and MSC said the visit would be extended, including an additional hour in port. MSC also said the Nassau call would be slightly longer, about 30 minutes more than originally scheduled, as the ship worked back toward its planned timing by February 5.