MSC Opens Bookings for 115-Night 2028 World Cruise on Magnifica

MSC Cruises has opened bookings for its 2028 World Cruise, a 115-night itinerary aboard MSC Magnifica that is set to visit more than 40 destinations in 29 countries.

Sailing dates and where guests can join the voyage

The world cruise is scheduled to begin its roundtrip itinerary from Barcelona on January 7, 2028, with additional embarkation options offered earlier that week from other Mediterranean ports.

• January 4, 2028: Civitavecchia (Rome)
• January 5, 2028: Genoa
• January 6, 2028: Marseille
• January 7, 2028: Barcelona (roundtrip itinerary start)

MSC has also highlighted that seven overnight stays are planned along the route.

Itinerary highlights, including Panama and Suez Canal transits

MSC’s outline for the sailing starts with calls in the Mediterranean before crossing the Atlantic to the Caribbean. After Caribbean stops, MSC Magnifica is scheduled to transit the Panama Canal, then continue to South America’s west coast and on to the islands of the South Pacific.

From there, the ship continues through Australasia and into Southeast Asia, then heads toward the Middle East before transiting the Suez Canal and returning to Europe. Among the featured calls are Hanga Roa on Easter Island and Puerto Limón in Costa Rica.

New ports MSC is adding to the 2028 World Cruise

MSC is promoting several destinations as new additions for its world cruise program in 2028, ranging from island calls to gateway ports for inland touring.

• Pacific and South Pacific: Nukuʻalofa in Tonga
• Americas: Manta in Ecuador; Callao (Lima) in Peru; Grand Turk Island in Turks and Caicos; Arica in Chile (described as the “City of Eternal Spring”)
• Southeast Asia: Chan May in Vietnam; Sihanoukville in Cambodia

MSC Magnifica upgrades ahead of the next world cruise

MSC Magnifica is a 2,550-guest ship in the line’s Musica class, and it recently underwent a significant refurbishment at the Palumbo shipyard in Malta.

The work added two specialty restaurants, Butcher’s Cut and Kaito Sushi Bar, and also included updates to the ship’s spa and fitness offering. MSC has cited a redesigned Technogym fitness center, a new barber salon, and changes that expanded the ship’s outdoor Aurea area.

MSC has positioned the 2028 itinerary as the next world voyage in the ship’s recent series of global sailings, and described it as the vessel’s fourth consecutive world voyage following itineraries operating between 2025 and 2027.

MSC Yacht Club set to debut on MSC Magnifica in 2026

MSC Magnifica is also scheduled to gain the MSC Yacht Club, the cruise line’s “ship-within-a-ship” concept, starting in summer 2026. With that timing, MSC Yacht Club is expected to be available to book for the 2028 World Cruise.

MSC describes Yacht Club as a private area offering suite accommodations and access to dedicated services and venues, including a private lounge, a dedicated restaurant, a sundeck or pool deck, 24-hour butler service, and a dedicated concierge.

What the fare includes, plus MSC Voyager Club booking incentives

MSC says the published world cruise fare includes onboard packages and destination experiences intended to support the extended itinerary, and the line has noted that these inclusions apply even for guests staying outside MSC Yacht Club accommodations.

• Shore experiences: 15 shore excursions included in the booking price.
• Onboard package: A complimentary Dine & Drink beverage package.
• Value add: A 30% discount on laundry services.

MSC is also offering loyalty incentives for the sailing through its MSC Voyager Club program. Classic-tier members and above are eligible for a 5% discount on the booking price, and MSC is offering triple points for the World Cruise, with points credited before departure so eligible guests can access additional program privileges sooner.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long is the 2028 MSC World Cruise?

The sailing is scheduled for 115 nights, operated by MSC Magnifica.

When does the 2028 World Cruise depart, and where can guests embark?

The roundtrip itinerary is set to depart from Barcelona on January 7, 2028. Guests can also embark earlier from Civitavecchia (Rome) on January 4, Genoa on January 5, or Marseille on January 6, 2028.

Which new ports is MSC highlighting for the 2028 world itinerary?

MSC has listed new calls that include Nukuʻalofa (Tonga), Manta (Ecuador), Callao (Lima, Peru), Grand Turk Island (Turks and Caicos), Arica (Chile), Chan May (Vietnam), and Sihanoukville (Cambodia).

What is included in the 2028 World Cruise fare?

MSC’s published inclusions include 15 shore excursions, a complimentary Dine & Drink beverage package, and a 30% discount on laundry services.

Will MSC Yacht Club be available on the 2028 World Cruise?

MSC Yacht Club is scheduled to debut on MSC Magnifica starting in summer 2026, and MSC expects it to be available to book for the 2028 World Cruise.

Bookings are now open for the 2028 MSC World Cruise, with embarkation starting January 4, 2028, for guests joining in Civitavecchia and January 7, 2028, for the roundtrip departure from Barcelona.