MSC Splendida Cancels Tunis and Marseille Stops Over 50-Knot Winds

MSC Splendida cancelled scheduled February 2026 port calls in Tunisia and France after forecasts called for strong winds of more than 50 knots (about 57 mph), prompting the ship to swap in alternative stops and add time at sea.

The 3,900-guest Fantasia-class ship is sailing 7-night Mediterranean itineraries, and MSC Cruises told guests the changes were made for safety as wind events disrupted plans in exposed ports and approaches.

High winds drive port cancellations in Tunisia and France

The first disruption came on Feb. 12, 2026, when MSC Splendida dropped La Goulette (Tunis), Tunisia, from the itinerary. MSC Cruises said the forecasted conditions could make docking unsafe and uncomfortable for guests and crew, adding in a guest message, “Your safety and comfort are our highest priority, therefore we have made the difficult decision to cancel the scheduled port call.”

Days later, similar wind concerns affected the ship’s planned call in Marseille, France, on Feb. 15, 2026. MSC Cruises said wind gusts at that level can complicate port approaches and mooring operations, increasing the risk of incidents such as collisions or mooring failures that could endanger passengers and port workers.

What changed on the February itinerary

MSC Splendida’s adjustments combined replacement ports and an added day onboard, allowing the sailing to continue while avoiding areas expected to see the strongest winds.

• Feb. 12: La Goulette (Tunis), Tunisia, was removed from the schedule and the day was spent at sea.
• Feb. 13: Palma de Mallorca, Spain, was added, with a planned 12-hour call from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. local time.
• Feb. 15: Marseille, France, was replaced with Villefranche-sur-Mer, France, on the French Riviera.

The ship is scheduled to call next in Barcelona, Spain, on Feb. 14, 2026. MSC Cruises noted the proximity between Palma de Mallorca and Barcelona helps make the added Spanish stop operationally feasible within the sailing window.

Second La Goulette cancellation in just over a month

The Feb. 12 change also followed an earlier disruption this winter. MSC Splendida had already removed La Goulette from a planned Jan. 8, 2026 visit due to hazardous weather, underscoring how winter wind events can force itinerary changes in the Mediterranean.

Why Palma de Mallorca and Villefranche-sur-Mer were selected

For the replacement stop in Palma de Mallorca, MSC Cruises scheduled an extended call designed to preserve time ashore after the added sea day. Passengers were offered newly arranged shore excursions for the Mallorca call, and the longer stay provided time to visit major attractions such as Cathedral La Seu and Bellver Castle.

For France, MSC Splendida was rerouted from Marseille to Villefranche-sur-Mer, located between Nice and Monaco. MSC Cruises told guests the alternative offered “more favorable conditions” and said it is “sheltered from the incoming weather system,” with local geography that can provide more protection from certain wind directions than more exposed approaches.

Shore excursions, refunds, and onboard updates

MSC Cruises said excursions purchased for the cancelled ports are being automatically cancelled. Refunds are being provided as credit to guests’ onboard accounts, which can be applied toward new tours booked for Palma de Mallorca and Villefranche-sur-Mer through the MSC for Me app or onboard at the Shore Excursions desk.

With Feb. 12 converted into an added sea day, the onboard team expanded programming. MSC Splendida carries about 1,370 crew members, and ship amenities highlighted for the day at sea include a Formula 1 simulator, a virtual reality and gaming zone, a 4D cinema, karaoke, and four swimming pools. Guests were directed to the MSC for Me app and the MSC Daily Program delivered to staterooms for schedule updates.

Marseille homeport impact and unresolved logistics

The Feb. 15 change had added significance because Marseille is one of MSC Splendida’s Mediterranean homeports, alongside Genoa, Naples, Palermo, and Barcelona. That means some travelers were scheduled to embark or disembark in Marseille on the day the ship instead planned to call at Villefranche-sur-Mer.

MSC Cruises has not confirmed how it will manage embarkation and disembarkation logistics tied to Marseille for Feb. 15. Villefranche-sur-Mer and Marseille are about 130 miles apart, and MSC has indicated additional ground transportation arrangements may be required for affected travelers between the two cities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why did MSC Splendida cancel La Goulette and Marseille?

MSC Cruises cited forecasts of winds exceeding 50 knots (about 57 mph), conditions that can make port approaches and docking operations unsafe and uncomfortable for guests and crew.

What ports replaced the cancelled calls, and on what dates?

After La Goulette was cancelled on Feb. 12, 2026, MSC Splendida added Palma de Mallorca on Feb. 13 with a scheduled call from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Marseille, which was scheduled for Feb. 15, was replaced by Villefranche-sur-Mer.

What happens to shore excursions booked for La Goulette or Marseille?

MSC Cruises said excursions for the cancelled ports are being automatically cancelled, with refunds issued as onboard account credits that can be used to book tours at replacement ports.

How is MSC handling guests who were supposed to embark or disembark in Marseille on Feb. 15?

MSC Cruises has not confirmed specific arrangements. With Villefranche-sur-Mer replacing Marseille, additional ground transportation may be needed between the two cities, which are about 130 miles apart.

What can guests do onboard during the added sea day?

MSC Cruises said onboard programming was expanded for the unscheduled day at sea. Options highlighted include a Formula 1 simulator, a virtual reality and gaming zone, a 4D cinema, karaoke, and four swimming pools, with updates available via the MSC for Me app and the MSC Daily Program.