MSC Warns Meraviglia Guests of Winter Storm Fern Delays in NYC
As cruising grows from New York, winter storms are becoming the real wildcard, forcing travelers to build buffers even when ships keep tight schedules.
MSC Cruises has warned guests booked on MSC Meraviglia’s Jan. 25, 2026 sailing from New York City that winter weather could disrupt travel to the Manhattan Cruise Terminal, even if the ship’s schedule remains on time.
Winter Storm Fern prompts travel advisory for Jan. 25 embarkation in New York
MSC Meraviglia is scheduled to arrive in New York at 7:00 a.m. and depart at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, but the cruise line told passengers that reaching the terminal could be difficult as Winter Storm Fern moves through the region.
In its message to guests, MSC cited National Weather Service forecasts for New York City on Jan. 25. “While this weather event is not expected to impact the arrival or departure of the MSC Meraviglia in New York, there may be delays impacting guests’ arrival to the port,” the cruise line said.
Forecasts call for heavy snow with projections of up to 12 inches in New York City, along with the possibility of sleet and freezing rain that could reduce visibility and create hazardous road conditions. Advisories described storm impacts running from early Sunday into Monday, Jan. 26, with winter storm warnings expected in parts of New York and New Jersey. Both states were also among those declaring states of emergency ahead of the storm’s arrival, according to the report.
Officials also warned that prolonged power outages could occur in affected areas, which can add to congestion if traffic control systems are disrupted.
MSC says check-in windows and the 2:30 p.m. cut-off will not change
MSC emphasized that embarkation timing will not be extended despite the forecast, and it urged guests to build extra time into travel plans. “To ensure a smooth embarkation process, please plan ahead and allow extra travel time,” the company said, encouraging passengers to monitor traffic advisories and local updates before heading to the terminal.
The cruise line also underscored that terminal access will close ahead of departure. MSC advised that the cruise terminal doors will shut at 2:30 p.m. to support the ship’s scheduled 3:00 p.m. sailing.
MSC told guests to follow the assigned check-in window on their e-ticket. “We kindly ask you to adhere strictly to the check-in window indicated in your most recent e-ticket,” the cruise line said.
The guidance applies both to embarking passengers and to guests disembarking the ship that morning, who could also face difficult conditions leaving the port area if snow and ice affect roads and traffic flow.
Itinerary remains scheduled to operate as planned
As of MSC’s guest communication, the storm was not expected to change MSC Meraviglia’s New York arrival or departure, or its seven-night itinerary to the Bahamas and Florida.
The sailing is scheduled to include calls at Port Canaveral and Nassau, along with a visit to MSC’s private island destination, Ocean Cay.
Other cruise lines adjust plans as winter weather spreads
The storm system has prompted advisories and operational changes elsewhere in the cruise industry. Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas shortened its current sailing to return to Galveston, Texas, one day early to avoid the storm, while Carnival Cruise Line issued weather-related guidance affecting multiple embarkations, including Carnival Pride in Baltimore and Carnival Jubilee in Galveston.
For MSC Meraviglia guests departing New York, MSC’s messaging focused on avoiding missed check-in windows and accounting for the likelihood that winter conditions could significantly lengthen travel times.
MSC Meraviglia’s broader deployment shifts into 2027 and beyond
The Jan. 25 sailing comes during MSC Meraviglia’s final season operating from New York City. The 171,598-gross-ton ship joined MSC Cruises in 2017 as the first vessel in the Meraviglia class, followed by Bellissima, Grandiosa, Virtuosa, and Euribia.
After its farewell season in the U.S. Northeast out of New York City, MSC Meraviglia is set to return to Southern Europe in 2026 for summer itineraries in the Western Mediterranean, then reposition to Miami for the 2026–2027 winter season.
In a longer-range move, MSC Cruises has also outlined plans for MSC Meraviglia’s first winter deployment to the Southern Caribbean in 2027–2028. The ship is scheduled to reposition to Martinique in November 2027 via a 14-night trans-Atlantic crossing departing from Southampton, United Kingdom, with stops in Le Havre, Ponta Delgada, Antigua, Saint Vincent, and Barbados before arriving in Fort-de-France.
Weekly cruises are slated to begin on Nov. 20, 2027, from Martinique, and on Nov. 21, 2027, from Guadeloupe.
Separately, MSC Cruises has announced plans to debut the new MSC World Atlantic during the 2027–2028 season, with the vessel entering service at Port Canaveral.
As global cruise demand continues to recover post-pandemic, the lineup of port shifts and new capacity points to MSC’s focus on year-round coverage across North America, Europe, and the Caribbean, with the next near-term test being how smoothly Jan. 25 embarkation in New York proceeds amid Winter Storm Fern.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will MSC Meraviglia’s Jan. 25, 2026 cruise be delayed because of the storm?
MSC told guests the weather event was not expected to impact the ship’s arrival or departure in New York City, but it warned that travel to the terminal could be delayed due to Winter Storm Fern.
What time does the Manhattan Cruise Terminal stop accepting passengers for the Jan. 25 sailing?
MSC advised that the terminal doors will close promptly at 2:30 p.m. ahead of the ship’s scheduled 3:00 p.m. departure.
What are the details of MSC Meraviglia’s Southern Caribbean deployment?
MSC Meraviglia is scheduled to reposition to Martinique in November 2027 via a 14-night trans-Atlantic crossing departing from Southampton, with stops in Le Havre, Ponta Delgada, Antigua, Saint Vincent, and Barbados before arriving in Fort-de-France. Weekly cruises are slated to begin on Nov. 20, 2027, from Martinique and on Nov. 21, 2027, from Guadeloupe.
What are MSC Meraviglia’s deployment plans between its New York farewell and the 2027 Caribbean season?
After its final season sailing from New York City, MSC Meraviglia is set to return to Southern Europe in 2026 for summer itineraries in the Western Mediterranean and then sail from Miami for the 2026–2027 winter season before relocating to Martinique in late 2027.
