Silver Muse Waits Out Storm in Valletta, Drops Tunisia and Sardinia
Mediterranean winter sailings are increasingly vulnerable to fast-moving storms, pushing cruise lines to prioritize safe harbor and goodwill as much as the itinerary.
Silversea Cruises’ Silver Muse extended its stay in Valletta, Malta, in January 2026 as severe weather in the central Mediterranean brought heavy seas and strong winds along the ship’s planned route.
The 632-guest ship was originally scheduled to make an overnight call in Valletta from Jan. 18 to 19, with a planned departure on Jan. 19. Instead, it remained alongside until Jan. 21 as the forecast worsened, prompting itinerary changes that included canceling planned calls in Tunisia and Italy while aiming to keep an arrival in Valencia, Spain, on schedule for Jan. 23.
Extended stay in Valletta reshapes the mid-voyage schedule
The operational changes meant Silver Muse dropped two ports from its Western Mediterranean sailing: La Goulette (Tunis), Tunisia, and Cagliari on the Italian island of Sardinia. Silversea said the ship would follow a modified route intended to support a safer and smoother passage once conditions allowed departure from Malta.
- Valletta timing: The ship’s scheduled overnight stop was extended, with Silver Muse remaining docked until Jan. 21, 2026.
- Canceled ports: La Goulette (Tunis), Tunisia, and Cagliari (Sardinia), Italy, were removed from the itinerary due to the conditions at sea.
- Schedule focus: Silver Muse still targeted an on-time arrival in Valencia, Spain, on Jan. 23, 2026, ahead of final disembarkation in Barcelona on Jan. 24.
Captain cites forecast, sea state, and guest safety
In a message to passengers, Captain Kosta Doroshenko said the decision was driven by ongoing monitoring of the system and the expected sea conditions along the planned route.
“Our Chief Meteorologist, Craig Setzer, and I have been closely tracking the strong low-pressure system affecting the region,” Doroshenko said in a statement to guests. “With the forecast showing no improvement, we’ll be extending our stay in Valletta to ensure the smoothest and safest sailing.”
Doroshenko also acknowledged the effect on guest plans as the ship waited out the worst of the weather and shifted to a “modified route toward Valencia.”
Storm conditions in Malta and wider regional disruptions
The weather system, referred to in Silversea’s onboard communications as Cyclone Harry, brought gale-force winds reported up to 55 knots and coastal flooding in Malta. Silver Muse remained safely docked in Valletta, avoiding the 15-foot swells reported in surrounding seas.
On shore, Civil Protection Malta reported responding to more than 165 incidents as the storm hit, including 85 tree obstructions, 54 debris-clearance operations, 20 electrical hazards, and six HAZMAT spills in the first 30 hours after the system’s arrival.
Elsewhere in the region, Tunisia experienced separate extreme rainfall and flooding during the same general period. Local reports cited at least four deaths tied to flooding, and officials attributed the Tunisia flooding to a different storm system than the one affecting Malta.
Future Cruise Credit offered for the disruption
Silversea said impacted guests would receive a Future Cruise Credit valued at the prorated fare for two days. “To thank you for your understanding, you will receive a Future Cruise Credit valued at the prorated two-day cruise fare paid,” the cruise line told passengers.
According to the ship’s communication to guests, the credit will be delivered by email within 20 business days after final disembarkation and can be applied to new bookings made within the next 24 months.
Voyage context and near-term milestone
Silver Muse, a 2017-built ship, is sailing a winter Mediterranean program after undergoing a drydock in late 2025. The disrupted cruise began in Lisbon, Portugal, on Jan. 4, 2026, and is scheduled to end in Barcelona, Spain, on Jan. 24, 2026, with Valencia set as the final port of call on Jan. 23.
Silversea said the ship would resume its voyage once conditions allowed, with maintaining the Jan. 23 arrival in Valencia remaining a key near-term target under the revised routing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why did Silver Muse extend its stay in Valletta, Malta?
Captain Kosta Doroshenko said a strong low-pressure system was forecast to bring “strong winds and high seas” along the route, leading the ship to remain in Valletta longer to prioritize guest safety and comfort.
Which ports were canceled due to the weather?
Silver Muse canceled planned calls at La Goulette (Tunis), Tunisia, and Cagliari in Sardinia, Italy, after extending its stay in Valletta.
How did Silversea Cruises compensate guests for the itinerary changes?
Silversea offered a Future Cruise Credit valued at the prorated cruise fare for two days. The line said the credit will be sent by email within 20 business days after final disembarkation and can be used for bookings made within the next 24 months.
When will Silver Muse end this cruise?
The cruise is scheduled to conclude in Barcelona, Spain, on Jan. 24, 2026, following a planned final port call in Valencia, Spain, on Jan. 23, 2026.
