MSC Cruises is expanding its 2026/2027 winter program with nine ships in the Caribbean and Antilles and six ships in the Mediterranean. Meanwhile, new flagship MSC World Asia will make its first winter season from Barcelona following its delivery in November.

According to MSC Cruises' own booking data, the Caribbean and the Canary Islands together account for two-thirds of Nordic winter bookings, with the Caribbean being the most booked winter destination.

Ahead of the upcoming winter season, the shipping company is deploying nine ships to the Caribbean and the Antilles. Among other things, MSC World Europa is being moved to the region.

The routes include destinations such as Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Saint Lucia and the Bahamas. Also new for the season are departures from La Romana in the Dominican Republic.

The Canary Islands remain in the winter program

The Canary Islands were introduced as a new route for MSC Cruises in the winter of 2024/2025 and will remain in 2026/2027.

MSC Fantasia will then operate seven-night cruises to the Canary Islands and Madeira, with stops including Tenerife, Lanzarote and Madeira.

MSC Cruises states that the Canary Islands have quickly become one of the most booked winter destinations among Nordic travelers.

MSC World Asia debuts in December

Another news is MSC World Asia, which recently completed its final sea trials off the west coast of France.

The ship is due to be delivered on November 25, 2026 and named in Le Havre on November 28.

On December 4, MSC World Asia departs from Barcelona on her maiden voyage and simultaneously begins her first winter season in the Mediterranean.

During the winter, the ship will operate seven-night cruises with stops in Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa, Civitavecchia for Rome, Messina and Valletta.

Six ships in the Mediterranean

With MSC World Asia, MSC Cruises will have six ships in the Mediterranean during the winter of 2026/2027, according to the company.

The program includes cruises to Spain, France, Italy, Malta, Tunisia, Greece and Turkey, among others.