Adding New Ports and Extended Stays
Geneva – MSC Cruises has unveiled strategic enhancements to its summer 2026 deployment in the Eastern Mediterranean, introducing new calls at Marmaris, Turkey, and the Greek island of Syros aboard MSC Lirica and MSC Divina. The updated 7-night itineraries, announced in mid-December 2025, are designed to offer a fresh mix of emerging destinations and extended port stays, catering to high demand for immersive cultural experiences.
Starting April 4, 2026, MSC Lirica will operate weekly from Venice-Marghera, featuring a revised route that includes Kotor (Montenegro), an inaugural call at Syros (Cyclades), and Ancona (Italy). A standout feature is the overnight stay in Mykonos, allowing guests to experience the island’s celebrated nightlife and sunset ambiance—a direct response to guest feedback seeking more time ashore.
MSC Divina joins the region on April 24, 2026, sailing roundtrip from Civitavecchia (Rome). Her itinerary targets Turkey’s Turquoise Coast with a new call at Marmaris, alongside Kusadasi (for Ephesus), Mykonos, and Naples. The inclusion of Marmaris adds a scenic, beach-focused destination to complement the historical weight of Ephesus and Rome.
“These updates reflect our commitment to evolving our portfolio,” said an MSC spokesperson. “By introducing Syros and Marmaris, we offer fresher, less crowded alternatives while maintaining access to iconic sites.” The deployment reinforces MSC’s dominance in the Mediterranean, where it will deploy 12 ships for the 2026 season.
For travel advisors, particularly in the GCC, these changes provide compelling upsell opportunities. The overnight in Mykonos and new Turkish ports appeal to repeat cruisers looking for novel itineraries. The connectivity from Dubai (DXB) to Rome or Venice facilitates seamless fly-cruise packages for regional clients.
The summer announcement follows MSC’s decision earlier in 2025 to reroute MSC Magnifica’s 2026 World Cruise. The 118-night voyage, departing January 2026, will bypass the Middle East and Red Sea due to regional instability, opting instead for a route via Cape Town to reach Asia. This adjustment ensures itinerary certainty while maintaining the voyage’s global scope.
MSC’s proactive scheduling highlights its agility in a complex operating environment, balancing guest safety with destination variety.
