MSC Cruises and its luxury cruise line, Explora Journeys, have made changes to their upcoming cruise itineraries, due to the geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
MSC Euribia
MSC Cruises has cancelled MSC Euribia’s first scheduled sailing in Europe, which was due to depart from Kiel, Germany, on May 2.
According to Travel Weekly UK, the itinerary was cancelled because Euribia has been stuck in the port of Dubai since February 28, and is unable to reposition for the sailing.
“Despite the recent developments in the Middle East, MSC Euribia is not yet able to depart the region and her repositioning to northern Europe is therefore delayed. As a result, the ship will not be in position to operate the first sailing of the season as planned from Kiel on May 2 and Copenhagen on May 3,” said an MSC spokesperson.
Explora announces Med sailings
Explora Journeys has launched a collection of winter Mediterranean sailings for the 2026/27 season to replace its Middle East voyages.
Explora II was scheduled to sail in the Gulf region from November 2026 to March 2027, but the cruise line has said the deployment will no longer take place.
The new programme will include itineraries in the western Mediterranean and inaugural calls in Ceuta, Palamós and San Sebastián de La Gomera in Spain, Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands and Algiers in Algeria.
The collection features 46 destinations across 10 countries, including Spain, Morocco, Portugal, France, Italy, Malta, Greece and Gibraltar.
There will be extended and overnight stays and activities, including a private Christmas concert in Gibraltar’s St. Michael’s Cave, an after-hours opening of the Alhambra in Málaga, an intimate cultural event in Funchal and a bespoke overnight journey from Casablanca to Marrakech.
