Monday, June 30, 2025
MSC Cruises has officially canceled the highly anticipated transatlantic voyage scheduled to depart from Venice on November 7, 2025, aboard the MSC Lirica. This 21-night repositioning cruise was to take passengers on a scenic journey from Italy to Brazil, with planned stops in multiple Mediterranean and South American locations. However, due to “operational reasons,” the cruise has been canceled, affecting many passengers who had been eagerly preparing for the voyage.
MSC Cruises has expressed regret over the situation and offered various alternatives to accommodate affected guests. Below is a breakdown of the planned destinations, as well as the steps MSC Cruises is taking to ensure travelers are supported.
Venice, Italy (Departure Port)
The journey was set to begin in Venice, one of the most iconic and beautiful cities in Italy. Known for its romantic canals, historical landmarks, and artistic heritage, Venice was the perfect starting point for a Mediterranean adventure. Guests were excited to explore the city’s stunning architecture, including the grand St. Mark’s Basilica, the Rialto Bridge, and the Doge’s Palace before embarking on their ocean voyage. Unfortunately, due to the cancellation, travelers will need to find alternative ways to experience Venice.
Sicily, Italy
The first major stop on the MSC Lirica’s original itinerary was Sicily, Italy’s largest island. Famous for its ancient ruins, baroque towns, and spectacular volcanic landscapes, Sicily offers a blend of history and natural beauty. Guests had been scheduled to explore sites like the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, the ancient city of Catania, and Mount Etna, one of the most active volcanoes in Europe. This island’s unique mix of Greek, Roman, and Arab influences attracts tourists from all over the world.
Greece
Next on the itinerary was Greece, a country rich in ancient history, stunning islands, and vibrant culture. Passengers had the opportunity to visit Athens, where they could marvel at the Parthenon and explore the Acropolis. Other Greek islands, such as Santorini with its picturesque whitewashed houses and crystal-clear waters, were also part of the planned voyage. The country’s remarkable ruins, scenic beauty, and warm Mediterranean climate made it a highlight of the cruise.
Spain
After Greece, the MSC Lirica was scheduled to sail to Spain, a country known for its passion, history, and Mediterranean charm. Whether it was the bustling streets of Barcelona, home to stunning architecture by Antoni Gaudí, or the sun-kissed shores of Mallorca or Valencia, Spain offers a rich cultural experience with lively festivals, delicious cuisine, and vibrant nightlife. Spain’s diverse regions provide a unique blend of historical landmarks, art, and breathtaking landscapes, making it a sought-after destination for travelers.
Brazil (Santos)
The final destination on the voyage was to be Santos, a major port city in Brazil, where passengers were set to disembark. Santos, located near the bustling metropolis of São Paulo, is famous for its long beach promenade and rich history, particularly as the center of Brazil’s coffee export trade. The cruise was also expected to include stops in other popular Brazilian destinations such as Rio de Janeiro, known for its world-famous beaches and the towering statue of Christ the Redeemer, and Búzios, a charming resort town with pristine beaches and vibrant nightlife. These destinations were part of the exciting South American segment of the journey.
MSC’s Offerings to Affected Passengers
In light of the cancellation, MSC Cruises has provided a variety of options to affected guests, ensuring that they are not left without alternatives for their vacation plans. The available options include:
- Full Refund Option: Passengers can choose to cancel their reservation and receive a full refund of their cruise fare. MSC also offers reimbursement for non-refundable airfares, subject to certain terms.
- Rebooking on Similar Transatlantic Cruises: Affected passengers can transfer their bookings to other transatlantic sailings of similar duration. While this option does not cover pre-purchased services, MSC is offering fare protection for the same cabin category on these new bookings and will reimburse up to $400 per person for non-refundable air travel costs.
- Alternative Cruise Bookings without Change Fees: For those wishing to sail on different cruises, MSC Cruises is offering the flexibility to transfer their reservation to any other available itinerary without incurring change fees. If passengers choose a less expensive cruise, they will be refunded the difference in fare.
MSC Sinfonia to Replace MSC Lirica in South America
To ensure that the planned South American itineraries are still honored, MSC Cruises has announced that the MSC Sinfonia will take over the sailings initially assigned to the MSC Lirica. Departing from Santos, Rio de Janeiro, and Itajaí, the MSC Sinfonia will continue to offer cruises to Brazilian destinations like Ilhabela and Búzios. These cruises, ranging from three to eight nights, will maintain the original departure dates and itineraries, providing a similar experience for passengers who were looking forward to their Brazilian getaway.
Conclusion
While the cancellation of the MSC Lirica’s November 2025 transatlantic cruise is disappointing for many travelers, MSC Cruises has demonstrated its commitment to customer satisfaction by offering flexible alternatives. From full refunds to seamless rebookings on other sailings, the company is working to ensure that guests are well taken care of. Additionally, the replacement of the MSC Lirica with the MSC Sinfonia for South American voyages means that guests can still experience the Brazilian destinations they had hoped for. Passengers can now work with MSC’s customer service team to find the best possible solution for their upcoming travel plans.
(Sources: MSC Cruises Official Website, Government of Italy Tourism, Greece National Tourism Organization, Spain Tourism Board, Brazilian Ministry of Tourism)
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