The MSC Group (Mediterranean Shipping Company) launched in 1970 in Brussels by Captain Gianluigi Aponte, a young Italian seaman. MSC began operations with just a single, small conventional cargo vessel, expanding rapidly by reinvesting in secondhand container ships.
MSC entered the passenger cruise market in 1988, by purchasing the iconic vintage ocean liner MS Monterey.
From 1989 through 1995 they operated with historical, pre-owned ships and rebranded as MSC Cruises in 1995.
In 2003 MSC moved away from pre-owned ships and initiated a massive €5.5 billion fleet modernization program. With that, the container shipping giant transformed into the third-largest cruise brand globally.
MSC Cruises is still strictly family-owned. It is a subsidiary of the broader MSC Group (Mediterranean Shipping Company), entirely controlled by its founding family, the Aponte family.
The MSC Magnifica has been part of MSC Cruises since 2010 and sails to destinations like the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, depending on the season.
This epic 122-day world cruise combines iconic destinations, extended port stays, and a stunning cruise ship offering comfort, entertainment and excitement.
The journey departs from Genoa, Italy, on January 5th, 2027 and concludes in Genoa, Italy, on May 6th, 2027. Guests will explore multiple continents, tropical islands, vibrant cities, and breathtaking natural wonders.
MSC World Cruise 2027 at a Glance
- Ship: MSC Magnifica
- Cruise Line: MSC Cruises
- Departure: 5 January 2027
- Arrival: 6 May 2027
- Duration: 121 nights/122 days
- Embarkation Port: Genoa, Italy
- Disembarkation Port: Genoa, Italy
- Continents: 5
- Ports of calls: 45
- Countries visited: 25
- Overnight stays in port: 7 – in Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, Valparaíso, Papeete, Hobart and Sydney
- Ship Capacity: 3.223 guests
- Crew: Around 987
- Cabins: 1.242
Ship Information:
Part of the Musica Class
Sailing since 2010, last renovation and update in 2025
Length: 293 m
Weight: 95.128 GRT
Language on board: English, German, Italian, French, Spanish and Brazilian Portuguese
Currency on board: Euro (€) or US Dollar ($), depending on itinerary
Passenger decks: 13
Countries included on this journey:
Mediterranean
- Italy (Genoa, Naples, Civitavecchia)
- France (Marseille)
- Spain (Barcelona, Ibiza)
- Gibraltar
- Morocco (Casablanca)
Atlantic Ocean
- Spain (Las Palmas de Gran Canaria)
- Cape Verde (Mindelo)
South America
- Brazil (Salvador, Rio de Janeiro)
- Argentina (Buenos Aires, Puerto Madryn, Ushuaia)
- Falkland Islands (Port Stanley)
- Chile (Puerto Montt, Valparaíso, Hanga Roa)
Pacific Ocean
- Pitcairn Island (Bounty Bay Passage)
- Hawaii (Honolulu, Hilo)
Oceania
- French Polynesia (Papeete, Moorea)
- Cook Islands (Aitutaki, Rarotonga)
- New Zealand (Bay of Islands, Auckland, Tauranga, Christchurch, Dunedin, Milford Sound)
- Australia (Hobart, Sydney)
- New Caledonia (Noumea)
- Vanuatu (Luganville)
- Western Samoa (Apia)
- American Samoa (Pago Pago)
North America
- United States of America (Los Angeles)
- Mexico (Cabo San Lucas)
Caribbean
- Costa Rica (Puntarenas)
- Panama (Balboa/Panama Canal)
- La Romana, Dominican Republic
- Virgin Islands (Road Town)
- St. Maarten (Philipsburg)
Onboard amenities:
The newly updated MSC Yacht Club
Buffet & specialty restaurants
Cafe
Lounges & Bars
Fitness Center & Spa
Outdoor & indoor pool
Entertainment
West End-style theatre shows
Live music
MSC World Cruise 2027 Prices
Prices depend on cabin category, and deck location.
Interior cabins start from €17,169 per person.
Ocean view cabins start from €19,759 per person.
Balcony cabins start from €24,429 per person.
Suites: premium pricing depending on category and availability
Shorter/Individual Segments:
You can also book shorter or individual segments of the MSC World Cruise 2027.
First Segment – January 5th – February 10th
From Genoa to Valparaiso in 36 nights/37 days.
• Second Segment – February 10th – March 16th
From Valparaiso to Sydney in 34 nights/35 days.
• Third segment – March 16th – May 6th
From Sydney to Genoa, in 51 nights/52 days.
Packing for a 121-night cruise:
It requires a strategic approach. Starting from chilly European winter departures directly into tropical heat and variable autumn climates, a strategic wardrobe based on clever layering is essential.
Pack for roughly 14 to 20 days and utilize the ship’s laundry service. Keep in mind to pack for cold/rainy (for transatlantic sea days and breezy deck walks), tropical/hot (for the Caribbean, Asian, and Pacific transit), and transitional layers (light sweaters and cardigans for indoor air conditioning).
Bring broken-in walking shoes or supportive sneakers for long port excursions. Versatile sandals or boat shoes can pull double-duty for daytime relaxing and casual buffet dining. One or two pairs of dress shoes or elegant flats that match all selected formal outfits should be part of your wardrobe as well.
Expect several formal evenings during the journey. Gala Nights usually include:
– A special gala dinner in the main restaurant.
– Elegant evening entertainment.
– Live music and dancing.
– Opportunities for photographs with the ship’s photographers.
– A more festive atmosphere throughout the ship.
A traditional tuxedo or dinner jacket is highly encouraged for men. Floor-length ballgowns, elegant cocktail dresses, or high-end evening trouser suits are standard for women. Pack 3 to 5 core formal options and use statement jewelry, distinct ties, or colorful pashminas to change the look.
MSC World Cruise Luggage allowance per person
- Maximum 2 suitcases
- Maximum weight: 23 kg each
- Maximum dimensions: 90 × 75 × 43 cm each
Hand luggage per person
- Maximum 2 pieces
- Maximum weight: 23 kg each
- Maximum dimensions: 56 × 45 × 25 cm each
Maximum per cabin
- 100 kg total for all passengers
- Maximum 8 pieces in total
If you booked a flight through MSC or independently the airline’s strict luggage restrictions take complete precedence over the cruise line’s rules.
Internet on board
Internet plans on board are very expensive and coverage can be spotty. Look into eSIM packages like the one from Red Bull MOBILE and avoid expensive charges.
Let’s talk about roaming charges on your ship. Cruise ships offer internet packages, some starting at $20/day and on some cruise lines you must purchase the package for the full length of your cruise. If you want a one-time 24-hour internet pass, it will be even more expensive. There are different plan options, such as video calls and social media only, or full packages to include streaming movies and music. Each cruise ship company has their own plans and packages, check ahead of time to compare options.
Great news! The eSIM from Red Bull MOBILE is available on cruise ships and ferries with the Wireless Maritime Services. Please note, you will have to choose between a cruise only package, a land only package, or a cruise & land package.
Purchase an eSIM from Red Bull MOBILE Data and never worry about running out of data on your cruise again!
So, how does it work to get data on your cruise ship and avoid roaming charges?
Red Bull MOBILE is an app-based data plan for travelers. With the use of eSIM, it allows you to surf from anywhere around the globe. Whether you’re sightseeing, base jumping, climbing, or in fact cruising.
That means you never again have to worry about running out of data for your internet connection wherever you might travel, when you need it the most or about unexpected fees and invoices.
All you have to do is download the app, register, search for your destination or the cruise option, and purchase your package. Please note, you can choose the Wireless Maritime Services package for cruise only, land only, or land & cruise.
In order to ensure proper functionality, you should purchase and install the eSIM before you start your trip or board your cruise ship. You will need a steady internet connection to set up your data plan, therefore it would be advisable to have your plan set up where you have a strong internet signal. The packages are valid for 30 days after activation. When you’ve used up 80% of your data, we’ll let you know — so you won’t get stuck without any data. You’ll get another notification once your data has finally run out.
In the Red Bull MOBILE App you will also see how much data you have already used.
Where does the Wireless Maritime Services work?
The Wireless Maritime Services package currently works on many ships and ferries.
You should switch off data roaming for your primary SIM card to avoid roaming charges. Since streaming movies, videos and TV shows use a lot of data, it is advisable to download these ahead of time to minimize data usage.
Get the eSIM from Red Bull MOBILE Wireless Maritime Services package to avoid expensive roaming charges and enjoy your cruise!
