GENEVA — MSC Cruises has completed a major refurbishment of MSC Magnifica, with the ship now back in service and sailing winter itineraries in the Mediterranean.

The upgrade was carried out at the Palumbo Malta Shipyard, where MSC Magnifica spent the past two months in dry dock undergoing one of the most extensive revitalizations in the cruise line’s fleet in the past decade. The work was completed ahead of the ship’s scheduled 2026 MSC World Cruise.

As a result of the refurbishment, guests sailing on MSC Magnifica can now enjoy a range of newly introduced and enhanced onboard features, including two new specialty dining venues, a redesigned spa and expanded fitness facilities. Among the culinary additions are Butcher’s Cut, the cruise line’s signature steakhouse concept, and the Kaito Sushi Bar, which offers Japanese-inspired dishes in a contemporary setting.

The ship’s wellness offering has also been significantly upgraded. The redesigned MSC Aurea Spa now features a panoramic sauna along with steam and salt rooms and an expanded treatment menu. The Technogym Fitness Centre has been fully modernized with new equipment, yoga and spinning studios and panoramic views, alongside the addition of a Gentleman’s Barber and an expanded outdoor Aurea area.

While many of the new venues are available immediately, MSC Cruises says the full MSC Yacht Club experience will debut on MSC Magnifica in summer 2026. At that time, the ship will introduce 63 MSC Yacht Club suites across five suite categories, including family-friendly connected balconies and the Royal Suite, which features a private whirlpool and an 840-square-foot terrace.

Additional Yacht Club spaces launching in summer 2026 include a private sundeck with pool, whirlpool, cabanas and a Grill & Bar, as well as the Top Sail Lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows and panoramic sea views. A dedicated MSC Yacht Club restaurant with around-the-clock culinary service and sommelier support will also be introduced.

Following its current Mediterranean season, MSC Magnifica will depart in January 2026 on a 132-day MSC World Cruise. In summer 2026, the ship will reposition to Northern Europe, sailing from Warnemünde, Germany, beginning in May with itineraries visiting the Baltic capitals and Norwegian fjords before returning to the Mediterranean later in the year.

In 2027, MSC Magnifica will host an MSC World Cruise, embarking on a 121-night journey calling at 45 destinations across 25 countries. This sailing will mark the first time the MSC Yacht Club is available on a World Cruise. Sales are now open for the 2027 voyage.

Bookings have also opened for the 2028 MSC World Cruise, a 115-night itinerary sailing from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean, across the Pacific and through Australasia, Asia and the Arabian Peninsula before returning to Europe. Highlights of the 2028 sailing include new destinations and a transit of the Panama Canal.

Meanwhile, sister ship MSC Poesia is scheduled to enter dry dock at the same Malta shipyard in February 2026 for a similar series of enhancements. The upgrades will include the addition of MSC Yacht Club with 69 suites, an All-Stars Sports Bar and the same specialty dining, spa and fitness enhancements introduced on MSC Magnifica. MSC Poesia is expected to rejoin the fleet in time for her Alaska debut in May 2026.