By
Laura Hyde |
MSC Cruises’ MSC Magnifica has entered dry dock for refurbishment at Palumbo Malta Shipyard in Malta.
During the refurbishment, MSC Magnifica, which began operations in 2010, will be fitted with 63 additional suites, two new speciality dining venues – Butcher’s Cut and Kaito Sushi Bar – as well as an upgraded MSC Aurea Spa with outdoor area and Technogym Fitness Centre complete with Gentleman’s Barber. MSC Magnifica will also be fitted with the cruise line’s ‘ship within a ship’ concept, MSC Yacht Club.
Work is expected to be completed in December 2025, with the MSC Yacht Club available on MSC Magnifica from summer 2026, when the ship is scheduled to sail itineraries in Northern Europe.
The ship is the first of two MSC Cruises’ vessels to be refurbished at the Maltese shipyard, with work scheduled to begin on MSC Poesia in February 2026. This refurbishment project will include the installation of 69 suites and an All-Stars Sports Bar, plus the same speciality restaurants and gym and spa upgrades as onboard MSC Magnifica. Work on MSC Poesia is expected to be completed in time for its MSC Yacht Club debut in Alaska in May 2026.
The refurbishments on these ships represent the most extensive upgrade and refitting projects undertaken by MSC Cruises in the last decade.
“These upgrades highlight our commitment to offering guests the best possible experience and facilities across our fleet,” said Gianni Onorato, MSC Cruises’ CEO. “By introducing our MSC Yacht Club to these ships – along with new restaurants, gyms and wellness spaces – we are giving guests more exclusivity and choice than ever before. The MSC Yacht Club is one of our most highly regarded products, known for its exceptional service, elegant spaces, and exclusive amenities and we are proud to bring this experience to MSC Magnifica and MSC Poesia – in time for our first Alaska season and the 2027 MSC World Cruise.”