MSC Cruises Looks Ahead With Epic Fall and Winter Itineraries Around the World

MSC Cruises extended its suspension of sailings from U.S. ports to the Caribbean until at least September, but they're looking to the future releasing fall and winter itineraries for trips all over the world.

The cruise lined has planned more than 90 itineraries in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, the Gulf, South Africa, South America, and Asia from November 2020 through March 2021, the company shared with Travel + Leisure this week.

From tasting paella and sipping Cava in Barcelona to combing the souks for hidden gems in Dubai (which plans to reopen to international travelers July 7), the cruise company plans to take guests around the world while still implementing “enhanced sanitation measures, enhanced medical facilities and health screenings for guests and crew.”

MSC Cruises also plans to sail its third World Cruise in January, hitting 33 different countries over a 118-night trip.

The cruise line has made “some updates to the original planned deployment of specific ships,” Gianni Onorato, the CEO of MSC Cruises, said in a statement shared with T+L, but added, “we are still able to offer our main itineraries so that guests can enjoy the holiday that they booked with us.”

The new schedule, however, comes as many countries have closed their borders to tourists and some don’t know if they will reopen to visitors until next year, like South Africa and Australia. And while some cruisers can’t wait to hit the high seas once again, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has extended its “No-Sail Order,” telling Americans to avoid cruise ships.

MSC's ships that were expected to sail from the U.S. to the Caribbean, the MSC Seaside and MSC Armonia, have been postponed until Sept. 15. All other MSC cruises that were scheduled during the month of July have been canceled.

MSC Cruises did not immediately respond to a request for comment in regards to how closed borders could affect planned sailings.