For the winter 2026–2027 season, MSC Cruises will station seven ships across three U.S. homeports — its largest American winter fleet ever.
- Miami, Florida will welcome four ships:
- MSC World America – alternating 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean sailings.
- MSC Meraviglia – 6- and 8-night Caribbean itineraries.
- MSC Poesia – longer voyages, including a 19-night Panama Canal journey.
- MSC Seaside – short 3- and 4-night Bahamas getaways to Nassau and Ocean Cay.
- Port Canaveral, Florida will see MSC Grandiosa and MSC Seashore offering Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises, plus easy access to Orlando attractions.
- Galveston, Texas will host MSC Seascape, with week-long Western Caribbean voyages.
Key Caribbean Destinations
MSC Cruises’ updated itineraries will feature some of the region’s most popular and picturesque stops, including:
- Roatan, Honduras – pristine beaches and diving spots in the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.
- Costa Maya & Cozumel, Mexico – rich Mayan history, snorkeling, and eco-adventures.
- Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic – colonial architecture, waterfalls, and beach resorts.
- San Juan, Puerto Rico – colorful Old San Juan and El Morro fortress.
- Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, Bahamas – MSC’s exclusive island with eco-friendly attractions, water sports, and sunset events.
Boost for Florida, Texas, and Caribbean Tourism
Miami — already the cruise capital of the world — will see a sharp rise in passenger numbers. Hotels, restaurants, transport providers, and excursion operators will benefit from increased pre- and post-cruise stays.
Port Canaveral — strategically located near Orlando — offers travelers the opportunity to combine Caribbean sailings with visits to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Kennedy Space Center.
Galveston — with its charming historic district and Gulf Coast beaches — will attract travelers from the central and southern United States, as well as international guests looking for a new departure point.
Caribbean destinations along these routes will also see economic gains as tourists spend on excursions, dining, and shopping.
Ocean Cay: A Private Island Paradise
A major highlight for many itineraries will be Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, MSC’s private Bahamian island. Designed around principles of sustainability, Ocean Cay features coral restoration projects, renewable energy initiatives, and protected marine habitats. Visitors can enjoy white-sand beaches, paddleboarding, snorkeling, and evening lighthouse shows.
Meeting Growing U.S. Demand for Cruises
MSC Cruises’ expansion aligns with industry reports forecasting steady growth in the U.S. cruise market through 2027. The new itineraries give travelers more options — from short tropical escapes to extended voyages with diverse cultural and adventure-focused shore experiences.
This deployment also supports MSC’s long-term goal of becoming a top choice for North American travelers, competing directly with established U.S. cruise brands while offering a distinctly European onboard style.
Conclusion
The 2026–2027 MSC Cruises winter season will be a landmark in the company’s U.S. operations. With Miami hosting four ships, Port Canaveral offering proximity to Florida’s theme parks, and Galveston expanding Gulf Coast cruise options, travelers will have unprecedented access to Caribbean adventures.
From the coral reefs of Roatan to the vibrant streets of San Juan, and from the exclusivity of Ocean Cay to the ancient ruins of Costa Maya, these itineraries deliver world-class cruising paired with economic benefits for departure and destination ports alike.
MSC Cruises’ bold expansion solidifies its place in the competitive U.S. cruise industry while fueling tourism growth across the Caribbean and beyond.
For more travel news like this, keep reading Global Travel Wire
