MSC Cruises cancelled the first cruise of the European season for the MSC Euribia, which was scheduled to depart from Kiel, Germany, on May 2, 2026.
Docked in Dubai since late February, the LNG-powered vessel was scheduled to offer a seven-night cruise to the Norwegian Fjords.
According to a statement sent to booked guests, the cancellation is related to the current situation in the Middle East.
“The MSC Euribia was unable to leave the region as planned; consequently, its repositioning towards Northern Europe has suffered a delay,” MSC explained.
“Therefore, the ship will not be in a condition to operate the first cruise of the season, and we regret having to cancel your departure.”
Also sailing from Copenhagen, Denmark, the seven-night cruise was set to make visits to three destinations in Norway: Flam, Hellesylt and Alesund.
“We understand how disappointing this news can be, especially considering the time and enthusiasm dedicated to planning a vacation,” MSC added.
“Please believe that this cancellation is a direct consequence of the ship’s delay and not a discretionary decision, taken only after evaluating every possible alternative.”
Affected passengers are being offered three options, including transferring their bookings to any available cruise departing by November 30, 2026, without any modification fee.
“For the same duration and accommodation, we will also guarantee you the most advantageous fare between the original booking and the new one,” MSC explained.
These guests will also receive a non-refundable onboard credit of up to 200 euros per person, the company added.
MSC is also offering passengers the option to select a sailing departing after December 1, 2026, with no change fee.
In this case, the company will apply the price of the newly selected cruise, and any payment already made for the previous cruise will be transferred to the new cruise.
According to the statement, passengers will also be able to cancel their reservations without any fees for a full refund.