The MSC Euribia recently became one of the largest cruise ships to transit the Suez Canal as part of its repositioning voyage to Northern Europe.

According to an update from the Suez Canal Authority, the MSC Cruises vessel transited the waterway for the first time on April 26, 2026.

Having spent nearly two months stranded in the Middle East, the LNG-powered ship is currently heading to Germany with no guests onboard.

Sailing from Hamburg, the MSC Euribia will spend the upcoming summer season offering weeklong cruises to the Norwegian Fjords and Denmark.

After departing from Dubai in mid-April, the MSC Euribia was initially expected to sail to Northern Europe through Africa and the Cape of Good Hope.

Instead, the ship opted to navigate through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, significantly reducing transit time.

According to the Suez Canal Authority, local authorities boarded the ship for its first transit through the maritime channel, presenting a gift to the vessel’s master during a special ceremony.

In addition to the ship’s officers and crew, the celebratory event was attended by Administrator Ossama Rabiee and Delegated Captain Khaled Nada, as well as First Chief Pilot and Captain Raouf Moselhy.

Rabiee was quoted as saying that the Suez Canal continues to provide its maritime and logistical services and accommodate the newest and largest vessels in the global fleet, thanks to ongoing development projects.

The chairman of the authority also said that the transit of cruise ships is a positive indicator, which reflects the continued attractiveness of the canal as a major east-west transit route, thanks to the time savings and reduced operating costs it offers.

Sailing from the Middle East to Europe, the Celestyal Journey also transited the Suez Canal in late April, according to the Suez Port Authority.

In related news, the MSC Euribia also made its inaugural visit to the Valletta Cruise Port earlier this month.