MSC Magnifica returns after a two-month overhaul

MSC Magnfica has completed an extensive refit at the Palumbo shipyard in Malta. During the two-month stay, the ship added two new dedicated restaurants, a redesigned spa, a fitness centre and brand new MSC Yacht Club facilities. The ship's stabilizing features have also apparently undergone a transformation, which is reflected in the new look of the stern of the ship.

Big changes in the ship's structure

The refit of the ship, which has been in service since 2010, has been underway in the dry dock at Palumbo Malta Shipyard in Malta since late October 2025, and the ship has undergone one of the largest upgrades to the MSC Cruises fleet in decades.

Guests of MSC Magnfica will now be able to enjoy two new specialty restaurants familiar from previous MSC Cruises ships - Butcher's Cut steakhouse and Kaito Sushi Bar with Asian cuisine.

The ship's spa and gym have also been transformed. Due to changes in the ship's structure, caused by the addition of exclusive MSC Yacht Club spaces and rooms to the bow of the ship (we've written about the changes here), the ship's spa MSC Aurea Spa has been completely renovated. These will now offer a new panoramic sauna, steam and salt rooms, relaxation rooms and massage rooms.

The Technogym gym can now be found at the stern of the ship, where it has replaced the ship's disco. Thanks to the move, it was also possible to use the ship's outdoor areas, so you can now find indoor and outdoor workout equipment. The gym also includes a new men's hair salon.

First MSC Yacht Club in the Musica class

Guests of MSC Magnfica can now try out the new facilities at the MSC Yacht Club, including the panoramic Top Sail Lounge at the bow of the ship. The full-service MSC Yacht Club, with 24-hour butler and concierge service, will be available from summer 2026, when MSC Magnfica sets sail on its Northern European itineraries from Warnemünde, Germany.

The new MSC Yacht Club will offer 63 elegant suites in 5 types, ranging from family interconnecting balconies to the ultra luxurious Royal Suite with private Jacuzzi and 78 m² terrace.

Guests will also enjoy a private sundeck with a swimming pool and grill bar, separate from the rest of the ship.

The first-class service will be complemented by an exclusive restaurant for MSC Yacht Club guests only, with gastronomic specialties and a sommelier available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

More stability for trips around the world

The main goal of the MSC Magnfica conversion is to prepare the ship for the round-the-world cruises that await her in 2026, 2027 and 2028. Historically, one of the weaknesses of the MSC Magnfica and Musica-class ships has been occasional vibrations at the stern of the ship and rocking in strong winds. After the new modifications by adding a new stern section (see the opening photo), the stability of the ship should be increased (however, the cruise company has not yet commented on the lengthening of the ship in a press release).

The MSC Magnfica will embark on a 132-day round-the-world voyage in January 2026, visiting 46 destinations in 33 countries, including seven multi-day port stays. During the voyage, they will travel more than 40,000 nautical miles.

In January 2027, she will embark on a 121-day circumnavigation of the world, visiting 45 destinations in 25 countries. However, this is not a round-the-world voyage in the true sense of the word - after the first part of the voyage from Europe around South America to the shores of New Zealand and Australia, the ship will return through the ocean area to the shores of the west coast of the USA, from where it will return to Europe via the Panama Canal.

A few days ago, seats went on sale for the round-the-world voyage, which will begin in January 2028.MSC Magnfica will embark on a 115-day journey that will visit 42 destinations in 29 countries.

Reconstruction of MSC Poesia

Sister ship MSC Poesia will enter dry dock at the same shipyard in February 2026. She is scheduled to undergo upgrades like MSC Magnfica, including the addition of 69 MSC Yacht Club suites, a new sports bar and the same dedicated restaurants, spa and gym improvements. The work will be completed before the ship and company's debut in Alaska, where it will sail in the summer of 2026 from Seattle.