ON 2026 WORLD CRUISE TO NEW ZEALAND AND AUSTRALIA
Sydney, Australia – 30 January 2026 — MSC Cruises’ newly refurbished MSC Magnifica has officially transited the Panama Canal, as she makes her way to New Zealand and Australia on her 2026 World Cruise.
The ship’s passage through one of the world’s greatest engineering achievements serves as a major highlight of the global journey, offering guests a rare opportunity to experience this iconic route connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Beyond its engineering significance, the canal offers breathtaking views of lush rainforests and vibrant wildlife. The journey provides a once-in-a-lifetime experience, blending natural beauty with a pivotal moment in maritime history.
Due to arrive in New Zealand in just 25 days and Sydney in 32 days, MSC Magnifica, has recently completed an extensive refurbishment, providing an enhanced onboard experience designed to make the World Cruise journey even more memorable for guests seeking cultural discovery, destination diversity and exceptional service at sea. The upgraded ship features a brand-new MSC Yacht Club, the line’s exclusive ‘ship within a ship’ concept, as well as an upgraded MSC Aurea Spa, cutting-edge gym and specialty restaurants Butcher’s Cut and Kaito Sushi Bar.
The ship has already travelled from the Mediterranean across the Atlantic to the Caribbean and Central America, where it completed its unforgettable Panama Canal transit. Now sailing along the Pacific coast, MSC Magnifica will continue her 131-night global journey through North America before crossing the Pacific to Polynesia, New Zealand and Australia, where she will dock in Auckland for the night of 24th February and Sydney for the night of 3rd March. The voyage will then span key regions of Asia, followed by the Indian Ocean islands and Southern Africa, before returning to Europe to conclude her journey.
Katrina McAlpine, Managing Director, Australia & New Zealand for the MSC Group Cruise Division said: “We are excited to welcome MSC Magnifica back to New Zealand and Australia this February and March, marking the second consecutive year these beautiful destinations have been featured as part of her international journey. During this global voyage, with such a diverse mix of international guests onboard, it is a wonderful opportunity to spotlight the unique landscapes, cultures and experiences of our region.”
For guests wishing to embark on a similar once-in-a-lifetime adventure, MSC Cruises offers upcoming Panama Canal sailings on MSC Poesia in 2026 and 2027, as well as the exceptional 2027 World Cruise aboard MSC Magnifica.
MSC Poesia Grand Voyage (2026 and 2027)
Guests inspired by MSC Magnifica‘s journey will soon experience their own Panama Canal adventure aboard MSC Poesia. The ship will reposition from Miami to Seattle on 23 April 2026 on an 18-night sailing featuring a full Panama Canal transit. On board the freshly upgraded ship, guests may now book a suite at the MSC Yacht Club and enjoy its ultimate level of luxury, dine in newly added specialty restaurants Butcher’s Cut and Kaito Sushi Bar, and enjoy relaxing treatments at the refreshed MSC Aurea Spa.
In addition, guests can join MSC Poesia‘s Grand Voyage between 8 April and 26 April 2027, offering a memorable journey ahead of her second Alaska season.
More information here.
MSC Magnifica MSC World Cruise 2027
MSC Cruises’ 2027 World Cruise aboard MSC Magnifica will begin on 5 January 2027, sailing for 121 nights across five continents and 45 destinations in 25 countries, including a bucket list transit of the Panama Canal. MSC Magnifica will offer guests an unforgettable world voyage showcasing iconic cities, remote islands and extraordinary cultural experiences.
Guests can embark from Civitavecchia for Rome, Genoa (Italy), Marseille (France), and Barcelona (Spain) from 4, 5, 6 and 7 January 2027 respectively, visiting some of the world’s most remarkable destinations.
More information here.
Written By:
PEPR Agency
