MSC Cruises has officially opened bookings for its 2028 World Cruise, offering travelers the chance to circle the globe on a single, unforgettable voyage. Sailing aboard the MSC Magnifica, this epic itinerary spans 115 nights, visits over 40 destinations in 29 countries, and crosses six continents.
World Cruises are always a big moment for MSC, but the 2028 edition stands out thanks to its destination mix, onboard upgrades, and the addition of MSC Yacht Club to the experience.
Here’s what you need to know.
A True Around-the-World Itinerary
The 2028 World Cruise is designed as a continuous global journey rather than a collection of segments. Guests will travel from Europe through the Caribbean, across the Pacific, through Oceania and Asia, into the Middle East, and back to the Mediterranean.
Highlights of the routing include:
- Caribbean and Central America, including a Panama Canal transit
- Pacific crossings with rare island calls
- Extended time in Asia and Southeast Asia
- Arabian Peninsula ports before returning to Europe
The itinerary blends iconic stops with destinations that are rarely seen on traditional cruise routes, making it appealing even to well-traveled cruisers.
Unique and Rare Ports of Call
One of the defining features of the 2028 World Cruise is its mix of headline destinations and lesser-visited ports. Among the standouts:
- Hanga Roa (Easter Island) – Famous for its Moai statues and remote volcanic landscapes
- Nuku’alofa, Tonga – Polynesian culture and pristine beaches
- Callao (Lima), Peru – Gateway to Peru’s culinary and cultural capital
- Chan May, Vietnam – Access to Hue and Vietnam’s central coast
- Sihanoukville, Cambodia – A growing cruise destination with cultural depth
- Arica, Chile – A desert-meets-ocean port with ancient history
These kinds of ports are exactly what seasoned cruisers look for in a World Cruise itinerary.
Sailing on MSC Magnifica
The 2028 World Cruise will take place aboard MSC Magnifica, which has been refurbished specifically with long voyages in mind. While Magnifica is not one of MSC’s newest ships, it offers a layout and scale that works well for extended cruising.
For this World Cruise, Magnifica will also feature MSC Yacht Club, giving guests access to:
- A private restaurant and lounge
- A dedicated Yacht Club pool deck
- 24-hour butler service
- Priority boarding and personalized concierge support
The inclusion of Yacht Club adds a new premium layer to MSC’s World Cruise offering and will likely appeal to travelers planning to be onboard for nearly four months.
What’s Included in the 2028 World Cruise Fare
MSC is bundling several valuable inclusions into the World Cruise fare to make long-term travel more seamless.
Included benefits:
- 15 included shore excursions at select destinations
- A Dine & Drink package covering house wines, beer, and select drinks at lunch and dinner
- 30 percent discount on laundry services, which matters on a 115-night sailing
- Voyagers Club perks, including a 5 percent booking discount and triple loyalty points, credited before departure for eligible members
These inclusions are designed to reduce onboard decision fatigue and make day-to-day life at sea easier.
Embarkation Options
Guests can join the World Cruise from multiple European ports in early January 2028, including:
- Civitavecchia (Rome)
- Genoa
- Marseille
- Barcelona
This flexibility allows travelers to choose a starting point that best fits their travel plans.
Who the 2028 World Cruise Is For
World Cruises are not for everyone, and MSC is upfront about that. This sailing is best suited for travelers who:
- Have the time and flexibility for an extended journey
- Prefer immersive, slow-paced exploration
- Enjoy the rhythm of life at sea over long periods
- Want to visit destinations that are difficult to reach any other way
For those travelers, this itinerary offers a rare chance to see the world without constantly packing and unpacking.
The Big Picture
The 2028 World Cruise reinforces MSC’s growing confidence in long-form, experiential cruising. With a carefully curated itinerary, expanded inclusions, and the addition of Yacht Club, this sailing feels like a step forward rather than a repeat of past World Cruises.
Bookings are now open, and based on past demand, availability is likely to tighten quickly.
If you’re even considering a World Cruise someday, this is one worth a closer look.
