MSC Cruises Unveils Epic 115-Night World Cruise for 2028

If you’ve ever dreamed of circumnavigating the globe without the hassle of constant packing and airport security lines, MSC Cruises just announced an incredible cruise that should be on your radar. The cruise line opened bookings for their 2028 World Cruise this week, and this isn’t your typical Caribbean getaway – we’re talking about a 115-night adventure that spans over 40 destinations across 29 countries.

The Route: Mediterranean to Everywhere

The journey kicks off from the Mediterranean in early January 2028, with embarkation options from Civitavecchia, Genoa, Marseille, and Barcelona between January 4-7. From there, the MSC Magnifica will head to the Caribbean, across the Pacific Ocean, into Australasia, up through Asia and the Arabian Peninsula, before returning into the heart of Europe.

Think of it as the ultimate “set it and forget it” travel experience – unpack once, wake up in a new country every few days.

Seven Extended Stays Worth the Trip

Here’s where this cruise gets interesting for guys who actually want to explore, not just see a port from the ship’s deck. The itinerary includes seven overnight calls, giving you real time to dig into each destination. You’ll have extended stays in Lima, Peru; Papeete, Tahiti; Sydney, Australia; and Hanoi, Vietnam, among others. That means you can actually hit a proper steakhouse in Sydney, explore Hanoi’s street food scene after dark, or experience Lima’s world-renowned gastronomy without rushing back to the ship.

What’s more, MSC World Cruise ensures an unparalleled depth of experience, including 15 unforgettable free excursions. The included tours hit major highlights like the archaeological wonders of Alexandria, the Reclining Buddha and golden city of Bangkok, modern and colonial Lima, Dubai’s new architectural marvels, Sydney’s iconic landmarks, Singapore’s main attractions, and much more.

New Destinations That Stand Out

MSC is adding several first-time stops to this itinerary that go beyond the usual cruise ports. Grand Turk Island in the Turks & Caicos offers pristine diving and snorkeling if you’re into underwater exploration, while Nuku’alofa in Tonga puts you at the heart of Polynesia with untouched beaches and authentic island culture – no tourist traps, just raw Pacific beauty.

For adventure seekers, Arica, Chile, known as the “City of Eternal Spring,” provides access to some seriously dramatic desert landscapes and archaeological sites from ancient Andean civilizations. And if you’ve ever wanted to see Easter Island’s legendary Moai statues, Hanga Roa is one of the most remote inhabited islands on Earth – it’s genuinely bucket-list territory.

The Panama Canal Experience

One of the voyage’s highlights is navigating through the Panama Canal, an engineering marvel that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. You’ll cruise through tropical landscapes surrounded by rich biodiversity, watching the massive locks operate up close. It’s the kind of experience that makes for great stories and even better photos.

Many people book Panama Canal cruises solely for this purpose, but here its but one stop in a journey around the world.

MSC Yacht Club: The Ship Within a Ship

For 2028, MSC Magnifica gets a significant upgrade with the addition of the MSC Yacht Club, their signature premium luxury offering. This is essentially a private club within the cruise ship, featuring spacious suites with private balconies, exclusive lounges, a private restaurant, and a dedicated pool deck.

You enjoy 24-hour butler service, a dedicated concierge, and all-inclusive amenities including premium beverages and fine dining. Hey, if you’re going to spend nearly four months on a ship, this level of service might be worth considering.

What’s Included in Your Booking

Beyond the accommodations, MSC is throwing in some solid perks. As we mentioned, every booking includes 15 shore excursions, which can add up to serious value when you’re hitting 40+ destinations. You’ll also get a complimentary Dine & Drink beverage package covering house wines, draught beer, and other drinks during lunch and dinner – important when you’re onboard for that long. There’s also a 30% discount on laundry services, which becomes essential on a trip this extended.

Naturally, you’re probably wondering how much the cruise costs. The MSC World Cruise 2028 starts at $19,709 per person for an interior room, which is honestly a bargain given everything that you’re getting!

MSC Voyager Club members at Classic level and above receive a 5% discount on the booking price, and points earned from the World Cruise are tripled and credited before departure.

The Ship: MSC Magnifica

The recently refurbished MSC Magnifica isn’t some floating hotel – it’s designed for extended voyages with 5 gourmet restaurants, 12 bars, a Broadway-style theater, casino, and panoramic lounges, along with an indoor pool that’s ideal for all-weather relaxation.

The new MSC Aurea Spa features authentic Balinese treatments if you need a little Zen, and there’s a state-of-the-art fitness center to help you avoid the “cruise weight gain” from all of the great eating that you’ll be doing on board.

The Bottom Line

Look, I get it, a 115-night world cruise isn’t for everyone. It requires some serious time off and a significant financial commitment. But for those who have always talked about taking that extended trip around the world, this eliminates the logistics nightmare of booking dozens of flights, hotels, and ground transportation. You essentially get a floating home base with meals, entertainment, and accommodations sorted while you explore some of the planet’s most remarkable destinations.

Bookings are open now, and given the unique nature of this itinerary with stops at remote locations like Easter Island and Tonga, spaces will likely fill up quickly.

So if you’re seriously considering it, you can find more details and booking information on MSC Cruises’ official website.