A helicopter of the Italian Coast Guard performed medical evacuation of a female crew member of the cruise ship MSC Virtuosa off the coast of Capo Spartivento, 110 nautical miles east of the Catania coast.

MSC Cruises has announced changes to its upcoming winter cruise season aboard the MSC Orchestra. In response to the evolving Israel-Gaza conflict, the cruise line has introduced a new itinerary for the MSC Orchestra, replacing Red Sea routes that had to be canceled due to proximity to Israeli ports and restrictions in neighboring countries.

As the Israel-Gaza conflict continues to intensify, major cruise lines have made the difficult decision to either cancel or indefinitely postpone multiple voyages to the Middle East. The Israel-Hamas war, which erupted on October 7, has seen violence escalating in the past month.  Majour cruise companies have taken proactive measures to revise their itineraries, specifically avoiding the Red Sea and the surrounding region, with sailings impacted until the year 2024.

MSC Cruises has achieved a significant environmental milestone by becoming the first major cruise line to be honored with the prestigious Green Marine Europe Certification. This voluntary certification program, designed to promote and recognize eco-friendly practices within the maritime industry, signifies a commitment to sustainability.

The MSC Fantasia, one of MSC Cruises' vessels, is currently undergoing a drydock refurbishment at the Palumbo Shipyard in Malta.