“Goodbye, Brooklyn!”: Why MSC Meraviglia is Leaving New York and What it Means for Cruise Travelers

After making waves from the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal since 2023, MSC Cruises is pulling up anchor and charting a new course for MSC Meraviglia. The news: MSC is exiting New York departures for Meraviglia beginning Winter 2026–2027, and the fan-favorite ship will now homeport from Miami, Florida, with brand-new Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries.

If you were one of the many travelers with a future cruise booked out of New York, this shift might’ve caught you by surprise, especially if you’ve already received that cancellation email. But don’t worry: the cruise line has laid out flexible, guest-friendly options. Here’s everything you need to know, from the official announcement to future adventures sailing out of sunny South Florida.

Why MSC Is Moving Meraviglia

According to the cruise line, the change is part of an ongoing strategic realignment of its U.S. deployment. A spokesperson for MSC Cruises told Cruise Hive:

“MSC Cruises is continuously evaluating our U.S. and global deployment strategy to align with guest demand. MSC Meraviglia will sail from Miami during the Winter 2026/2027 season. With the ship’s move to Miami, we will no longer offer sailings from New York.”

While no exact figures were given, industry experts speculate that operational costs, seasonal weather patterns, and stronger Caribbean demand were contributing factors. Miami offers more flexible year-round sailing opportunities, thanks to its central access to tropical ports and minimal weather-related disruptions during winter months.

And this isn’t just about Miami. MSC is expanding across North America. For example:

• MSC Grandiosa will begin sailing from Port Canaveral in December 2025

• MSC Seascape will debut in Galveston in November 2025

  
  

This signals that MSC Cruises is shifting toward a multi-port presence in the U.S. to meet rising demand for Caribbean and Bahamas cruises.

Final Departures from New York

While MSC hasn’t posted a formal last-day announcement, several cruisers on Cruise Critic and Reddit confirmed their November 2026 through March 2027 bookings from New York were canceled.

For example, a March 7, 2027, 7-night Bahamas itinerary from Brooklyn was officially called off via a letter received by passengers.

How Guests Were Notified

Affected guests received personalized emails and cancellation letters stating:

“We regret to inform you that your sailing from New York has been cancelled. MSC Meraviglia will now sail from Miami, Florida during the Winter 2026/2027 season, offering 6- and 8-night cruises to the Caribbean and The Bahamas.”(Cruise Fever)

Some guests expressed frustration at losing specific itineraries from New York, particularly those who had planned family or milestone vacations. Others voiced relief at how clear and proactive MSC was in offering solutions (more on that below).

What’s Next for MSC Meraviglia: All-New Itineraries from Miami

Starting Winter 2026, MSC Meraviglia will offer 6- and 8-night cruises out of PortMiami, reaching a diverse mix of tropical ports across the Caribbean and Bahamas. Highlights include:

• Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve (Bahamas) – MSC’s exclusive private island featuring white-sand beaches, water sports, and cultural exhibits.

• Grand Turk (Turks & Caicos) – Known for crystal-clear snorkeling and laid-back island charm.

• St. Maarten & St. Kitts – Popular for both beach days and historical excursions.

• Puerto Plata & Amber Cove (Dominican Republic) – Emerging hot spots for eco-tourism and all-inclusive resort day passes.

• San Juan (Puerto Rico) & Charlotte Amalie (St. Thomas) – Excellent ports for history, shopping, and food.

• St. John’s (Antigua) – Boasting 365 beaches, one for each day of the year.(Cruise Critic)

  
  

What If Your Cruise Was Canceled? MSC’s Guest Options

If you had a cruise booked from New York in late 2026 or early 2027, you’re not out of luck. MSC has made rebooking painless, and even a little rewarding.

Here are your options:

1. Rebook an 8-night cruise from Miami on Meraviglia

   • Same stateroom category & month

   • 1 extra night FREE (cruise fare only)

   • $50 onboard credit per person (max $100 per cabin)

2. Rebook a 6-night cruise from Miami

   • Same terms, with a $100 onboard credit per person (max $200 per cabin)

3. Switch to any 7-night MSC cruise from a U.S. port (Miami, Port Canaveral, or Galveston)

   • Same month & stateroom category

4. Receive a Future Cruise Credit (FCC) equal to your payment, usable within one year

5. Opt for a full refund

   • Automatically processed if you don’t choose an option by September 30, 2025(Cruise Hive, Cruise Critic Boards)

     
     

The Bigger Picture: MSC’s U.S. Expansion Strategy

MSC Cruises has been making bold moves in the North American market for years now. The U.S. cruise industry has proven highly resilient post-pandemic, and MSC’s investments in Port Canaveral, Miami, and Galveston suggest a long-term commitment to Caribbean dominance.

According to Travel Weekly:

“MSC Cruises is expanding its Miami presence while exiting New York in the winter of 2026-27.”

It’s a bittersweet moment for fans who fell in love with sailing from New York. But for sun-seekers and Caribbean lovers, it opens a whole new chapter of tropical adventures — and perhaps a good excuse for a quick pre-cruise escape to South Beach.

Final Thoughts: A New Course for MSC Meraviglia

Though the departure from New York may be disappointing for some, the opportunities ahead are undeniably exciting. From revamped itineraries to guest-first policies, MSC has made it clear: they’re listening, adapting, and sailing full speed ahead into the future.

Whether you’re a loyal MSC cruiser or someone looking to explore the Caribbean in a new way, Meraviglia's upcoming journeys from Miami offer sun-soaked getaways that promise the line’s signature European flair — with all the convenience of U.S. departures.