MSC Meraviglia Alterations Spark Buzz: How Maintenance Is Changing Your Bahamas Cruise!

Published on November 26, 2025

MSC Meraviglia, the cruise ship of MSC Cruises with a capacity of 171,598 tons, has to change the course of its itinerary to the Bahamas that starts from New York on November 30, 2025. The guests sailing on the ship will be affected by the major modifications to their journey, as the maintenance works that are going on have slowed down the ship’s speed. This is the second time in under six months that such a thing has been done to the vessel; the first incident happened in May 2025 when the ship was not allowed to sail due to the need for repairs and thus, one cruise was canceled.

Maintenance-Related Itinerary Adjustments

MSC Cruises notified guests on November 24 that planned maintenance would delay some port visits and affect excursion plans. The December 2 stop at Port Canaveral, originally scheduled for an early afternoon arrival at 1:00 p.m., has now been pushed back by several hours. The new arrival time at the Florida port will be 5:30 p.m. As a result, time at the port will be significantly reduced, leading to the cancellation of all previously booked shore excursions.

This change is expected to disappoint those who had planned to explore the area, particularly the famous Kennedy Space Center or popular restaurants and attractions like those at The Cove. However, there will still be a limited window to enjoy a quick meal or explore the port briefly. For those hoping to make the most of their time, the ship will continue its journey with minimal impact on other ports.

Extended Stay at MSC Ocean Cay

In contrast to the shortened stop at Port Canaveral, MSC Meraviglia’s visit to MSC Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve has been extended. The arrival at this private island in the Bahamas, originally scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on December 3, will now occur at 11:00 a.m. However, rather than limiting time on the island, the cruise line has chosen to extend the departure from Ocean Cay to 8:30 p.m., an extra hour and a half. This extension will allow guests to enjoy more of the exclusive experiences the island offers, such as its pristine beaches, water activities, and luxury dining options, which could help offset some of the disappointment from the changes to Port Canaveral.

For many, the extended stay at Ocean Cay provides an opportunity to indulge in the full range of island activities, from paddleboarding and kayaking to enjoying the serene atmosphere of the private beaches. Given that MSC Cruises has heavily invested in Ocean Cay, the private island is a significant highlight of its Bahamas itineraries, and this change is likely to be a silver lining for many guests.

Compensation and Onboard Credit for Affected Guests

To alleviate the impact of these itinerary changes, MSC Cruises has assured guests that they will be compensated for the disruptions. All cancelled shore excursions will be refunded in full, allowing passengers to recoup their investments. In addition, MSC Cruises will be offering $100 per person in onboard credit, up to $200 per stateroom. This credit can be used across a wide range of services on board the ship, including shopping, specialty dining, spa treatments, and more.

For those with multiple rooms or large groups, this onboard credit could amount to a considerable sum, offering flexibility in how they can enjoy their time aboard. Passengers can also use the onboard credit for gratuities, which will be automatically applied before any charges to a guest’s credit card, further simplifying the process of managing onboard expenses.

While onboard credit is usually not applicable to purchases made ashore, MSC Meraviglia’s private island destination, Ocean Cay, allows it to be used for souvenir shopping, providing guests with an added incentive to explore the island’s retail offerings.

Previous Maintenance Issues and Repair History

The propulsion issues facing MSC Meraviglia are not new. Back in May 2025, the ship was forced to cancel a New York to Bahamas itinerary due to propulsion system failures. During that time, the ship spent several days in Portland, Maine, for repairs, which included the replacement of broken propeller blades. This most recent maintenance-related itinerary change, though an inconvenience to passengers, highlights the cruise line’s continued commitment to ensuring the ship’s long-term reliability.

The maintenance occurring on MSC Meraviglia is part of a proactive approach to preventing further operational disruptions. MSC Cruises has not specified whether the current issues are linked to the previous mechanical failures, but the timing and recurrence of propulsion issues raise questions about the long-term performance of the ship.

The Future of MSC Meraviglia and Guest Experience

Despite the recent challenges, MSC Meraviglia remains one of MSC Cruises’ flagship vessels, known for its innovative amenities and entertainment offerings. Guests can look forward to a wide range of experiences onboard, including Broadway-style shows, a variety of dining options, and extensive wellness facilities. The ship’s amenities are often considered among the best at sea, making it a popular choice for cruisers.

While the adjustments to the Bahamas itinerary may cause some disappointment, particularly for those who were looking forward to excursions in Port Canaveral, MSC Cruises has made efforts to ensure that guests still have an enjoyable vacation. The extended stay at Ocean Cay and generous onboard credit offer guests flexibility and ways to make the most of their time at sea.

Continuing its voyage, MSC Meraviglia shows that the cruise company is concerned about the ship’s operational health and at the same time offering good experiences to its guests. The vacation might not be perfect for some people, but with the right expectations, it can still be an extraordinary trip with outstanding experiences and the surprises of being able to relax at unexpected times.

Image Credit: MSC Cruises