MSC Cruises has extended its commitment to winter cruises departing from Madeira for another year, announcing increased cabin availability and the introduction of a larger vessel for the 2026/2027 season.
While the specific itinerary and number of sailings for the 2026/2027 season have not yet been revealed, it has been confirmed that the operation will be handled by the MSC Fantasia, which has a passenger capacity of 4,300. This decision to increase capacity and upgrade onboard services comes in response to growing demand for this itinerary and marks the third consecutive winter season of sailings between November and April.
For the 2025/2026 season, MSC Cruises will operate 18 seven-night cruises departing from and returning to Funchal, with stops at Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Arrecife de Lanzarote, Puerto del Rosario (Fuerteventura), Santa Cruz de La Palma, and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, between 22 November and 4 April.
In addition, two nine-night cruises are scheduled to depart from and return to Funchal, the first on 13 November, with calls at Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Santa Cruz de La Palma, Arrecife de Lanzarote, Puerto del Rosario, and again Santa Cruz de La Palma and Las Palmas. The second cruise will depart on 11 December.
A special five-night itinerary will also be available, departing on 6 December 2025, with stops in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Arrecife de Lanzarote, and Puerto del Rosario.
Departing from Genoa on 2 November 2025, the MSC Musica will sail an 11-night cruise, calling at Marseille, Barcelona, Málaga, Gibraltar, Lisbon, Leixões, and finishing in Funchal. Later, on 11 April 2026, the ship will depart from Funchal, calling at Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Arrecife de Lanzarote, Puerto del Rosario, Casablanca, and disembarking in Barcelona.
During the festive season, the ship will be in Funchal on 27 December 2025 and 3 January 2026, for guests wishing to embark and disembark in Madeira.
For all these itineraries, MSC Cruises offers flight packages from Lisbon and Porto to Funchal, providing added convenience for travellers.
About the MSC Musica
The MSC Musica has capacity for over 3,000 passengers, with a crew of 987, and features 1,275 cabins, including 17 adapted for guests with special needs. Measuring 293 metres long and 59 metres high, the ship was the first of a new class of cruise ships for MSC.
One of the ship’s most iconic design features is a glass piano suspended over a pool in the main atrium. Entertainment options on board include the La Scala Theatre, Crystal Lounge, Sanremo Casino, a panoramic nightclub, and the Havana Club cigar lounge.
Families are well catered for, with dedicated children’s and teens’ areas, age-specific clubs, and a variety of family-friendly facilities. Dining is a highlight, with a range of international cuisine, from traditional Italian fare at IL Giardino to Japanese dishes at the Kaito Sushi Bar.
There are three main cabin types available: balcony cabins, ocean-view cabins, and interior cabins, all featuring modern amenities. The ship also offers a selection of nine bars and lounges, including the Enoteca Wine Bar, perfect for wine lovers.
About the MSC Fantasia
Weighing 137,936 gross tonnes and stretching 333 metres in length, the MSC Fantasia features 18 decks, 14 of which are open to guests, offering a total surface area of 450,000 m², including 27,000 m² of public areas. The ship accommodates 4,363 guests across 1,637 cabins, including 43 adapted cabins for guests with reduced mobility. The crew consists of approximately 1,370 members.
The ship has 25 lifts (15 for guests, including two panoramic lifts and one exclusive to the MSC Yacht Club) and can reach a top speed of 23.64 knots. It is equipped with two fin stabilisers for smoother sailing and features five swimming pools, including one with a retractable roof, a children’s pool, and one exclusive to the Yacht Club. There are also 12 whirlpool baths.
Committed to sustainability, the MSC Fantasia incorporates advanced environmental technology, including an AWT (Advanced Water Treatment) system, an energy-saving and monitoring system, and Clean Ship 2 certification.
Dining options abound on board, with restaurants such as Butcher’s Cut, Red Velvet, and L’Africana, as well as buffets like Zanzibar and Il Cerchio d’Oro. Guests can enjoy a range of bars and lounges, from the lively L’Insolito Lounge and stylish Manhattan Bar, to the panoramic Gaudí Bar and the cosy Il Cappuccino café. There is also a dedicated Cigar Lounge and Sports Bar.
Entertainment is a major feature, with the Teatro L’Avanguardia accommodating over 2,000 guests, the vibrant Liquid Disco, the MSC Arena for sports events, and the Casinò delle Palme.
For shopping enthusiasts, there is a diverse selection of onboard boutiques. Families will find an array of activities for children and teens, including themed clubs such as Polo Nord (baby and mini club), I Graffiti (Junior Club), and a dedicated Teen Area. Fun attractions include a 4D Cinema, the MSC Formula Racer simulator, the Teen Toboga waterslide, video game zones, and the La Caramella sweet shop.
The MSC Aurea Spa is a haven of tranquillity, offering whirlpool baths, massages, facial and body treatments, a beauty salon, Medi Spa, and access to a thermal area, Thalasso Room, and Top 18 Solarium exclusively for Aurea guests. Spanning nearly 1,700 m², it is one of the most complete wellness centres at sea.
For fitness and sports enthusiasts, the MSC Gym powered by Technogym® is fully equipped with state-of-the-art machines. The ship also includes facilities for squash, basketball, football, volleyball, a 235-metre walking track, and shuffleboard, offering multiple ways to stay active while cruising.
