MSC Cruises has revealed that a second ship, MSC Magnifica, will be joining MSC Poesia on its 2023 world cruise.

The line has, however, cancelled the 2022 edition, because of “there being too many ports still facing restrictions as a result of the pandemic”.

MSC Magnifica will replicate the same 117-day voyage itinerary that was originally supposed to be operated by MSC Poesia.

Both MSC Magnifica and MSC Poesia will host more 5,000 guests on their world cruises, departing on 4 January 2023 from Civitavecchia, and 5 January 2023 from Genoa, respectively.

A total of 15 shore excursions will be included in the cost of the cruise fare.

MSC Cruises CEO Gianni Onorato said: “Unfortunately we had no choice but to cancel the 2022 MSC World Cruise but we know that a world cruise really is the voyage of a lifetime for many people and so it was important to us to offer the best possible solution for our loyal guests.

“MSC Poesia’s World Cruise in 2023 was already sold out and so we worked to amend MSC Magnifica’s schedule, a popular world cruise ship, so that we are able to offer the same itinerary as 2022, only one year later with the ship departing on the same date and calling at all of the same planned ports.”

Sales for Magnifica’s itinerary are now open. The line added that guests who were booked on the 2022 edition will be contacted shortly and given priority in amending their existing booking.

MSC added: “For those guests who move their booking to 2023 as a measure of gratitude for loyalty, the guest will be able to book a complimentary cruise between 1 January and 3 May 2022 so that they can still enjoy a cruise holiday during this period.”

MSC Poesia’s World Cruise 2023 is currently sold out and has a waiting list.