Like the proverbial phoenix rising from the ashes, MSC Magnifica recently departed the Palumbo Malta Shipyard in Geneva, Switzerland, looking shiny and new.

It marked both the beginning of her winter season as well as the end of a massive two-month-long refurbishment process that began in October.

The 95,128 gross ton ship, sailing since March 2010, now sports some exciting upgrades that cruisers are sure to enjoy.

Upgrades include two new specialty dining restaurants: Butcher’s Cut and Kaito Sushi Bar.

These restaurants are already popular on several other MSC ships, including MSC Meraviglia, MSC Seaside, and MSC Virtuosa.

Butcher’s Cut is an American-style steakhouse offering various cuts of steak as well as slow-roasted chicken, halibut, and wild salmon.

Kaito Sushi Bar, meanwhile, offers premium Asian cuisine, including the titular sushi, soups, and teriyaki plates.

For cruisers looking for relaxation and rejuvenation, the new Magnifica features a fully renovated MSC Aurea Spa, featuring a panoramic sauna.

Don’t want vacation to get in the way of your gains?  MSC has you covered, too. 

The renovation brings with it a new state-of-the-art fitness centre, incorporating equipment from Technogym. 

Read Also: MSC Cruise Ships By Age: Newest to Oldest

If you’re feeling a bit unkempt, when you’ve finished your workout on the high seas, stop in at the new Gentleman’s Barber for a trim!

Not all of the upgrades are available right away.  Debuting on the ship in 2026, those looking to splurge can enjoy the new and improved MSC Yacht Club experience.

In addition to the Yacht Club’s 24-hour butler and concierge service, the ship now features 63 Yacht Club suites, a brand new private sundeck, top sail lounge, and an MSC Yacht Club exclusive restaurant.

MSC Magnifica’s sister ship, MSC Poesia, is scheduled for a similar revamp.

The 2,550-passenger ship will enter dry dock in February 2026 to receive her upgrades before embarking on Alaska itineraries the following May.

New Journeys for a New Magnifica

Wasting absolutely no time after the refurbishment, MSC Magnifica immediately set sail for her winter season.

She is currently sailing an 8-day Mediterranean itinerary, which departed from Barcelona, Spain on December 17, and stopped in Civitavecchia, Rome on December 19, Genoa, Italy on December 20, Marseille, France on December 21.

This itinerary will continue with Alicante, Spain on December 23 and Valencia, Spain on Christmas Eve before returning to Barcelona on Christmas Day, December 25.

She will continue sailing Mediterranean itineraries through the end of the year.

On January 5, 2026, she will depart from Genoa, Italy, on a much-anticipated 132-day world cruise, visiting 46 destinations across 33 countries, returning to Genoa on May 3, 2026.

This will be followed by Northern European itineraries sailing out of Germany in summer 2026.

For anyone feeling FOMO from next year’s world cruise, fear not!  MSC Magnifica will depart on another 121-day world cruise beginning on January 5, 2027, visiting 25 countries.

MSC clearly wants to show off its revamped ship, as sales have already begun for yet another world cruise aboard Magnifica in 2028!

The 2028 world cruise is a 115-night voyage sailing from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean, stopping in more than 40 exotic locations around the world, including a trip through the Panama Canal.

If you’re feeling like you might need a bit of a rejuvenating refurbishment yourself, these upcoming voyages aboard the new and improved MSC Magnifica may just be the perfect place to do it.

MSC Magnifica Returns With Major Upgrades After Two-Month Refit