Due to bad weather in the Mediterranean caused by Cyclone Harry, MSC World Europa has had to cancel not one, but two, port calls.

The planned stops to Messina (Sicily), Italy, on January 20, 2026, and to Valletta, Malta, on January 21 were cancelled to ensure the safety and comfort of all onboard.

This has not only impacted the current 7-night sailings, which are being operated simultaneously, but also thrown a wrench into the scheduled embarkation and debarkation in Messina on January 20.

The up to 6,762 guests onboard were warned that a change was likely coming on January 16, so the itinerary change didn’t come as a surprise.

“Current forecasts indicate the development of a strong weather system bringing very rough seas, heavy swells, and strong to gale-force winds.” the cruise line wrote in a letter to current guests.

“These conditions may be encountered during our approach to the Messina Strait and are expected to intensify further during the subsequent navigation toward La Valletta,” the update explained.

Read Also: What You Should Know About Cruise Port Cancellations

The itinerary change was officially confirmed the following day, January 17, 2026, with the scrapped destinations replaced with other Italian destinations.

The 215,863-gross ton vessel called at Naples, Italy, on January 20, which is approximately 305 miles away from the intended destination.

On January 21, the MSC ship will proceed to Palermo, Italy, which is another gateway into Sicily (like Messina).

Impact to MSC World Europa Embarkation and Debarkation

Embarkations and debarkations for MSC World Europa routinely take place in Barcelona, Marseille, Rome, Genoa, and Messina, which was also supposed to take place on January 20 during the scrapped call to Messina.

“We truly appreciate your understanding and cooperation. Please rest assured that we will continue to keep you updated as the situation evolves,” MSC Cruises Emphasized.

Guests who were meant to embark on their sailing in Messina on the 20th were offered a free shuttle transfer service to Naples to join the ship there, as well as a €25 euro (around $29 USD) per-person credit to cover lunch on land.

Alternatively, guests were given the option to join the MSC ship in Palermo on January 21. In return, they would receive a pro-rated refund for the missed night onboard.

Assistance would have also been provided to guests who would have had to adjust their travel plans after disembarking in Naples instead of Messina, although it’s not clear what form that aid came in at this time.

How Bad is the Storm?

Cyclone Harry formed and began causing intense rain and flooding in the Central Mediterranean on January 19, 2026.

Wind speeds have exceeded 74 miles per hour, with stronger gales reaching hurricane-level strengths. Swells of up to nine meters (around 29 feet) have also been reported.

The weather was so extreme that Italy’s Civil Protection Department issued a red alert for severe weather across Sardinia, Sicily, and Calabria and evacuated hundreds due to the deluge of rain and coastal flooding.

For context, red alerts are the most severe weather advisory, which means the expected weather is very dangerous and meteorological phenomena have been forecast.

As of the early morning on January 21, Italy has downgraded these alerts to orange advisories, which are the second most severe. Though MSC World Europa was built to withstand rough seas, this is definitely a storm that nobody needs or wants to be caught in.

MSC World Europa Blocked From Port Calls by Mediterranean Cyclone