MSC Cruises Adds Another Ship to Homeport at Port Canaveral This Year

In a surprise move, Port Canaveral will welcome a new cruise line to its line-up sooner than expected. MSC Cruises will send MSC Seaside to cruise from Port Canaveral this November 2020. This is in addition to the cruise line moving MSC Divina to Port Canaveral in March 2021.

MSC Seaside is the first MSC Cruises ship to homeport at Port Canaveral

When MSC Seaside makes its debut at Port Canaveral, it will be the first time for any MSC Cruises ship to cruise from Florida’s Space Coast. Originally, MSC Divina was going to be the cruise line’s first ship but now that’s changed. 

The convenience of Port Canaveral as a drive-to port is because of its central Florida location. It’s a big draw for cruisers from several nearby states, and for those who prefer to simply drive to their ship. Cruising from Port Canaveral cuts nearly three to four hours off the drive time to Fort Lauderdale or Miami.

Cruise itineraries from Port Canaveral 

MSC Seaside will cruise year-round from Port Canaveral with three-, four- and seven-night cruises. Beginning November 2020 and continuing through March 2021, the 5,429-passenger ship will offer short cruises to the Bahamas and longer, seven-night cruises to the Caribbean. 

Among the places that MSC Seaside will visit include Grand Cayman and Cozumel plus Nassau and Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in The Bahamas.

When MSC Seaside leaves Port Canaveral in March, MSC Divina will take over the same itineraries through November 2021. Both ships will include a day at MSC Cruises’ private island destination Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. 

Ocean Cay offers many of the same water sports that you’ll find at other cruise lines’ private island attractions. The difference is the planned marine reserve as well as The Spa at Ocean Cay. There’s also a lighthouse where guests are treated to an entertaining light show and a Junkanoo parade. 

MSC Cruises Health and Safety Plan

When MSC Seaside and MSC Divina cruise from Port Canaveral, they will follow MSC Cruises’ list of health and safety protocols. While MSC Cruises states that the “new enhanced protocol will encompass every aspect of the guest’s journey, ensuring that the health and safety of guests and crew is protected” the cruise line has not yet released all the details of their plan. 

If you’re thinking of cruising with MSC from Port Canaveral, here’s how to get to the port by car.