Unexpected Northern Adventure: MSC Meraviglia’s Itinerary Shift from Bahamas to New England Due to Weather Woes

In a surprising turn of events, MSC Cruises had to alter the course of its luxurious MSC Meraviglia, swapping the warm breezes of the Bahamas for the crisp air of New England and Canada. The decision, prompted by adverse weather conditions in the Bahamas, led the ship on an unexpected journey to the northern ports of Massachusetts, Maine, and Newfoundland.

Embarking from New York on a Saturday with sights set on the Caribbean, MSC Meraviglia instead charted a course northward, docking in Boston for an extended stay. After leaving Boston on Wednesday, the ship’s revised itinerary included stops in Portland, Maine, and Saint John, Newfoundland, before making its way back to New York.

This last-minute itinerary change was communicated to passengers just a day before departure, causing a stir among travelers. MSC Cruises officials, facing forecasts of heavy rain and strong winds that rendered the journey to the southern Atlantic Ocean from New York City unsafe, opted for the reroute over canceling the cruise entirely. This decision, as shared with NBC News, was a move to preserve the vacations of thousands of passengers.

Offered a choice, passengers could either embrace the new itinerary or opt for a future cruise credit, allowing them to use the value of this cruise for another trip at their convenience, a solution shared with ABC News.

The abrupt change left many passengers reeling, as they hastily repacked for colder climates, replacing shorts and t-shirts with coats and hats. Val Montgomery, a guest on the cruise, expressed her disbelief to TODAY, likening the experience to a prank.

On a brighter note, the staff at Port Saint John greeted the unexpected visit with enthusiasm, playfully heralding the ship’s arrival on social media with a cheery “Merry Saint Cruise!”

While the exact number of passengers impacted by this change remains unknown, the MSC Meraviglia, which first set sail in June 2017, has the capacity to host 5,642 guests. This rerouting highlights the unpredictable nature of cruising and the adaptability of cruise lines in ensuring passenger safety while striving to maintain the essence of a memorable vacation.