MSC Cruises Expands Caribbean Presence with New Home Base at Port Canaveral

MSC Cruises has just announced a major expansion of its Caribbean presence with a new home base at Port Canaveral in Florida.

This new home base will serve as the main hub for MSC Cruises' Caribbean operations, offering a wide range of itineraries to the Bahamas, Jamaica, and other nearby islands.

The company has invested heavily in this new venture, with plans to offer multiple ship deployments from Port Canaveral throughout the year.

MSC Cruises is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and diverse onboard amenities, making it a popular choice for travelers of all ages.

MSC Cruises is expanding its presence at Port Canaveral, with a new ship joining the lineup in 2027.

The line's fourth World Class ship will offer year-round seven-night Caribbean itineraries, joining MSC World America as the company's second World Class ship operating in North America.

Guests can choose between three-, four- and seven-night cruises departing on Sundays and Thursdays to the Bahamas and Caribbean.

MSC Grandiosa will begin offering year-round seven-night Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral starting with the winter 2026-2027 season, building upon previously announced plans to deploy the ship at Port Canaveral for an inaugural season this coming winter.

The ship boasts impressive dimensions at 1,094 feet in length and 141 feet in width, providing ample space for its 2,421 staterooms.

MSC Seashore will continue to offer year-round three- and four-night cruises to The Bahamas and Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.

The Grandiosa will roughly double the guaranteed annual revenue Port Canaveral receives from MSC, under a proposed amendment to the port's operating agreement with the cruise line.

Guests can enjoy 10 restaurant options, including the Butcher’s Cut steakhouse, Hola! Tacos & Cantina, Kaito Sushi, Kaito Teppanyaki, and L’Atelier Bistrot.

The ship features five pools and nine hot tubs, as well as the Wild Forest Aquapark, which continues a thrilling family adventure from the Orlando area renowned for its theme parks.

MSC Grandiosa will replace MSC Seashore by offering 7-night cruises, allowing MSC Seashore to offer shorter itineraries.

The Grandiosa's arrival will have a significant impact on revenue at Port Canaveral. The port's annual guaranteed fees payment from MSC will increase from $6.84 million to $13.16 million.

This represents a nearly doubling of the port's revenue from MSC, with a proposed amendment to the port's operating agreement with the cruise line. The new revenue figures are $13.16 million in the first year, $14.52 million in the second year, and $14.95 million in the third year.

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The economic impact of Grandiosa on the area has been significant. Grandiosa's presence has brought in over $1 million in revenue each year, creating a substantial boost to the local economy.

A key factor in this impact is the creation of new jobs, with over 50 new positions added to the area's workforce. This has not only provided employment opportunities but also helped to stimulate local spending.

Grandiosa's investment in the area has also led to a significant increase in property values, with nearby properties seeing a 15% increase in value. This is a direct result of the company's presence and the positive impact it has had on the local community.

The local government has taken notice of Grandiosa's economic contributions and has implemented policies to support the company's growth. This includes offering tax incentives and streamlined permitting processes.

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The addition of the Grandiosa will significantly boost MSC Cruises' revenue at Port Canaveral.

The Grandiosa will roughly double the guaranteed annual revenue Port Canaveral receives from MSC, with the payment increasing from $6.84 million to $13.16 million.

This increase will occur under a proposed amendment to the port's operating agreement with MSC, which Port Canaveral commissioners will vote on.

The guaranteed annual revenue will continue to grow, reaching $14.52 million the following year and $14.95 million the year after that.

The port will also receive more parking revenue from MSC cruise passengers, thanks to the second ship and resulting increased passenger counts.

MSC Grandiosa is set to arrive at Port Canaveral next year, marking a significant milestone as the largest ship of MSC Cruises' Meraviglia-plus class to homeport there.

The ship boasts impressive dimensions at 1,094 feet in length and 141 feet in width, providing ample space for its 2,421 staterooms.

MSC Grandiosa will offer 7-night itineraries, giving guests a choice between an Eastern or Western Caribbean itinerary.

On the Eastern voyages, guests can look forward to stops at Nassau and Ocean Cay in The Bahamas, Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, San Juan in Puerto Rico, and Charlotte Amalie in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The Western Caribbean journeys will include calls at Nassau, The Bahamas; Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico; George Town, Cayman Islands; Montego Bay and Falmouth, Jamaica; and Belize City, Belize.

Aboard the MSC Grandiosa, guests will have access to 10 restaurant options, including the Butcher’s Cut steakhouse and Hola! Tacos & Cantina.

The ship features five pools and nine hot tubs, as well as the Wild Forest Aquapark, which is sure to thrill families.

The expansive MSC Aurea Spa and the 323-foot-long Galleria Grandiosa promenade, topped with an LED sky screen, will also be available for guests to enjoy.

MSC Grandiosa will replace MSC Seashore by offering 7-night cruises, allowing MSC Seashore to offer shorter itineraries.