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MSC moves up Canaveral service to start this winter with MSC Seaside

PHOTO: MSC CRUISES CRUISE MSC Seaside.jpg
MSC Seaside, pictured here, will operate the Canaveral service November though March, with MSC Divina taking over from late March through November 2021
MSC Cruises will begin sailing from Port Canaveral for the first time this winter — sooner than the summer 2021 timing previously announced — and will offer a full-year presence there.

MSC Seaside will initiate the Central Florida sailings from November this year until March 2021, then MSC Divina will take over the service, starting at the end of March. Earlier, MSC had announced its Canaveral program would begin with MSC Divina in March.

Both ships currently sail from PortMiami.

Three-, four- and seven-night cruises

Three-, four- and seven-night cruises departing on Sundays and Thursdays are planned.

'Port Canaveral has always been an extremely popular port with cruisers. It is easily accessible, offers innovative and modern terminals and provides convenient access to many attractions in the surrounding area,' said Rubén Rodriguez, president of MSC Cruises USA.

He added that as MSC Cruises looks to the upcoming year, 'we are eager to bring our guests back to sea when the time is right, with health and safety as a top priority, following guidance from national and international health authorities. We are also excited to expand our presence in North America with new and enriching cruise experiences.'

'This exciting new partnership is an endorsement of our commitment to excellence and the investments we’ve made in our cruise operations. We’re looking forward to working together with our new cruise partner providing the best possible experience for their guests,' said Capt. John Murray, CEO, Port Canaveral.

Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Nassau, Ocean Cay

MSC Seaside will offer three-, four- and seven-night cruises November through March, visiting Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Nassau and Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.

MSC Divina will replace MSC Seaside in Port Canaveral in March, continuing the itineraries through November 2021.