MSC Musica Enters Drydock for Major 45-Day Refurbishment

MSC Musica arrived at the Palumbo Malta Shipyard earlier this month to begin an extensive refurbishment that is expected to last approximately 45 days.

The Musica-class cruise ship is one of four vessels included in an MSC Cruises upgrade program and will receive a number of significant additions and improvements during its time in drydock.

Among the biggest changes will be the introduction of MSC Yacht Club, the cruise line’s premium ship-within-a-ship concept. The new Yacht Club will feature 63 suites, with most being created by combining existing smaller staterooms. Guests staying in the Yacht Club will also have access to several exclusive areas, including a private restaurant, dedicated lounge and sun deck.

The refurbishment will bring new dining options to MSC Musica as well. Two specialty restaurants are being added, including the Butcher’s Cut steakhouse and Kaito Sushi Bar.

Changes are also planned for the ship’s wellness and fitness facilities. A new fitness center and gym will replace the former nightclub, while the MSC Aurea Spa is set to receive a major upgrade.

The 92,400-ton vessel is currently scheduled to leave the Palumbo shipyard in early November before beginning a repositioning voyage across the Atlantic. Musica will make the crossing without passengers onboard and is expected to return to service in Brazil on November 16, 2026.

Initially, the 2006-built ship will operate three- and four-night cruises featuring destinations in the Rio de Janeiro region, including Búzios and Ilha Grande and in late December will reposition to Brazil’s southern coast, where it will begin a series of seven-night cruises departing from Paranaguá and Itajaí.

Running through March, these itineraries will include calls at destinations such as Ilhabela, Ilha Grande, Búzios and Rio de Janeiro. Passengers will also have the option of embarking in Rio de Janeiro.

The 2,550-passenger MSC Musica is scheduled to return to Europe in mid-April for its 2027 summer season in the Western Mediterranean. Through late October 2027, the newly refurbished vessel will operate seven-night cruises visiting destinations in Spain, France and Italy.