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Guests sailing aboard MSC Splendida are once again facing an unexpected itinerary adjustment after strong winds forced the cruise line to cancel a scheduled stop in Tunisia.
While safety remains the top priority, the last-minute change means travelers will enjoy an extra sea day before visiting a popular Spanish destination instead.
Tunisia Visit Cancelled Due to Dangerous Weather Conditions
MSC Splendida was originally scheduled to dock at La Goulette, Tunisia, on February 12, 2026, as part of its ongoing 7-night Mediterranean sailing.
However, forecasts predicting wind speeds of up to 50 knots (around 57 mph) made docking unsafe for both guests and crew.
In a letter sent to passengers, MSC Cruises explained that the decision was made purely for safety reasons.
“This situation is due to reasons beyond our control. We thank you for your understanding,” the cruise line told guests.
This isn’t the first time the ship has had to skip this port recently. A similar cancellation occurred on January 8, 2026, when strong winds also made it unsafe to dock in Tunisia.
Unexpected Sea Day Brings Extra Onboard Activities
Although guests missed out on exploring Tunisia, MSC Splendida’s crew quickly adjusted the onboard schedule to ensure passengers still enjoyed a full day of entertainment.
The ship, which carries nearly 3,900 guests and 1,370 crew members, offers a wide range of attractions and experiences, including:
- Formula 1 racing simulator.
- Virtual reality games and entertainment.
- 4D cinema experiences.
- Karaoke and live entertainment.
- Multiple swimming pools and relaxation areas.
Crew members updated the daily activity lineup, giving guests plenty of ways to stay entertained while at sea.
Updated schedules were shared through the MSC for Me app, and the printed MSC Daily Program was delivered to cabins.
Palma de Mallorca Added as Replacement Port
While Tunisia was removed from the itinerary, MSC Cruises added a new port visit to keep the sailing exciting.
Instead of spending February 13 as a sea day, MSC Splendida will now visit Palma de Mallorca, Spain, giving guests the opportunity to explore one of the Mediterranean’s most popular cruise destinations.
The ship is scheduled to dock from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m., allowing plenty of time for sightseeing.
Palma de Mallorca offers several highlights, including:
- The iconic La Seu Cathedral, overlooking the waterfront.
- The historic Bellver Castle is known for its unique circular design.
- Charming old town streets filled with shops, cafes, and restaurants.
- Beautiful beaches and scenic coastal views.
Since the ship’s next scheduled stop is Barcelona, which is relatively close, MSC was able to extend the Mallorca port visit for a longer and more enjoyable experience.
Shore Excursions Updated and Tunisia Tours Refunded
Guests who had pre-booked shore excursions for Tunisia will automatically receive refunds credited to their onboard accounts.
MSC Cruises has also made new excursion options available for Mallorca. Guests can explore the destination through guided tours or plan their own adventures independently.
Passengers can review and book excursions using:
- The MSC for Me mobile app.
- The Shore Excursions desk onboard.
No Compensation Offered, But Safety Remains the Priority
At this time, MSC Cruises has not announced any additional compensation for the itinerary change.
However, itinerary adjustments due to weather are common in cruising, as safety must always come first.
Despite the unexpected change, guests still have the opportunity to enjoy a full Mediterranean cruise experience — now with an extended visit to Palma de Mallorca as an added highlight.
