Severe weather from Cyclone Harry has caused major disruption for cruise operations in the Mediterranean, forcing itinerary changes, port cancellations and extended stays in port for ships from both MSC Cruises and Silversea Cruises.
The powerful storm system, which intensified across the Central Mediterranean from 19th January 2026, brought gale to hurricane-force winds, towering swells and widespread coastal flooding, prompting authorities in Italy and Malta to issue their highest weather warnings and leaving cruise lines with little choice but to prioritise safety.
MSC World Europa Loses Two Ports And Alters Turnaround Plans
The 215,863-gross-ton MSC World Europa was forced to cancel consecutive port calls to Messina, Sicily, on 20th January and Valletta, Malta, on 21st January after forecasts showed deteriorating conditions along the planned route.
Up to 6,762 guests onboard the LNG-powered flagship were first advised on 16th January that changes were likely, before the revised itinerary was formally confirmed the following day.
“Current forecasts indicate the development of a strong weather system bringing very rough seas, heavy swells, and strong to gale-force winds.
“These conditions may be encountered during our approach to the Messina Strait and are expected to intensify further during the subsequent navigation toward La Valletta,”
Letter sent to guests
Instead of Messina, the ship called at Naples on 20th January, around 305 miles from the original destination, before proceeding to Palermo on 21st January as an alternative gateway to Sicily.
The cancellations also complicated embarkation and debarkation operations, as Messina is a regular turnaround port for the ship alongside Barcelona, Marseille, Rome and Genoa. Guests due to board in Messina on 20th January were offered complimentary shuttle transfers to Naples, along with a €25 per-person onboard credit to cover lunch ashore.
Alternatively, passengers could embark in Palermo on 21st January and receive a pro-rated refund for the missed night onboard. MSC Cruises also confirmed assistance would be provided to guests affected by the change in disembarkation port, though details were not specified.
“We truly appreciate your understanding and cooperation. Please rest assured that we will continue to keep you updated as the situation evolves,” the cruise line emphasised.
Silversea’s Silver Muse Shelters In Malta As Storm Peaks
Cyclone Harry also forced Silversea Cruises to dramatically adjust plans for the 40,791-gross-ton Silver Muse, which opted to remain in Valletta, Malta, to ride out the worst of the storm.
The 632-guest luxury ship was originally scheduled to overnight in Valletta from 18th to 19th January, but the stay was extended until the morning of 20th January, and later effectively prolonged again as conditions failed to improve.
“Our chief Meteorologist, Craig Setzer, and I have been closely tracking the strong low-pressure system affecting the region that is expected to bring strong winds and high seas along our planned route to Tunisia,
“With the forecast showing no improvement, we will be extending our stay in Valletta until tomorrow morning, departing at roughly 7 a.m.”
Captain Kosta Doroshenko’s letter to guests.
Cruise tracking data showed Silver Muse still alongside in Valletta as of 4 am on 21st January, with swells of around 4.7 metres continuing to roll through the harbour.
As a result, the scheduled call to La Goulette-Tunis on 20th January was cancelled, and the subsequent visit to Cagliari, Sardinia, on 21st January also became unfeasible.
Despite the delays, Silversea confirmed the ship still expects to arrive in Valencia, Spain, at 8 am on 23rd January, maintaining the planned end of the 20-night voyage.
“We still expect to arrive in Valencia as scheduled on Friday morning,” the Royal Caribbean-owned brand confirmed.
The sailing began in Lisbon on 4th January 2026 and is due to conclude with disembarkation in Barcelona on 24th January.
Passengers onboard Silver Muse were offered a future cruise credit valued at the prorated two-day cruise fare covering the missed ports, despite standard cruise contract terms not requiring compensation for weather-related changes.
“We fully recognize the impact these weather-related changes have on your journey,” the cruise line stated.
“To thank you for your understanding, you will receive a Future Cruise Credit (FCC) valued at the prorated 2-days cruise fare paid.”
The credit will be issued within 20 business days of disembarkation and must be used within two years.
Mediterranean Regions Hit By Rare And Dangerous Storm
Cyclone Harry has been described as an extremely aggressive low-pressure system, with wind speeds exceeding 74 miles per hour in some areas and swells reaching up to nine metres. Italy’s Civil Protection Department issued red alerts, its most severe warning, across Sicily, Sardinia and Calabria, leading to evacuations and widespread disruption.
Malta also endured red-level warnings on 19th January as intense rain, coastal flooding and winds of up to 55 knots battered the island. Civil Protection Malta reported dozens of emergency responses in the first 30 hours, including fallen trees, debris clearance, electrical hazards and HAZMAT incidents.
By early 21st January, Italy had downgraded its alerts to orange advisories, indicating improving but still dangerous conditions. Weather in Valletta has since eased to cloudy conditions with scattered showers, while La Goulette in Tunisia is experiencing only light rain.
While both MSC World Europa and Silver Muse are built to handle rough seas, the scale and intensity of Cyclone Harry has underscored how extreme Mediterranean winter weather can still bring cruise itineraries to a standstill when safety is at stake.
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