CFC Compagnie Française de Croisières has delayed its start date from February to May 2023, with its first ship, Renaissance, formerly Holland America Line’s Maasdam, citing political issues in Europe. The ship is currently at the Damen repair facility in Brest, but it is also possible that a ship that has been out of service for almost three years needs more work than was initially anticipated.
MSC MSC Cruises currently has four ships operating yearround in the USA from the Florida ports of Miami and Port Canaveral, and from Barbados. From 2023 year-round sailings will begin from New York, too. The 2023-24 winter programme will see six MSC ships employed in the US market. Now MSC Cruises in negotiation with Galveston Wharves for the provision of a dedicated terminal in the port, utilising the space currently occupied by piers 16 to 18. This will be the port’s fourth cruise terminal, following the recent opening of the new Royal Caribbean facility, and could be in use by 2024.