MSC Cruises Warns Guests of Rough Seas in the Mediterranean

Current guests onboard MSC Fantasia received a letter from the cruise line that was more nerve-racking than comforting.

The MSC cruise ship, which is currently operating multiple 9-night Mediterranean itineraries simultaneously, is preparing to weather some rough seas on her journey from Trieste, Italy, to Katakolon, Greece.

During this portion of the voyage, which will last from October 2 to October 4, 2025, the 3,274-guest ship may encounter wind gusts that reach speeds of over 45 knots (or 51 miles) per hour.

“We are writing to inform you that rough seas are expected across the East Mediterranean Sea this weekend, with wind gusts forecasted to exceed 45 knots and up to four-metre swells,” MSC Cruises wrote to current passengers.

“We expected challenging navigational conditions during our navigation from Trieste to Katakolon,” the cruise line warned.

The strong winds may cause ocean swells to reach up to four meters, or approximately 13 feet, in height.

When conditions are calm, ocean swells in the Eastern Mediterranean tend to range between 1 to 3 feet tall.

However, swells exceeding 5 meters (or 16 feet) have been reached by past October storms.

But while this may sound scary, keep in mind that the ship would have been rerouted to calmer seas if conditions were too dangerous.

No Danger to Current Guests

MSC Cruises most likely issued the letter so that guests would know to be extra cautious while navigating the Fantasia-class ship and to avoid panic if the seas do get especially rough.

However, it’s easy to see how a letter like this could be anxiety-inducing, especially for a novice cruiser.

One first-time cruiser took to Reddit to ask: “Very scared. My first cruise, and I got this in the door. How horrible is this going to be?”

But this guest and others can rest assured that safety is always the top priority. While the 137,936-gross-ton ship may move or lurch unpredictably during this leg of the sailing, guests will not be in any danger.

Modern cruise ships are equipped with sophisticated stabilization systems and reinforced steel hulls that help to keep them balanced, even in severe wind and storms.

And of course, the captain and his expert bridge team will be monitoring the weather closely to chart the smoothest and safest course possible.

“Our crew will be on hand to assist and ensure that everyone stays safe throughout the journey…Our priority is to always ensure your comfort, safety, and well-being,” MSC Cruises reassured guests.

Out of an abundance of caution, the onboard pools will likely be drained to prevent flooding and to enhance the vessel’s stability.

Additionally, guests have been advised to avoid the outer decks and to use handrails while moving around the cruise ship to avoid tripping or falling should the 2008-launched vessel lurch suddenly.

“For your safety, all pools on board may be emptied, and we strongly advise guests to avoid the outer decks. Please exercise caution when moving around the ship and always use handrails,” the cruise line advised.

This standard safety protocol is also currently being followed onboard MSC Euribia, which is similarly navigating strong wind gusts while sailing from Flåm, Norway, to Kiel, Germany, from October 2 to October 4.