MSC Euribia Drops Port Visit for Weather-Related Safety Concerns
Cruise lines always keep a close eye on any potential safety concerns that might impact itineraries, whether those concerns come from local activity, port facilities, or weather patterns.
It is the latter that is of concern this month for MSC Euribia. Because of potentially unsafe weather, one port of call on the ship’s May 11, 2025 departure has now been dropped.
The 183,500-gross ton, Meraviglia Plus class ship is currently homeported from Copenhagen and Kiel, offering 7-night northern European itineraries. The impacted sailing was to have visited four different ports in Norway.
“Your original itinerary included a brief stopover in Hellesylt to disembark guests with MSC shore excursions, before continuing to Geiranger,” the email notification explained.
“Due to safety concerns related to the unpredictable natural and weather conditions the region is currently experiencing, including the risk of avalanches, we have decided to cancel the call in Geiranger.”
On Tuesday, May 13, Geigranger is expected to have showers throughout the day. Heavy squalls could create dangerous conditions on different roadways and trails, especially when compounded with melting snow.
According to the European Avalanche Warning Services, the area of Geiranger is under a Level 2 moderate warning with buried weak layer of snow that could easily be triggered. Of course, additional rain in the coming days could increase that warning.
Instead, MSC Euribia will now stay in Hellesylt for a full day, rather than the brief debarkation stop. That original stop was just 45 minutes, giving enough time to debark guests on the associated shore tours.
Now, the ship will remain in Hellesylt from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m., giving everyone aboard plenty of time to explore the Norwegian fjord village, including the stunning Hellesyltfossen waterfall that bisects the small village.
“Your safety and well-being are our highest priorities and we are committed to ensuring you enjoy a wonderful and memorable day on land,” the email said.
To be clear, Hellesylt is also expecting showers on May 13, though the temperature is expected to be in the mid-50s rather than the mid-40s that are forecast for Geigranger.
Geigranger and Hellesylt are just 11 miles apart, though the challenging terrain and increased elevation in Geiranger – exacerbated by poor weather – may make it impossible for the planned tours to operate.
Guests who have prepaid shore excursions through MSC Cruises for Geiranger have the option to exchange their excursion for another tour or may receive a full refund if they prefer.
At this time, no other itinerary changes are noted for the voyage. MSC Euribia should still call on Molde and Flam as planned on May 14 and May 15, respectively, followed by a day at sea on Friday, May 16.
Read Also: MSC Cruises Ships by Size – Biggest to Smallest
A final port visit – to Kiel, Germany on Saturday, May 17 – completes that itinerary before the ship will return to Copenhagen on Sunday, May 18.
Of course, poor weather can always have last-minute impacts on any cruise itinerary. Guests should always be prepared for the possibility of port changes, delays, or cancellations.
Rockslides and Cruise Ships
Rockslides might seem like a problem for ski resorts or cabin getaways rather than cruise ships. Some top cruise destinations, however, are especially prone to rockslides and avalanches.
This is true in both the Norwegian fjords as well as along the Inside Passage of Alaska. In fact, in June and again in August 2022, several rockslides damaged a dock in Skagway, Alaska, resulting in multiple cancelled port visits until repairs could be made and mitigation measures put in place to stabilize the steep hillside.
In July 2024, more than 100 guests sailing with Princess Cruises’ Discovery Princess and Holland America Line’s Koningsdam missed returning to their respective vessels when a rockslide blocked a highway, also near Skagway.
Cruise lines stay in touch with local communities to assess any potential risk to piers, port facilities, navigation channels, turning basins, and other infrastructure to be sure it is safe for ships to dock as planned.
When poor weather or natural disasters impact an area, changing an itinerary to skip the port visit can ensure the ship’s safety as well as the safety of guests and crew members.
Furthermore, port officials and staff can then focus on any necessary emergency response to lessen any overall impact as much as possible.
MSC Euribia Drops Port Visit for Weather-Related Safety Concerns