MSC Cruises is retiring its oldest and smallest ship as part of a fleet modernisation programme.
The 1,098-passenger MSC Melody, which entered service for the Italian line in 1997, will no longer operate for the company.
Passengers booked on future cruises on the ship, originally purchased by MSC Cruises as the Starship Atlantic in 1995, will be contacted by the company or travel agents to be offered alternative options.
“MSC Cruises has set up a vast array of alternative choices for passengers who have already booked a cabin on Melody for the upcoming summer season,” a company statement said.
“The decision to withdraw one of its first and most traditional cruise ships reaffirms MSC’s focus on cutting-edge service and reflects the company’s continued desire to offer travellers the highest standards in product innovation and the maximum in comfort, elegance and technology across the entire fleet.”
The 35,144-ton MSC Melody has sailed various itineraries all over the world, most recently in the Mediterranean, Black Sea and South Africa.
The retirement of the ship comes ahead of the line introducing the 3,502-passenger MSC Preziosa in March, the 12th ship in the fleet.
The new Fantasia class vessel is to be launched in Genoa on March 23.