MSC Cruises has cancelled a scheduled visit to Le Havre, France, aboard MSC Preziosa on 5th November 2026, with the ship instead spending an additional night in Belgium as industrial action threatens to disrupt port operations.
The change affects passengers on the 4,345-guest vessel, which had been due to depart Zeebrugge on 4th November before continuing to the French port the following day.
Instead, MSC Preziosa will remain docked in Zeebrugge overnight, departing at 6pm on 5th November, 24 hours later than originally scheduled.
The decision follows warnings of nationwide strikes and protests in France, with disruption expected across transport networks and other public services.
Passengers Notified Of Last-Minute Itinerary Change
Guests were informed of the revised arrangements in a notice issued on 3rd November and signed by the ship’s captain, Francesco Iacono.
The notice explained that the cancellation had been made in response to planned industrial action, with MSC Cruises prioritising passenger safety and comfort.
“We would like to inform you of a change to our itinerary due to planned nationwide strike and protest action in France on Thursday, 5 November,” the notice stated.
The cruise line has confirmed that passengers who purchased shore excursions in Le Havre through MSC Cruises will receive refunds credited to their onboard accounts.
Those wishing to make the most of the extended stay in Belgium have been encouraged to visit the ship’s Shore Excursions Desk, where alternative tours in and around Zeebrugge can be arranged.
The revised schedule provides passengers with an overnight stay in Belgium rather than the originally planned single-day visit.
Zeebrugge is a popular gateway for cruise passengers visiting Bruges, although the additional time in port will be of less benefit to those who had planned activities in northern France.
Le Havre is also frequently used as a starting point for excursions to Paris and destinations across Normandy.
The disruption is potentially more complicated for passengers embarking or disembarking in France.
MSC Preziosa operates overlapping itineraries with embarkation points including Southampton, Hamburg, Amsterdam and Le Havre.
Some passengers had booked a seven-night cruise beginning in Le Havre on 5th November, the date of the cancelled visit.
MSC Cruises has not publicly detailed how those passengers will be accommodated or whether alternative arrangements will be required to join the vessel.
Another French Strike Disrupts Cruise Schedules
The planned industrial action on 5th November involves a coalition of major French trade unions, known as an intersyndicale.
The protests concern several issues, including pay, rising living costs, public services and government budget proposals.
Disruption is expected to extend beyond the country’s ports, with transport, education and healthcare among the sectors potentially affect
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