Now summer has come to an end, MSC Cruises is helping us sail through winter and keeping the wanderlust spirit alive with an array of inspirational itineraries for summer 2017.
The Future of Cruising in the Western Mediterranean
Known as the ship for all seasons, MSC Meraviglia MSC Cruises’ new flagship, which is to launch in june 2017, will enable guests to discover the delights of the Western Mediterranean whilst enjoying the many features this innovative mega-ship has to offer. From world-class entertainment with exclusive partner Cirque du Soleil and enhanced family entertainment including a super amusement park and dedicated family deck, to a wide choice of fine dining and casual dining options and an enhanced MSC Yacht Club now spanning three decks, with the MSC Yacht Club restaurant located within the private areas, MSC Meraviglia is set to become the ultimate summer destination at sea next summer.
To learn more about MSC Meraviglia MSC’s newest cruise ship click here .
With a rich heritage in the Mediterranean, MSC Cruises brings to life the elegant side of the Mediterranean through every aspect of the cruise experience. With seven ships deployed in this popular region and a wide range of 3 night holiday breaks to 28 night combinations in both the Western and Eastern Mediterranean, MSC Cruises guests will be able to enjoy an extensive choice of ships and inspiring itineraries next summer.
Starting in April 2017, MSC Cruises will add an inspiring new destination to its Eastern Mediterranean itineraries and will be the first global cruise line to call Saranda Port in Albania weekly with MSC Poesia. Guests departing from Venice will have the opportunity to discover the beautiful city of Saranda, a key new addition to the itinerary now featuring 7 destinations in 7 days, with calls in Bari (Italy), Katakolon/Olympia and the Greek capital Athens, Mykonos the jewel of the Cyclades, and Dubrovnik in Croatia.
Steeped in history, Saranda was founded in the 6th Century B.C. and guests can either learn about the region’s past or visit the Blue Eye Spring and enjoy the beauties of this natural park. This charming historic town is a hidden gem on the Albanian Riviera, hosting a wealth of UNESCO protected archaeological treasures amongst other attractions. It is one of the most important tourist attractions in the region, with a slightly cosmopolitan and lively vibe to it with plenty of ocean-side bars and restaurants which offer great local produce and freshly-caught seafood.
As the Mediterranean continues to be an ever popular cruise destination MSC Cruises offers itineraries to some of the most popular ports and cities including Rome, Florence, Naples and Malta whilst offering some of the best beaches with calls at the stunning Greek Islands, including Santorini and Mykonos. Finally, for those wishing to completely immerse themselves in everything the Mediterranean has to offer, without unpacking a suitcase each night, there are itineraries that offer seven ports in seven days.
More Options to Explore Northern Europe
Northern Europe offers exciting and unique destinations and next summer MSC Cruises will be offering increased capacity with MSC Fantasia, MSC Preziosa and MSC Magnifica deployed in the region. MSC Cruises guests will be able to take in the charming Northern Lights, the magnificent Norwegian fjords, the rugged British Isles, the captivating Baltic States and Saint Petersburg through to the amazing capitals including Stockholm, Helsinki, Copenhagen, Talin, Riga, Gdinya and Reykjavik. These interesting and unusual itineraries will allow guests to explore remote and untouched regions with stunning scenery and some of the most fascinating cities in the world. Through high quality, convenient and hassle free shore excursions, MSC Cruises guests can experience the best that these cities have to offer.
Some of the highlights for summer 2017 include Snapshots of Bergen by helicopter – an exceptional 30 minute flight over one of Norway’s most beautiful cities, Moscow and the Kremlin – transfer by high-speed train and spend a full day revelling in the wonders of this historic capital city or sit back and enjoy the Norwegian waterfalls and dramatic sceneries by train taking in the spectacular Flåm valley and Sivlefossen Waterfalls.
Experience the Rich Culture of Cuba
MSC Cruises has long been committed to providing exciting itineraries that allow guests to discover new destinations and cultures in a unique way and from this summer, will be offering the opportunity to experience Cuba all year round. As the first international cruise company to homeport in Havana in 2015, MSC Cruises has a deep and unmatched understanding of this unique destination’s spirit as shown in their wide range of specially developed excursions. As MSC Opera will continue to homeport in Havana for the summer season she will offer itineraries with either a two or three night stopover in Havana, allowing plenty of time to become truly immersed in everything that this vibrant port has to offer. Whether guests take part in the guided tour of the World Heritage Site Trinidad village, visit the Las Terrazas nature reserve set in 5,000 hectares of forest, or learn how to roll a fine Cuban cigar at a local workshop, MSC Cruises offers a side to Cuba passengers won’t forget.
Cuba acts as a new and interesting gateway to the Caribbean, offering beautiful destinations such as Montego Bay, on Jamaica’s north coast well known for its unparalleled tropical beaches, George Town, the capital of the Cayman Islands with its bustling streets and crystal blue waters and up to three ports in Mexico including Belize City, Costa Maya and Cozumel. MSC Opera is the second ship deployed in the region for the summer, as MSC Divina operates out of Miami year round also.
Discover the exotic Antilles
Starting in November 2017 MSC Fantasia will replace MSC Orchestra in the Antilles and the South Caribbean. MSC Fantasia will depart from Martinique and Guadeloupe, with two different itineraries that can be combined: one exploring the Antilles with calls in St. Maarten, Tortola, the new port of Kingstown (Saint Vincent and The Grenadines) instead of La Romana (Dominican Republic), St Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, and the second one to the pearls of the South Caribbean, including Saint Lucia, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada and Dominica.
MSC Orchestra will set sail for the Mediterranean. In addition to Genoa, Marseille, Barcelona and Civitavecchia, and with different cruise durations, she will sail to the most popular destinations including Valencia and Malaga in Spain, the Canary Islands and Madeira, Malta and the Greek Islands Corfu and Crete, Messina and Livorno in Italy.
Pictures © MSC Cruises