The Mediterranean is becoming increasingly popular as a holiday destination due to its picturesque seascapes, and MSC Cruises has met the demand by offering guests a variety of itineraries that visit multiple cities in the breathtaking region for the ultimate summer vacation, and it’s not too late to book.
Nowadays, travelers may visit the most popular Western Mediterranean destinations with MSC Cruises this summer without having to unpack a luggage more than once.
A cruise vacation offers the best experience-value ratio, with a diverse choice of offerings both aboard and ashore to satisfy any type of traveler. MSC Cruises provides guests with an endless number of enriching experiences, from incredible itineraries and destination excursions to unique onboard experiences with a variety of international gourmet dining options, award-winning facilities and activities for families and children of all ages, and luxurious spa and fitness centres.
From May to October, nine beautiful MSC Cruises ships visit these renowned places as well as off-the-beaten-path possibilities, providing the ideal blend of relaxation, adventure, culture, and entertainment.
Valencia, Spain – Valencia is a dynamic port city with a rich history, Mediterranean beauty, and possibly the best nightlife in Spain, making it a must-see destination this summer. Cobblestone streets bring travelers to enjoy storied Spanish heritage combined with modern flair, as well as culinary delights like tapas, Paella, and refreshing horchata. The vibrant blue waves at Playa de Las Arenas beach are ideal during the day, and when the sun goes down, Valencia comes alive with hip bars and nightlife. Ships visiting Valencia this summer include:
MSC Fantasia offers 7-night trips from Valencia.
MSC Seaside offers 7-night itineraries from Genoa.
Livorno, Italy – Livorno is a magnificent port town on Tuscany’s west coast, filled with historical landmarks, fascinating museums, and delicious seafood. Stunning natural environments, such as Macchia della Magona, are a regional mainstay that are great for summer exploration. Livorno is also an excellent starting point for seeing Tuscany’s capital, Florence, where the Italian Renaissance began and where visitors can still see historic buildings and works by Caravaggio, Raphael, and da Vinci. A short coastal drive to Pisa reveals Piazza dei Miracoli, the iconic Leaning Tower, the 13th-century Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, and the magnificent Gothic Baptistery. Ships visiting Livorno this summer include:
MSC Fantasia offers 7-night trips from Valencia.
MSC Grandiosa: 7-night itineraries from Livorno.
Barcelona, Spain – Barcelona, a metropolis rich of various experiences, comes alive in the summer with festivals and outdoor activities, including beaches. Explore the city center for world-class museums, designer restaurants, and art-filled boutiques. Don’t miss GaudÃ’s masterpiece, Casa Batlló, with its unique façade expressing the joyous artist. After the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art opened, diverse bars and stores sprung up in nearby El Raval. An exceptional perspective of this iconic city is best seen from the mountain Montserrat, where visitors can climb to the basilica and take in the scenery below. This summer, the following ships are scheduled to visit Barcelona:
MSC Seaview offers 7-night itineraries from Barcelona.
MSC World Europa: 7-night itinerary from Genoa
MSC Grandiosa 7-night itineraries from Livorno.
MSC Musica offers 7-night trips from Civitavecchia.
MSC Poesia offers 11-night itineraries from Genoa.
Palermo, Italy – Palermo, Sicily’s capital, is home to an unparalleled collection of Norman art and architecture, as well as Baroque churches, as well as a maze of ancient alleyways and marketplaces. Palermo is a complicated and multidimensional city that is best experienced on foot, with back lanes giving way to bustling scenes in the city center. Historic sites include the 18th-century Palazzo d’Orleans and Palermo’s opera house, Teatro Massimo, which has appeared in films and television shows, as well as the spectacular Baroque churches. Ships visiting Palermo this summer include:
MSC Seaside offers 7-night itineraries from Genoa.
MSC Grandiosa: 7-night itineraries from Livorno.
Ibiza, Spain – Ibiza is linked with beauty and excess, making it the epicenter of Spanish nightlife, but there’s so much more to discover on the island this summer. Ciutat d’Eivissa is the most picturesque town on the island, with the UNESCO-listed ancient section of Dalt Vila surrounded by spectacular medieval walls that end at the major archway entry, the towering Portal de ses Taules. Just inside is the magnificent Plaça de Vila, a delightful area dotted with restaurants and cafés ideal for savoring tapas or a leisurely supper. The trek up the steep, winding streets to the cathedral is definitely worth it, if only for the breathtaking views of the bay. Ships visiting Ibiza this summer include:
MSC Musica offers 7-night trips from Civitavecchia.
MSC Seaside offers 7-night itineraries from Genoa.
Cádiz, Spain. Cádiz, discovered over 3,000 years ago, is Western Europe’s oldest city. Since then, Cádiz’s various settlers have left an important cultural impression on the city’s population, which continues to affect their character. Located on the Andalusian Atlantic coast, this peninsula has managed to preserve a large historical history, owing to its commercial importance, in addition to magnificent beaches and wonderful regional cuisine. Doñana National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers unequaled exploration opportunities for nature aficionados.
This summer, MSC Orchestra will offer 10-night cruises from Genoa to Cadiz.
Naples, Italy: Southern Italy’s busy historic city captivates all five senses and is one of the country’s most underappreciated big cities. Naples, located on the coast under the shadow of Mount Vesuvius, is full of artistic treasures and architectural masterpieces, including the Teatro di San Carlo, Europe’s oldest opera house. Its location is ideal for seeing nearby Pompeii, a town frozen in time following the volcanic explosion in AD 79. Guests can also visit Capri to see the cove-studded coastline and learn about the island’s many stories. This summer, ships visiting Naples include MSC World Europa, with 7-night cruises from Genoa.
MSC Grandiosa: 7-night itineraries from Livorno.
MSC Divina offers 7-night trips from Civitavecchia.
Cannes, France: For a taste of glamor, beauty, and Mediterranean charm, look no farther than this French Riviera hotspot, known for its world-renowned film festival. This fascinating city provides visitors with a variety of activities to discover, including magnificent scenery, clean beaches, wonderful restaurants, upmarket boutiques along the iconic Boulevard de la Croisette, and the city’s ancient town, Le Suquet, which is steeped in history. Ships visiting Cannes this summer include:
MSC Musica offers 7-night trips from Civitavecchia.
MSC Seaview offers 7-night itineraries from Barcelona.