With its picturesque seascapes, the Mediterranean continues to grow in popularity as a holiday destination, and MSC Cruises has met the demand, offering guests a variety of itineraries that visit multiple cities in the breathtaking region for the ultimate summer holiday, and it’s not too late to book now.
Today, holidaymakers can visit the most popular Western Mediterranean destinations with MSC Cruises this summer with the ease of unpacking a suitcase only once.
A cruise holiday provides the biggest experience-value return, with a wide range of offerings both aboard and ashore to suit any type of traveller. From incredible itineraries and destination excursions to unique onboard experiences with a range of international gourmet dining options, award-winning facilities and activities for families and children of all ages as well as luxurious spa and fitness centres, MSC Cruises offers endless enriching experiences for guests to enjoy.
Offering sailings from May to October, nine elegant MSC Cruises’ ships visit this list of both iconic destinations and options off-the-beaten-path, offering the perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, culture, and entertainment.
1.Valencia, Spain – Valencia is a vibrant port city full of rich history, Mediterranean charm and arguably the best nightlife in Spain, making it a must-visit this summer. Here, cobblestone streets lead guests to discover storied Spanish history coupled with modern style, not to mention culinary delights, such as tapas, Paella and refreshing horchata. Vibrant blue waters at Playa de Las Arenas beach are perfect during the day, and as the sun sets, Valencia comes alive with hip bars and nightlife. Ships calling on Valencia this summer include:
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- MSC Fantasia – 7-night itineraries from Valencia
- MSC Seaside – 7-night itineraries from Genoa
2.Livorno, Italy – Brimming with historical monuments, fascinating museums, and amazing seafood, Livorno is a beautiful port town on the west coast of Tuscany. Stunning natural environments, like Macchia della Magona, are a staple of the region and ideal to explore in summer. Livorno is also the perfect launch pad to Tuscany’s capital of Florence, where the Italian Renaissance was born, and visitors can still admire ancient architecture and masterpieces from Caravaggio, Raphael, and da Vinci. A short coastal drive to Pisa unveils Piazza dei Miracoli, the famous Leaning Tower, the 13th-century Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, and the Baptistery with its splendid Gothic façade. Ships calling on Livorno this summer include:
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- MSC Fantasia – 7-night itineraries from Valencia
- MSC Grandiosa – 7-night itineraries from Livorno
3.Barcelona, Spain – A metropolis full of diverse experiences, Barcelona is alive during the summer with festivals and outdoor activities, including its beaches. Those who opt to explore the city centre will find world-class museums, designer restaurants and shops brimming with art, not to mention, Gaudí’s masterpiece Casa Batlló with its unique façade reflecting the joyful artist. In nearby El Raval, eclectic bars and boutiques have flourished in the wake of the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art. An unparalleled view of this iconic city is best observed on the mountain Montserrat where visitors can journey to the basilica perched on top and take in the scenery below. Ships calling on Barcelona this summer include:
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- MSC Seaview – 7-night itineraries from Barcelona
- MSC World Europa – 7-night itineraries from Genoa
- MSC Grandiosa –7-night itineraries from Livorno
- MSC Musica – 7-night itineraries from Civitavecchia
- MSC Poesia – 11-night itineraries from Genoa
4.Palermo, Italy – Palermo is Sicily’s capital city that holds an unrivalled display of Norman art and architecture and Baroque churches, combined with a labyrinth of medieval streets and markets. A complex and multilayered city, Palermo is best explored by foot where back alleys give way to lively scenes in the city centre. Historic venues, such as the 18th-century Palazzo d’Orleans and Palermo’s opera house, Teatro Massimo, which has appeared in movies and TV shows, amaze, as do the impressive Baroque churches. Ships calling on Palermo this summer include:
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- MSC Seaside – 7-night itineraries from Genoa
- MSC Grandiosa – 7-night itineraries from Livorno
5.Ibiza, Spain – Ibiza is synonymous with beauty and excess, making it the hub of Spanish nightlife, but there is so much more to explore on the island this summer. Ciutat d’Eivissa is the most charming town on the island, featuring the UNESCO-listed old quarter of Dalt Vila, encircled by impressive medieval walls which culminate at the main archway entrance, the imposing Portal de ses Taules. Just inside lies the elegant Plaça de Vila, a delightful square lined with restaurants and cafés, perfect for enjoying tapas or a leisurely meal. The climb up the steep, winding streets to the cathedral is well worth the effort, if only for the spectacular views over the harbour. Ships calling on Ibiza this summer include:
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- MSC Musica – 7-night itineraries from Civitavecchia
- MSC Seaside – 7-night itineraries from Genoa
6.Cádiz, Spain – Discovered more than 3,000 years ago, Cádiz is the oldest city in Western Europe. Since, the different settlers of Cádiz have left an important cultural imprint, whose influence still remains in the character of the city’s people. Located on the Andalusian Atlantic coast, this peninsula has managed to maintain a significant historical heritage, stemming from its commercial significance, alongside pristine beaches and delectable regional cuisine. Nature enthusiasts will find the Doñana National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an unparalleled destination for exploration.
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- MSC Orchestra offers 10-night itineraries this summer from Genoa that call on Cadiz
7.Naples, Italy: Southern Italy’s bustling historic city captivates all five senses and is one of the country’s most underrated large cities. Situated on the coast with shadows of Mount Vesuvius, Naples is alive with artistic treasures and architectural wonders, such as Teatro di San Carlo, the oldest opera house in Europe. Its location is ideal to explore nearby Pompeii, the town frozen in time from the volcanic eruption in AD 79. Guests can also take a trip to the island of Capri to admire its cove-studded coastline and learn about the many legends surrounding the island. Ships calling on Naples this summer include:
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- MSC World Europa – 7-night itineraries from Genoa
- MSC Grandiosa – 7-night itineraries from Livorno
- MSC Divina – 7-night itineraries from Civitavecchia
8.Cannes, France: Guests seeking a blend of glamour, beauty and Mediterranean charm will need to look no further than this French Riviera hotspot, acclaimed for its world-renowned film festival. This magnetic city offers visitors a range of attractions to explore including breathtaking sceneries, pristine beaches, fantastic restaurants, upscale shops along the famed Boulevard de la Croisette and the city’s old town, Le Suquet full of rich history. Ships calling on Cannes this summer include:
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- MSC Musica – 7-night itineraries from Civitavecchia
- MSC Seaview – 7-night itineraries from Barcelona
