ABOUT MSC CRUISES

MSC Cruises will add new ports of call for two of its three sailing itineraries in the Middle East during the winter 2023-24 season. The line will also back up its Middle East cruise expansion with 80,000 return air seats as part of its 'Fly&Cruise' programme with leading airlines. MSC Virtuosa will sail 17 new seven-night voyages in the Arabian Gulf from Dubai to Doha, Manama in Bahrain, Abu Dhabi and Sir Bani Yas Island. International guests have a choice of three embarkation ports: Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi. MSC Virtuosa will also serve as a cruise ship hotel for the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. MSC Opera returns to the region with 22 seven-night sailings in 2023-24 from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani Yas Island, Muscat and more. MSC Orchestra will operate a new Middle East cruise tinerary from Safaga in Egypt with 20 seven-night sailings to Jeddah, Aqaba for Petra in Jordan, Sharm El-Sheikh, and Cairo. The 'Fly&Cruise' product for MSC Orchestra's Red Sea sailings will provide more than 20,000 return air seats throughout the season.  

MSC Cruises is heading back to China next year. It will offer international China cruises aboard the MSC Bellissima from March 2024. A short season will see the ship sailing from the Baoshan Wusongkou Cruise Terminal in Shanghai. It will operate nine China cruises of four or five nights calling at Fukuoka, Kagoshima, and Sasebo, Japan. Gianni Onorato, CEO, MSC Cruises, said: “We can really sense a rapid recovery in the country’s cruise industry.” “Our team in China has been working tirelessly to prepare for our return to the Chinese market.” Prior to mainland China, MSC Bellissima will homeport in Taiwan from January 2024.

MSC Cruises new flagship MSC Euribia has been officially named in Copenhagen, Denmark. The Naming Ceremony event was presented by Danish television host and actress Sarah Grünewald. The ship’s Godmother is screen legend, Sophia Loren. The ship is MSC Cruises' second LNG cruise ship. Sustainable innovations include onboard wastewater treatment systems and waste management handling. The ship can also incorporate future innovations, such as carbon-neutral synthetic and other alternative fuels. During her maiden voyage, MSC Euribia completed a net zero GHG emissions journey from St Nazaire to Copenhagen. MSC Euribia begins sailings in Northern Europe with seven-night sailings from Kiel, Germany and Copenhagen to the Norwegian Fjords.

 

• MSC Cruises is celebrating 15 years in Japan and the start of MSC Bellissima’s summer season out of Yokohama
• First-ever winter season means guests can now sail year-round in the region with MSC Cruises
• The cruise line now offers the largest capacity of cruise passengers from Japan

  MSC Cruises hosted a special event on board MSC Bellissima in Yokohama, Japan to mark the start of the summer 2023 season and to celebrate the 15-year anniversary of the line’s presence in the country. At the same time, sales have today opened for MSC Cruises’ first ever winter season in Japan. With cruises now year-round from Japan, MSC Cruises offers the largest cruise capacity in the region, setting the line on track to become the number one cruise line in the country.   The new winter programme on MSC Bellissima will commence from November 2023 with an 11-night, 9-night and 6-night cruise from Yokohama. From  January to March 2024, MSC Bellissima will homeport in Naha/Okinawa offering guests from around the world the opportunity to experience Japan’s stunning landscapes and beaches, rich cultural heritage, ancient traditions, and modern attractions with multiple destinations – all without having to repack a suitcase.   The Winter 23/24 season will see MSC Bellissima sailing within Japan and to Keelung, Taiwan (China), offering cruises of four to five nights in length, with varying itineraries visiting destinations such as:  

• Okinawa, Japan - The fifth largest island of Japan is known for its balmy tropical climate, expansive beaches and stunning coral reefs, as well as historical sites
• Ishigaki, Japan – Another stunning beach destination with incredible snorkelling, diving and surfing sites, guests may go searching for the Shiraho Reef's rare blue coral in Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park
• Keelung, Taiwan (China) - Keelung City is surrounded by inspiring mountains and is home to a bustling waterfront, where street-food stalls at Miaokou Night Market offer traditional snacks and seafood. Several forts pepper the area and offer breath-taking views out to sea
• Miyako Island, Japan - Miyako Island is revered for its white sandy beaches and turquoise waters. Guests will delight in local foods, including sweet mangoes, or go out looking for adventure in the many underwater caverns

  This summer, MSC Bellissima is now sailing eight- to nine-night summer sailings out of Yokohama, Tokyo - offering one-of-a-kind opportunities to discover the beauty of the region. Some of the departures still have availability – for more information visit here.

The MSC Foundation teamed up with the International Union for Conservation of Nature to help conserve coral reefs. It will enable the completion of the global assessment of coral reef species on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The assessment project aims to deliver actionable restoration plans for coral reefs, as well as the species populating them. The project will include prioritisng conservation and restoration actions based on the threats they face. “Our new partnership is a powerful commitment to conserve threatened coral reefs, and seagrass beds,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Group Cruise Division. The partnership will also contribute to the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.

  MSC Cruises announced today that the Naming Ceremony for MSC Cruises’ newest flagship, MSC Euribia, will take place in Copenhagen on 8 June. The new flagship will become MSC Cruises’ second ship to be powered by LNG one of the world’s cleanest marine fuels available at scale and will also feature further state-of-the-art environmental technologies including ‘Baltic Standard’ advanced onboard wastewater treatment system, waste management handling, energy efficiency measures as well shore power connectivity to enable zero emissions from the ship where onshore power is available. MSC Euribia symbolises the line’s commitment to protecting the oceans and this is why the port of Copenhagen was selected as the launch location – as not only does the port have a rich maritime heritage but Denmark is a country with a deep respect for the sea and commitment to sustainability.   Antonio Paradiso, MSC Cruises, commented, “We are committed to offering the best experience for our guests from the UK and Ireland, and that is why our newest environmentally advanced flagship, MSC Euribia, will be sailing from the UK during Winter 2023. Since our first full ex-UK season back in 2018, we’ve seen a huge demand for stress-free, no-fly cruises from Southampton on board our current UK-based ship, MSC Virtuosa.We will be able to build on this success by offering our UK customers the opportunity to experience one of the most impressive cruise experiences available, featuring leading sustainability technology and cutting-edge design.”   This highly anticipated new ship will feature a striking fresco painted on her exterior that represents MSC Cruises’ commitment to protect and preserve the marine environment. Designed by German graphic artist, Alex Flaemig, the artwork is designed to communicate the importance of protecting this delicate and complex ecosystem. MSC Euribia is named after the ancient goddess Eurybia who harnessed the winds, weather and constellations to master the seas, furthering the vision of the ship to master the deployment of state-of-the-art sustainable technologies to protect and preserve the precious marine ecosystem.   Starting her inaugural season in Northern Europe from 10 June, MSC Euribia will offer 7-night sailings from Kiel, Germanyand Copenhagen, Denmark to the stunning Norwegian Fjords including Geiranger, Ålesund, and Flaam.   To find out more about MSC Euribia, please click here. For more information for media please visit www.mscpressarea.com.

 

• Brand new itinerary with 50 stunning destinations across 21 countries to be discovered through an epic 116-night World Cruise
• Extended discovery of Australasia with 19 days spent sailing around the Southern and Western coast of Australia – new for World Cruise 2025

  MSC Cruises today opened sales for the MSC World Cruise 2025 with an entirely new itinerary aboard MSC Magnifica. Voyagers can embark on this unique journey of a lifetime from four European ports - Civitavecchia/Rome, Genoa, Marseille and Barcelona (on 4, 5, 6 and 7 January 2025 respectively).   The 116-night voyage around the world will visit 50 breath-taking destinations in 21 countries, with seven overnight stays, featuring 22 destinations that have never featured on an MSC World Cruise before. The three-month long journey will bring cruisers to five continents, crossing three of the world’s largest oceans, sailing over 30,000 nautical miles. Whether it’s natural splendour, vibrant cosmopolitan cities or world-famous historical sites, this incredible itinerary will tick off many must-visit places on the bucket-list and will broaden horizons with new tastes and traditions, diverse cultures and communities all whilst delivering authentic global experiences.   The wondrous voyage begins with world-famous cities and ports in Italy, France, and Spain before sailing to Casablanca in Morocco which offers a myriad of markets and medinas. One week into the trip, guests will spend their first days at sea, followed by a day trip to Cape Verde’s capital - Mindelo.   After crossing the Atlantic Ocean, guests will spend ten days exploring South America including overnights in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Buenos Aires, Argentina and Valparaiso, Chile as well as a visit to the Falkland Islands with its stunning vistas and the most southern point of the continent - Ushuaia.   Following this, the ship then makes its way across the South Pacific Ocean visiting tropical islands for almost two weeks – the world-famous Easter Island (Chile), Moorea (French Polynesia) and Aitutaki and Rarotonga in the Cook Islands.   Then begins an extended discovery of New Zealand and Australia starting with the Northern Islands of New Zealand. This sportive area is a popular destination for big-game fishing and to learn about the indigenous inhabitants of the country – the Maori. In eight days, guests visit the cities of Auckland, Tauranga, Napier, Christchurch and Dunedin, followed by an exceptional cruising of the Milford Sound fjord in southern New Zealand.   Marking the second month of sailing, MSC Magnifica will call in Sydney, Australia and commence one of the highlight legs of the cruise - 19 days sailing around the rugged and beautiful Southern and Western coasts of the country calling at stunning beauty spots, national parks and trendy beach towns.   Guests can visit the natural paradise of Eden, famous for its oysters, food and incredible beaches. Dive into the hip city of Melbourne, enjoy outdoors adventure in Adelaide, Penneshaw, get immersed in the historic city of Albany, explore the vibrant beach town of Busselton and the famous Margaret River wine growing region. Then soak up the laid-back vibes of Perth and marvel at the beautiful town of Broome where outback meets the sea.   Arriving in the lush tropical climate of Asia, the ship will first call port in Benoa on Bali, Indonesia. After an overnight stay, allowing guests plenty of time to explore the islands natural beauty, the backdrop will change entirely as MSC Magnifica sails to the jewel of South-East Asia, Singapore. Here, guests can marvel at futuristic architecture decorated by a mosaic of vertical gardens. To complete the Asian itinerary, guests will visit Port Klang and Penang in Malaysia, followed by the idyllic island of Phuket in Thailand.   During the journey across the Indian Ocean, guests can enjoy a visit to the capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo. Following this, the port of Aqaba in Jordan awaits where guests can visit the world-famous archaeological site of Petra. Next up, travellers can enjoy the beautiful Red Sea resort of Sharm El-Sheik, the ancient sites in Luxor (from the port of Safaga) the transit through the Suez Canal and then on to Alexandria, from where it is possible to visit Cairo and the Pyramids of Giza.   To round up this once-in-a-lifetime itinerary, MSC Magnifica will sail back to Europe, visiting four iconic cities in Italy, ending a trip full of discovery in Genoa.   2025 MSC World Cruise highlights include:  

• Casablanca, Morocco: This is a vibrant and historic city renowned for its stunning architecture and beautiful beaches. Visitors to Casablanca can explore its many historical landmarks, such as the largest mosque in the world, the Hassan II Mosque, or indulge in the city's famous cuisine which blends traditional Moroccan flavours with French and Spanish influences.
• Rio de Janeiro: Renowned for its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and lively atmosphere, Rio is a city not to be missed on any trip around the world. Guests are granted an overnight stay to allow time for a night filled with fun and dancing to the beat of samba music. During the day, visitors can explore the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, relax on the famous Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, or take a cable car ride to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain for panoramic views of “The Marvelous City”.
• Ushuaia, Argentina: The most adventurous destinations of all is Ushuaia, a place known as the southernmost city in the world which is surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Tierra del Fuego National Park. Guests can explore the stunning glaciers and fjords of the Beagle Channel, spot whales, and experience the rugged beauty of Patagonia.
• Hanga Roa, Chile: Located on the mystical Easter Island, this is a must-visit destination for those looking to experience a unique blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty. A main attraction on the island is the famous Moai sculptures which has become an icon of the island’s rich heritage. The mysterious statues which can weigh up to 75 tons have been carved by Rapa Nui people thousands of years ago, captivating visitors from all over the world.
• Christchurch, New Zealand: This city is renowned for its beautiful botanic gardens, rich history and its combination of urban regeneration with its ancient heritage. The city is filled with cutting-edge architecture built alongside authentic buildings. Guests can visit the International Antarctic Centre, where they can learn about the region's Antarctic heritage and experience a simulated blizzard.
• Milford Sound, New Zealand: With a strengthened focus on New Zealand, the cruise offers eight days to explore seven iconic cities on the island. Milford Sound is perhaps the most unique destination as it takes guests along a breathtaking fjord located on the southwestern coast of New Zealand's South Island. It is renowned for its towering cliffs, pristine waters, and diverse wildlife, including seals, penguins, and dolphins.
• Penneshaw, Australia: Out of the nine cities visited in Australia, Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island is the premier nature destination. This charming town with a coastal vibe offers a unique opportunity to discover Australia’s famous wildlife, including sightings of kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, sea lions and over 270 species of birds.
• Benoa, Indonesia: This bustling port town is located on the southern coast of Bali. Stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters and exciting water-based activities await the guests as they enjoy the island for two days. Those interested in cultural sights can achieve their hearts desire at the traditional Balinese fishing village of Tanjung Benoa while enjoying a refreshing drink.

  Benefits when booking:  

• A dine and drink package is included for all World Cruises passengers.
• 15 shore excursions are included in the booking price.
• 30% discount on laundry.
• Classic level MSC Voyager Club members and above will benefit from a 5% discount on their booking price. The points gained from the World Cruise will be tripled and added to their account before the start of the voyage, instantly granting them valuable privileges and extras.

  To find out more about the MSC World Cruise 2025 and to book, please click here.

  MSC Seascape, MSC Cruises’ latest fun-filled flagship, today reached New York City ahead of her glamorous Naming Ceremony. The event will take place on Wednesday 7^th December at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal, and will be the Line’s first ship to be named in New York City, in recognition of the addition of New York as a new homeport in April 2023 bringing even more choice of North American embarkation ports and itineraries for MSC Cruises guests from both North America and the rest of the world.   MSC Seascape will offer an immersive experience truly connecting guests with the sea through and the beautiful design and her impressive outdoor spaces that can be enjoyed for relaxation, dining, and entertainment. Some of the key highlights include:  

• Technologically advanced onboard entertainment options, including the new ROBOTRON – a thrilling amusement ride that offers the breath-taking thrill of a rollercoaster at sea combined with a personalised DJ music experience
• Awe-inspiring entertainment, with six fantastical new productions and 98 hours of exclusive onboard entertainment featuring interactive elements
• 700 square metres of dedicated kids’ space and cutting-edge amusement options, with newly designed spaces for ages 0 to 17
• 2,270 cabins, featuring 12 different kinds of suites and staterooms with balconies (including the iconic aft suites featured on all Seaside class ships)
• 11 dining venues, 19 bars and lounges, with many options for ‘Al Fresco’ dining and drinking
• Six swimming pools, including a stunning aft infinity pool with incredible ocean views
• The largest and most luxurious MSC Yacht Club in MSC Cruises’ fleet, with approximately 32,000 square feet of space featuring sweeping ocean views from the front of the ship
• An expansive 1,772-foot-long waterfront promenade that puts guests closer to the ocean
• A spectacular glass-floored Bridge of Sighs at deck 16 with a unique view of the sea

  MSC Seascape will offer two different 7-night itineraries from Miami, in the sun-soaked Caribbean:  

• Eastern Caribbean: Calling at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve and Nassau in The Bahamas, San Juan in Puerto Rico, and Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic
• Western Caribbean: Calling at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, Cozumel in Mexico, George Town in the Cayman Islands and Ocho Rios in Jamaica

  MSC Cruises is the world’s fastest growing cruise line and the third largest cruise brand in the world. With a truly global footprint, the line is continuing to expand and grow with two new ships coming into service in 2022 – MSC World Europa and MSC Seascape – and MSC Euribia hot on their heels in summer 2023.   To find out more about MSC Seascape visit here.

 

Step into a winter wonderland on board MSC Virtuosa this Christmas

  MSC Cruises is bringing Christmas to the seas this year with a host of festivities on board MSC Virtuosa from 21^st November. From dazzling decorations to the famous twinkling Christmas Light Chain, the ship will shimmer and shine with the magic of the season.   Guests can experience all the joy of a Christmas at home, complete with magical markets, traditional carol singing, and festive-themed parties, while exploring winter wonderland sceneries in Le Harve, Amsterdam and Bruges. And the cherry on top of the (Christmas) cake? Sailings depart from Southampton, which makes this the ultimate hassle-free holiday.   Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a market and MSC Virtuosa will have its very own, decorated with wooden Alpine chalets and tempting market stalls. Guests can discover festive delights like Glühwein, Lumumba cocktail or hot chocolate, and traditional tasty treats like baked apples, hot dogs and Bratwursts.   There will be themed events with ice-cool music, including a Sunshine Party, a White Party and even a Snow Party, complete with a snow cannon. Guests can enjoy t-shirt painting, Christmas card and decoration workshops and gift-wrapping masterclasses, to name a few. Join the MSC Crew’s Got Talent show or sing along to seasonal favourites with Christmas Karaoke and carol singing. Guests can take part in the world’s most famous cooking talent show, MasterChef Christmas Edition, where the lucky winner will have the opportunity to take part in the casting of the TV show. There’s even an onboard curling track for sports fans to try out. Plus, there’s a packed onshore excursion programme, with visits to some of the best Christmas markets in the world including Amsterdam’s Christmas Market held at the Ice Village on Museumplein.   Those looking for the ultimate VIP experience while onboard celebrating the festive season should look no further than MSC Yacht Club. Guests can indulge in the luxury of a private club while enjoying access to a myriad of recreation and entertainment possibilities that the ship has to offer. Lavishly appointed suites, an exclusive 24-hour butler service and a dedicated concierge are just the beginning of these exclusive cruise experiences. Yacht Club guests can enjoy a traditional English High Tea with three courses and a selection of teas or champagne, prosecco and champagne cocktails.   Experience the charm of the ‘Northern Pearls’ on the MSC Northern Europe winter cruise, sailing from Southampton to Hamburg, Amsterdam, Zeebrugge, Bruges and Le Havre from £399 per person. The itineraries are available to view and purchase here. To find out more about MSC Virtuosa click here.