Cruise Itinerary

According to the popular 1960 beach movie, Fort Lauderdale is "where the boys are." The city's reputation as America's Spring Break capital, however, has been replaced with the more favorable image of a prime family tourist destination, attracting more than 10 million visitors annually. The most popular beach resort in Florida is even more rightly famed as the "Yachting Capital of the World," with more than 40,000 registered crafts calling its waters home. The city also prides itself on being the "Venice of America" with more than 300 miles of navigable waterways. Fort Lauderdale boasts world-class theaters, museums, sightseeing, and shopping.

Christopher Columbus called the Cayman Islands, with their tranquil blue waters, "Las Tortugas" for its abundance of turtles. Located between Cuba and Jamaica, the Cayman Islands are comprised of three Caribbean islands: Grand Cayman, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac. Beautiful landscapes, bountiful wildlife and colourful streets embody this British Overseas Territory, with George Town, its capital, located on Grand Cayman, the largest and most populous island. When you arrive in George Town on an MSC Caribbean and Antilles cruise, you’ll discover that wildlife conservation is at the core of Grand Cayman’s offerings. For the chance of a lifetime to swim, feed and interact with stingrays, book an MSC excursion to Stingray City, where you’ll get an up-close experience with Cayman’s most graceful marine creatures. On yet another MSC excursion to the Cayman Turtle Centre, encounter the green turtles that return each and every year to lay their eggs on one of the beaches, visit the turtle hatchery, snorkel alongside yearlings in the Turtle Lagoon and meet the island’s endangered blue iguanas. For a special experience, ride horses bareback into the Caribbean Sea at Barker’s National Park on an exclusive Martha Stewart excursion curated just for MSC Cruises, followed by lunch at Vivo café, a spot beloved for its mostly vegan cuisine, with organic ingredients sourced straight from local farms. To learn about Cayman’s past and culture, explore Cayman Heritage House and visit the sumptuous Government House, the governor's residence built in 1964 located in front of Seven Mile Beach, one of the most prestigious beaches of Grand Cayman, in the heart of West Bay. Shopaholics will also delight in this destination. The Cayman Islands are entirely duty free. You just have to choose what catches your fancy among the myriad of watches, liqueurs, jewellery and porcelain on offer.

Fuerte Amador, situated at the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal, is a man-made peninsula extending out into the Pacific Ocean. The one-mile causeway was created by connecting four small islands with rocks excavated from the Panama Canal. There are several shops, restaurants, and other specialty stores centered around a large marina that serves as a tender dock. The causeway also affords a panoramic view of Panama City's impressive skyline and serves as the home for the Smithsonian Institute of Tropical Research.

Fuerte Amador, situated at the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal, is a man-made peninsula extending out into the Pacific Ocean. The one-mile causeway was created by connecting four small islands with rocks excavated from the Panama Canal. There are several shops, restaurants, and other specialty stores centered around a large marina that serves as a tender dock. The causeway also affords a panoramic view of Panama City's impressive skyline and serves as the home for the Smithsonian Institute of Tropical Research.

To the north is the "Lordiest City" of Trujillo, founded in 1535 and still rich in ornate colonial detail. At its edge, far older and long abandoned by the Chimu Indians, sits the eerie adobe metropolis of Chan Chan. Sample shore excursions: Trujillo and the Temples; Ch n Ch n Citadel/Dragon Huaca/Totora Caballitos.

Peru's bone-dry capital (only Cairo is drier as far as national capitals go), Lima is a booming energetic metropolis built on ancient foundations millennia in the making. At first she is no looker, but scratch that parched surface below the high-rise offices and dust-settled dwellings and Lima's charms begin to shine: Strikingly preserved pre-Columbian ruins sit defiantly among modern skyscrapers, a cultural potpourri of world-class museums, sun-toasted beaches beautifully illuminated by nightly sunsets and one of the most exciting and dynamic culinary landscapes in the world. Lima is a tale of two cities. Colonial charms abound in the city's historic center, where impressive plazas—including the cinematic 16th-century Plaza de Armas, the handiwork of Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro—are overseen by Baroque and neoclassical cathedrals, palaces, monasteries and remnants of ancient city walls. But a different Lima emerges in the cliff-hugging seaside barrios of Miraflores and Barranco. Miraflores, Lima's modern face, is a bustling enclave of chic restaurants, bars and nightlife, and Barranco is a bohemian resort commune flush with grand casonas converted into atmospheric hotels and eateries. One of the city's allures is navigating between the old and the new. But the Peruvian capital is at its most extraordinary at mealtimes, where the signature dishes of its world-famous cuisine—ceviche, lomo saltado pisco (beef stir-fried with tomatoes, peppers, onions and fried potatoes), aji de gallina (a pepper-laced chicken stew), causa (avocado and shrimp layered between mashed potato)—are the culinary stuff of legend, further wowing when chased by Peru's extraordinary national cocktail, the highly addictive pisco sour. ¡Salud!

Peru's bone-dry capital (only Cairo is drier as far as national capitals go), Lima is a booming energetic metropolis built on ancient foundations millennia in the making. At first she is no looker, but scratch that parched surface below the high-rise offices and dust-settled dwellings and Lima's charms begin to shine: Strikingly preserved pre-Columbian ruins sit defiantly among modern skyscrapers, a cultural potpourri of world-class museums, sun-toasted beaches beautifully illuminated by nightly sunsets and one of the most exciting and dynamic culinary landscapes in the world. Lima is a tale of two cities. Colonial charms abound in the city's historic center, where impressive plazas—including the cinematic 16th-century Plaza de Armas, the handiwork of Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro—are overseen by Baroque and neoclassical cathedrals, palaces, monasteries and remnants of ancient city walls. But a different Lima emerges in the cliff-hugging seaside barrios of Miraflores and Barranco. Miraflores, Lima's modern face, is a bustling enclave of chic restaurants, bars and nightlife, and Barranco is a bohemian resort commune flush with grand casonas converted into atmospheric hotels and eateries. One of the city's allures is navigating between the old and the new. But the Peruvian capital is at its most extraordinary at mealtimes, where the signature dishes of its world-famous cuisine—ceviche, lomo saltado pisco (beef stir-fried with tomatoes, peppers, onions and fried potatoes), aji de gallina (a pepper-laced chicken stew), causa (avocado and shrimp layered between mashed potato)—are the culinary stuff of legend, further wowing when chased by Peru's extraordinary national cocktail, the highly addictive pisco sour. ¡Salud!

Peru's bone-dry capital (only Cairo is drier as far as national capitals go), Lima is a booming energetic metropolis built on ancient foundations millennia in the making. At first she is no looker, but scratch that parched surface below the high-rise offices and dust-settled dwellings and Lima's charms begin to shine: Strikingly preserved pre-Columbian ruins sit defiantly among modern skyscrapers, a cultural potpourri of world-class museums, sun-toasted beaches beautifully illuminated by nightly sunsets and one of the most exciting and dynamic culinary landscapes in the world. Lima is a tale of two cities. Colonial charms abound in the city's historic center, where impressive plazas—including the cinematic 16th-century Plaza de Armas, the handiwork of Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro—are overseen by Baroque and neoclassical cathedrals, palaces, monasteries and remnants of ancient city walls. But a different Lima emerges in the cliff-hugging seaside barrios of Miraflores and Barranco. Miraflores, Lima's modern face, is a bustling enclave of chic restaurants, bars and nightlife, and Barranco is a bohemian resort commune flush with grand casonas converted into atmospheric hotels and eateries. One of the city's allures is navigating between the old and the new. But the Peruvian capital is at its most extraordinary at mealtimes, where the signature dishes of its world-famous cuisine—ceviche, lomo saltado pisco (beef stir-fried with tomatoes, peppers, onions and fried potatoes), aji de gallina (a pepper-laced chicken stew), causa (avocado and shrimp layered between mashed potato)—are the culinary stuff of legend, further wowing when chased by Peru's extraordinary national cocktail, the highly addictive pisco sour. ¡Salud!

General San Martin was named for José de San Martín who, nearly 200 years ago, liberated Peru from Spanish rule. This thriving harbor is your gateway to the Nazca Lines geoglyphs, the ancient spires of Macchu Picchu, and the port of Pisco. Visit the Paracas National Reserve, a refuge for seals, penguins, flamingos and more. Sample shore excursions: Ballestas Island Wildlife Sanctuary Cruise; The Route of Pisco; Tambo Colorado & Paracas Museum.

The port of Coquimbo is the gateway to La Serena, founded in 1544. Located in the transition zone between Chile's austere Atacama Desert and the country's fertile central valley, La Serena is a popular holiday resort. The nearby Elqui Valley is an agricultural center famed for grapes, papaya and cherimoya. The region was also home to the pre-Columbian Diaguita and El Molle cultures, noted for their fine ceramics and jewelry. La Serena's central Plaza de Armas is home to superb colonial buildings and a 19th-century cathedral. La Recova - the artisan's marketplace - features copper and silver jewelry, glass works and ceramics.

This large, modern port serves Chile’s capital, Santiago, a city with Spanish colonial charm and a vivacious spirit. Encircled by the Andes and the Coastal Range, Santiago is centered around the Plaza de Armas, with several of the city’s landmarks: the 18th-century Metropolitan Cathedral the Palacio de la Real Audencia from 1808, the City Hall and the National Museum of History. North of San Antonio lie the picturesque old port and university town of Valparaíso and the colorful seaside resort of Viña del Mar. In between the coast and the capital are valleys filled with some of Chile’s most famous wineries, all inviting you to come and taste.

Puerto Montt is an urban oasis surrounded by the breathtaking volcanoes, glacial lakes, and parks for which the Chilean Lake District is known. As the region’s commercial hub, Puerto Montt offers the perfect blend of shopping, sightseeing, and history that elevates any South American cruise itinerary. Start with a trip to the Angelmo Harbor Market to enjoy the ocean breeze and peruse stalls selling everything from freshly caught fish to rainbow-hued alpaca wool goods sure to keep you warm during those chilly days at sea. For a taste of local flavor, try cancato—a famous Chilean favorite dish made of fish, chorizo, tomato, and cheese. After your meal, take a boat across the Tenglo Channel to Tenglo Island, where you’ll be treated to fantastic views of Osorno—a snow-capped volcano known as one of the most active in all of the southern Chilean Andes.

The wild and beautiful Aysén District of Chile lies south of Chiloe and Puerto Montt. Here vertiginous cliffs plumed with waterfalls plunge into immense river valleys against the snowy backdrop of the Southern Andes. Puerto Chacabuco is your gateway to the region's scenic wonders, from the gorges and forests of Río Simpson National Preserve to the fjords and islands composing the coastlines of Northwest Patagonia. Puerto Chacabuco is a popular gateway for Northwest Patagonia. The port serves as a ferry hub connecting Puerto Montt and the Island of Chiloe.

This 360-mile strait isolates the Tierra del Fuego archipelago from the rest of the South American continent, and is named after the ambitious Portuguese explorer and mariner Ferdinand Magellan. You'll retrace Magellan's route as you make the shortest crossing from Atlantic to Pacific between two land masses this side of the Panama Canal.

Punta Arenas stands on the Strait of Magellan, close to the southern tip of South America. There is a real frontier town feel here amidst the grand and mountainous scenery of Chilean Patagonia. Also well remembered here is explorer Ferdinand Magellan. Indeed, a statue of him stands in Plaza Muñoz Gamero, and rubbing the toe of one of the figures around the pedestal is said to bring good luck and calm waters for your onward voyage. Within the Museo Nao Victoria you can stand before a replica of his galleon that successfully sailed around the globe.

Magellan called it Tierra del Fuego, "the Land of Fire," having seen flames rising from the darkened islands. For over three centuries, the name struck fear in the hearts of mariners. Howling headwinds, mountainous seas and rocky coastlines spelled a sudden end to many voyages. Today, Ushuaia, a former Argentine penal colony, serves as your gateway to this wilderness where snow-capped mountains plummet to the icy waters of the Beagle Channel. In the late 19th century, Reverend Thomas Bridges spent years working with local tribes, compiling a dictionary of their Yaghan tongue. The work outlived the Yaghan: by the beginning of the 20th century, they had succumbed to disease.

The world's southernmost capital, Stanley is located in the Falklands archipelago, which consists of two main islands, East and West Falkland, along with smaller islands nearby. Stanley is proud of its British heritage, evidenced everywhere from its red telephone boxes to its pubs. The Falklands were first claimed by the English in 1765; over the centuries the Crown has had to abandon, reclaim and defend these far-flung islands from invading nations—including an Argentine foray in 1982. During the early years of their colonization, the Falklands were used as a base for ships hunting sperm whales for oil, followed by those hunting seals for fur. Today in this remote British territory, fishing and tourism are what drive the economy.

Montevideo exudes European charm and elegance, with broad boulevards, fountains, stately squares, and irresistible sidewalk cafes. The city maintains a low-key atmosphere despite its position as Uruguay’s commercial and political hub, and there are few skyscrapers on the horizon, though there are some surprising contrasts – an Art Nouveau pedestrian mall, Art Deco Centenary Stadium, and an American Embassy designed by I.M. Pei. Most of the nation’s countryside is farm or ranchland, and the life of the cowboy, or gaucho, is part of the local lore. Take a peak at the Gaucho Museum, or visit an estancia, and see them in action.

Welcome to elegant, cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, with its European colonial architecture and colorful mix of cultures. Each district has its own style: enjoy Palermo with its mansions and parks; shop in the chic boutiques of Soho and Hollywood; and soak up the Italian flavor of La Boca where tango dancers and artists display their talents for passersby. Then top it all off with an Argentine steak, perfectly grilled over a fire of glowing coals, and washed down with an excellent glass of Malbec.

Welcome to elegant, cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, with its European colonial architecture and colorful mix of cultures. Each district has its own style: enjoy Palermo with its mansions and parks; shop in the chic boutiques of Soho and Hollywood; and soak up the Italian flavor of La Boca where tango dancers and artists display their talents for passersby. Then top it all off with an Argentine steak, perfectly grilled over a fire of glowing coals, and washed down with an excellent glass of Malbec.