Cruise Itinerary

One of the busiest cruise ports in the Mediterranean, the seaside city of Barcelona is known for its iconic architecture, colourful culture, and world-class drinking and dining. Explore Antoni Gaudí’s surreal Sagrada Família, the famous boulevard of the Ramblas, the medieval Barri Gótic, and the Museu Picasso. But there’s even more to discover in this sprawling Spanish city, an MSC Mediterranean Cruises destination: from hidden tapas bars and fabulous food markets to Europe’s biggest football stadium.

The Balearics are comprised of 16 islands; the three principal ones are Mallorca, Ibiza and Minorca. Carthaginians, Romans, Vandals and Arabs have invaded these islands over the centuries. Ruins show evidence of the prehistoric Talayot civilization, a megalithic culture that flourished here between 1500 BC and the Roman conquest. Today the islands are besieged by invaders of a different sort - hordes of tourists. Lying 60 miles (97 km) off the Spanish mainland, the islands' lush and rugged landscape combined with an extremely mild, sunny climate proves irresistible, especially to northern Europeans. As a result, the Balearics boast cosmopolitan resorts with lively nightlife and plenty of sports activities. Mallorca (also spelled Majorca) is the largest of the islands, with an area of more than 1,400 square miles (3626 sq.km). The scenery is magnificent, with cliffs along indented shorelines jutting out of the sea and mountain ranges sheltering the plains from harsh sea breezes. The fertile plain in the centre is covered with almond and fig trees plus olive groves with some trees more than 1,000 years old. Tall pines, junipers and oaks line the mountain slopes. Palma de Mallorca is the capital of the archipelago. A cosmopolitan city with sophisticated shops and restaurants, it also offers buildings of spectacular Moorish and Gothic architecture. In the western part of Mallorca, nestled into the mountains, lies the village of Valldemosa. It is known for its Carthusian Monastery where Frédéric Chopin and George Sand spent the winter of 1838-39.

TUNIS African and Arabic hospitality await you in exotic Tunis, on the coast of North Africa. Tunis, the capital of Tunisia, actually consists of three cities: the modern Capital City of the Tunisian Republic, with its wide streets, skyscrapers and busy sidewalk cafes; the Arabic Medina (Old Town) from the Middle Ages, an exciting labyrinth laden with secrets, narrow alleyways, small shops, huge mosques and palaces and finally Carthage, the ancient Phoenician - Roman city, which lies 18 km from the city

Sousse or Soussa is a city in Tunisia, capital of the Sousse Governorate. Located 140 km south of the capital Tunis, the city has 271,428 inhabitants. Sousse is in the central-east of the country, on the Gulf of Hammamet, which is a part of the Mediterranean Sea.

Malta’s major port and capital, the entire city of Valletta was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980. The centerpiece is the impressive 19th century Mosta Dome, visible from anywhere on the island, with its inlaid marble floor and the gilded, carved stone flowers set around the interior dome. For a tranquil afternoon, stroll the San Anton Palace Gardens, artistically laid out in Three Villages - Attard, Lija and Balzan. Or, for spectacular vistas, take a day tour to Dingli Cliffs, which offer striking views of the sea and rugged coastline. Valetta is also a portal to day trips to nearby Mdina, with its landmark Baroque Cathedral of St. John; and Rabat, the provincial township that was once part of the Roman city of Melita, where you can explore several fascinating archaeological digs.

Chania is a city on the northwest coast of the Greek island of Crete. It’s known for its 14th-century Venetian harbor, narrow streets and waterfront restaurants. At the harbor entrance is a 16th-century lighthouse with Venetian, Egyptian and Ottoman influences. Opposite, the Nautical Museum has model ships, naval objects and photographs.

All of the right elements come together to make this sun-drenched Mediterranean town on the Turkish Riviera a major holiday resort. The beautiful crescent bay, dramatic cliffs and jagged mountains contribute to a stunning backdrop. It is an attractive city with shady palm-lined boulevards and a prize-winning marina. In the picturesque old quarter, narrow streets and old wooden houses huddle against the ancient city walls.

A strategic garrison for Richard the Lionhearted during the Third Crusade, Limassol provides many archaeological sites, as well as an array of contemporary designer shops for exploring. The island of Cyprus is also home to two ancient kingdoms - Kourion and Amathus. Explore more of Limassol on a European cruise!

Alexandria on the shores of the Med is all about history – the city was founded by Alexander the Great in 332 BC. It’s also the perfect port for an unforgettable excursion to Cairo, where you can get up close to the staggering Pyramids of Giza, contemplate the enigmatic smile of the Sphinx and just gaze in wonder at the golden treasures of Tutankhamun, now housed in the Cairo Museum.

Alexandria on the shores of the Med is all about history – the city was founded by Alexander the Great in 332 BC. It’s also the perfect port for an unforgettable excursion to Cairo, where you can get up close to the staggering Pyramids of Giza, contemplate the enigmatic smile of the Sphinx and just gaze in wonder at the golden treasures of Tutankhamun, now housed in the Cairo Museum.

If you are a diver, then Sharm-el-Sheikh is heaven. The reefs offshore are a wonderland of corals, anemones and fish, just perfect to explore. If you would prefer not to get your feet wet, inland you can visit a mysterious Bedouin camp or see the ancient monastery of St. Catherine, reputedly built on the site of Moses' Burning Bush.

Visit Safaga and you enter the gateway port on the western side of Egypt’s Red Sea, and the River Nile. Safaga has achieved a harmony between its bustling working port and the small and unspoilt town. Its wide azure bay has views of the surrounding islands, plus rugged red-hued desert cliffs, sandy beaches and black dunes.

The Sultanate of Oman is situated on the southeast coast of the Arabian Peninsula, neighboring Saudi Arabia and Yemen. In 1970, the son of Sultan Said bin Taimur overthrew his father's government and renamed the nation the Sultanate of Oman. During the Persian Gulf War, Oman served as a landing base for the allied forces. Salalah is gateway for visitors to explore the site of "Jebel Qarra," fabled to be the tomb of the biblical Job.

Praslin is the second largest island of the Seychelles, lying north east of Mahé. Originally known as a hideaway by pirates and Arab merchants, Lazare Picault named the island “Isle de Palmes” in 1744. In 1768 it was renamed Praslin in honor of Cesar Gabriel de Choiseul, duc de Praslin, a French diplomat. Tropical forests and nature preserves abound, housing the unique coco de mer and vanilla orchids.

Off the coast of Tanzania, Zanzibar Is the Spice Island, one of the few places where saffron is produced. Explore its white-sand beaches, Jozani forest (watch for monkeys!), caves and open-air market.

Off the coast of Tanzania, Zanzibar Is the Spice Island, one of the few places where saffron is produced. Explore its white-sand beaches, Jozani forest (watch for monkeys!), caves and open-air market.

Off the coast of Tanzania, Zanzibar Is the Spice Island, one of the few places where saffron is produced. Explore its white-sand beaches, Jozani forest (watch for monkeys!), caves and open-air market.

Immerse yourself in Madasgascar's largest and most popular destination, Nosy Be. This "Big Island" off the northwest coast is famous for its natural splendor and Ylang Ylang trees that make up a major part of the local economy. Spend the day hanging out with lemurs and chameleons at the Lokobe Reserve. Indulge in local cuisine like the diverse and delectable variations of Laoka. Then brave the highest peak on the island at Mont Lokobe or relax on the beaches of Befotaka Bay.

Mozambique's capital and largest city, Maputo, has finally recovered from a 15-year civil war that ended in 1992, and is now bounding toward prosperity, thanks to one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies. For curious travelers, there's much to discover here: You'll find a fascinating swirl of cultures—including Portuguese, Bantu, Arab, Chinese and Indian—and be energized by the lively atmosphere of a young, vibrant Africa on the move. Recent investments in Maputo’s parks and museums as well as in the historic Baixa quarter have put a new shine on much of the city. A good place to start your exploration of the two main neighborhoods, uptown and Baixa, is Independence Square, the gateway to both areas. Here, architectural styles mix to surprising effect. Next, head to the central market in Baixa, the historic heart of town, for a glimpse of residents' daily life and to visit some of the cultural highlights such as the National Money Museum, housed in one of Maputo's oldest buildings. Don’t miss the beautiful gardens at the Natural History Museum, the elegant old train station and the underappreciated modernist architecture dating from when Mozambique was ruled by Portugal. Maputo consistently delivers surprises like these—and more.

The summer resort of Transvaalers is your gateway to some of South Africa's greatest attractions. Discover the breathtaking Valley of a Thousand Hills, the Kingdom of the Zulu. Or set out along The Garden Route, a region of high mountains, lush forests, sun drenched beaches and quaint little towns, an explorer's dream and undoubtedly one of South Africa's premier sights.

As South Africa's only large river and sea port, East London is important for the export of citrus fruit, mineral ores and wool. A considerable amount of goods are imported here as well. The first documented vessel to arrive in these waters was in 1688 while searching for survivors of a shipwreck. In 1848, a proclamation annexed the area to the Cape Colony. Today, East London serves as the area's commercial centre and is a bustling town with a population of approximately 175,000. The town's small museum contains the world's only surviving egg of the extinct dodo bird, as well as a mounted coelacanth caught near East London in 1938, a fish thought to be extinct.

Port Elizabeth is the third largest port and the fifth largest city in South Africa. The center is spread over steep hills overlooking Algoa Bay. Except for some interesting historical architecture, 21st-century Port Elizabeth, or PE as it is commonly known, has few attractions of note. To compensate, the town is surrounded by charming countryside; it bills itself as the Friendly City. Its origins go back to the site of Fort Frederick around which settlers from Britain established Port Elizabeth in 1820.

Situated halfway between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, Mossel Bay offers more than 37 miles of beaches and at least 300 days of sunshine a year. Known as the location where the first Europeans made landfall on South African soil in 1488, today’s Mossel Bay is one of the country’s most popular beach destinations, as well as a haven for outdoor adventurers.

Sprawling across endless, staggeringly blue coastline, and watched over by the iconic plane of Table Mountain, Cape Town is without doubt one of the world’s most beautiful cities. A blend of spectacular mountain scenery, multiculturalism and relaxed ocean charm awaits in the Mother City, where you can venture out to rolling vineyards, dine in laid back sea suburbs, or spend days exploring cool urban culture. Cape Town’s natural splendour fully reveals itself as the cable car rears sharply to the top of Table Mountain. From the summit, 3,500 feet above sea level, you can let the scale of the panoramic vistas of the city rolling down towards the ocean wash over you. Another heavenly perspective waits at the top of Lion's Head’s tapering peak. A sharp hike and an early start is required, but the views of the morning sun painting Table Mountain honey-gold are some of Cape Town’s finest. Cape Town’s glorious sunshine and inviting blue rollers can be a little deceiving - these oceans are anything but warm at times, with nothing between the peninsula’s end and Antarctica’s icy chill. This cool water has upsides though, bringing a colony of adorably cute African penguins to Boulders Beach. Boarded walkways offer the perfect vantage point to see the cute creatures dipping into the sea and lounging in the sun. Nearby, journey to the end of Africa at the Cape of Good Hope, where you can stand at the bottom of this mighty continent, watching out over the merging waves of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Cape Town’s beauty is counterpointed by the ominous island form, which sits four miles offshore from the bustling restaurants and lazy seals of the lively V&A Waterfront. A living history lesson, you can sail in the ships that transported prisoners out to Robben Island, before a former prisoner tells of the traumas of life on this offshore prison. Your guide will show you the cramped cells, and render Mandela’s long walk to freedom in heartbreaking, visceral clarity.

Sprawling across endless, staggeringly blue coastline, and watched over by the iconic plane of Table Mountain, Cape Town is without doubt one of the world’s most beautiful cities. A blend of spectacular mountain scenery, multiculturalism and relaxed ocean charm awaits in the Mother City, where you can venture out to rolling vineyards, dine in laid back sea suburbs, or spend days exploring cool urban culture. Cape Town’s natural splendour fully reveals itself as the cable car rears sharply to the top of Table Mountain. From the summit, 3,500 feet above sea level, you can let the scale of the panoramic vistas of the city rolling down towards the ocean wash over you. Another heavenly perspective waits at the top of Lion's Head’s tapering peak. A sharp hike and an early start is required, but the views of the morning sun painting Table Mountain honey-gold are some of Cape Town’s finest. Cape Town’s glorious sunshine and inviting blue rollers can be a little deceiving - these oceans are anything but warm at times, with nothing between the peninsula’s end and Antarctica’s icy chill. This cool water has upsides though, bringing a colony of adorably cute African penguins to Boulders Beach. Boarded walkways offer the perfect vantage point to see the cute creatures dipping into the sea and lounging in the sun. Nearby, journey to the end of Africa at the Cape of Good Hope, where you can stand at the bottom of this mighty continent, watching out over the merging waves of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Cape Town’s beauty is counterpointed by the ominous island form, which sits four miles offshore from the bustling restaurants and lazy seals of the lively V&A Waterfront. A living history lesson, you can sail in the ships that transported prisoners out to Robben Island, before a former prisoner tells of the traumas of life on this offshore prison. Your guide will show you the cramped cells, and render Mandela’s long walk to freedom in heartbreaking, visceral clarity.

Between the windswept shores of the South Atlantic and the vast Namib Desert, discover a quaint fishing village with a distinct German vibe and a rich history rooted in the diamond rush. Aside from the sandy streets and surrounding desert, much of Luderitz wouldn’t seem out of place in Munich or Berlin. Colourful colonial architecture remains from the scramble for Africa and the diamond rush in the early 1900s, when the town was German-controlled. The Deutsche Afrika Bank, Old Post Office, and Lutheran church overlooking the town and harbor are a few of many impressive buildings that echo this bygone era.

Walvis Bay possesses the finest harbor on the Namib coast. That fact led to its annexation by the British in 1878, who added it to their enclave in South Africa. It was not until 1994 that the now-Republic of South Africa returned Walvis Bay to Namibia. The port is your gateway to the vast Namib Desert, one of the oldest and harshest deserts on Earth, and to the old German town of Swakopmund, a legacy of that distant era when Namibia was a German colony named Sudwest Afrika. Walvis Bay perches on the edge of the great Namib Desert a landscape of extraordinary beauty with its immense dunes, moonscapes and salt sinks.

Walvis Bay possesses the finest harbor on the Namib coast. That fact led to its annexation by the British in 1878, who added it to their enclave in South Africa. It was not until 1994 that the now-Republic of South Africa returned Walvis Bay to Namibia. The port is your gateway to the vast Namib Desert, one of the oldest and harshest deserts on Earth, and to the old German town of Swakopmund, a legacy of that distant era when Namibia was a German colony named Sudwest Afrika. Walvis Bay perches on the edge of the great Namib Desert a landscape of extraordinary beauty with its immense dunes, moonscapes and salt sinks.

Luanda, the capital of Angola, is a port city on the west coast of Southern Africa. A seafront promenade known as the Marginal runs alongside Luanda Bay. Nearby is the well-preserved 16th-century Fortress of São Miguel, which now contains the Museum of the Armed Forces. The fort has views of the harbor and the Ilha do Cabo, a long, thin peninsula in the bay that’s home to beaches, bars and restaurants.

Ilhéu Bom Bom is an island in the Gulf of Guinea. The islet is located near the north coast of the island of Príncipe, one of the main islands of São Tomé and Príncipe and is almost completely forested. Its population is 15. There is a tourist resort near the island. There is a lighthouse on the island built in 1997.

The French colonial influence is still prevalent in Cotonou, an energetic urban center with numerous French restaurants and its very own Boulevard Saint-Michel, named after the one in Paris. For local flavor, hop on a zémidjan (or zem) motorcycle taxi and zip through the streets. Don't miss the peppermint-striped Cotonou Cathedral.

Wedged between a lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean, Togo's convivial, beach-rich capital of Lomé has emerged from its colonial past as pure African. For a glimpse of its history and unique Togolese art, visit the National Museum. The spired Lomé Cathedral is also noteworthy.

The Ivory Coast's largest city and former capital, skyscraper-studded Abidjan curves around placid Ebrié Lagoon. Being one of the world's largest French-speaking cities, it's often referred to as the "Paris of Africa." Abidjan's more affluent Le Plateau and Cocody neighborhoods exude a palpable European ambiance. Take in the city’s modern architecture whether visiting the Cathedrale St. Paul or La Pyramide. For those that prefer a comprehensive overview of Abidjan’s history, tour the National Museum, which houses an interesting collection of traditional art, including masks, pottery and wooden statues.

The Gambia is defined by a river, the one that gives the nation its name. The long, narrow country stretches from the Atlantic into Africa for some 475 kilometers (295 miles), and consists of the Gambia River and its banks—spanning only 48 kilometers (30 miles) at its widest point. This smallest country on the African mainland is also home to the continent’s smallest capital, Banjul, with fewer than 35,000 residents. Sitting on an island where the river enters the ocean, Banjul is decidedly laid-back, without the bustling city center—or traffic jams—of Africa’s larger metropolises.The Gambia also has the distinction of having enjoyed a relatively stable government since independence. That, combined with a warm tropical climate and miles of beautiful beaches along its Atlantic coastline, has attracted a thriving expat community. For most visitors to Banjul, the nearby beaches and quiet pace of life here are its main draws. Among the popular sights are The Gambia National Museum, which recounts the history of the country as well as daily life for the nation’s residents, and the Abuko Nature Reserve, the country's first national park, which provides an excellent introduction to Africa’s flora and fauna.

Let your senses sing. Dakar's Marché Sandaga bustles and dazzles with brilliant, vibrant fabrics. Jazz and steel bands add the hypnotic rhythms along the broad boulevards.

Loacted in Cape Verde, the volcanic archipelago of ten islands and five islets is a hidden gem. This destination was a Portuguese territory until independence in 1975, and is as unique and unspoilt as its remote location, 400 miles off the west coast of Senegal, would suggest.

The Cape Verde Islands lie off North Africa's tropical coast. Their name literally means "green cape," but nature has played a cruel trick on the archipelago. Changing climatic and economic conditions have left the archipelago ravaged by drought. But the islanders are a hardy and courageous lot. With foreign investment and private enterprise, the Cape Verde Islanders are slowly pursuing a new economic dream for their home and working toward a more promising future.

The Canary archipelago was sculpted by a period of intense volcanic activity; its islands possess a stark, near lunar beauty. Gran Canaria is the third-largest island in the group and is often described as the 'Round Island' for its near-circular shape. Las Palmas, its capital, is also the largest city in the Canaries numbering some 500,000 inhabitants. Despite the seemingly inhospitable landscape, farmers in Gran Canaria's Angostura Valley cultivate abundant crops of tomatoes, onions, melons, and figs. Moreover the island's climates, lack of rainfall, and fine beaches have long drawn Europeans seeking the winter sun.

Rugged, volcanic Lanzarote—the northeasternmost island of the Canary Islands, which are part of Spain yet lie less than 200 kilometers off the coast of Morocco—is small enough that you can travel its whole length in less than an hour. Driving between the small towns on the island, dotted with some 300 volcanic cones, visitors pass wineries around La Geria valley; its vast estates are covered by odd little lava stone pits designed to protect individual vines from the wind. (Viticulture has a long history here—El Grifo winery was founded in 1775.) All over the island, the works of celebrated local sculptor, painter and architect César Manrique can be seen in the most unexpected places. A former fishing village, the port of Arrecife (meaning “reef" in Spanish and named after the offshore reefs that long provided protection from pirates) is now a medium-sized city. Despite its location in the Atlantic, Arrecife has a decidedly Mediterranean feel with seafront promenades lined with palms. El Charco tidal lagoon is a popular venue for strolling and photographing traditional fishing boats at anchor. On Saturdays, a food and crafts market pops up around the lagoon and the Church of San Ginés; every day of the week, small tapas bars are always welcoming.

Modern-day Casablanca retains some of the atmosphere and history of times gone by yet is a thoroughly modern city. Frenetic yet welcoming, Casablanca remains a lively destination. Especially in Djemaa el-Fna, the huge square in the medina is teeming with open-air food stalls, jugglers, storytellers and snake charmers. The architecture of its French-colonial past can be seen in the graceful white buildings, with their soft lines and attention to detail.

Modern-day Casablanca retains some of the atmosphere and history of times gone by yet is a thoroughly modern city. Frenetic yet welcoming, Casablanca remains a lively destination. Especially in Djemaa el-Fna, the huge square in the medina is teeming with open-air food stalls, jugglers, storytellers and snake charmers. The architecture of its French-colonial past can be seen in the graceful white buildings, with their soft lines and attention to detail.

This strategic link between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean has been ruled by the Spanish, British and Moors. As long as the Barbary Apes remain, the British will rule Gibraltar this is the tradition that has held for 350 years. These pesky primates are a favorite with visitors despite their incessant chatter and light-fingered ways. Ride to the top of the Rock for great views over the Strait of Gibraltar-on a clear day you'll see Africa.

One of the busiest cruise ports in the Mediterranean, the seaside city of Barcelona is known for its iconic architecture, colourful culture, and world-class drinking and dining. Explore Antoni Gaudí’s surreal Sagrada Família, the famous boulevard of the Ramblas, the medieval Barri Gótic, and the Museu Picasso. But there’s even more to discover in this sprawling Spanish city, an MSC Mediterranean Cruises destination: from hidden tapas bars and fabulous food markets to Europe’s biggest football stadium.