Overview
8 Days
Valletta
Valletta
6,774
2,138
2022
UH7O
Itinerary
The entire city of Valletta, the capital of Malta, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cited as one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world, it’s a cultural hub for Baroque art, museums, and historic sites. Ships will dock at the cruise port.
Top Things to Do in Valletta:
- tour the ornate St. John’s Co-Cathedral
- explore the island of Gozo
- take in the view at Dingli Cliffs
- visit the Grand Master's Palace
- explore Malta’s ancient capital, Mdina
- stroll along the Valletta waterfront
Onboard MSC you'll experience a welcoming atmosphere with a Mediterranean-inspired elegance. Enjoy a wide array of dining options, from gourmet restaurants to casual eateries and experience live performances, themed parties, and engaging activities for all ages, making it ideal for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.
Barcelona, a captivating city on Spain's northeastern coast, is renowned for its unique architecture and vibrant culture. Start your exploration at the Sagrada Família, Antoni Gaudí's unfinished masterpiece, where intricate designs and towering spires captivate visitors. Stroll down Las Ramblas, a lively street filled with street performers, shops, and cafes, leading to the historic Gothic Quarter.
In the afternoon, visit Park Güell, another Gaudí marvel, featuring colorful mosaics and stunning city views. For a taste of local life, explore the bustling La Boqueria market, offering a variety of fresh produce and local delicacies. Before leaving, take a leisurely walk along the beachfront promenade, enjoying the Mediterranean breeze and scenic views.
Several thousand years of activity, both human and natural, have helped shape Marseille, France, into the city it is today. Marseille’s terracotta rooftops, turquoise sea, limestone rocks and vivid street art form a landscape like no other in France.
MSC shore excursions let you discover tucked-away treasures like the model boats that hang from the ceiling of Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde. Snap photos of the Cathedral of Marseille that sits overlooking the ocean. Amble around Le Vieux-Port, admiring the sea views and lingering over a drink at a cafe terrace. Behold the Palais Longchamp, built to commemorate the arrival of water to Marseille. View the limestone cliffs that beckon nature-lovers to Calanques National Park. On your Marseille holiday, MSC make it easy to experience Provence heritage. Marvel at medieval ramparts in Avignon. Plunge into the port of Cassis. Admire the honey-coloured stone facades in Aix-en-Provence.
The port city of Genoa is the gateway to Italy’s glamorous riviera. Delight in a shore excursion to picturesque Portofino, starting with a boat cruise from Santa Margherita Ligure. Admire sea views and a yacht-filled harbor. Stroll along the harbor, enjoy the colorful houses, or relax in a waterfront café.
Portofino, surrounded by verdant hills, is a playground for celebrities and VIPs.Explore Genoa on foot with MSC Cruises. Wander narrow streets to Piazza de Ferrari, visit Palazzo Ducale, and admire UNESCO sites like Palazzo Bianco. Enjoy Ligurian cuisine and see the Cathedral of San Lorenzo before returning to the ship.
The Amalfi Coast, a stunning stretch of coastline in southern Italy, is renowned for its dramatic cliffs, vibrant villages, and breathtaking views. Positano, with its pastel-colored houses cascading down to the sea, is perfect for leisurely strolls and shopping. Capri, a short ferry ride away, offers the famous Blue Grotto and upscale boutiques.
History enthusiasts can venture to Pompeii, the ancient city preserved by volcanic ash, providing a glimpse into Roman life. The Amalfi Coast combines natural beauty with rich history, making it a captivating destination for any traveller.
Naples, a bustling city in southern Italy, is famous for its vibrant street life, historic sites, and culinary delights, including the world-renowned Neapolitan pizza. The city offers a rich cultural experience with attractions like the Royal Palace, the Naples National Archaeological Museum, and the historic Spaccanapoli street.
Just a short drive from Naples is Pompeii, the ancient Roman city frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Visitors can explore well-preserved ruins, including houses, temples, and theaters, providing a fascinating insight into ancient Roman life.
Messina is located on the northeastern corner of Sicily and is the panoramic gateway to the island. Sitting on a sickle-shaped harbour and under the gaze of Mt. Etna, the city is a patchwork of churches and antique palaces. Ships will dock at the cruise terminal.
Top Things to Do in Messina:
- take the scenic drive up Mt. Etna
- explore Taormina’s medieval streets
- enjoy a tasting at a local winery
- admire the Messina Cathedral's bell tower
- sail along the Strait of Messina
- eat a Sicilian Cannoli
The whole of the Maltese capital Valletta is UNESCO World Heritage listed and occupies a peninsula in the north-east of the island. From the fountain of Tritons to Saint-Elme fort, there are as many majestic streets as there are narrow staircase vennels to explore. The painted loggia and carved corbels on the tall houses will accompany you in your explorations, and you’ll rarely be bothered by traffic.
You can visit the Grandmasters palace decorated with coats of arms and frescoes. Saint-John’s cathedral and the ramparts which have guarded the city since the 16th century are also among the most emblematic sites of the city. Arranged in terraces, the Barrakka Gardens will punctuate your promenade with a green and floral experience.
Life On Board
A new cruising experience, with a partially open promenade, themed districts for all ages, and 2 new dining venues Read more
Savour specialty dining and exciting gourmet experiences in stylish restaurants. Read more
MSC Yacht Club unlocks a world of luxury, privileged access and choice onboard. Read more
Enjoy world class entertainment with original shows and almost every kind of music in lively bars. Read more
MSC's largest water park, bumper cars, Kid's Club, video arcade, MSC Sportplex and much more. Read more
Revitalise yourself in the world class MSC Aurea Spa with beauty treatments, massages and more. Read more
Trip Reviews (3)
1. We didn't know that we could read more have arranged a shuttle pickup at the airport to the ship. We would have preferred this to trying to find a taxi and explaining our destination.
2. The cruise package included 4 complimentary restaurants, which we assumed we could choose as we like. But what we didn't know is that we were allocated a dedicated table to a specific restaurant each night for dinner.
3. To provide something different we asked to move restaurants, which was allowed, but then discovered that each complimentary restaurant had exactly the same menu each night, although it changed daily.
4. The quality of the food at the complimentary restaurants was only fair and on one night poor. In the end we upgraded to some of the speciality restaurants to provide something different and better. This was a much better option.
5. For us, the ship was too big and it took at least 4 days to be confident about where you were going and where our cabin was.
6. In light of the ship being too big, there were simply too many people (6,500 guests and 2,500 staff) and most areas were crowded from early morning. Booking a show or a speciality restaurant had to be done very early else they were full.
7. The breakfast buffet was pretty unpleasant with people jostling all over the place. But, in the end we found an alternative menu driven, table service breakfast venue, which was much nicer.
8. The cabin (1408) was very good. Spacious with most facilities we needed.
9. Cabin housekeeping was excellent. In fact all the ship staff were extremely helpful.
10. Ship logistics in coordinating dining; excursions; theatre shows etc was also excellent. Anyone not phone literate would be completely lost as everything was phone based, even the dining menus.
11. The ships wifi was excellent, but in hindsight we should have upgraded our internet package to include more than 1 device.
12. The excursions (we did one at every port) were pretty good offering a good tase of the cities we visited.
The ship itself was mind blowing, with multiple choices for shops; fast food; adult entertainment; kids entertainment and swimming pools. We would recommend the “back of ship tour” as this provided a real insight into how a ship of this size operates. Finally, whilst we might choose MSC again, it certainly would not be on the World Europa.
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MSC Mediterranean & Northern Europe (2026-27)
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Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by MSC Cruises. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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