Mediterranean

Welcome to Barcelona! Renowned for its unique architecture and vibrant culture. If you have time before your cruise departs today, take a stroll down Las Ramblas, a lively street filled with street performers, shops, and cafes, leading to the historic Gothic Quarter. Or for a taste of local life, explore the bustling La Boqueria market, offering a variety of fresh produce and local delicacies.

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.

Madeira, an enchanting archipelago off the northwest coast of Africa, is renowned for its lush landscapes and year-round spring-like climate. Start your exploration with a visit to the vibrant Mercado dos Lavradores in Funchal, where you can savor local fruits and admire the island's famous flowers. Don't miss the awe-inspiring views from Cabo Girão, one of the world's highest sea cliffs.

For a unique experience, take a leisurely stroll through the Laurisilva forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with endemic plants and wildlife. Wine enthusiasts should visit the Madeira Wine Museum to sample the island's renowned fortified wines.

Ships docking in Funchal, Madeira, use the Port of Funchal, located about 3 km (1.9 miles) from the city center. This short distance can be covered in around 10 minutes by taxi or shuttle bus. The port is conveniently situated, allowing easy access to Funchal's charming streets, vibrant markets, and stunning botanical gardens. To explore Funchal, taxis and local buses are readily available. A popular spot is the Monte Palace Tropical Garden, reachable by cable car offering panoramic views. Don't miss the traditional wicker toboggan ride down to Livramento.

Lanzarote, part of the Canary Islands, is home to gorgeous aquamarine seas, white-sand beaches and nearly year-round sunshine. The islands most famous feature is its otherworldly landscape, born of hundreds of fire-breathing peaks.

Top Things to Do on Lanzarote:

• ride a camel in Timanfaya National Park
• relax on Puerto del Carmen beach
• venture into the tunnel of Jameos del Agua
• stroll through the Jardin de Cactus
• taste wines at a local winery

Nestled on the east coast of Lanzarote is the island's capital, Arrecife, named after the rocky reefs and outcrops that dominate its coastline. This pretty working city has a friendly, authentic feel, and has managed to remain true to its roots as a historic fishing village. Ships will dock at either Muelle de los Mármoles or the Arrecife Cruise Terminal. The terminal is about 3 km (1.8 miles) from the city center, a short 10-minute drive. Taxis and shuttle services are readily available, providing easy access to the city and its attractions.

Explore the Charco de San Ginés, a picturesque lagoon surrounded by charming whitewashed houses and local eateries. Visit the Castillo de San José, a historic fortress now housing the International Museum of Contemporary Art. For those interested in shopping, the bustling Marina Lanzarote is nearby, offering a variety of shops and dining options.

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.

Situated just across the narrow Strait of Gibraltar from Europe, Tangier has long comprised a hybrid culture that is nearly as European as it is African. Punctuated by blooming flowers, the entire town is a beautiful, moulded artwork of colour, spilling down the mountain like a waterfall. Ships will dock in Port de Tanger Ville.

Top Things to Do in Tangier:

• explore The Kasbah quarter of Tangier
• stroll through the Grand Socco market
• learn the history of Hercules Cave
• visit the blue city, Chefchaouen

Málaga is the lively capital of the Costa del Sol, famed for its beaches and mild climate. It is a city of narrow streets, whitewashed houses, churches and sunny plazas. Málaga also serves as a popular starting point for excursions to splendid Granada and the famed Alhambra. Ships will dock at the Málaga cruise terminal.

Top Things to Do in Málaga:

• take in the views from The Alcazaba fortress
• see Picasso's paintings at Museo Picasso
• visit the Alhambra in Granada
• relax on a Costa del Sol beach
• visit the scenic village of Mijas

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.

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.

Your cruise finishes today in Barcelona, a captivating city on Spain's northeastern coast. If you're extending your stay in the city, start with a visit to La Sagrada Família, Antoni Gaudí's masterpiece, then wander through the narrow, historic streets of the Gothic Quarter.

The bustling La Boqueria Market offers a sensory overload with its colorful stalls and local delicacies. Stroll down Las Ramblas for street performances and shopping, and don't miss the stunning views from Park Güell. For art lovers, the Picasso Museum showcases an impressive collection of the artist's early works.