Northern Europe

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.

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.

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.

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.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Santiago de Compostela has been an important pilgrimage centre for Christians since the 800's, when the tomb of the apostle James was believed to have been found by a hermit, guided to it by a bright light.

Centuries of building and subsequent preservation efforts have maintained a range of extraordinary architecture in the Old Town, including Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassical styles. Ships will dock in Vilagarcia which is a 50 minute drive from Santiago De Compostela.

Perched on a rocky peninsula in Spain's northwest, La Coruña is brimming with ancient Roman heritage and maritime history. This historic town is nicknamed the 'Crystal City' due to the 19th-century enclosed glass balconies that reflect the glittering waters of the Atlantic. Ships will dock at the Port of La Coruña.

Top Things to Do in La Coruna:

• visit the Tower of Hercules
• stroll the streets of La Coruña’s Old Town
• cycle along the Paseo Marítimo
• visit the Santiago de Compostela
• sample some of the areas delicious seafood

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.

London, a vibrant metropolis brimming with history and culture, is a must-visit destination for cruise travellers. Explore the historic Tower of London, witness the grandeur of Buckingham Palace, and stroll across the majestic Tower Bridge. Art enthusiasts will relish the treasures housed in the British Museum and Tate Modern.

Explore London's culinary diversity at Borough Market, where a variety of international flavors await. Be sure to visit the lively Covent Garden, renowned for its street performers and charming boutiques. From the tranquil Royal Parks to the vibrant West End theatres, London provides a captivating blend of British heritage and modern vitality.

Southampton has a long maritime history, it was the departure point for the Mayflower in 1620, and for the ill-fated Titanic in 1912. Today the city is the cruise capital of Northern Europe. During your time in Southampton, explore its medieval architectural spots like Bargate and the Old Town walls, shop at the ultra-modern Westquay and historic sites such as the SeaCity Museum and the Titanic Trail. Southampton is approximately 128 kilometers (80 miles) southwest of London, which takes around 1.5 to 2 hours by car or train. The port is conveniently located near the city center.

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.

Berlin, Germany's dynamic capital, is a city steeped in history and modern innovation. Start with the iconic Brandenburg Gate, a symbol of unity and peace. Nearby, the Reichstag Building offers a panoramic view of the city from its stunning glass dome.

Art lovers should not miss Museum Island, home to five world-renowned museums. For a poignant glimpse into the past, visit the Berlin Wall Memorial and the East Side Gallery, where vibrant murals cover remnants of the historic divide. End your visit with a relaxing afternoon in Tiergarten, Berlin’s expansive park perfect for unwinding and reflecting on the city’s rich tapestry.

Warnemünde, a quaint seaside resort in Germany, captures the hearts of visitors with its broad, sandy beaches and the charming promenade of Alter Strom, lined with fishing boats and boutiques. This port town is renowned for its maritime flair and historic lighthouse, dating back to 1898, which offers sweeping views of the Baltic Sea.

Warnemünde offers access to both the historic city of Rostock, just 13 kilometers (8 miles) away, and the vibrant capital, Berlin, approximately 240 kilometers (150 miles) away. Rostock is reachable within 20 minutes by train, while Berlin requires a longer travel time, about 3 hours by train or coach. Explore Rostock's medieval architecture and Hanseatic history or if you're looking to explore Berlin, plan for a full day experience.

Lying on the Baltic coast of Poland, the port city of Gdansk is known for its beautiful Hanseatic architecture and colourful Old Town. The city was left in ruins after World War II and has been masterfully restored. Most ships will dock in the neighbouring town of Gydnia, while some small ships will dock at the Oliwskie Pier in Gdansk.

Top Things to Do in Gdansk:

• visit the Malbork Castle and museum
• stroll along Long Street
• shop for Amber on Mariacka Street
• tour Stutthof Camp
• visit the Oliwa Cathedral

Gdynia, is a vibrant port city on Poland's Baltic coast. Ships dock at the Gdynia Passenger Ship Terminal, positioned less than 2 km (about 1.2 miles) from the city centre. This proximity allows for an easy and scenic 10-minute walk into town. The city is home to the majestic ORP Błyskawica, a destroyer turned museum that showcases Poland's naval strength, and the Gdynia Aquarium, offering a glimpse into the underwater world. For those looking to venture beyond, the Tricity landscape - encompassing Gdynia, Sopot, and Gdańsk - offers a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty.

Formerly known as Memel, Klaipeda is a modern and historic city, with its roots dating back to the days of German knights. The city is known for its innovative design and architecture, however its German heritage can still be seen in the half-timbered buildings of its Old Town area. Ships will dock at the Port of Klaipeda.

Top Things to Do in Klaipeda:

• stroll through the Old Town area
• visit the Amber Museum
• explore Zemaitija National Park
• visit Plateliai Soviet Nuclear Weapon Site
• take a ferry to the Curonian Spit
  

Centred around a charming UNESCO World Heritage listed Old Town, Latvia’s capital is a quirky and artistic place. It is an architecture buff's dream come true with its collection of Art Nouveau buildings and Gothic structures. Ships will dock at the cruise quay on Daugava River.

Top Things to Do in Riga:

• admire the architecture on Elizabetes street
• take in the views from St Peter's Church
• visit Turaida’s famed castle
• explore the Latvian Ethnographic Museum
• trek along the Kemeri Bog Boardwalk
• visit the resort town of Jurmala

Tallinn's fairy-tale castles, cobbled streets and warm hospitality remain one of Europe's best-kept secrets. Ancient convents, steepled churches and handsome guild houses are all preserved as they were in Tallinn’s Old Town area, which was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ships will dock at the Old City Harbour.

Top Things to Do in Tallinn:

• admire the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
• take in the city views from Toompea Hill
• visit the Open Air Museum
• stroll the gardens of Kadriorg Park
  

Finland's capital is a laid-back but vibrant seaside city, surrounded on three sides by sea and tiny islands. Helsinki is a city of graceful neoclassical buildings, striking modern architecture and spacious boulevards dotted with squares and parks. Ships will dock in either South Harbour or West Harbour.

Top Things to Do in Helsinki:

• take the ferry to the fortress of Suomenlinna
• visit the Kiasma Modern Art Museum
• see the rock church, Temppeliaukio
• shop at Market Square
• stroll through Sibelius Park

Stockholm, Sweden's charming capital, spans 14 islands connected by picturesque bridges. Begin your exploration in Gamla Stan, the city's historic old town, where cobblestone streets lead to the majestic Royal Palace and the medieval Storkyrkan Cathedral.

For a dose of modern culture, visit the ABBA Museum on Djurgården Island, celebrating Sweden's iconic pop group. Nearby, the Vasa Museum showcases a remarkably preserved 17th-century warship. Stroll along the waterfront promenade of Strandvägen for stunning views and vibrant cafes. Don't miss the Stockholm City Hall, renowned for its striking architecture and the annual Nobel Prize banquet. Enjoy Swedish cuisine at a local bistro, featuring dishes like meatballs and herring.

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.

Copenhagen captivates with its blend of royal history and modern Scandinavian cool. Visit the 17th-century Rosenborg Castle, home to Denmark’s crown jewels, or stroll through the picturesque Nyhavn harbor with its colorful townhouses and lively cafés.

The iconic Little Mermaid statue sits serenely by the waterfront, while Tivoli Gardens, one of the world’s oldest amusement parks, offers charming rides and lush gardens in the heart of the city. Your ship will dock at the Port of Copenhagen, which is a 30 minute drive to Copenhagen Airport and a 15 minute drive into the city centre.