MSC Grand Voyages

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.

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.

Cruise ships dock at Vigo Port, which is 90 kilometers (56 miles) from Santiago de Compostela, with a travel time of about 1.5 hours. The port is centrally located, making it easy to explore Vigo's attractions such as the historic Casco Vello district and El Castro Park before heading to Santiago de Compostela.

Set on the mountainous northern coast of Spain, Gijón is on the road less travelled. In addition to its beaches, it boasts uniquely themed museums, parks, seafront strolls and cultural attractions. Cimadevilla, the oldest part of town, offers picturesque cobblestone streets and the ruins of an old Roman settlement. Ships will dock at Puerto de el Musel.

Top Things to Do in Gijon:

• explore the medieval heart of Oviedo
• hike to the 'Eulogy to the Horizon' Sculpture
• sample some of the regions cider
• discover Aviles’ medieval Old Town
  

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.

Paris, the 'city of light,' blends monumental landmarks with intimate corners easily explored in a day. The Eiffel Tower dominates the skyline, while a stroll along the Seine reveals bookstalls and bridges framing views of Notre-Dame. The Louvre showcases treasures from every era, and nearby the glasswork of Sainte-Chapelle dazzles. In the Marais, elegant squares and boutiques sit alongside centuries-old architecture, while classic cafés provide the perfect pause before returning to the heart of the city.

Cruise ships dock at Le Havre Cruise Terminal, close to the city center. Paris is 200 km (124 miles) southeast, reached in about 2.5–3 hours by train, coach, or private transfer. Many cruise programs offer full-day excursions that cover the highlights of Paris or the coast of Normandy. An early start and late return are typical, but a visit to Paris from Le Havre is both possible and rewarding.

A visit to Bruges offers a step back in time with its medieval architecture, winding canals, and charming cobblestone streets. The Belfry of Bruges provides stunning panoramic views of the city, and don’t miss the chance to sample world-famous Belgian chocolates from local chocolatiers or take a leisurely boat tour through the picturesque canals.

As the heart of the European Union, Brussels boasts a blend of historic sites and modern attractions. Art lovers will appreciate the Magritte Museum, dedicated to the surrealist artist René Magritte. Be sure to try a classic Belgian waffle or indulge in mussels and fries at one of the city’s renowned brasseries, enjoying a quintessential Brussels culinary experience.

Zeebrugge serves as the gateway to both Bruges and Brussels. Bruges is approximately 17 km (10.6 miles) away, a 20-minute drive, offering medieval architecture and charming canals. Brussels, the Belgian capital, is about 100 km (62 miles) from the port, taking around 1.5 hours by car or train.

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.

Located at the head of the gorgeous Oslofjord, Norway's capital is encircled by wooded hills and snow capped peaks. Explore the striking Oslo Opera House, where you can walk on the rooftop for harbor views. The Viking Ship Museum showcases remarkably preserved ships from the Viking era, while Vigeland Park features over 200 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland. Visit the Akershus Fortress for a glimpse into medieval history, or stroll along the waterfront Aker Brygge, filled with restaurants and shops.

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.

The quirky and heritage-filled Hamburg is a true city of water, nestled snugly between the Baltic and North seas and intersected by a frayed network of rivers and canals, spanned by hundreds of pretty bridges. Explore the Speicherstadt, the world’s largest warehouse district and a UNESCO site, known for its neo-gothic architecture.

The nearby Elbphilharmonie concert hall is impressive with its striking design and views over the Elbe River. For a taste of local life, visit the lively Fish Market or stroll along the waterfront at Landungsbrücken, where ferries offer scenic river cruises along the canals.