MSC Grand Voyages

If you're overnighting in Paris prior to your cruise, and depending on time and your transfer plans to Le Havre, consider a stop in Rouen en route - its half-timbered medieval core, Gothic cathedral, and Joan of Arc history offer a compelling pause without straying too far off course. Once in Le Havre, explore the UNESCO-listed post-war architecture by Auguste Perret or the MuMa museum’s Impressionist collection, both near the port and manageable before boarding your ship.

Your cruise ship will be docked at Le Havre Cruise Terminal, which is close to the city center. A local shuttle service runs to and from the port into the city centre of Le Havre for a small fee. If you're staying in Paris, it's 200 km (124 miles) southeast of Le Havre - about 2.5–3 hours by train, coach, or private transfer.

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.

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
  

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.

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.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the bustling capital of Tenerife, offers a delightful mix of culture, history, and natural beauty. Begin your exploration at the Plaza de España, where you can admire the impressive artificial lake and historic fortifications. Nearby, the Auditorio de Tenerife, designed by Santiago Calatrava, stands as an architectural marvel, hosting an array of cultural performances.

Stroll through the García Sanabria Park, a lush green oasis perfect for a leisurely walk among exotic plants and intriguing sculptures. For a taste of local culture, visit the Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África, where vibrant stalls offer fresh produce, local delicacies, and crafts. Don't miss the Museo de la Naturaleza y el Hombre, showcasing Tenerife’s rich archaeological and natural history.

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 oldest and most historic city in Brazil is renowned for its deeply rooted Afro-Brazilian culture. Its colourful centre is full of colonial architecture and an amazing number of magnificent baroque churches, giving Salvador the nickname 'Black Rome.' Ships will dock at the cruise terminal.

Top Things to Do in Salvador De Bahia:

• enjoy the views at the Farol da Barra lighthouse
• shop at the Mercado Modelo
• visit the Bonfim Church
• drive along the Coconut Coast

Ilhéus, nestled in the state of Bahia, Brazil, boasts a rich history tied to the cocoa boom which once labelled it as the "Cocoa Capital of the World." This coastal city is not only significant for its agricultural heritage but also for its literary fame, being the setting of several novels by famed Brazilian author Jorge Amado. Visitors can explore the Bataclan, a historic building featured in Amado's works, now serving as a cultural space and café.

The city's charm extends to its natural settings, with several stunning beaches such as Praia dos Milionários offering golden sands and lush palm trees. Ilhéus also serves as a gateway to the lush Atlantic rainforest, providing ample opportunities for eco-tours and wildlife spotting. The mix of cultural depth and scenic beauty makes Ilhéus a captivating port of call on Brazil’s northeastern coast.

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.

Upscale and desirable, Buzios is a beachy escape to a land of sun and thick palm-clad hills. With 17 luxurious, horseshoe-shaped beaches spreading out nearby, and a lively nightlife and culinary scene, Buzios is a place to kick back and soak up some of the best of Brazil's envied beach life. Ships will anchor offshore and tender guests to shore.

Top Things to Do in Buzios:

• stroll along the Rua das Pedras
• enjoy a sailing tour
• relax on Ferradura beach
• explore Buzios on a guided trolley tour

In Rio De Janeiro endless buildings flow around densely-forested mountains that roll down to an evocative waterfront. Incredible natural attractions, spontaneity that transforms everything into a party and world-famous monuments all make this city an unforgettable destination. Ships will dock at Pier Maua.

Top Things to Do in Rio De Janeiro:

• Ascend Mt. Corcovado to get up close to the Christ the Redeemer statue
• Relax on Ipanema or Copacabana beach
• take a cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain
• explore Tijuca National Park