Name: 16 Night Spain Sailing including Genoa, Saint John's and Fort-de-France
Brand: MSC Cruises
Rating: 3.9 (7 reviews)

MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises may be headquartered in Switzerland, but the ambience onboard its 23 ships is very much Italian owing to its owners, the Aponte family.

Ships feature a two-storey Mediterranean-style promenade and Instagram-worthy glass staircases filled with Swarovski crystals.

The line’s flagship is the 6,327 passenger MSC Euribia, which is MSC's second ship to run on liquefied natural gas.

Cruise Itinerary

Day 1

Doha

Days 2-4

Dubai

Rising from the sands of the Arabian desert, Dubai emerged as a bustling trading hub, tracing its origins back to the ancient Bedouin tribes who thrived in its harsh terrain. Over the centuries, this once modest fishing village transformed into a glittering metropolis, propelled by the discovery of oil and visionary leadership. Today, Dubai stands as a testament to human ingenuity and ambition, boasting iconic skyscrapers, man-made islands, and world-class infrastructure. Its evolution into a global powerhouse has captivated the world, showcasing the limitless possibilities that arise when determination meets innovation in the heart of the desert.

Day 5

Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi's history is a tapestry woven with tales of resilience and transformation. Once a humble fishing village, it evolved into a vibrant cosmopolitan center fueled by the discovery of oil in the 20th century. The visionary leadership of the ruling Al Nahyan family spearheaded its metamorphosis into a modern metropolis, marked by iconic landmarks like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the futuristic skyline of Yas Island. Today, Abu Dhabi stands as a testament to the UAE's journey from desert sands to global prominence, blending tradition with innovation to create a dynamic and progressive cityscape.

Day 6

Sir Bani Yas Island

Although Sir Bani Yas may not top the usual tourist lists, it holds a fascinating position as a historical crossroads of trade. Fun fact: it was once the monastic retreat of Bani Yas tribe, the founding tribe of the United Arab Emirates. Despite its quieter acclaim, the island is a treasure trove of archeological sites and remnants from its days as a trade hub with civilizations across the seas. Its secluded location belies the wealth of exploration it offers, from wildlife reserves to ancient ruins, making it a quietly compelling destination.

Day 7

At sea

Day 8

Port Qaboos

Days 9-13

At sea

Day 14

Safaga

In Safaga, the local way of life might surprise you with its charming blend of efficiency and a dash of chaos. Picture hopping into a lively tuk-tuk, zipping through the bustling streets, as the warm breeze carries hints of the sea and spices. Safaga's climate is a serene escape into perpetual sunshine, ideal for those seeking solitude in its tranquil desert surroundings. This place offers a genuine slice of life, away from the usual tourist traps, allowing you to delve into a deeper understanding of the local lifestyle, flavoured with well-natured humour and simplicity.

Days 15-16

Days 17-18

At sea

Day 19

Valletta

Perched majestically on the limestone cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean, Valletta beckons with its timeless charm and centuries-old history. Home to the Knights of St. John, its streets whisper tales of valiant knights and grand sieges. The Mediterranean climate blesses visitors with warm summers and mild winters, creating an inviting atmosphere year-round. Unlike typical tourist traps, Valletta offers an authentic glimpse into Malta's soul, where locals mingle with visitors in bustling markets and quaint cafes. As the smallest capital in the EU, Valletta boasts one of the highest concentrations of historic sites, including St. John's Co-Cathedral, adorned with Caravaggio's masterpieces.

Day 20

Naples

Amidst the captivating backdrop of Mount Vesuvius, Naples beckons with a tapestry of ancient allure. Its fabled past, steeped in mythology and legend, whispers tales of emperors and poets, of Pompeii's tragic fate and the birth of pizza. The Mediterranean climate blesses Naples with warm, sun-drenched days, perfect for savoring gelato on cobblestone streets or basking in the glow of historic piazzas. This vibrant city pulsates with an energy that ignites the senses, inviting travelers to immerse themselves in authentic Neapolitan life. And did you know? Naples boasts the world's oldest continuously operating pizzeria, Antica Pizzeria Port'Alba, dating back to 1738.

Day 21

Civitavecchia

Perched on the shores of the Tyrrhenian Sea, Civitavecchia boasts a storied past intertwined with maritime adventures. As the gateway to Rome, its harbor has welcomed seafarers for centuries, echoing with tales of ancient civilizations and grand conquests. The Mediterranean climate blesses visitors with balmy breezes and sun-drenched days, creating an idyllic atmosphere for exploration. Away from the bustling metropolis, Civitavecchia offers an authentic Italian experience, where cobblestone streets wind through charming piazzas and trattorias serve up delectable seafood caught fresh from the sea. Don't miss the chance to stroll along the historic harbor walls, built to protect against marauding pirates centuries ago.

Day 1

Doha

Days 2-4

Dubai

Day 5

Abu Dhabi

Day 6

Sir Bani Yas Island

Day 7

At sea

Day 8

Port Qaboos

Days 9-13

At sea

Day 14

Safaga

Days 15-16 Safaga

Safaga

Days 17-18 At sea

At sea

Day 19

Valletta

Day 20

Naples

Day 21

Civitavecchia

6762

Passengers

2138

Crew

2022

Launched

215863t

Tonnage

333m

Length

47m

Width

23kts

Speed

Decks

USD

Currency

MSC World Europa

MSC World Europa, delivered in November 2022, the first MSC World Class ship introduces a completely new, ground-breaking platform that brings together innovative technologies and industry-first design features including its unique Y-shape.

All Prices

Customer reviews

Reviews

Carnary island's.

Our cruse ship virtuosa left Southampton to Lisbon then to carnary island's on a fantastic ship something to do everyday the staff are amazing the shows are great the restaurant are good and you can make some great friends in the champagne bar . Why smc its a great company to sail with .

MSC Cruises MSC Virtuosa

Reviews

MSC - not for me

Our first impressions were good! The ship was well laid out , the bar areas had plenty of seating! The cabin was fairly small. The buffet was extremely busy and as the week went on we realised there was very little variety on offer. My partner and I both caught norovirus whilst on the ship, when checking on various forums, there had been reports of it being on the ship two weeks prior to our sailing but there had been no warning! The only thing that made us aware something wasn’t right was the buffet was not self service! This seemed a bit pointless when ten feet around the corner at the bar, the guys serving were handling every different persons cruise cards and handing them back, no handwashing was taking place. In seven days I did not once see any cleaning of high touch points - lift buttons or stair rails! We had a booked a day trip through MSc to Paris on our last day, we couldn’t go as we’ were too unwell and they refused to refund us. My reason for leaving two stars is because the staff were lovely. Personally, I will never cruise MSC again, whilst I appreciate any cruise line can get viruses on board, it was the lack of communication and acknowledgment and the refusal to refund £280 for a trip I could not take. We will be going back to Princess!

MSC Cruises MSC Poesia

Reviews

Had a good holiday round the med

Restaurant and bars very good,itinerary good

MSC Cruises MSC World Europa

Reviews

Brilliant fun

All the staff were phenomenally helpful and friendly, food was good, buffet selection was incredible, generally all round joyful and fun atmosphere. Only down side was how hard it was to find a seat in any of the bar areas, I guess that's one way to encourage people to upgrade to Yacht Club.

MSC Cruises MSC Virtuosa

Reviews

Making memories

Took my wonderful elderly parents on this 5 night cruise , knowing this would probably be our last holiday together. Having to use wheelchairs/ walking aids and managing the effects of memory loss meant that a cruise on board a beautiful ship was the best choice to make some lovely memories. Watching my dad's face during the theatre shows and watching him tuck into what seemed like a mountain of his favourite food in the buffets made us all smile. The practicality of always having bathrooms at hand and having designated areas in theatres for those with mobility difficulties made it all very easy. We all loved the opulence of the ship, and enjoyed sitting at different bars listening to music. We also watched a stunning sunset from the sky bar one evening as we left Rotterdam. Wonderful memories which I will always treasure x

MSC Cruises MSC Virtuosa

Reviews

Fantastic ship

Fabulous service, fantastic food and amenities. Great destinations and an unbelievable experience.

MSC Cruises MSC World America

Reviews

Not my cup of tea !

I’m sure loads of people love this ship , I went with 5 girlfriends for our yearly short break ! It’s glitzy It’s big , very big! and was also very busy. The various standard entertainment areas not very big and not enough seating anywhere. Cabins were fine Staff were kept constantly busy . Food was not great - not enough menus to go around Veggie options in main dining room were poor. Buffet was total mayhem . The cleaning staff tried their best. We used the spa facilities, they were fine . The last night we were at the very small disco . Full glasses were taken on the dance floor. Spills and the inevitable broken glass! The DJ simply said if you are dancing bare foot be careful as there is broken glass on the floor.! No please clear the floor as we need to clean . Seemingly no health and safety. We left ! On the plus side disembarkation the following morning was really easy and speedy. Hooray! We had fun, we are not old stuffy grannies but all agreed not to use such a big ship for what appeared to be a short booze cruise again!

MSC Cruises MSC Virtuosa

Reviews

It was great holiday

I took 64 people on this cruse It was a wonderful experience for everyone The ship was great and very clean Food was excellent and chose was enormous All my group enjoyed them self and not single person had a bad word about all all seven days Room was thoroughly cleaned every single day Sheets and towels changed everyday Great experience Staff very friendly and service in restaurants was excellent Thank you to all the staff and hope to have a another holiday with MSC very soon

MSC Cruises MSC Poesia