Welcome to Ponta Delgada, where the echoes of its maritime past whisper tales of exploration and discovery. Here, amidst the gentle waves of the Atlantic Ocean, cruise lines anchor to unveil the hidden gems of Portugal's Azores archipelago. Set against a backdrop of lush greenery and volcanic landscapes, Ponta Delgada offers a climate that dances between subtropical and temperate, creating an ideal setting for leisurely exploration. Cruise-goers seeking an authentic escape from the ordinary will find themselves immersed in the vibrant local culture, where quaint cobblestone streets lead to bustling markets and charming cafes. As the gateway to S Miguel Island, Ponta Delgada boasts a unique blend of Old World charm and modern allure. A testament to its volcanic origins, visitors can bathe in the natural hot springs of Ferraria, a rejuvenating experience unlike any other.
Days 10-12
At sea
Day 13
Lisbon
In the annals of maritime lore, Lisbon stands as a testament to resilience, having weathered centuries of conquest and exploration. Its labyrinthine streets whisper tales of Moorish conquests and Age of Discovery triumphs, each cobblestone a silent witness to the city's rich past. Beneath the warm Mediterranean sun, Lisbon exudes an undeniable charm, drawing travelers seeking an authentic escape from the beaten path. From its vibrant neighborhoods to its serene waterfront, Lisbon offers a glimpse into Portugal's soul, where fado music reverberates through alfresco cafes, and the aroma of freshly baked pasts de nata fills the air, tempting even the most seasoned voyagers.
Day 14
Vigo
Day 15
At sea
Day 16
Le Havre
At first glance, Le Havre looks strikingly different from other stops along the Seine. Much of the city was destroyed during World War II, and its post-war reconstruction was led by the architect Auguste Perret, whose bold use of concrete and symmetry has since earned Le Havre UNESCO World Heritage status.What makes Le Havre interesting is precisely this contrast: the clean lines of its modernist layout set against the windswept Normandy coast. Perret’s legacy is seen in landmarks like the Church of St Joseph with its lantern tower.Le Havre is also a gateway to Normandy’s beaches and countryside. Some cruises include excursions from here to Étretat’s chalk cliffs, the D-Day Landing sites or inland to Rouen or Honfleur.
Welcome to Ponta Delgada, where the echoes of its maritime past whisper tales of exploration and discovery. Here, amidst the gentle waves of the Atlantic Ocean, cruise lines anchor to unveil the hidden gems of Portugal's Azores archipelago. Set against a backdrop of lush greenery and volcanic landscapes, Ponta Delgada offers a climate that dances between subtropical and temperate, creating an ideal setting for leisurely exploration. Cruise-goers seeking an authentic escape from the ordinary will find themselves immersed in the vibrant local culture, where quaint cobblestone streets lead to bustling markets and charming cafes. As the gateway to S Miguel Island, Ponta Delgada boasts a unique blend of Old World charm and modern allure. A testament to its volcanic origins, visitors can bathe in the natural hot springs of Ferraria, a rejuvenating experience unlike any other.
In the annals of maritime lore, Lisbon stands as a testament to resilience, having weathered centuries of conquest and exploration. Its labyrinthine streets whisper tales of Moorish conquests and Age of Discovery triumphs, each cobblestone a silent witness to the city's rich past. Beneath the warm Mediterranean sun, Lisbon exudes an undeniable charm, drawing travelers seeking an authentic escape from the beaten path. From its vibrant neighborhoods to its serene waterfront, Lisbon offers a glimpse into Portugal's soul, where fado music reverberates through alfresco cafes, and the aroma of freshly baked pasts de nata fills the air, tempting even the most seasoned voyagers.
At first glance, Le Havre looks strikingly different from other stops along the Seine. Much of the city was destroyed during World War II, and its post-war reconstruction was led by the architect Auguste Perret, whose bold use of concrete and symmetry has since earned Le Havre UNESCO World Heritage status.What makes Le Havre interesting is precisely this contrast: the clean lines of its modernist layout set against the windswept Normandy coast. Perret’s legacy is seen in landmarks like the Church of St Joseph with its lantern tower.Le Havre is also a gateway to Normandy’s beaches and countryside. Some cruises include excursions from here to Étretat’s chalk cliffs, the D-Day Landing sites or inland to Rouen or Honfleur.
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
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!
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 offers a stylish and affordable way to explore Northern Europe, with itineraries that blend cultural capitals, scenic coastlines, and historic towns. The cruise is ideal for travellers who want a taste of multiple countries in one trip, with the comfort of returning to a floating resort each night
My most recent cruise was on MSC Virtuosa, this ship is amazing in every way. From the minute you board you are enveloped in the most stylish Italian luxury, the Swarovski staircases are absolutely stunning and every corner of the ship has been lovingly thought out. But, what makes this ship even more special to sail on is it's friendly, professional crew members who go out of their way to make your cruise experience one to remember.
