Rio de Janeiro, the heart of Brazil's carnival fervor, offers a gateway into its celebrated past where the rhythm of samba was born and the streets tell tales of vivid festivities. The city's tropical climate invites travelers year-round, providing a warm welcome with its sun-drenched beaches and lush mountainous backdrops, setting it apart from conventional tourist destinations. It's here that visitors truly experience the vibrancy of Brazil, beyond the postcards, immersing in a locality vibrant with genuine interactions and community celebrations. Intriguingly, Rio is the only city in the world where the urban forest is denser than its urban sprawl, offering an unexpected green retreat amidst the city buzz.
Days 3-4
At sea
Day 5
Maceió
Days 6-9
At sea
Day 10
Mindelo, São Vicente Island
Days 11-12
At sea
Day 13
Funchal, Madeira
Day 14
At sea
Day 15
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.
Days 16-17
At sea
Day 18
Tangier
James Bond's explosive Tanjawi antics may evoke excitement, but a visit to Tangier promises a more tranquil adventure. This Moroccan city's history is steeped in intrigue, with its strategic location attracting Phoenicians, Romans, and Arabs over the centuries. Tangier's allure as a cinematic backdrop has captured the imagination of filmmakers, showcasing its labyrinthine streets and stunning vistas. From the bustling Grand Socco square to the iconic Kasbah, Tangier's blend of cultures and influences offers a captivating journey through time. Embodying the spirit of adventure, Tangier invites travelers to explore its storied past and vibrant present with curiosity and wonder.
Day 19
Málaga
Day 20
At sea
Day 21
Palma de Mallorca
Nestled along the shimmering shores of Mallorca, Palma de Mallorca beckons with a captivating blend of history and charm. Its story unfolds through the ages, from Roman conquests to Moorish rule, leaving behind a tapestry of architectural wonders. Beneath the Mediterranean sun, Palma offers a mild climate, perfect for leisurely exploration year-round. Away from tourist traps, it reveals authentic Spanish life in its bustling markets and vibrant squares. As a showcase of the country's essence, Palma captures hearts with its traditional festivals and local delicacies like ensaada pastries. An interesting fact: Palma boasts one of Europe's largest Gothic cathedrals, La Seu, a testament to its enduring grandeur.
Day 22
Barcelona
Barcelona, a city defined by its innovative spirit from the architectural wonders of Gaudto the bustling medieval streets of the Gothic Quarter, offers a vivid window into Spains artistic soul. The city benefits from a Mediterranean climate, ensuring pleasant weather perfect for leisurely explorations of its many districts. Cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean and Norwegian utilize Barcelona as a key port, giving travelers the chance to immerse themselves in a blend of modernist architecture and vibrant local life. An intriguing fact about Barcelona is its beach was artificially created in preparation for the 1992 Olympics, showcasing the city's ability to ingeniously reinvent itself while maintaining its historical roots.
Day 23
Marseille
Nestled along the shimmering shores of the Mediterranean, Marseille beckons with a vibrant past steeped in maritime lore. Its bustling port has been a hub of trade and cultural exchange for centuries, with influences from Europe, Africa, and the Middle East converging in its bustling streets. Blessed with a mild Mediterranean climate, Marseille offers a haven for sun-seekers year-round, while its labyrinthine alleys and bustling markets promise an authentic taste of French life. Beyond the tourist hotspots, hidden gems await exploration, such as the secluded coves of the Calanques National Park, where azure waters meet rugged cliffs in a breathtaking tableau.
Rio de Janeiro, the heart of Brazil's carnival fervor, offers a gateway into its celebrated past where the rhythm of samba was born and the streets tell tales of vivid festivities. The city's tropical climate invites travelers year-round, providing a warm welcome with its sun-drenched beaches and lush mountainous backdrops, setting it apart from conventional tourist destinations. It's here that visitors truly experience the vibrancy of Brazil, beyond the postcards, immersing in a locality vibrant with genuine interactions and community celebrations. Intriguingly, Rio is the only city in the world where the urban forest is denser than its urban sprawl, offering an unexpected green retreat amidst the city buzz.
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.
James Bond's explosive Tanjawi antics may evoke excitement, but a visit to Tangier promises a more tranquil adventure. This Moroccan city's history is steeped in intrigue, with its strategic location attracting Phoenicians, Romans, and Arabs over the centuries. Tangier's allure as a cinematic backdrop has captured the imagination of filmmakers, showcasing its labyrinthine streets and stunning vistas. From the bustling Grand Socco square to the iconic Kasbah, Tangier's blend of cultures and influences offers a captivating journey through time. Embodying the spirit of adventure, Tangier invites travelers to explore its storied past and vibrant present with curiosity and wonder.
Nestled along the shimmering shores of Mallorca, Palma de Mallorca beckons with a captivating blend of history and charm. Its story unfolds through the ages, from Roman conquests to Moorish rule, leaving behind a tapestry of architectural wonders. Beneath the Mediterranean sun, Palma offers a mild climate, perfect for leisurely exploration year-round. Away from tourist traps, it reveals authentic Spanish life in its bustling markets and vibrant squares. As a showcase of the country's essence, Palma captures hearts with its traditional festivals and local delicacies like ensaada pastries. An interesting fact: Palma boasts one of Europe's largest Gothic cathedrals, La Seu, a testament to its enduring grandeur.
Barcelona, a city defined by its innovative spirit from the architectural wonders of Gaudto the bustling medieval streets of the Gothic Quarter, offers a vivid window into Spains artistic soul. The city benefits from a Mediterranean climate, ensuring pleasant weather perfect for leisurely explorations of its many districts. Cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean and Norwegian utilize Barcelona as a key port, giving travelers the chance to immerse themselves in a blend of modernist architecture and vibrant local life. An intriguing fact about Barcelona is its beach was artificially created in preparation for the 1992 Olympics, showcasing the city's ability to ingeniously reinvent itself while maintaining its historical roots.
Nestled along the shimmering shores of the Mediterranean, Marseille beckons with a vibrant past steeped in maritime lore. Its bustling port has been a hub of trade and cultural exchange for centuries, with influences from Europe, Africa, and the Middle East converging in its bustling streets. Blessed with a mild Mediterranean climate, Marseille offers a haven for sun-seekers year-round, while its labyrinthine alleys and bustling markets promise an authentic taste of French life. Beyond the tourist hotspots, hidden gems await exploration, such as the secluded coves of the Calanques National Park, where azure waters meet rugged cliffs in a breathtaking tableau.
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.
