COUNTDOWN BEGINS TO MSC CRUISES’ FIRST WORLD CRUISE

MSC Cruises—the Swiss-based world’s largest, privately owned cruise line and market leader in Europe—is preparing to welcome guests on board MSC Magnifica for the Company’s first World Cruise embarking January 5, 2019. Guests embarking on this once-in-a-lifetime cruise can now take advantage of a variety of highlights to be booked in advance. The 119-day cruise around the world on board MSC Magnifica will visit 32 different countries, and whether a thrill-seeker, adventurer, culture-lover or history buff, guests can customize their experience with something for every preference.

The World Cruise 2019 offers a unique opportunity for cruise guests to circumnavigate the globe without ever having to repack their suitcase or change hotel rooms. And, with extended stays in port—at an average of 13 hours—guests can fully immerse themselves in each destination. As part of their cruise fare, MSC Cruises World Cruise guests will benefit from 15 selected included shore excursions, exploring sites like the Golden Gate Bridge and Panoramic Sightseeing in Colombia. For those who wish to get even more out of their cruise, the MSC Cruises shore excursions experts have developed an incredible selection of overland excursions. These extended excursion options allow guests to spend more time in their destinations of choice and then re-join the ship after a few days of adventure ashore.

MSC Overland Experiences include bucket list destinations that range from 19 hours to 7 days in length, depending on the destination and excursion. Some of the highlights include:

Duration: 3 days / 2 nights

Some destinations are worth the detour and for a visually magnificent journey, few places can compare to Bora Bora, which has been dubbed the “Pearl of the Pacific.” MSC Cruises’ guests can opt to enjoy a luxurious two-night stay in the famed overwater bungalows, surrounded by the silhouette of Mount Otemanu. This breath-taking location will immerse guests in the sights and tastes of Polynesia, all while providing a relaxing and fascinating alternative to staying on board. Along with accommodation, this excursion also provides mouth-watering Tahitian meals, an exclusive spa treatment, an exciting shark and ray watching trip and lagoon tour, as well as many opportunities to sunbathe on pristine beaches.

Duration: approx. 19 hours

Fans of adventure may prefer to join the “Werribee Slumber Safari” which takes guests on an overnight journey into Australia’s Werribee Open Range Zoo. This unique wildlife park’s African-style savannah is home to incredible flora and fauna, where rhinoceroses, giraffes, zebras and antelopes roam freely. Guests will follow their expert guides, as they encounter endangered species up close, join a luxury camping experience and spend the night overlooking the Werribee River.

Duration: 3 days / 2 Nights

The bright colors and iconic spices of India continue to entice travelers, alongside the legendary Taj Mahal. Stopping in Colombo, Sri Lanka, MSC Cruises guests can choose to travel north to land-locked New Delhi and on to Agra, for a guided tour of the famous palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The trip also includes a stay in a luxury hotel, supplemented with the best cuisine India has to offer. The stay in New Delhi also allows guests to immerse themselves in local culture, both through local folk dances and through the bustling atmosphere of the city.

Duration: 7 days / 6 nights

History buffs and adventure seekers alike may opt for the “Overland to Aqaba via Jordan,” when the ship docks in Muscat, Oman. A hotspot for World Heritage sites and serene desert landscapes, this 6-day journey through Jordan begins in the ancient and impeccably preserved Roman city of Jerash, traveling through to the modern capital of Amman, highlighting the contrasts present in the country.

Guests will then be offered the opportunity to visit multiple locations of religious significance, offering a unique glimpse back in time, as they visit Madaba, the “City of Mosaics,” Mount Nebo and the River Jordan. It wouldn’t be a trip to Jordan without visiting Petra, where guests will spend a day in the pink-hued necropolis, before making their way to the deserts of Wadi Rum and, finally, camping beneath the stars. Guests will re-join the ship after a heart-stopping 4WD drive.

Roberto Fusaro, President of MSC Cruises USA, commented, “An MSC World Cruise is an incredible once-in-a-lifetime experience for many of our guests and it’s a chance to explore a variety of truly unique destinations. Our excursions allow guests to dive deeper into the local culture, cuisines and attractions – especially overland excursions that allow for an extended stay in some of the most exotic locations.”

Fusaro added, “We look forward to welcoming our guests aboard MSC Magnifica for MSC Cruises’ very first world cruise, now completely sold out. Guests wishing to explore the world with MSC Cruises still have the opportunity to book the last remaining spaces on the 2020 itinerary and experience the ship’s elegant atmosphere, comfortable accommodation, excellent entertainment and selection of dining options as they journey across the globe.”

World Cruise guests are encouraged to book their MSC Overland Experiences as soon as possible, as space is limited and visa restrictions may apply. For bookings or more information, guests may contact their travel agent, MSC Cruises contact center or visit https://www.msccruisesusa.com/en-us/Manage-Your-Booking/Excursions.aspx.

For those who wish to discover the world by sea, there are still staterooms available on the 2020 World Cruise departing January 5th 2020 and sales will open soon for 2021. For more information, visit https://www.msccruisesusa.com/en-us/Cruise-Deals/MSC-World-Cruise-2020.aspx.