EMBARK ON MSC POESIA FOR THE ITINERARY OF A LIFETIME TO ITALY, TURKEY AND GREECE THIS FALL

• Unique 11-night itinerary features two ports of call in Turkey including an extended stay in Istanbul
• Cruise offers three ports of call in Italy, allowing guests to visit even more top destinations
• Call to Piraeus allows convenient access to magnificent ancient monuments in Athens, Greece

Geneva, Switzerland – July 19, 2023 – MSC Poesia is offering an unforgettable cruise itinerary this fall, taking guests on a spectacular journey to explore the rich culture and beauty of some of the most sought-after destinations in the Mediterranean. This 11-night itinerary will feature calls in the breath-taking cities of Kusadasi and Istanbul in Turkey; Piraeus near Athens in Greece; and Genoa, Palermo and Civitavecchia for Rome in Italy. Together, the destinations offer guests a long list of unique experiences opportunities to create unforgettable memories.

MSC Poesia is offering this unique itinerary from September to November 2023, giving guests the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in each destination’s fascinating historical sites, remarkable architecture, culinary delights and striking landscapes, all while taking advantage of the autumn weather.

Throughout the cruise, MSC Poesia will allow guests to relax and unwind in the ship’s stylish and comfortable accommodations, while enjoying world-class entertainment, varied gourmet dining options, award-winning family offerings and state-of-the-art spa and wellness facilities. Both on board and ashore, MSC Cruises provides a wide range of activities and excursions, offering something for guests of all ages.

EXPLORE THE TIMELESS CHARMS OF GENOA, ITALY

The charming port city of Genoa will be the first stop on MSC Poesia’s itinerary and is a destination guests will not want to miss. This Italian city offers a host of attractions including its historical monuments, beautiful churches, stunning palaces, world-famous aquarium, beautiful harbor views and picturesque alleyways filled with restaurants, cafés and shops. Travelers can take advantage of MSC Cruises’ exceptional shore excursions, which include a trip to the Ligurian Riviera and three of its most prized gems: Portofino, Camogli and Santa Margherita. Guests can also take a stroll along Via Garibaldi with visits to Genoa’s magnificent palaces like the Nicolosio Lomellino and Palazzo Bianco.

STEP INTO THE MAGIC OF KUSADASI, TURKEY

MSC Poesia’s itinerary will feature two ports of call in Turkey, allowing guests more opportunities to witness the country’s fantastic cities. The first stop on the list is the resort town of Kusadasi, situated along the sparkling Aegean Sea. This dynamic city is a popular destination acclaimed for its gorgeous coastlines, white sand beaches, historical sites, and some of the most exquisite Turkish cuisine. From here, guests can visit the nearby city of Ephesus, which is notable for its ancient ruins, temples and grand baths. Through an MSC Cruises half-day excursion, guests will see famed archaeological sites, including a visit to the House of the Virgin Mary, considered to be the place where she spent her last days, as well as the famous Library of Celsus and the remains of Hadrian's Temple.

EXPERIENCE THE COLORFUL CULTURE OF ISTANBUL - TURKEY

The next stop in the itinerary will include an extended stay in Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey, which sits between two continents—Europe and Asia. This diverse and exciting city—famous for its rich culture and history—features museums, grand mosques, colorful markets, historical structures, excellent restaurants, and mesmerizing landscapes. MSC Cruises’ excursion options will give guests the opportunity to visit some of Istanbul’s world-renowned landmarks including the Blue Mosque and the Topkapi Palace.

REVEL IN THE WONDERS OF ATHENS, GREECE

The ship will then make her way to Piraeus, home to the largest port in, with an array of activities to enjoy during this magical time of year. This port city is perfectly situated for an easy getaway to the nearby city of Athens, the capital of Greece and one of the world’s oldest cities, full of impressive natural wonders. From its magnificent ancient monuments, Grecian architecture and mouth-watering Greek cuisine, this is undoubtedly a must-see destination for curious travelers. MSC Cruises will provide numerous excursions to explore the city’s cultural heritage, including a sightseeing tour of the city visiting its well-known attractions like the legendary Acropolis, the grand ancient hilltop citadel overlooking the city of Athens.

GET LOST IN THE BEAUTY OF PALERMO - ITALY

Guests will get to experience the beauty of Southern Italy with the next port of call in Palermo, known for its rich history, Arab-Norman architecture, grand palaces and churches, culinary heritage, and gorgeous beaches. MSC Cruises’ excursions offer plenty of exciting activities, including a sightseeing tour visiting Palazzo dei Normanni, an ancient palace; and the Teatro Massimo, the third largest opera house in Europe. A trip to the town of Monreale, located on the slope of Monte Caputo, includes a visit to its Cathedral, which is home to extraordinary golden mosaics depicting scenes from the Old and New Testament.

DISCOVER THE ANCIENT CAPITAL OF ROME - ITALY

Rounding up MSC Poesia’s enticing itinerary, guests will arrive in the coastal town of Civitavecchia, celebrated for its bustling harbor. From here, guests can journey to Rome to take in its history, charm and entertainment. This lively and romantic city has something for everyone with its abundance of amazing attractions, including its incredible Southern Italian cuisine, picturesque streets, delightful shops, and grand historic structures. Guests can either explore the ancient city on their own or be treated to one of MSC Cruises’ excursions, including an inside visit to the legendary Colosseum or a walk to more of the city’s unmissable sites like the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, the Pantheon and the Vatican.

To find out more about MSC Poesia itineraries, please click here.

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About MSC Cruises  

MSC Cruises is the world’s third largest cruise brand as well as the market leader in Europe, South America, the Gulf region and Southern Africa. It is also the fastest growing global cruise brand with a strong presence in the Caribbean, North America and the Far East markets.   

Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, MSC Cruises is one of the two brands that sit within the Cruise Division of MSC Group, the world’s leading and privately held shipping and logistics conglomerate with over 300 years of maritime heritage. MSC Cruises – the contemporary brand - has a modern fleet of 22 vessels combined with a sizeable future global investment portfolio of new vessels, terminals and other assets. The fleet is projected to grow to 23 cruise ships by 2025, with options for six more vessel orders in place through 2030.    

MSC Cruises offers its guests an enriching, immersive and safe cruise experience inspired by the Company’s European heritage, where they can enjoy international dining, world-class entertainment, award-winning family programs, and the very latest user-friendly technology on board. To learn more about MSC Cruises’ itineraries and experience on board its ships, click here.    

The line’s number one priority has always been the health and safety of its guests and crew, as well as the communities at the destinations its ships serve.  In August 2020, MSC Cruises implemented a new comprehensive and robust health and safety protocol to become the first major line to return to sea. To learn more about MSC Cruises’ health & safety protocol, click here.    

MSC Cruises has long been committed to environmental stewardship, with a long-term goal to achieve net zero emissions for its operations by 2050. The Company is also a significant investor in next-generation environmental marine technologies, with the objective to support their accelerated development and availability industry-wide. To learn more about the Company’s environmental commitment, click here.      

Finally, to learn more about the MSC Foundation, MSC Group’s own vehicle to lead, focus and advance its conservation, humanitarian and cultural commitments, click here.