MSC CRUISES ANNOUNCES UPDATES TO SUMMER 2024 SAILINGS

• New itinerary for MSC Musica in the popular West Mediterranean
• Enhanced Greek island itinerary for MSC Opera

Geneva, Switzerland - December 7, 2023 - MSC Cruises announced updates to its summer 2024 itineraries today, including an entirely new set of itineraries for MSC Musica in the West Mediterranean, and an enhanced Greek Island itinerary for MSC Opera.

From May 13 through October 28, 2024, MSC Musica will offer 7-night sailings out of Civitavecchia for Rome to ports in the West Mediterranean including Genoa (Italy); Cannes (France); Barcelona and Ibiza (Spain); and Cagliari (Italy) before returning to Civitavecchia.

This new program has replaced the cancelled sailings that included Haifa, Israel, due to the ongoing geopolitical situation.

Additionally, MSC Opera’s existing 7-night sailings between May 12 and October 5, 2024 have been enhanced with additional Greek Island destinations. The new itinerary includes Bari (Italy) and Piraeus for Athens, Santorini, Katakolon, Corfu, and Kefalonia (Greece).

Full details of the new itineraries are available online.

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MSC Musica’s new itinerary highlights include:

• Civitavecchia for Rome: Calling in the coastal town of Civitavecchia, guests can venture to nearby Rome for a captivating journey through history in one of the most sought-after cities in the world. This romantic and lively capital has something for every type of traveler, including an abundance of world-famous historical landmarks, exquisite Italian cuisine, and excellent markets and museums. Guests will get the chance to visit some of the city’s most iconic sites including the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain.
• Genoa, Italy: This charming port city is home to a variety of enticing gems, including historical monuments, beautiful churches, stunning palaces, a renowned aquarium and breathtaking harbor views. Leisurely strolls along Via Garibaldi, visits to Genoa’s magnificent palaces including the Nicolosio Lomellino, indulging in the city’s restaurants, cafés and shops, and taking in the impressive architecture of the Genoa Cathedral are some of the many options for guests to enjoy.
• Cannes, France: Guests seeking a blend of glamor, beauty and Mediterranean charm will need to look no further than this French Riviera hotspot, acclaimed for its world-renowned film festival. This magnetic city offers visitors a range of attractions to explore including breathtaking sceneries, pristine beaches, fantastic restaurants, upscale shops along the famed Boulevard de la Croisette and the city’s old town, Le Suquet full of rich history.
• Barcelona, Spain: This bustling city in Spain features stunning architecture, colorful culture, picturesque beaches and numerous museums and historical sites. Guests will have the chance to explore Antoni Gaudí’s iconic Sagrada Família, the famous boulevard of the Ramblas, the medieval Barric Gòtic, the Musea Picasso and more.  
• Ibiza, Spain: Boasting an array of stunning beaches, scenic landscapes, lively nightlife and rich archaeological sites, the island captivates guests from around the world. Whether it’s getting lost in the charming narrow cobblestone streets of the fortified old town, Dalt Vila, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or seeking tranquility at Cala D’Hort, offering panoramic views of the mesmerizing island of Es Vedrà, there’s no shortage of activities and entertainment for guests of all ages.
• Cagliari, Italy: The capital city of the island of Sardinia makes for the perfect holiday destination, well known for its rich history, crystal-clear turquoise waters, architectural treasures and a haven for food lovers looking for delicious Sardinian cuisine. Some of its most prominent sites include the medieval fortress, Castello, with beautiful views overlooking the city, the 13th-century Cagliari Cathedral, and the impressive Bastione San Remy.

MSC Opera’s new itinerary highlights include:

• Bari, Italy: This ancient port city offers a remarkable mix of old and new, with historic churches, castles and piazzas positioned near modern galleries, shops, and museums. Home to breathtaking beaches and world-class restaurants, this city is truly a memorable seaside destination to discover. Guests will have the opportunity to experience an abundance of natural wonders including the renowned Sassi di Matera, ancient cave dwellings carved into the mountain in the nearby enchanting city of Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Piraeus for Athens, Greece: Piraeus, home to the largest port in Greece, offers a wealth of activities and incredible sites, as well as excellent waterfront cafés and restaurants. 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 Grecian architecture, local cuisine and impressive ancient attractions, including the majestic Parthenon, the temple dedicated to the ancient Greek goddess Athena, one of the most prominent and distinct monuments in Greece.
• Santorini, Greece: One port of call guests won’t want to miss is the spectacular island of Santorini, acclaimed for its magnificent beaches, stunning whitewashed buildings, blue-domed churches and awe-inspiring views of the Aegean Sea. Guests can enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of the island’s quaint villages, a dip in the revitalizing sea, or take in the beautiful scenery of its world-famous sunsets, offering guests the chance to find serenity on the island.
• Katakolon, Greece: This seaside town overlooking the blue Ionian Sea is a charming destination situated in western Greece, boasting a picturesque harbor, a lighthouse, and attractions including the "Kostas Kotsanas" Museum of Ancient Greek Technology. The town is a gateway to the world-renowned ancient site of Olympia, the extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the birthplace of the Olympic Games. Here, guests can visit iconic sites such as the remains of the extraordinary Temple of Zeus and the ancient stadium.
• Corfu, Greece: This resort island, renowned for its romantic atmosphere and the beauty of its lush greenery, rocky mountains and gorgeous beaches, makes an ideal vacation destination for guests. Its capital city, also named Corfu, is one of Greece’s ancient gems, filled with historical landmarks and sites such as a Venetian Fortress and a UNESCO World Heritage old town, where guests can revel in its winding cobblestone streets, beautiful churches, and an array of bustling restaurants and shops.
• Kefalonia, Greece: Guests can discover this magnificent Greek island, well-known for its awe-inspiring caves, sandy coves, stunning beaches and breathtaking turquoise waters. This natural paradise is home to an abundance of fauna including turtles and seals. Some of the island’s top sites to explore for an unforgettable experience include the spectacular Melissani and Drogarati caves or the picturesque villages of Fiscardo and Asos.

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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.