MSC CRUISES REVEALS DETAILS OF MSC SPLENDIDA’S WINTER RED SEA ITINERARY WITH NEW DESTINATIONS AND EXPANDED EMBARKATION OPTIONS

• Cairo via Sokhna Port, Egypt added to itinerary as extra unforgettable destination
• Extended stay in port allows ample time to explore Cairo and visit Great Pyramid of Giza

Geneva, Switzerland – October 3, 2022 – MSC Cruises announced today that it will offer an enriched 7-night itinerary in the Red Sea with MSC Splendida for the winter 2022/2023 season. Guests will have 33 shore excursions available including the addition of Cairo, Egypt, and choice to embark in Sokhna Port or Safaga in Egypt, or Jeddah in Saudi Arabia.

MSC Splendida’s 7-night sailings call at Sokhna Port, Safaga for Hurghada and Luxor, Egypt; Aqaba for Petra, Jordan; Jeddah for AlUla, Saudi Arabia; and Yanbu, Saudi Arabia.

An extended 13 hour stay in Sokhna Port allows for trips to the Great Pyramid of Giza, a once-in-a-lifetime destination and the last of the ‘Seven Wonders of the World’ remaining in existence.

A selection of shore excursions is available at each port, allowing guests to discover and explore incredible sights and attractions in this fascinating part of the world. Highlights include the following:

SOKHNA PORT FOR CAIRO, EGYPT - FIVE SHORE EXCURSIONS AVAILABLE: Open the door to Egypt’s must-see capital city. Dive into history at the Great Pyramid of Giza, one of the globe’s most recognizable sites and the last intact ancient Wonder of the World.

Located on the Nile River, Cairo is also known as the ‘city of a thousand minarets’, enriched with its famous mosques including the stunning Citadel of Saladin, along with madrasas, hammams and fountains. Visits to vibrant bazaars provide an opportunity to take home a souvenir to remember the incredible and lively city.

SAFAGA FOR HURGHADA AND LUXOR, EGYPT – 13 SHORE EXCURSIONS AVAILABLE: The port of Safaga is just down the beautiful coastline from the popular resort town of Hurghada, known for its incredible beach life. Discover stunning white-sand beaches stretching north and south of the town, making it a perfect spot to soak up the sunshine.

Those wanting to check off a once-in-a-lifetime experience can explore the grandeur of the ancient city of Luxor. See where pharaohs ruled and step back in time during a visit to Luxor Temple or Karnak Temple, or head to the world-famous Valley of the Kings.

AQABA FOR PETRA, JORDAN – EIGHT SHORE EXCURSIONS AVAILABLE: An undeniable staple is visiting the Wonders of Petra—the ancient city and UNESCO World Heritage site in the middle of the Jordanian desert. After laying hidden for centuries, this jewel of early engineering was rediscovered in 1812. Hewn out of solid rock by Nabatean Arabs more than 2,000 years ago, it served as their capital city and featured a sophisticated water conduit system that turned the city into an artificial oasis.

JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA – THREE SHORE EXCURSIONS AVAILABLE: Saudi Arabia’s second largest city combines modern aspects with its rich history. A City of Culture and History tour offers a journey through centuries of local traditions.

The extraordinary archaeological site of Hegra became the first UNESCO World Heritage site in Saudi Arabia and features more than 100 monuments. The ancient city of AlUla is situated in a desert in the Hijaz mountains, where pilgrims, travelers and permanent settlers have gathered over the centuries. Surrounded by an ancient oasis, AlUla is dominated by a citadel dating back to the 10th century and has about 900 brick houses, 400 shops and a maze of alleyways and squares.

YANBU, SAUDI ARABIA – FOUR SHORE EXCURSIONS AVAILABLE: Known as “the diving capital of Saudi Arabia,” adventure-seekers can snorkel at Iona Coral Reef and enjoy a kaleidoscope of fish, marine flora and the sunken wreck of the British ship Iona. The crystal-clear waters of Yanbu hold some of the most amazing reef systems in the world. For guests who prefer to kick back and enjoy the sun during their vacation, the Baridi Island Getaway offers hours of relaxation, fun and a crystal-clear sea on a secluded section of Baridi Island.

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About MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises is the world’s third largest cruise brand as well as the leader in Europe, South America, the Gulf region and Southern Africa, with more market share in addition to deployed capacity than any other player. 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 leading privately held Swiss-based shipping and logistics conglomerate with over 300 years of maritime heritage. MSC Cruises – the contemporary brand - has a modern fleet of 19 vessels combined with a sizeable future global investment portfolio of new vessels. 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 Company’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.