One of the busiest cruise ports in the Mediterranean, the seaside city of Barcelona is known for its iconic architecture, colourful culture, and world-class drinking and dining. Explore Antoni Gaudí’s surreal Sagrada Família, the famous boulevard of the Ramblas, the medieval Barri Gótic, and the Museu Picasso. But there’s even more to discover in this sprawling Spanish city, an MSC Mediterranean Cruises destination: from hidden tapas bars and fabulous food markets to Europe’s biggest football stadium.

The British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar, famous for its towering rock, is a popular MSC Mediterranean Cruises destination. Located on Spain’s south coast, on the tip of the Iberian Peninsula, it was first settled by the Moors in the Middle Ages. From the top of the rock, enjoy views of the city of Gibraltar, the Strait of Gibraltar, and the Atlas Mountains of Morocco! Or explore the town’s Palladian architecture before indulging in afternoon tea on the waterfront.

Casablanca, an impressive port city on Morocco’s magical coast, is an MSC Mediterranean Cruises destination. Discover Mauresque architecture, attractive beaches, and the colourful Old Medina. Place Mohammed V, a square of symbolic significance, is resplendent with palm trees and a majestic fountain. Beyond the port, two extraordinary cities await your discovery — vibrant Marrakech and beautiful Rabat.

Mindelo is a portcity on the Cape Verde in the northern part of the island of São Vicente. Mindelo is also the seat of the parish of Nossa Senhora da Luz, and this island's municipality. São Vicente is a small volcanic island integrated in the group of the islands of Barlavento, between Santo Antão, on the West, and Santa Luzia, on the East. The island was discovered on January 22 of 1462, but it was uninhabited until 1838, when the British decided to install a coaling-station in Mindelo to supply the ships that navigated in the Atlantic routes. During many centuries, São Vicente was used for cattle pasturage, namely goats and temporary hunt-preserve. Nevertheless, the excellent port characteristics of the Bay of Mindelo made the island in one of the most important worlds trade post for the supply of coal to the ships that crossed the Atlantic, and it soon became the uppermost place where foreign going ships came for coal supply.

High above the enormous bay of Todos os Santos (All Saints), where your MSC cruise ship awaits your return, Salvador de Bahia has an electric feel from the moment you arrive. This is the great cultural and historical centre of Brazil, where Afro-Brazilian heritage is strongest and where capoeira, candomblé and samba de roda were created. MSC South America cruises offer excursions to the centro histórico of this magical place, a melange of narrow cobbled streets, peeling purple walls, grand Baroque churches, kids kicking footballs, rastas, locals sipping bottled beer on plastic chairs, the wafting aroma of herbs and the almost constant beating of drums, especially as the sun sets. Beyond the old town Salvador is a vast, sprawling city, with a vibrant beach life, modern skyscrapers and plenty of favelas. The centro histórico is the traditional heart of Salvador; it’s built around the craggy, 70m-high bluff that dominates the eastern side of the bay, and is split into upper and lower sec…

As you’ll be able to appreciate when you cruise the Atlantic Ocean with MSC Cruises, in its position on the southern shore of the magnificent Guanabara Bay, Rio de Janeiro has, without a shadow of a doubt, one of the most stunning settings in the world. Extending for 20km along an alluvial strip, between an azure sea and forest-clad mountains, the city’s streets and buildings have been moulded around the foothills of the mountain range that provides its backdrop, while out in the bay there are many rocky islands fringed with white sand. The aerial views over Rio are breathtaking, and even the concrete skyscrapers that dominate the city’s skyline add to the attraction. As the former capital of Brazil and now its second-largest city, Rio has a remarkable architectural heritage, some of the country’s best museums and galleries, superb restaurants and a vibrant nightlife – in addition to its legendary beaches. A shore excursion on your MSC South America cruise can be the opportunity to vi…

As you’ll be able to appreciate when you cruise the Atlantic Ocean with MSC Cruises, in its position on the southern shore of the magnificent Guanabara Bay, Rio de Janeiro has, without a shadow of a doubt, one of the most stunning settings in the world. Extending for 20km along an alluvial strip, between an azure sea and forest-clad mountains, the city’s streets and buildings have been moulded around the foothills of the mountain range that provides its backdrop, while out in the bay there are many rocky islands fringed with white sand. The aerial views over Rio are breathtaking, and even the concrete skyscrapers that dominate the city’s skyline add to the attraction. As the former capital of Brazil and now its second-largest city, Rio has a remarkable architectural heritage, some of the country’s best museums and galleries, superb restaurants and a vibrant nightlife – in addition to its legendary beaches. A shore excursion on your MSC South America cruise can be the opportunity to vi…

Buenos Aires is a must-see on your MSC South America cruise to Argentina. Its heart is the spacious, palm-dotted Plaza de Mayo, the ideal place to begin a tour of the area and explore its historical and political connections; its mismatched medley of buildings includes the famous Casa Rosada, or government house. An amble westwards from the plaza will take you along Avenida de Mayo, the city’s major boulevard, offering an impressive display of Art Nouveau and Art Decoarchitecture. At its western end, Avenida de Mayo opens onto the Plaza del Congreso, presided over by the Congreso Nacional building, the seat of the federal parliament. Casa Rosada, a typically Argentine blend of French and Italian Renaissance styles, stands on the site of the city’s Spanish fort, begun in 1594 and converted in 1776 to the viceroy’s palace. In 1862, President Bartolomé Mitre moved the government ministries to the building, remodelling it once again. The final touch was added in 1885, when the central arc…

Buenos Aires is a must-see on your MSC South America cruise to Argentina. Its heart is the spacious, palm-dotted Plaza de Mayo, the ideal place to begin a tour of the area and explore its historical and political connections; its mismatched medley of buildings includes the famous Casa Rosada, or government house. An amble westwards from the plaza will take you along Avenida de Mayo, the city’s major boulevard, offering an impressive display of Art Nouveau and Art Decoarchitecture. At its western end, Avenida de Mayo opens onto the Plaza del Congreso, presided over by the Congreso Nacional building, the seat of the federal parliament. Casa Rosada, a typically Argentine blend of French and Italian Renaissance styles, stands on the site of the city’s Spanish fort, begun in 1594 and converted in 1776 to the viceroy’s palace. In 1862, President Bartolomé Mitre moved the government ministries to the building, remodelling it once again. The final touch was added in 1885, when the central arc…

Puerto Madryn, where you will stop on your MSC World Cruise, is on the shores of the beautiful and protected Nuevo Gulf. The city is the gateway to the incredible Ecocentro, east of the city, an ecological treasure of the Valdés Peninsula where you can discover the rich marine life in the area. The Welsh landed here for the first time in 1865, but development was slow until the arrival of the railway two decades later, when Puerto Madryn became the port for the villages in the lower Valley of the Chubut River. The Parque Histórico Punta Cuevas marks the first Welsh settlement in Patagonia with the Monumento al Indio Tehuelche, a statue that celebrates the centenary of the arrival of the Welsh and pays homage to the Tehuelche. From here you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Nuevo Golf at sunset, lit up by the lights of the city. Along the promontory lies Puerto Madryn’s most important attraction, the outstanding Ecocentre. This interactive museum promotes awareness and respect for ma…

Ushuaia, capital of Tierra del Fuego and the province’s main tourist hub, is located at the southern end of Isla Grande. Boasting a spectacular location, sandwiched between the mountains – including Cerro Martial and Mount Olivia – and the sea, Ushuaia extends down the hill towards the arm of land that surrounds the Bay, where the ship will stop during your MSC WorldCruise. The city is protected from the icy Southwest winds and occasional storms that occur in the Beagle Channel. Interesting excursions include the small islands in the middle of the channel in front of the city, with their colonies of seabirds, and the nearby Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego. Ushuaia is the most populous and popular city in Tierra del Fuego, and depends largely on the thriving tourism industry, which capitalises on the beauty of the area’s natural landscapes. Overlooking the sea is the Antigua Casa de Gobierno, a late-20th century building that was originally the Governor's mansion before being used by…

Ushuaia, capital of Tierra del Fuego and the province’s main tourist hub, is located at the southern end of Isla Grande. Boasting a spectacular location, sandwiched between the mountains – including Cerro Martial and Mount Olivia – and the sea, Ushuaia extends down the hill towards the arm of land that surrounds the Bay, where the ship will stop during your MSC WorldCruise. The city is protected from the icy Southwest winds and occasional storms that occur in the Beagle Channel. Interesting excursions include the small islands in the middle of the channel in front of the city, with their colonies of seabirds, and the nearby Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego. Ushuaia is the most populous and popular city in Tierra del Fuego, and depends largely on the thriving tourism industry, which capitalises on the beauty of the area’s natural landscapes. Overlooking the sea is the Antigua Casa de Gobierno, a late-20th century building that was originally the Governor's mansion before being used by…

Established in the 1850s by German settlers, Puerto Montt is beautifully situated on the Seno de Reloncaví (Strait of Reloncaví) – where your MSC cruise ship awaits you –, with snowcapped mountains clearly visible beyond the sound on a good day and the Osorno vulcan behind. Puerto Montt is a large, busy city with traffic-choked streets. The town stretches along the bay, with Avenida Diego Portales running east along the seafront towards the Plaza de Armas – the centre, surrounded by banks, cheap bars and restaurants. West of the main bus terminal, Avenida Costanera takes you to the busy passenger port with a feria artesanal (craft market) and the Angelmó fishing district. While enjoying your MSC World Cruise, you can take day trips from Puerto Montt to Puerto Varas. Dominating the southwestern corner of the lake, it has become a popular resort town and backpacker haunt, with unparalleled sunset views of the two nearby volcanoes, Osorno and Calbuco. Rivalling Pucón in terms of nearby o…

Of Chile’s 4000km-plus coastline, the brief central strip between Rocas de Santo Domingo and Los Vilos is the most visited and developed. Known as the Litoral Central, this 250km stretch boasts bay after bay lined with gorgeous, white-sand beaches, and a string of coastal resort towns. Valparaíso and Viña del Mar sit next to each other near the middle of the strip. They are geographical neighbours, but poles apart in appearance and atmosphere. Viña is Chile’s largest beach resort and one of its ritziest. With its high-rises, casino, and seafront restaurants, as well as the beaches and clubs in nearby Reñaca, Viña typifies modern hedonism. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed city of Valparaíso, on the other hand, has far more personality, with ramshackle, colourfulhouses spilling chaotically down the hills to the sea (but no decent beaches). “Valpo” is Chile’s principal port and naval base, and also perhaps the country’s liveliest and most vibrant city. The nightlife and excellent seafood…

Of Chile’s 4000km-plus coastline, the brief central strip between Rocas de Santo Domingo and Los Vilos is the most visited and developed. Known as the Litoral Central, this 250km stretch boasts bay after bay lined with gorgeous, white-sand beaches, and a string of coastal resort towns. Valparaíso and Viña del Mar sit next to each other near the middle of the strip. They are geographical neighbours, but poles apart in appearance and atmosphere. Viña is Chile’s largest beach resort and one of its ritziest. With its high-rises, casino, and seafront restaurants, as well as the beaches and clubs in nearby Reñaca, Viña typifies modern hedonism. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed city of Valparaíso, on the other hand, has far more personality, with ramshackle, colourfulhouses spilling chaotically down the hills to the sea (but no decent beaches). “Valpo” is Chile’s principal port and naval base, and also perhaps the country’s liveliest and most vibrant city. The nightlife and excellent seafood…

Hanga Roa is the main town, harbour and capital of Easter Island, a province of Chile. It is located in the southern part of the island's west coast, in the lowlands between the extinct volcanoes of Terevaka and Rano Kau. The population of 3,304 comprises 87 percent of the total population of the island.

Bounty Bay is an embayment of the Pacific Ocean into Pitcairn Island. Bounty Bay is named after the Bounty, a British naval vessel whose eighteenth-century mutiny was immortalized in the novel Mutiny on the Bounty, and the numerous subsequent motion pictures made of it.

In the heart of the Pacific Ocean exists a paradise of crystal clear waters, white beaches and primitive vegetation. A place of pure beauty, where every corner hides wonderful treasures. It is French Polynesia, home of the island of Tahiti and the bustling port city of Papeete. This is where your incredibly beautiful vacation with MSC World Cruise will start on a journey to discover sensational places. It is the home of pearls; in Papeete, you can visit the first museum in the worlddedicated to the processing of these natural jewels, in particular the black pearl of Tahiti, the protagonist of the museum named after one of the largest cultivators of pearls, Robert Wan. Here each step of the delicate process of harvesting and processing pearls will be explained and you can learn how they become beautiful jewels. The museum also offers a comprehensive guide to the history and legends associated with pearls, crossing various cultures and civilizations. During your MSC Cruise into this exo…

In the heart of the Pacific Ocean exists a paradise of crystal clear waters, white beaches and primitive vegetation. A place of pure beauty, where every corner hides wonderful treasures. It is French Polynesia, home of the island of Tahiti and the bustling port city of Papeete. This is where your incredibly beautiful vacation with MSC World Cruise will start on a journey to discover sensational places. It is the home of pearls; in Papeete, you can visit the first museum in the worlddedicated to the processing of these natural jewels, in particular the black pearl of Tahiti, the protagonist of the museum named after one of the largest cultivators of pearls, Robert Wan. Here each step of the delicate process of harvesting and processing pearls will be explained and you can learn how they become beautiful jewels. The museum also offers a comprehensive guide to the history and legends associated with pearls, crossing various cultures and civilizations. During your MSC Cruise into this exo…

Green, blue, azure, white. Moorea is an explosion of colours; when viewed from above, this volcanic island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean – separated from Tahiti by the “Sea of the Moon” – is a triangle that resembles a heart. During this stop-over on the French Polynesia MSC World Cruise, you will be enchanted by Moorea’s crystal waters and extraordinary mountain peaks covered with emerald vegetation. A magical island, which over the years has been chosen by many couples from all over the world as the perfect place to get married. Seeing the beauty of Moorea up close is a privilege. During the excursion organised by MSC Cruises, you can take a guided tour of the island, arriving at the top of Mount Tohivea to enjoy a breathtaking view of Cook’s Bay; you can also visit an archaeological site, where you can see the remains of Moorea’s marae and learn about the ancient Polynesian customs and ceremonies that were practiced in these sacred places. Adventure enthusiasts can take part i…

As soon as you arrive at Arutanga on an MSC cruise, you can’t help but notice that the Aiutaki atoll has the shape of a triangle that seems to have been drawn by a child. The small settlement area — the entire island is home to only a couple of thousand people — is located on the west coast, south of the landing strips made for American airplanes during World War II. An MSC World Cruise is a great way to leisurely discover the riches found on the second largest of the Cook Islands: Aiutaki Lagoon. Right after you go ashore at Arutanga, you run into the rugby field and two white churches (the Cook Islands Christian Church is more than a hundred years old and is one of the oldest masonry structures on the island) on the main road, where the post office can also be found. This road circles the entire island whose eastern side also boasts a crystal-clear, calm lagoon, justifiably considered one of the most beautiful in the world. Out of the selection of interesting MSC excursions availabl…

Even today, just as centuries ago, when you get to Avatiu Harbor, you are welcomed by the people of Rarotonga, the largest of the Cook Islands, giving you flower necklaces. As you disembark from your MSC cruise ship, Rarotonga looks like a mountainous island surrounded by a single road, the Ara Tapu, which runs along the coastline, crossing the many streams that come down from the mountains. This road runs upstream, while the other, the Ara Metua is much older and dates back to a thousand years ago. On your MSC World Cruise, you will discover what it is like to live in Avarua, the peaceful capital of the Cook Islands, strolling through its open market, the Punanga Nui, and exploring this nation’s ministerial buildings or visiting the CICC Church (Cook Islands Christian Church) that dates back to 1842. If you go on one of the MSC Cruises, you will also be able to explore the heart of the island accompanied by a local traditional healer or visit the Takitumu Conservation Area on the opp…

In the Heart of Maori Culture At the edges of the world in search of a land full of primeval beauty, a delicate ecosystem where nothing has changed since the dinosaurs grazed there undisturbed. It is the Bay of Islands, the northern region of New Zealand and the place of origin of the first inhabitants of this land: the Maori. Thanks to your MSC World Cruise, you will have the opportunity to see some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world: the Bay of Islands is home to many forests, reserves and marine parks where you can admire wonderful flora and fauna. In Waipoua Forest, for example, you can find Tane Mahuta, the “Lord of the Forest”, a Kauri tree about 3,000 years old and the second largest tree in the world. In the Waitangi National Reserve, you can take a trip on the calm waters of the estuary, listening to the legends of the Maori immersed in the mangrove forests, all the way up to Haruru Falls. Nearby can be found the city of Paihia, the best location to discover the be…

Adorned with a harbor and a spectacular bridge, the largest and most populous city in New Zealand is also one of the most beautiful. Auckland will be the next stop on your MSC World Cruise, for an extraordinary vacation in the "City of Sails", named as such for its beautiful bays and its passion for water sports and yachting. Its superb location, on a narrow strip of land between the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea, is made even more attractive by the lush subtropical forests that surround the nearby hills and the volcanic landscapes of the surrounding islands. Another stop on your trip with MSC Cruises that can not be missed is the Sky Tower, the tallest structure in the southern hemisphere. At 328 meters in height, this tower offers breathtaking sights: out of its glass windows, the view stretches for 80 kilometers in every direction. To find out all about the Maori culture and the origins of life in the ocean, you can visit the Auckland Museum, with a section dedicated to the Seco…

These “sheltered waters”, the meaning of the name Tauranga in Maori, will also shelter you while on an MSC World Cruise in New Zealand. The city extends along a narrow peninsula dotted with parks and gardens lying behind a vibrant promenade, The Strand. Tauranga is a delightful city in which you can spend half a day wandering around between shops, restaurants and art galleries. If you miss the ocean, you can take a taxi to Mount Maunganui, the name of both the mountain that protects the port of Tauranga and the district overlooking the Pacific, with its long sandy beach and surfers. One of the city's main attractions is the Tauranga Art Gallery, which opened in 2007. The gallery is housed in a former bank that was transformed inside by creating large exhibition spaces; the exterior is completely sheathed with metal panels, similar to those of medieval armour. On The Strand, there is an ad hoc structure that houses the Te Awanui, a 14-metre long carved Maori war canoe used during ritua…

Where the Sky and Sea Meet An earthly paradise of rare beauty. It is impossible to describe Fiji in any other way, a place far from reality, beautiful, iridescent ‒ a place where the sky and sea offer up dreamlike colors and atmospheres. With your MSC World Cruise, you will have the opportunity to disembark in Suva, the capital of Viti Levu, the largest island of this beautiful archipelago. In town, you can start your tour by visiting the Fiji National Museum with its numerous archaeological finds and ancient local crafts on display. Other buildings of great interest are undoubtedly the majestic Sacred Heart Cathedral and the Suva City Library, both dating to the early twentieth century, but there are also many parks to admire that are home to beautiful local flora species. The capital city offers visitors many places where they can have fun and eat in fine restaurants enjoying typical local dishes such as fish marinated in coconut milk. Suva is undoubtedly a lively cultural and culin…

Where the Sky and Sea Meet An earthly paradise of rare beauty. It is impossible to describe Fiji in any other way, a place far from reality, beautiful, iridescent ‒ a place where the sky and sea offer up dreamlike colors and atmospheres. With your MSC World Cruise, you will have the opportunity to disembark in Suva, the capital of Viti Levu, the largest island of this beautiful archipelago. In town, you can start your tour by visiting the Fiji National Museum with its numerous archaeological finds and ancient local crafts on display. Other buildings of great interest are undoubtedly the majestic Sacred Heart Cathedral and the Suva City Library, both dating to the early twentieth century, but there are also many parks to admire that are home to beautiful local flora species. The capital city offers visitors many places where they can have fun and eat in fine restaurants enjoying typical local dishes such as fish marinated in coconut milk. Suva is undoubtedly a lively cultural and culin…

Sydney, capital of New South Wales and one of Australia's largest cities, is best known for its harbourfront Sydney Opera House, with a distinctive sail-like design. Massive Darling Harbour and the smaller Circular Quay port are hubs of waterside life, with the arched Harbour Bridge and esteemed Royal Botanic Garden nearby. Sydney Tower’s outdoor platform, the Skywalk, offers 360-degree views of the city and suburbs.

Sydney, capital of New South Wales and one of Australia's largest cities, is best known for its harbourfront Sydney Opera House, with a distinctive sail-like design. Massive Darling Harbour and the smaller Circular Quay port are hubs of waterside life, with the arched Harbour Bridge and esteemed Royal Botanic Garden nearby. Sydney Tower’s outdoor platform, the Skywalk, offers 360-degree views of the city and suburbs.

Nouméa is the capital of the South Pacific archipelago and overseas French territory New Caledonia. Situated on the main island, Grand Terre, it's known for beaches and its blend of French and native Kanak influences. The Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Centre showcases Kanak heritage, and the Musée de Nouvelle-Calédonie has exhibits from across the Pacific region. The Aquarium des Lagons introduces local marine life.

The Samoan Islands, pristine and majestic, offer spectacular beaches and panoramas that have no equal. Vast stretches of mountain forests, tropical forests, lakes, rivers and towering waterfalls. Perfect for those who love nature and relaxing, these islands offer an unforgettable experience that starts in Apia, capital of Samoa and the first stop on your spectacular holiday with MSC World Cruise. Apia is located on the northern coast of the island of Upolu and is positioned in a natural cove at the mouth of the river Vaisigano. This city's ability to combine metropolitan progress with traditional Samoan culture will amaze you, starting with the modern parliament building surrounded by a lush green area, or the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, an ornate architectural gem made of beautiful stained glass windows, the other must-see of your excursion into the heart of the city with MSC Cruises. The local population has remained very anchored to its traditions and religion, preserving a cu…

The Samoa Islands are one of the most popular destinations in the Pacific Ocean. Their crystal clear water, beaches surrounded by the green of wild nature, and the hospitality of the Samoan people, are the perfect recipe for a dream vacation with MSC World Cruises. Pago Pago is the capital of American Samoa, located on the island of Tutuila, offering a splendor for the eyes thanks to the magnificent mountains and forests that occupy much of the territory. In the city, you will start off your excursion with the discovery of Samoan culture at the Jean P. Haydon Museum, home to several local traditional artifacts. In the western part of the city lies the picturesque farmer's market where you can find colorful fragrant produce, such as delicious exotic fruits. During your holiday with MSC on this beautiful island, you will have the chance to explore the western and southern areas, home to Matafao Park, the highest peak of American Samoa, or Tia Seu Lupe, an ancient star-shaped Polynesian…

Discovering Pearl Harbor Who hasn't dreamed of going to Honolulu, the capital of Hawaii on the beautiful island of Oahu, home of the most famous beaches in the world? Thanks to your MSC World Cruise, you will have the opportunity to disembark in this charming place made for relaxation and peace of mind, where you can sunbathe, enjoy typical Hawaiian food and cocktails and take a trip into the past, reliving the story of Pearl Harbor. The old military base made famous by the Japanese air force attack in 1941, during the Second World War, can be found in the county of Honolulu. A historical site filled with memories and reflections where you can round out your MSC Cruises excursion with a visit to the USS Missouri, a battleship from the time period kept in perfect condition with some of the original parts like the wooden bridge. A tour for lovers of history and events that began the Second World War in the Pacific Ocean. Exploring Honolulu also means talking a walk in the city center, w…

One of the most popular exotic destinations in the United States where ocean and nature meet transforming the landscape into a breathtaking panorama. Hawaii is all of this and much more, beautiful wild islands led by the "Big Island", whose capital is the charming city of Hilo. It is here that you will fall in love with an old authentic culture. It is here that your MSC World Cruise will take you. Hilo is one of the most interesting and diverse cities of the archipelago, a special place for an unforgettable holiday that gives the gift of strong emotions both to those who are looking for peace and those who prefer adventurous excursions in a pristine habitat. Here the sea, sunny beaches, surf and magical local hospitality come together with the breathtaking beauty of rough trails, rain forests, secret bays, coffee plantations and small rural towns light years away from frenetic tourism. In this land, you will discover the magic of traveling with MSC Cruises. On Big Island, you can also…

Los Angeles is a huge city with a thousand facets and attractions, one of the most stimulating urban centers that can be visited ever. Your MSC World Cruise will take you on the discovery of a place that has no equal, with its golden Pacific beaches, theme parks from the film world and walks down Sunset Boulevard with the Walk of Fame and its various museums. Los Angeles is perfect for those who enjoy shopping, entertainment and relaxation for a truly unforgettable vacation. What will the main stops on your MSC Cruises excursion be? No doubt a visit to Beverly Hills, the exclusive center of fashion and beauty where you can admire a multitude of homes in full California style. This residential area is famous for its proximity to Hollywood and for being home to many movie stars, as well as for hosting some of the most beautiful restaurants, shops and hotels in the world. And how could you not visit impressive Malibu, the seaside town in the west of the coast of Los Angeles. The beaches…

Cabo San Lucas, a resort city on the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula, is known for its beaches, water-based activities and nightlife. Playa El Médano is Cabo’s main beach, with outdoor restaurants and numerous bars. Past the marina is Land's End promontory, site of Playa del Amor (Lover's Beach) and El Arco, a natural archway in the seacliffs.

The Pearl of the Pacific Ocean On a fine sandy peninsula, 8 km long and an average width of 400 meters, Puntarenas, the "Pearl of the Pacific" can be found. During your MSC World Cruise, you will have the opportunity to visit this city, formerly the largest port in the country and now a busy place full of life, characterized by beautiful beaches and lush nature. One of the best excursions during your holiday in this land will be the Rainforest Skywalk, a combination of suspension bridges and trails through the rain forest to get you acquainted with one of the most complex ecosystems in the world made up of numerous native plant and animal species that can be observed directly in their natural habitat. Puntarenas is also famous for another treasure: its coffee, known as "Grano de Oro". It is not only among the best and most appreciated across the planet, but it has played a key role in the development of Costa Rica, affecting social institutions, culture and politics in the country. Th…

La Romana is a city on the Dominican Republic’s Caribbean coast and a gateway to nearby resort areas. Overlooking the Chavón River, Altos de Chavón is a re-created 16th-century Mediterranean village with artists' workshops. An obelisk painted with colorful images of local life stands in the city center. South of the city is Catalina Island, with beaches, coral reefs and the wrecked ship of pirate William Kidd.

As you arrive on an MSC Caribbean and Antilles cruise in Tortola, the largest of the British Virgin Islands, it’s easy to see why pirates took refuge here among the hidden coves and sheltered bays, lush green mountains and powder-white sandy beaches. Today, its beauty continues to draw attention; Road Town, BVI’s capital, is a haven for yacht chartering, upscale tourism and offshore finance. You recognize Dutch and English colonial influences from a bygone era dominated by large sugarcane plantations built on the backs of enslaved African labour. Main Street, Road Town's main shopping district, features several historical landmarks including the Post Office, built in the mid-1800s, St. George's Anglican Church, Britannic Hall and the Virgin Islands' Folk Museum. Despite being a British protectorate, the U.S. dollar is used as Tortola’s main currency. The best way to discover Tortola is on an MSC excursion. Take a panoramic island bus tour through Road Town and the charming districts o…

Offering some of the best vistas in all the Caribbean, St. Maarten is the smallest inhabited island in the world shared by two nations - France in the north and the Netherlands in the south. Dubbed the true melting pot of the Caribbean, the 37-square-mile island is home to people of 47 different nationalities and more than 400 restaurants, featuring a hugely diverse variety of cuisine. The island also has two capitals: Philipsburg on the Dutch side, and Marigot in the French part. Once you arrive on an MSC Caribbean and Antilles cruise in St. Maarten, explore how the two cultures have blended their very distinct characters on one of our MSC excursions. Your St. Maarten cruise will dock in Philipsburg, founded in 1763 by John Philips, a Scottish captain in the Dutch Navy. Philipsburg, with its pastel-coloured West Indian houses, is known for its duty-free shopping along Front Street, the Great Salt Pond, which once made the island literally “worth its salt,” and attracted the attention…

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Las Palmas is a city (and municipality) on the island, Gran Canaria, which is one of the Canary Islands (Spain) located 210 kilometers off the northwestern coast of the African continent within the Atlantic Ocean. It is also the capital city of the province of Las Palmas and the co-capital of the autonomous community of the Canary Islands, sharing this status with Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The city was founded on June 24, 1478, with the name "Real de Las Palmas" by Juan Rejón, head of the invading Castilian army, before engaging in war with the local Guanches (aboriginal people of the Canary Islands). In 1492, Christopher Columbus anchored in the Port of Las Palmas (and spent some time on the island) on his first trip to the Americas. He also stopped on the way back to Spain. Today, a museum is named after him -Casa Colón - in the Vegueta area of the city. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is today a cosmopolitan city. It has five beaches (Las Canteras, Las Alcaravan…

Though primarily known for its party scene, Ibiza, an MSC Mediterranean Cruises destination, aims to impress with its fortified old town, rich archaeological sites, and brilliant array of beaches. Sail a few miles south, and another incredible Balearic jewel emerges from the sea: the island of Formentera.

Naples is a large, sprawling Mediterranean port, with a centre that has many different focuses just waiting to be discovered on an MSC Mediterranean cruise excursion. MSC Mediterranean cruises also offer excursions to Pompeii. One of Campania’s most important Roman commercial centres – a moneyed resort for wealthy patricians and a trading town that exported wine and fish – the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79 in effect froze the town’s way of life as it stood at the time. Trips can also be taken to the island of Capri, place of legend, home to the mythical Sirens and a much-eulogized playground of the super-rich in the years since – though now it has settled down to a lucrative existence as a target for day-trippers from the mainland. Definitely worth a visit, but these days the origins of much of the purple prose may be hard to find.

Discover the culture and colour of Civitavecchia, an MSC Mediterranean Cruises destination. This Italian gem is an enjoyable flight from many European and non-European cities. Celebrated for its 16th-century Michelangelo Fort, ancient Taurine Baths, and marble Vanvitelli fountain, the port is a convenient starting point for visiting Rome, Italy’s regal and romantic capital.

Genoa is marvellously eclectic, vibrant and full of rough-edged style; it’s a great cruise excursion. Indeed “La Superba” (The Superb), as it was known at the height of its authority as a Mediterranean superpower, boasts more zest and intrigue than all the surrounding coastal resorts put together. During a holiday to Genoa you can explore its old town: a dense and fascinating warren of medieval alleyways home to large palazzi built in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries by Genoa’s wealthy mercantile families and now transformed into museums and art galleries. You should seek out the Cattedrale di San Lorenzo, the Palazzo Ducale, and the Renaissance palaces of Via Garibaldi which contain the cream of Genoa’s art collections, as well as furniture and decor from the grandest days of the city’s past, when its ships sailed to all corners of the Mediterranean Sea. The Acquario di Genova is the city’s pride and joy, parked like a giant ocean liner on the waterfront, with seventy tanks ho…

On the spectacular coastline of the French Riviera lies Marseille, an MSC Mediterranean Cruises destination. This atmospheric port city is known for its unique mix of grit and glamour, seen in its labyrinth of streets and historical architecture. Only a few miles from Marseille’s charismatic cafes and bustling Vieux Port, stunning cities are to be found. Visit Aix-en-Provence, birthplace of Cézanne, or take in the ancient beauty of Avignon.