11th Dec 2026 | 3 nights | MSC Cruises | MSC World Asia
The capital of Spain's Catalonia region is one of the country's -- maybe even Europe's -- most beautiful and vibrant places. A city of contrasts, it is like no other in Spain; this is most evident in its architecture, a marriage of Gothic spikes and modern curves. (One name to keep an eye out for is Antoni Gaudi, Barcelona's most famous architect.) Barcelona is also a city of distinct neighbourhoods. The old city -- Ciutat Vella -- is the heart of everything, with museums, shopping and cafes. Then there's the port area, Port Vell, which features bars, restaurants, shops, an IMAX theatre and the largest aquarium in Europe. (Port Vell is different from the working port area where cruise ships dock, but it's not too far away.) Enchanting and ancient, the Barri Gotic (Gothic Quarter) is the centre of the old city and brings together the best of Barcelona in a series of narrow streets, shops, cafes and magical corridors. One of Barcelona's best attributes is that while it seems large and spread out, its neighbourhoods are surprisingly walkable and easily accessible by bus, metro or even on foot (in comfortable shoes). Don't miss a stroll along Las Ramblas, replete with produce and flower stands, a historic opera house and maybe even a glimpse of Marilyn Monroe calling to you from the balcony of the Erotica Museum. Just be sure to rest your feet now and then over a few plates of tapas (which are meant to be shared, but we won't tell if you don't) and an ice-cold pitcher of sangria or a bottle of cava, the region's sparkling wine.
Marseille, gateway to Provence, is France's largest port and second largest city, with a vast history stretching back more than 2,000 years to its foundation by the Greeks in the 6th century BC. While much of the city is urban sprawl, it has a spectacular setting between dramatic limestone hills and the Mediterranean, and the once-industrial streets now feature stylish shops and cutting-edge art galleries, thanks to investment from its role as European Capital of Culture 2013. Most cruisers make a beeline for Le Vieux Port, a buzzing, picturesque harbour lined with boutiques, restaurants and cafes. This district attracts an eclectic crowd, from local fishermen to millionaires venturing ashore from James Bond-style mega-yachts. All gather to soak up Le Vieux Port's charming atmosphere, browse its bustling markets and tuck into a bowl of Marseille's classic signature dish, bouillabaisse (a rich fish stew).
The capital city in the land of Leonardo, Michelangelo and the popes is
today a living museum with gorgeous artwork, amazing architecture and
inspiring ancient sites. At the same time, it's alive and vibrant in a
21st-century way. It's an unforgettable city to visit, and we'll warn
you right now that once you've experienced it, you'll want to go back
for more.
One of our favorite things to do there is walk and ogle. On a recent
visit, we took one day to do the route from Vatican City and St. Peter's
Basilica -- with its jaw-dropping art, statuary, and religious
significance -- to Via del Corso, where our quest for the latest Italian
fashions was more than fulfilled amidst the well-dressed crowd of Roman
shoppers. The next day, we went on an ancient history quest past ruins
and columns, traversing the same streets Julius Caesar strode (and rode)
to the Colosseum, where gladiators once battled. Walking on, we were
awed by the Pantheon, the well-preserved ancient symbol of Rome and now a
great hangout spot.
First-time visitors, many envisioning Rome as big and congested, will be
surprised by the scenic layout, with its famous seven hills and the
Tiber River running through the city. (Cleopatra famously made her grand
entrance from the river.) And the senses may be shocked by the general
energy, hustle and bustle. With cars, taxis and scooters roaring here
and there, crossing the street can be a challenge. (Don't worry; there
are quiet piazzas aplenty with lovely cafes where you can get away from
it all and unwind.)
The food is, of course, wonderful -- we can't eat enough pasta -- and
the spirit of la dolce vita (the good life) abounds. Whenever we do such
a quest in Rome, we do regular gelato stops (try the yummy pine nut
flavor) or coffee breaks. And the shopping scene serves up Prada, Gucci,
Armani and more. (High style can be found in more affordable brands
like Furla, as well.) What could be better than that?
No question, Rome has one of the world's most important collections of
once-in-a-lifetime sights to see, including St. Peter's Basilica and the
Sistine Chapel, the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Forum and on and on
and on. And for those historic monuments alone, the city is worth a
visit.
But if you're on an itinerary where Rome is just a port of call for the
day, you won't see everything. Either resign yourself to that fact, or
book a tour that will at least drive you by the main sights. Be aware
the port for Rome, Civitavecchia, is about 1.5 to 2 hours from the city.
(There is decent train service.) If you're beginning or ending your
cruise there, plan to stay at least a couple of nights to explore the
Eternal City; it's likely to steal a piece of your heart. Make sure to
drop a coin in Trevi Fountain, which is said to assure you'll come back
again.
Get ready to set sail on MSC World Asia, the stunning new addition to MSC Cruises’ World Class fleet, launching in December 2026. Designed with ‘The Art of Cruising’ in mind, this cutting-edge ship blends elegant design with the latest innovations to create an unforgettable experience at sea. Guests can explore some of the Mediterranean’s most iconic cities while enjoying a vibrant, cosmopolitan atmosphere on board.
Step aboard a world of entertainment and adventure on MSC World Asia! With over 40 bars, lounges, and restaurants, there’s always something to explore, from sophisticated cocktail bars to thrilling nightlife. Families will love the dedicated entertainment areas, while guests of all ages can enjoy a spectacular line-up of performances, activities, and leisure options. Whether it’s live music, exhilarating shows, or action-packed experiences, there’s never a dull moment on board.
Indulge in a culinary journey like no other with MSC World Asia’s incredible selection of over 40 bars, lounges, and restaurants. From casual bites to gourmet dining, guests can savour an array of international flavours, all crafted to the highest standards. Whether it’s a relaxed al fresco meal or an elegant fine-dining experience, every dish is designed to delight the senses.
Experience pure comfort and luxury with MSC World Asia’s exceptional accommodation options. For the ultimate indulgence, the MSC Yacht Club offers an exclusive retreat, featuring 144 stylish suites, VIP access, 24-hour butler service, and a private lounge and pool area. The breathtaking Royal Duplex Suite provides the perfect haven for families and groups, with two spacious bedrooms and elegant surroundings. Outside the Yacht Club, a wide range of cabins and suites ensures every guest enjoys their perfect stay.
Travellers looking for an action-packed, around-the-clock party, plus families with kids on a budget
Recluses looking for a small ship feel with plenty of quiet spaces, penny pinchers looking to avoid extra expenses
MSC Cruises is one of the most diverse cruise lines you can sail on with a multicultural mix of Italians, Brits, Spanish, Germans and French in the Mediterranean, with more North Americans in the Caribbean (but still lots of Italians and Spanish-speaking passengers), and a big local market in South Africa and South America. You'll also come across all ages. The lively night scene means these ships work well for teens and younger cruisers, while the decent kids' clubs (particularly on the newer ships) and the clever arrangements of clustered family cabins mean a lot of families travel during school holidays.
Yes, a little. The usual dress code is informal during the day and smart-casual at night -- think nice trousers and shirt for men and nice pants/skirts with blouse or cocktail dress for women. There's usually one gala night per cruise, when black tie or dark suit and tie are encouraged for men, as is a formal dress for women. This is not enforced, but people do make an effort.
No, unless you're in one of the Yacht Club suites, and even then, not everything is included. MSC sells its cruises through a somewhat bewildering array of packages: Bella, Fantastica, Aurea and Yacht Club. All include your accommodation, meals in specified restaurants and big-stage entertainment, along with basic coffee and tea, and select juices at breakfast and lunch. Beyond that, perks and inclusions vary by which package you've purchased, with Bella having no additional inclusions and Aurea featuring unlimited beverages. The Yacht Club has the most inclusions, with extra dining venues for eating, spa thermal suite passes and most beverages (plus access to a personal butler and a dedicated Yacht Club lounge and pool).
The action onboard an MSC ship is nonstop, with cruisers flocking to participate in pool games, sports contests, shopping promotions, trivia, karaoke and filling the nightclubs until late. On newer ships, high-tech arcade games are all the rage, including a 4D cinema, laser maze, F1 simulator and bowling. Many MSC cruisers are also just as happy to park themselves by a pool and stay there all day, and when the ship is in port, you'll find the vast majority of cruisers off the ship on ship-sponsored or independent tours.
There's never been a better time to plan your next holiday with MSC Cruises. Book now, and in addition to all of the great value that's always available and tips included as standard (saving around £80pppw), you could also secure a discounted Premium Extra Drinks Package. The regular onboard price is up to £67pppn, so with average savings of over £300pp per week, you can relax knowing you're saving money and can enjoy that extra tipple or two onboard.
Cheers!
Refresh yourself with great savings. MSC has created various great-value drinks packages to offer you the choice of refreshments that most appeal to you, from soft drinks to fine wines and premium beers. MSC's drinks packages allow you to quench your thirst whenever you like and can be combined with a vast selection of cruise holidays. So go on, give yourself the gift of total relaxation! Prices vary by destination - our team will happily provide the appropriate price for your chosen cruise.
Enjoy a selection of classic cocktails, house spirits and mixed drinks, non-alcoholic cocktails, a dedicated selection of house wines by the glass, beer, sodas, fruit juices, bottled mineral water and classic hot drinks (espresso, cappuccino, caffe latte, hot tea). The Easy package covers all of the above served in their bars, buffet and main restaurant plus private islands. Not available in speciality restaurants or signature venues such as Venichi 1878 establishments or MSC Virtuosa Starship Club.
Includes all of the beverages from the 'Easy' package plus a selection of frozen and classic cocktails, a variety of spirit brands, liqueurs and cordials. In addition, there's a selection of wine by the glass, a 10% discount on bottled wines purchased onboard and a wide variety of draft & bottled beers, non-alcoholic cockatiels, soft drinks, mineral water, coffee drinks, hot chocolate and hot teas. The Easy Plus package covers all of the above served in their bars, buffet, main and speciality restaurants plus private islands. Not available in signature venues such as Venichi 1878 establishments or MSC Virtuosa Starship Club.
The premium choice to quench your thirst. The Premium Extra package includes an extensive variety of frozen & classic cocktails, premium brand spirits, liquors and cordials. Then there's a varied selection of wines and champagnes by the glass, a 25% discount on bottles of wine and champagne purchased onboard and the entire selection of draft, craft and bottled beers, sodas, fruit juices, mineral water, energy drinks, coffee drinks, hot chocolate and teas. The Premium Extra package covers all of the above served in their bars, buffet, main and speciality restaurants plus private islands. Not available in signature venues such as Venichi 1878 establishments or MSC Virtuosa Starship Club.
Give your thirst a treat as and when you like with a wide choice of alcohol-free cocktails, sodas, energy drinks, mineral water, flavoured water, fruit juices, classic coffee drinks and coffee specialities, hot chocolate, hot teas and soft-serve ice cream. You can use this package in the bars, self-service buffet, main restaurants and on private islands, but not in the speciality restaurants and signature venues (Venchi 1878 establishments or Jean-Philippe Maury venues, MSC Virtuosa Starship Club).
Give your kids the freedom to enjoy their choice of alcohol-free cocktails, sodas, energy drinks, mineral water, flavoured water, fruit juices, a selection of coffee drinks, hot chocolate, hot tea and soft-serve ice cream. Available at selected bars, the self-service buffet and main restaurants. What’s more, the Minors Package also includes the private islands but does not cover the speciality restaurants and signature venues(Venchi 1878 establishments or Jean-Philippe Maury venues, MSC Virtuosa Starship Club), regardless of beverage price. Applicable for minors (age respective of the country/operation area) who are part of a group/family purchasing Adult Package
Alcoholic beverages are limited to 15 beverages per person per day. Discounted drinks packages may not be available on every sailing. Further conditions apply. Please ask for full details.
Please be advised that in respect to Saudi law, during the calls in Saudi Arabian ports, alcoholic drinks will not be served until the ship will be in international waters. Beverage packages are not transferrable and may not be shared with other guests, being valid for one beverage only per each order. Violation of these terms may result in the cancellation of a guest’s package without eligibility for a refund or credit of any kind. Packages are sold on a per cruise basis and not a per day or any other basis. Pricing applies to each day of the cruise, except for disembarkation day. Once activated on board, packages cannot be terminated or refunded. Packages must be booked by all guests occupying the same cabin, travelling together and wishing to dine at the same table. This includes minors, for who the Minors Package must be booked. Packages are not obligatory for infants under three years of age. The following exclusions apply: tobacco, souvenir glasses, ice cream menu, retail items, minibar, room service, promotions and signature venues (Venchi 1878 establishments or Jean-Philippe Maury venues, MSC Virtuosa Starship Club, MSC World Europa Coffee Emporium, MSC World Europa Raj Polo Tea Room), regardless of beverage price. Must be of legal age to consume alcohol - see our terms of our guest alcohol policy. Other conditions & terms may apply. Beverages and liquors may be substituted based on availability and itinerary.
Deluxe Interior - Lower Deck | Fantastica Experience
Deluxe Interior - Medium Deck | Fantastica Experience
Deluxe Ocean View - Low Deck | Fantastica Experience
Infinite Ocean View - Lower Deck | Fantastica Experience
Infinite Ocean View Aurea
Deluxe Balcony with Promenade View - Lower Deck | Fantastica Experience
Deluxe Balcony with Promenade View - Medium Deck | Fantastica Experience
Deluxe Balcony with Promenade View - Higher Deck | Fantastica Experience
Deluxe Balcony with Promenade & Ocean View | Fantastica Experience
Deluxe Balcony with Partial View
Deluxe Balcony - Lower deck | Fantastica Experience
Deluxe Balcony - Medium deck | Fantastica Experience
Deluxe Balcony - Higher deck | Fantastica Experience
Deluxe Balcony - Top deck | Fantastica Experience
Deluxe Balcony - Best onboard locations | Aurea Experience
Premium Balcony Aurea
Premium Suite Aurea
MSC Yacht Club Deluxe Suite
MSC Yacht Club Duplex Suite