MSC Cruises announced that it has suspended remaining 2015 calls in Ukraine and Egypt, replacing them with a number of choice Mediterranean alternatives.
In response to clear market demand, MSC Sinfonia, MSC Opera, MSC Fantasia and MSC Musica will, from autumn 2015 to winter 2016 (Northern Hemisphere), variously incorporate the Greek islands of Rhodes and Crete, as well as Cyprus and Israel into their sailings. These itinerary changes attest to MSC Cruises’ permanent focus on the safety of guests and crew – the number one priority at all times.
MSC Sinfonia, as part of her two 12-night sailings out of Genoa, will call Burgas, Bulgaria, delivering guests to the doorsteps of some remarkable towns. Enjoy the majestic coastline of the Black Sea and the city of Nesebar, where its abundance of historical buildings prompted UNESCO to assign it World Heritage Site status. Discover the culture and customs of Bulgaria at the beautiful ancient town of Sozòpol, a fascinating seaside town built on millennia of tumultuous history.
MSC Opera and MSC Fantasia will call Rhodes, Greece, the gateway to a Mediterranean paradise and eponymous capital of the island. Travellers will discover the beauty of Rhodes, another UNESCO World heritage Site, dubbed ‘the island of the Knights’ after the Templars who once reigned there. Visitors will admire the ancient Grand Master Palace and the impressive archaeological site of Lindos.
In addition, MSC Cruises is offering a taste of the cradle of Western civilization when calling at Heraklion, the port that unlocks Crete’s myriad charms. Follow the path of the Minoans at the Knossos Palace whilst taking in the food and folklore of this breathtaking Aegean island. MSC Opera and MSC Fantasia will call Heraklion in autumn and winter 2015-2016 (Northern Hemisphere), while MSC Sinfonia will call there during a Grand Voyage to Durban, South Africa, in November 2015. MSC Musica will also call in Crete on her own Grand Voyage from Dubai to Venice, in April 2016.
MSC Musica will call Limassol, Cyprus, a sunny destination year-round, during her Grand Voyage to Dubai in November 2015. For a perfect blend of relaxation and mythology, take in the wonders of Aphrodite’s Rock, birthplace of the Greek goddess of love; or visit Apollo’s Temple and the ancient site of Pafos.
MSC Cruises’ offering is further enhanced with the opportunity to discover the Negev desert, the Dead Sea and the magnificence of the Fortress of Masada from the Israeli port of Eilat, which lies at the northern tip of the Red Sea on the Gulf of Aqaba. MSC Sinfonia’s guests can enjoy the city and its surroundings as part of their Grand Voyage to Durban, this November.
In addition to allowing MSC Cruises to offer an expanded range of destinations to our guests, whilst maintaining the spirit of the original itineraries, the changes announced today also reflect the Company’s on-going focus on safety for passengers and crews alike – our number one priority at all times. Indeed, in light of the current geo-political situation, ports of call in Egypt and Ukraine unfortunately need to be substituted for the time being, until they are again perceived to be safe in the eyes of consumers. The new destinations also allow MSC Cruises to address market request for availability of an expanded range of destinations in the region.
Increased frequency in the Canary Islands: MSC Opera
As part of this communication MSC Cruises revealed that, in response to high demand, MSC Opera will increase the frequency of her itinerary, calling the archipelagos of the Canary Islands, Spain and Madeira, Portugal with an overnight stay in Funchal/Madeira for her schedule in the Canary Islands during the winter 2016 (Northern Hemisphere).
Another sought-after destination in the region is Casablanca in Morocco, the gateway to discover the Moroccan desert, Marrakech or Agadir. MSC Cruises will call Casablanca four times in the winter of 2016 (Northern Hemisphere), offering travellers the possibility to take a closer look at one of the most fascinating regions in the world.
In one cruise, enjoy the majestic expanse of the Sahara Desert and the bustling souks of Marrakech and Agadir. The stunning vistas under clear skies and constant spring-like temperatures of the Canary Islands will provide the perfect respite from the European winter.
Take time to discover Tenerife’s Teide volcano, which as the highest point in Spain at 3,718-metres is rich in myths and legends; from sand dunes to pine forests, from dry, rocky landscapes to lush banana and tropical fruit plantations, every corner of these destinations is a new world to be explored. On a two-day stay in Madeira, guests will discover Funchal, which dramatically overlooks the Atlantic Ocean with its exotic gardens, palm-fringed seafront and volcanic black sand beaches.
MSC Cruises offers guests the unique possibility to combine both itineraries and spend a 14-night cruise aboard the newly enhances MSC Opera, for an inimitable taste of Spain, Portugal and Morocco.
SOURCE MSC Cruises