msc cruise from durban to italy

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MSC Grand Voyages | Repositioning Cruises to & from Italy

This is the big one, the ultimate MSC Cruise. At the start and end of each cruise season in South Africa, the ship repositions itself to or from Italy, making for an epic cruise touching 3 continents between Durban and Italy (Africa, Asia and Europe). There are currently 2 options:

14 March 2022 to 10 April 2022 from Durban to Venice on the MSC Lirica .

20 April 2022 to 14 May 2022 from Durban to Venie on the MSC Musica .

There are a limited number of cabins left, so enquire now by popping us a mail at [email protected] .

Cruises from Cape Town to Italy

There are no longer any cruises from Cape Town to Italy. For historical interest, here is where it used to stop:

Ah, the beautiful Mother City ! If you're not from Cape Town and not familiar with all that the southern point of SA has to offer, it's high time to take a trip there. TIP: Even of you're a local, there are some great day trips from the city , so head there before your cruise and explore a bit.

Walvis Bay, Namibia

Your first port of call will be the very charming Walvis Bay, Namibia. Famous now for being the birth place of Brangelina’s first born, it has in fact been part of many travellers’ itineraries years before. Namibia, our next door neighbour with it's rich marine life and endless stretches of desert needs to be visited by any South African who considers themselves travellers and nature lovers. Walvis bay ("Bay of Whales"), the first port of call of the cruise is perfect for some whale watching and a bird watcher's paradise. I have visited my family who live there many times and I absolutely adore the contrast of the red desert with the turquoise ocean. The Namib Desert is the oldest desert on Earth and deserves a special mention. You should have enough time to visit Dune 7, the highest dune in the area. Be sure that your camera is well protected during the tedious climb; the view from above is astounding. Walvis Bay is also famous for its lagoon with thousands of bright pink flamingos, they just love the mineral rich mud. Read more about Walvis Bay here.

Dakar, Senegal

Taste a bit of West-Africa at Dakar, once a small settlement south of the Cape Verde penisula, now drawing a cosmopolitan mix of visitors to a city of contrasts - horse-cart drivers hurrying over swanky highways and shiny SUV's cramming on tiny sand roads, smartly dressed women in high heels and men in business suits walking the dusty roads. The traders, hustlers, bargainers and traders will not always accept "No", but stand your ground with a firm, "Non, merci" - that might be the only French you'll need at this stage! To help fend off beggars, you simply say “sah-RAHK-sah AH-gah-nah". This means that you have already done your charitable act for the day.You don't have much time to explore, so make sure you get off the ship quick enough to catch a glimpse of the Senegalese capital.

If you have time, make a stop at the Villages des Arts, where some of Senegal's most established and promising painters, photographers and sculptors create authentic West-African art and display their works space that looks like a large garden. If you're an art lover or like to collect memorabelia, be sure to stop at one of the many markets - that is if they don't stop you! If you have limited time, stroll around the shore and watch the locals cool down at the beach.

Cádiz, Spain

Cádiz is considered to be one of the oldest continuous inhabited settlements in Europe. The Spanish colonial fortresses and ancient, eroded walls are almost completely surrounded by the waves of the Atlantic crashing against it, with the sound of crowing seagulls, frying fish and some odd flamenco songs (alegrías) echoeing in the background. This sea side town is strongly reminiscent of Havana, Cuba or San Juan (Puerto Rico).

What to love about Cádiz? The seafood is something not to be missed, there's some great surf spots and plenty of intriguing churches and museums that won't blow the budget. Cádiz' yellow-domed cathedral is a simple but impressive structure that started out in baroque style 1716, but wasn't finished until 1838, by which time some neo-classical elements have been implemented as well, making the two styles merge into one. Be sure to take a stroll along the traffic-free Plaza and if you feel up to it, cliimb to the top of the Torre de Poniente for some marvelous views.

Valetta, Malta

It's no surprise that Valetta was granted one of UNESCO's World Heritage sites, the capital of Malta being one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world. It's known for it's architectural grandeur, but take a walk down the narrow, quiet back streets to see how everyday life is for the locals. This Lilliputian city is a mere 600m by 1000 and was built in the 16th and 17th centuries by die Knights of St John. It is said by it's founder that it is a city 'built by gentlemen for gentlemen'. Despite being such a small city, there is plenty to do and see.

Things to do and see

Every little European town and every big city has it's churches and cathedrals and it's worth stopping at at least the most famous one at each of your stops. Malta's most impressive church is the St John's Co-Cathedral, a 16th century offical seat of the Archbishop of Malta and a communal place of worship for the knights. The exterior is quite plain, but step inside to see a treasure of Maltese baroque, every wall and pillar decorated n rich ornamentation. Marble tomb slabs, paintings and sculptures of religious figures, drawings, manuscripts, tapestries, separate altarpieces, chapels, monuments, fortresses and more are to be found inside. The Grand Master's palace, constructed in the 16th century and now the seat of Parliament and the official residence of the Maltese president, is also worth a visit, with a simple exterior but a great display of the country's history inside.

Corfu, Greece

There is little to say about this dreamy little island off the coast of Greece, when you look at the views below. Aptly named Homer's "beautiful rich island". Coastlines can be steep and dramatic in the mountainous northern parts, while the inner part of the island is peaceful countryside.

What to do in Corfu? Even if you're not a beach person, this would be the place to go dip your toes in the water or lie under a cypress drinking in the fresh Mediterranean air. If you're still keen on visiting museums, you can drop by at the Antivouniotissa Museum or The Palace of St Michael & St George houses a world-class collection of, interestingly enough, Asian art. It includes priceless prehistoric ceramics, bronzes, coins, jade figurines and works of art in ivory, onyx and enamel. You can walk up to the Palaio Frourio for some superb views of the area, grab some Italian-influenced cuisine at Klimataria (reservations needed in summer).

Dubrovnik, Croatia

There is another, more extensive article about this pretty little town with the red roofs, read about it here.

Venice, Italy

Another 3 hours drive and you will reach Venice! It’s a good idea to have Venice as the drop off point for your rental car, since you can’t really drive around in a car. Venice is stunning, decaying, with pastel colours dripping off the walls, into the thousands of canals. It looked to me as if Venice was crying, mourning in a way. There is a beautiful sadness to the sinking city and every single corner you turn, will surprise you with a brand new, breathtaking view. I have run out of superlatives for this beautiful city. St. Mark’s Square and the Doge’s Palace is a sight you will never forget.

We stayed in an incredibly ornate hotel with a dining room next door, with breakfast delivered to our room every morning, excellent service! One evening we got completely lost and found ourselves in the midst of some very dodgy looking alleys, only to stumble across the local hangouts! A whole square of alleys were crammed with partying Italians, looking at us for a fleeting second, before continuing with their fun times.Here is a great video I found to give you an idea of what to expect:

I also had a very odd experience on one of the other islands, Burano. We were waiting for the ferry to come back our way, when we kind of fell into a tiny little Italian bar, the size of a large dining room table. We ordered some beer and the old guys glared at us. To break the ice, I bought some of my favourite cherry chocolates and much to my surprise the barman started opening them in front of me! I was quite shocked, but didn’t want to offend him, so I waited to see what was going on. Turns out, each choccie had a prize inside, so I ended up with a whole handful of my favourite chocolates! The best part was when I apparently got a “special prize” and was awarded a massive box of chocolates! We waved goodbye to everyone and it was smiles all around, no more glaring!

Be sure to visit Murano, home of the famous glass blowers. It is easy to spend a small fortune here, so be careful (walk around the corner from the main street to get the best prices). You would do well to avoid the overpriced gondolas, the public transport (vaporetto) is excellent, cheap and you still get to see all the sights from a different angle.

Once you have been exhausted by the beauty of Venice, you can either take on the 6 hours drive to Rome, or hop on a plane. The drive is sure to be amazing and you will pass through some fascinating places, but if time is not on your side, air travel will be! Just be sure that you get the airport closest to Venice and be very aware of the fact that the buses to the airport only leave a few times a day, not hourly, as you would expect. The fact that we overlooked this cost us dearly since we then had to find a taxi to take us all the way to the airport in Treviso, ouch.

Travel Documents

This cruise involves leaving South African sovereign territory and, as such requires a valid passport. You can NOT travel by presenting your identity document, driver's licence or any other form of ID besides a valid passport, should this occur you WILL be denied boarding!

South African Citizens with dual nationality - MUST USE THEIR SOUTH AFRICAN PASSPORT TO EXIT AND ENTER SOUTH AFRICA. Non-South African Citizens/Permanent Residents must have their permanent residence endorsed in their foreign passport.

The information contained here is to be used as a guideline only (refer to the relevant Embassy/Consulate to ensure that you have the most current information in relation to travel documentation required to enter any port at which the cruise ship is scheduled to stop).

NAMIBIA – Walvis Bay

Visa information - South African and British passport holders do not require a visa for Namibia. Health Requirements - Required Vaccination: There are no official Health requirements for Namibia Currency: The official currency is the Namibian Dollar (NAD). Its' value is equivalent to the South African Rand (also accepted as legal currency in Namibia).Major credit cards are accepted. Travellers Cheques and foreign currency can be exchanged at any bank or bureau de change. ATM's are available in larger towns only.

SENEGAL – Dakar

Visa information - Visas are not required for S.A passports holders visiting Senegal. British Passport holders to check with the Embassy Health Requirements - There are no vaccinations required to enter Dakar Currency: The official currency is the West African CFA Franc (XOF). The CFA franc is fixed to the Euro at a rate of 1Euro = 655.957 CFA francs. Credit cards are accepted only by major establishments catering to the tourist trade, with American Express being the most widely accepted (commission is charged) There are ATM's in Dakar, and travellers cheques can also be cashed in Dakar.

MOROCCO - Casablanca

Visa Information - South African Passport holders do require a visa for Morocco. Health Requirements - There are no health requirements for visitors entering Morocco Currency: The official currency of Morocco is the Moroccan Dirham, denoted as MAD or Dh. The Dirham is officially designated as a closed currency meaning it can only be traded within Morocco. Currency purchased during a visit to Morocco should be converted back before departing the country

EUROPE – Las Palmas (Canary Islands, Spain); Palma de Mallorca/Balearic Is (Spain); Ajaccio/Corsica (France); Civitavecchia (Rome, Italy); Genoa (Italy)

Visa information: - A multiple entry, short stay Schengen Visa will be required by South African Passport holders. The country of your longest stay will issue your Schengen visa. Only if your stay in the Schengen states is the same number of days in each country would you apply through the country of the first port of entry. Health Requirements - There are no vaccinations required to enter Europe Currency: The official currency in Madeira; Spain and Italy is the Euro. Money can be exchanged at bureau de changes as well as major hotels and banks. All major credit cards and travellers cheques are widely accepted at most hotels, restaurants and shops. ATM's are widespread and are generally the cheapest and most convenient method of obtaining cash.

The information contained herein is intended as a guide only and confirmed correct at the time of compilation. The final responsibility rests with the passenger to ensure that all Travel and Health Documents are in order and are obtained timeously. Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travelers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.

Cruise prices

Below you will see the prices per person, based on 2 adults sharing a cabin. Prices include port and service fees. You will need to obtain your own travel insurance.

*Prices are subject to availability of cabin category and change. (E&OE.) Specials can be retracted at any time without prior notice. Cruise prices fluctuate constantly and are only guaranteed once a booking has been made and terms and conditions pertaining to the booking are met.  

On the way there, you will explore the western coastline of Africa, sail further north to Spanish territories and finally east, towards Italy. Let's hop on the Sinfonia & explore some of the ports.

Previous destinations for positioning cruises

Santa cruz de tenerife.

Tropical Santa Cruz de Tenerife (also simply known as Tenerife) is in the midst of the Canary Islands.

This is Spanish territory and it will be handy for you to know how to ask for a cold beer in their native language. However, don’t worry if you can’t speak Spanish, this island is a very popular holiday destination with the British, and so you should be fine! Spend some time on the beaches and enjoy the wonderful, fresh seafood.

Funchal, Madeira

This island (Portuguese territory) is one of my favourite destinations. I visited a good friend a few years ago and I came away with wonderful memories. It is a diverse island, with tropical valleys covered in rain forest and mysterious, misty mountains.

Funchal is a port city with many little cathedrals tucked away amidst the wide, tree lined roads. One of my favourite things about Madeira was their delicious pastries! I can’t for the life of me remember the name of this particular one, but it was almost like a miniature baked cheesecake, a bit savoury, divine!

I was lucky enough to do a full day tour of the island and visit all the nooks and crannies. If you don’t have enough time, at least do a half day tour of the island, you will never see a place like this again! I also accompanied my friend to Ponta do Pargo, on the other side of the island, where I enjoyed amazing fruit liquors, handmade by her lovely aunts. They couldn’t speak a word of English and I didn’t know any Portuguese, but language barriers quickly disappeared after lunch and some warming honey liquor!

As you pass Somalia at night the ship may turn off its outside lights, as a precautionary measure to remain undetected by Somali pirates. In 2009 the MSC Melody was attacked by pirates.

Malaga, Spain

Your next port of call will be mainland Spain, the city of Malaga, on the Costa del Sol.

Spain is absolutely wonderful, I was lucky enough to spend two very long holidays on the Costa Blanca, just a bit further north. I was amazed at how much Spain reminded me of South Africa, maybe it was the stunning beaches or the weirdly South African plant life, but I felt very much at home here! Malaga is another one of the hottest (literally!) tourist destinations for Europeans, you are sure to enjoy some great shopping, tanning and seafood!

Exploring Italy further

Civitavecchia, italy.

By now, you should be used to the European way of life, since all the announcements on the ship are both in English and Italian! Hopefully you’ve picked up some Italian, since the next port of call is Civitavecchia, the port of Rome. You can travel to Rome on a train for the day if you like; this can take up to 90 minutes, so just be sure you aren't late for your train back and miss the boat. If you only have one day, here is a handy little video telling you exactly which sites not to miss.

You simply cannot do Rome in a single day and I think it’s worth going back, if you can. I was there for 3 full days and I didn’t even get to see the famous Pantheon! If you do decide to visit Rome for the day, be sure that you have a map handy and know exactly where you want to go. Civitavecchia is a port city with a bustling vibe, you can basically go anywhere in Europe from here!

Genoa, Italy

Your cruise will come to an end in the romantically medieval port city of Genoa, the birth place of Christopher Columbus. It’s your typical Italian city, with enticing alleys calling you in, cafe’s bursting at the seams and fascinating museums and galleries around every corner. Typical? Maybe. Wonderfully Italian? Definitely!

Now that you have been well rested and well fed thanks to the wonderful crew onboard the cruise ship, we are ready for the next part of our Cape to Capri journey.

Cinque Terra, Italy

After spending a night or so in the delightful Genoa, hire a car and go for a long drive. Actually, only an hour and a half!

Italy is by far my most favourite country to visit. I’ve been here several times and I’m dying to go back. Anyway, after an hour and a half of driving along a beautiful coastline, be prepared to possibly dislocate your jaw. One of the most beautiful sights you will ever witness is the small village of Vernazza coming into view, nestled in a tiny little bay. Part of the famous Cinque Terra (a World Heritage site comprising of 5 coastal villages, Monterossa al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, Riomaggiore), Vernazza was definitely the most breathtaking. We stayed in Riomaggiore, a treat with hardly any tourists, ridiculously steep alleys and siesta time every day.

The villages are connected by a winding walking trail, clinging to the mountainside by its fingernails. It is really high and at times incredibly steep, but well worth the hours spent on the trail. Corniglia, one of the villages, has a ridiculously steep staircase with 382 steps, or 33 flights. To get to the top, just picture the song “Eye of the Tiger” and get running. It’s the only way, trust me. The view from above is, naturally, astonishing, and it will be worth the pain. Fill up on some well-deserved carbs by enjoying some fresh gnocchi with the famous pesto of the region.

Florence, Italy

If you drive another one and a half hours, you will reach Florence, birthplace of the Italian Renaissance.

Florence is a large city and crammed with amazing things to see. You simply have to go and see the massively impressive cathedral known as The Duomo. The huge bronze doors of this building is already a masterpiece, as is the outside, carefully constructed out of coloured marble. Another must see is the Ponte Vecchio, a famous bridge completely built up with medieval shops, perfumeries and jewellery shops, it seems untouched by the ages, in exactly the same state it was hundreds of years ago.

You should also do a tour of the Uffizi where you can stare in amazement at Boticelli’s Venus. Florence deserves a few days of your time, there is much to do and their gelato is the best I’ve ever had.

Rome, Italy

The best way to see a massive city such as Rome, is to make use of the fantastic “Hop on Hop off” buses (we have these in Cape Town too!). You will be able to see the whole city and take as much time as you like whilst exploring.

Our first stop was the very famous Trevi Fountain, the largest Baroque fountain in the world. We arrived at night and by the time we got there we basically had the fountain to ourselves. I threw my coin over my left shoulder; this is supposed to ensure that you will return one day. I really hope I do. I also mailed a post card from Vatican City, this is practically compulsory when you visit!

The Colosseum is another absolute must see, as are the spectacular ruins alongside it since it provides an in depth look at the Roman way of life. I really couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw the scale of the Colosseum, to think it was completed in 80 AD and it was still standing, was truly impressive. The most surprising thing was that it is smack bang in the middle of the city, surrounded by modern buildings and busy streets. It looked oddly out of place, and very Roman. There are many museums, art galleries, alleyways, restaurants and cafe’s to explore, you will need several days here and a good guide and map book, don’t miss the Spanish Steps or the Pantheon. The nightlife in Rome is also particularly good; we partied until the early hours of the morning with the locals!

Naples, Italy

The next part of the journey will take you further down south, towards Naples, just over 2 hours. Be prepared for huge traffic jams when you reach Naples, head directly towards your accommodation and park! While you’re in Naples, you will be bombarded by colourful sights and sounds, ancient statues posing next to washing lines and beggars, contradictions around every corner. There is an absolute plethora of shops selling miniatures of all kinds, shops selling antiques, Chinese rip off’s, anything you can imagine, all crammed into the Spanish Quarter and surrounding areas.

Naples is also the birth place of pizza and this is where I had the most divine pizza ever. A particular pizzeria (Sorbillo, 100% Italian!) was recommended to me by the locals running the hostel that I stayed at, and wow, it was delicious! I ate an entire large pizza on my own, accompanied by an equally large, ice cold beer, the real Italian way, with only one topping. The pizza base, tomato and cheese did the hard work, requiring very little to compliment it, less is more.

Amalfi Coast, Italy

It is a very short drive from Naples to Sorrento, about one hour. From the invigorating chaos of Naples, you are now again approaching the coast with its beautiful little villages, hanging on to the cliffs. Sorrento and its surrounding areas are very famous for its lemons and so, for making limoncello, a lemony aperitif which is sure to warm the cockles on a chilly night! This is a lovely little town and is easily explored by foot. You will notice that many of the buildings and bridges appear to grow out of the mountainside, quite a site!

One of the day trips you will have to do when you are here, is to visit Pompeii, or Herculaneum. The imposing Vesuvius volcano dominates the Bay of Naples and can be seen from almost anywhere. I decided to visit the smaller of the two doomed cities, Herculaneum. There were hardly any tourists and it was quite a surreal feeling, wandering around the ruins all alone. It is really incredible how much of the city stayed intact, even though nearly all the inhabitants perished.

I had my first “stop dead in your tracks” experience in Ravello, a town not too far away from Sorrento, about an hour’s drive. You will wind your way past Positano and Amalfi, teetering along the edge of the mountains. This area is particularly popular with honeymooners and celebs, due to the secluded beauty of the area. There are many 5 star hotels and restaurants hidden away in the cliffs. I adored Positano and Amalfi, but the true gem in the treasure chest was Ravello.

When you are here, you simply have to go for a walk in the gardens of Villa Cimbrone and head towards the “Terrace of the Infinite”. One minute I was walking down a lovely green pathway, the next, I was faced with the most amazing sight I have ever seen. Time stopped, I actually gasped out loud and it felt as if I was suspended in thin air, floating about the magnificent view of the endless ocean.

After I recovered from the shock, I wondered aimlessly through the gardens, feeling as if I had stepped into a magical, green realm of silence. Again I was pretty much alone, and it further magnified the intense emotions this place brings to you.

Capri, Italy

The final destination on our adventure is Capri, easily reached from Sorrento’s harbour by ferry. One of the most famous sights on Capri is unarguably the Blue Grotto.

The glassy blue water shimmering in the sun must look amazing. I however decided to explore the island instead, having heard that the grotto is always overcrowded and you can barely see the water through all the little boats! I joined a tour group and soon we were on our way to Anacapri, the highest point of the island. We were transported to the top in little ski lifts which were only able to take one person at a time. We soared high above the gardens and fruit trees of the locals, an ancient Roman ruin sprinkled here and there. The view from up here is something else and you should take some time to walk around and explore.

Back on solid ground, I decided to have a look around the alleyways on the island. I stumbled across many homes with beautiful tiling and their own, private shrines. It felt a bit as if I was intruding so I made my way to La Piazetta, described as the most fashionable square in the world. I had a great time people watching, several celebrities own property on this desirable island and I tried to spot some. No luck though, since I was much too preoccupied with the delicious pasta I was enjoying!

Italy is spectacularly diverse. There is still so much to see, such as Lake Como, Sienna, Verona and Bologna, I will have to go back one day! A trip like this will change the way you see things, it is good to get some perspective and realise that it’s a big world out there and that, as human beings, we have to explore it, it’s in our DNA.

Flights to Italy

Genoa and Venice are both extremely popular destinations and you will have no problem whatsoever to find a flight. You can also fly into Rome or Milan, both also very popular.

Click here to book a flight.

Other resources

I found a good blog regarding all things Italian, from the variations in the language, to the weather. If you are still not convinced that you simply have to visit Italy before you die, I'm sure this video will help...enjoy!

Chelna Mare

Cruises from Italy

Costa Cruises have a base in Savona, Italy, from which they operate cruises to the eastern and western Mediterranean.

Ask our lovely travel consultant your questions here. She would love to assist.

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24 Night Cruise to the Mediterranean

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27 Night Cruise to the Mediterranean

29 night cruise to the mediterranean, 23 night cruise to the mediterranean, 22 night cruise to the mediterranean, 25 night cruise to the mediterranean, explore durban.

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23 Night Mediterranean Cruise

Contemporary and family-friendly cruising with distinct Mediterranean influences on everything from the line’s style and décor to cuisine and onboard entertainment

Whether you’d like to try Gaudi’s Experience, or create your own adventure along the Amalfi Coast, you’ll never forget your Mediterranean cruise.

Cruise to Durban and explore the colonial history South Africa and delight in the famous beaches where the locals spend their vacations.

• Msc Musica - Passenger Capacity:  2,550 (double occupancy) Year Built: 2006 Last Refurbished:  2016

Take advantage of limited-time offers and special deals

Cruise Line

Msc Cruises

Cruise Ship

Departing From

Durban, South Africa

Destination

Mediterranean

Ports of Call

Durban, South Africa , La Possession, Reunion , Port Louis, Mauritius , Jeddah, Saudi Arabia , Safaga (Luxor, Karnak), Egypt , Aqaba, Jordan , Suez Canal, Egypt , Naples, Italy , Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy

Special Promotions*

Up to $500 FREE Onboard Credit* - TCW Exclusive

MSC Cruises: Kids Sail FREE on select sailings*

MSC Cruises Military Discount: up to 10% OFF*

• Itinerary & Pricing

23 Night Mediterranean Cruise sailing on the Msc Musica

Departure dates: apr 2025 - apr 2025.

From $1,459

Stateroom prices for Apr. 2, 2025

Published prices from

Based on Inside cabin prices

Based on Oceanview cabin prices

Based on Balcony cabin prices

Based on Suite cabin prices

Sailing Map

*** All itineraries are subject to change without notice. Please confirm your itinerary on the Review page before purchasing your cruise.

Rates & offers are subject to select dates & categories, cruise only, per person, based on double occupancy, in US Dollars, & include NCCF. Government taxes & fees are additional. All rates & offers are capacity controlled, are subject to availability & confirmation, & may change without notice. Additional restrictions may apply. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed -- please confirm details at time of booking. Stateroom photos are for sample purposes only -- actual design and layout may vary.

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What Are the Best Cruise Destinations for the MSC Opera Cruise?

Planning an MSC Opera cruise? Explore top destinations like Venice, Dubrovnik, and Mykonos, immersing yourself in history, architecture, and captivating cultures.

Book MSC Opera Cruise Ship

Sailing with MSC Opera is a unique opportunity to experience comfort and elegance combined with the choice of interesting and beautiful places. With a capacity to accommodate 2,679 passengers and 1,071 cabins, MSC Opera provides a comfortable environment for guests without feeling overcrowded. This is made possible by a committed team of 728 employees, who ensure that every trip is relaxed and full of pleasant moments. Now, let's take a closer look at some of the most popular cruise destinations that MSC Opera can provide, all of which are sure to offer incredible experiences and memories.

Explore the World with MSC Opera

1. mediterranean marvels: venice, italy.

Venice is a beautiful city in Italy, located in the Mediterranean region. It is famous for its canals, buildings, and culture. When MSC Opera arrives at the Venetian port, the passengers get to see this beautiful floating city. Venice has a lot to offer, whether it is riding in a gondola through the small canals, visiting St. Mark's Basilica, or the Doge's Palace.

Venice boasts a historical background, which is evident in the narrow streets and old town squares. For art lovers, there is the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, and for food lovers, there are various trattorias to enjoy traditional Italian dishes. The city of Venice has a romantic and historical feel and is a perfect place to visit when on a Mediterranean cruise .

2. Eastern European Elegance: Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik is a city in Croatia famous for its Renaissance architecture, medieval walls, and baroque buildings. It is often called the " Pearl of the Adriatic. " Embarking in Dubrovnik on MSC Opera gives passengers a chance to have a glimpse of the old world as they stroll along the city walls and enjoy the breathtaking view of the Adriatic Sea and the city's red-tiled roofs.

The old town, with its cobblestoned streets and ancient buildings such as the Rector's Palace and Sponza Palace, is a cultural delight. For lovers of nature, Lokrum Island is nearby, where tourists can enjoy the exotic botanical gardens and beautiful beaches. Dubrovnik is a perfect destination for history and culture lovers and for those who like beautiful nature.

3. Greek Island Paradise: Mykonos, Greece

Mykonos is one of the most famous Greek islands, and its white houses, clean sea, and active nightlife attract tourists from all over the world. When MSC Opera arrives at this beautiful island, guests are instantly enchanted by the island's famous windmills and picturesque cobblestone streets filled with shops and cafes.

Tourism in Mykonos is all about the beaches, which include Paradise Beach and Elia Beach, where tourists can sunbathe. The island has a vibrant nightlife with many bars and clubs open to the public and operating throughout the night. For history lovers, the island of Delos, which is one of the most famous archaeological sites in Greece, is just a boat ride away. Mykonos is a beautiful island that provides both a calm and an adventurous spirit.

4. African Coastal Gem: Durban, South Africa

Durban is a lively coastal city in the Republic of South Africa that boasts beautiful sandy beaches, cultural and historical landmarks, and wildlife, when MSC Opera docks in Durban, the first thing visitors see is the city's famous Golden Mile—a strip of golden sandy beaches perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and even surfing.

The cultural aspect of the city is also reflected in the various markets found in the city, including the Victoria Street Market, where one can purchase local arts and crafts and taste Zulu delicacies. The city is also near game reserves such as Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, which provides exciting safari tours to see the Big Five animals in the wild. The city of Durban is unique in that it offers the excitement of a large city and the beauty of nature.

5. Exotic Arabian Delights: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai , UAE, has become synonymous with tall buildings, fancy shopping malls, and a rich way of life. When MSC Opera arrives in Dubai, guests can go ashore and visit this vibrant city that combines the spirit of the East and the West.

From the tallest building in the world, Burj Khalifa, to the artificial island of Palm Jumeirah, Dubai has much to see. Tourists can visit the Dubai Mall, take a desert safari, or spend time at Jumeirah Beach. The cultural aspect of the city is well represented in the Al Fahidi district, which contains traditional souks and museums that give a glimpse into the history of Dubai. Dubai is a perfect example of luxury, culture, and adventure that people should visit.

6. South American Adventure: Argentina,  Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires , Argentina, is a city full of passion, from tango dancing to historic districts and nightlife. Passengers of MSC Opera can feel the atmosphere of Buenos Aires as soon as they arrive in the city, especially when visiting the colorful district of La Boca, where one can see street art and tango shows.

The city's architecture is also historic, and places like the Casa Rosada and the Teatro Colón give a glimpse of Argentina's history. Gourmets will appreciate the variety of restaurants offering both world-famous Argentine steaks and traditional cuisine. The city of Buenos Aires is full of energy and has great cultural potential, so it is always a pleasure to visit it.

7. Scandinavian Splendor: Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen is the capital of Denmark and a beautiful city with canals, historical structures, and modern gastronomy. When MSC Opera arrives in Copenhagen, tourists can visit the famous places, including the colorful harbor Nyhavn, the old Tivoli Gardens, and the majestic Amalienborg Palace.

Copenhagen is an environmentally conscious city with bike lanes and many parks, making it enjoyable to walk or bike around. Food enthusiasts can enjoy new Nordic cuisine in restaurants such as Noma. Copenhagen is a perfect mix of history and contemporary architecture, and the food is simply amazing.

Related:   Explore the Best Cruise Destinations on MSC Meraviglia

The voyage on MSC Opera allows one to explore a variety of places that are interesting and memorable in their own way. From the romantic city of Venice to the tango city of Buenos Aires, MSC Opera offers a variety of destinations for every traveler. Whether people are looking for an adventurous vacation, a leisurely cruise, or an opportunity to explore the world's cultures, these locations offer incredible experiences at sea. Embark on a journey with MSC Opera and discover new destinations and new horizons that are waiting to be explored.

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MSC Cruises wants to take a major crown from Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean has prided itself on turning its cruise ships into destinations. 

More than the old concept of floating hotels that take you to ports, the cruise line's Oasis, Icon, Quantum, and even Freedom and Voyager Class ships are destinations in themselves.

You can easily spend a week on Icon, Oasis and Quantum Class ships without ever getting bored or feeling the need to get off. Each of these ships offers numerous pools, restaurants and bars and a variety of entertainment venues. 

Related: Carnival and Royal Caribbean add new nonsmoking areas

Icon of the Seas literally has what can truly be called an on-board water park in addition to the cruise line's signature rock-climbing wall, the Crown's Edge ropes course, a blinged-out minigolf course, and a new take on Royal Caribbean's Aqua Theater.

The biggest cruise ship in the world, Icon of the Seas, took that title from Wonder of the Seas, which Wonder claimed from its predecessor, Symphony of the Seas. 

In fact, the six largest cruise ships in the world are all Royal Caribbean ships and when Utopia of the Seas sets sail in July, it will not be the new largest cruise ship in the world, but it will give Royal Caribbean the top seven largest cruise ships.

Currently, MSC Cruises claims the No. 7 spot with its flagship MSC World Europa. The cruise line, however, may be looking to come after Royal Caribbean's "world's largest cruise ship" crown. 

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MSC looks at building bigger ships 

In many ways, the title of "world's largest cruise ship" is just a bragging-rights thing.

The design of Icon of the Seas is notably different from that of Wonder of the Seas, but otherwise, the five, soon to be six, Oasis-class ships are all pretty similar. Each of the first five was slightly bigger than its predecessor. That progression ended with the sixth, Utopia of the Seas. 

MSC Cruises, which is prominent outside the U.S. but is making a major push to attract American cruisers, appears to be looking into building a ship that's even bigger than Icon of the Seas. But that construction effort faces some hurdles.

The cruise line has been talking with Meyer Turku, the Finnish offshoot of Germany’s Meyer Werft Group. That would be a change from its usual partners, Fincantieri and Chantiers de l’Atlantique, "likely due to a lack of shipyard slots for new ships of the size it requires," Shipping Italy reported. 

Options are being explored with Meyer Turku, with “well-informed market sources" being credited with the news. 

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And MSC may not be alone in pursuing a bigger-is-better approach.

“There are at least two players who are talking with shipyards to build larger ships than Icon of the Seas," the Italian-language website reported. "Within 12/18 months the first slots available in shipyards to build ships over 160,000 tonnes will have delivery dates of 2034/2035."

For cruise ships, bigger is not always better

Royal Caribbean started with a blank piece of paper when it built Icon of the Seas, and the ship isn't bigger just to claim the title. It has a remarkable flow designed to make it easy for passengers to move between public areas.

It also has innovative touches like The Pearl, a massive pearl-like structure housing a staircase to the Pearl Cafe off the Royal Promenade. Stunning to look at, the Pearl also is weight bearing, which enabled Royal Caribbean to offer floor-to-ceiling windows in the Pearl Cafe. 

If MSC Cruises, or any other cruise line, comes for the "biggest cruise ship in the world" title, careful attention to design is important. 

Icon of the Seas is huge, but it never feels overwhelming, and its distinctive neighborhoods make the ship seem smaller, even cozy at points, as it's generally easy to get around.  

Related: Get the best cruise tips, deals, and news on the ships from our expert cruiser