Australia’s love affair with the Mediterranean continues unabated, with MSC – a line with 14 ships based in the region – reporting the Med is ahead with a massive 60 per cent rise in bookings.
The line’s most popular seven-night itineraries include Eastern Mediterranean escapes which encompass Croatia and the ancient city of Dubrovnik, the stunning Greek islands of Mykonos & Santorini and World Heritage listed Ancona in Italy.
The region’s scenic beauty and cultural richness coupled with the great value are the draw cards says Lisa Teiotu, Managing Director.
“Australians are looking for a holiday option that explores stunning European destinations without the expense and hassle of taking many flights, and we’re catering to this demand by offering a variety of dedicated itineraries in the region throughout the year,” Teiotu said.
The Western Med is ahead…
Australians are also drawn to the Med’s west. For instance, week-long cruises traversing the best of Italy, Malta, Spain and France are selling well. Guests can explore Portofino and Pompeii, Sicily’s Messina, the 16th century elegance of Valletta, Barcelona and the Provence region of France from Marseille.
The line offers an exclusive flexi-porting option which allows guests to choose their port of embarkation. Whether it is Barcelona in Spain, Genoa in Italy, Marseille in France, Hamburg in Germany or Copenhagen, Denmark, holidaymakers can seamlessly connect to the ship from across Europe to access the destinations they wish to visit.
Or they can take in all the highlights of the Med during one cruise holiday called the Grand Mediterranean, which offers the best of the East and West region and includes a same day transfer between Venice and Genoa.
MSC’s destinations
Greece & Greek Island Cruises
Greece & Greek Islands are known for their white beaches and turquoise-blue waters, and also for a vast cultural and historical heritage that has influenced the rest of Europe for millennia.
Come aboard our ships for a Greek cruise with MSC Cruises and discover destinations such as Rhodes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its medieval city, the ruins of Kamiros, or the temple of Athena Lindia; Katakolon, the gateway to Olympia, home to the first Olympic Games, and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site; or Heraklion, the location of the famous Minotaur labyrinth myth, and capital city of Crete, where you will be able to visit the Palace of Knossos, the Palace of Phaestos, and much more.
Don’t miss the magnificence of this country, with all its attractions such as the Acropolis and La Plaka in Athens, but also smaller coastal towns with charming and picturesque harbours in, Corfu, Santorini or Mykonos, with our Greek island cruises.
Italy Cruises
Italy holds a prominent position in the Mediterranean, and its long coastline offers many cultural and natural opportunities for those travelling by sea. Our Italy cruises can take you to well-known cities such and world-class places as Rome, Naples (Pompeii, Capri and Sorrento), Venice, Genoa (Portofino and Le Cinque Terre), Messina (Taormina), Siracusa or Palermo, among others, but MSC Cruises during your Italy cruise can also offer calls and excursions to suggestive gems like Trieste with the Miramare Castle, Livorno – gateway to Florence and Pisa – , or the wonders of Puglia and Basilicata, featuring Bari, Brindisi, Lecce, Alberobello, Matera.
Whether with your family, with friends, or in a couple’s getaway, experience life aboard a spectacular cruise ship while travelling to cities surrounded by the turquoise blue of the Mediterranean Sea: immerse yourself into the local culture and savour all the different cuisines offered by each Italian region. Every cruise is a special time with MSC Cruises.
Croatia Cruises
Croatia is a treasure of the Adriatic Sea, with many islands and coastal towns famous for their picturesque buildings, enhanced by the natural beauty of their surroundings. Choose a Croatia cruise and discover the city of Dubrovnik, an UNESCO World Heritage Site: enjoy the Rector’s Palace, the Modra Spilja Cave, or a stroll around the charming streets with the Mediterranean at one side, and idyllic mountains on the background. If you want to experience a place with a little more bustle, our Croatia cruises will take you to Split, an Ancient Roman town that has turned into a busy city, no longer resembling a Roman settlement more than vestigially, with its seafront cafés and businesses as well as historical sites, such as the Temple of Jupiter.
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