MSC Cruises – explore the world from a sublimely stylish stage

If you’re looking to enjoy a memorable break that offers opportunities to discover a diversity of stand-out destinations, consider taking an MSC cruise. There’s a suite of reasons their timelessly stylish ships and bespoke excursions have been converting first-time cruisers into committed voyagers for over five decades. Unsure of what to expect and where to go? Read on to discover how MSC Cruises deliver a world of elegance while serving as a gateway to unforgettable global destinations. You’ll most likely be left wondering why it took you so long to join a discerning crew of devoted cruisers on voyages that combine comfort and style with immersive opportunities to see more of the world.

Lasting memories and the thrill of discovery on every voyage

With a richness of cruise itineraries operating from Southampton around the year, UK-based travellers will be pleased to hear that the world is pretty much on their doorstep. Whether you fancy embarking on a classic seven-night trip to some of Northern Europe's best-loved destinations, or like the sound of a 14-night voyage to the Canary Islands and Madeira, there’s almost certainly an MSC Cruises itinerary to float your boat.

Short on time? Immersive mini-breaks to the likes of the Netherlands and northern France mean you can still enjoy the full MSC Cruises experience. That’s because no matter how long or short your journey, and no matter where in the world you decide to venture, each and every voyage comes with the same level of refinement and attention to detail, and opportunities to make lasting memories, as detailed right below.

All aboard for exquisite accommodation, first-class activities and fine food

Combining classic style with contemporary flair, MSC Cruises’ fleet really is second to none. As for the ambience, you can look forward to staying in stylishly-appointed cabins while having access to unforgettable on-board experiences, activities and facilities to keep all ages exhilarated, rejuvenated or blissfully chilled, depending on your mood. We’re talking expansive pool areas, soothing spa treatments, open-air sports facilities, screenings in 4D cinemas and Broadway-standard shows.

If food’s more your thing, you’re very much in luck. MSC Cruises’ wealth of world-class dining options really sets their offering apart. In addition to the main restaurant and buffet (which is more of a banquet than a typical grab-and-go buffet scenario), guests can eat their way around the world in speciality restaurants that elevate the act of eating to unforgettable gastronomic experiences. By which we mean relishing meals created by renowned chefs in spaces that blend sophistication with an invitingly unstuffy vibe.

Step ashore to explore destinations on exclusive excursions

Another of the joys of voyaging with MSC Cruises is that the quality service and sense of discovery you become accustomed to aboard your ship can be seamlessly extended to your experiences on land. 

Curated and led by local experts, a suite of bespoke excursions for each port of call ensure that every taste is covered, from high-octane outdoor activities (think treks, kayaking and zip-lining adventures), through to vineyard visits, hands-on food experiences and heritage hikes. Luckily, finding excursions tailored to your interests is a breeze – the website organises options by theme, making it easy to discover the perfect fit.

Destination focus: Norwegian fjords cruise itineraries 

While it was nigh impossible to pick which destinations to highlight here, after much deliberation, Norwegian fjords cruise itineraries secured a slot, largely as a result of the spectacular, soul-stirring scenery they serve, and excursions that make exploring said scenery eminently accessible.

Conveniently for UK travellers, you can embark on a Norwegian fjords cruise from Southampton ahead of sailing through landscapes of jagged mountains, towering cliffs and shimmering waterfalls. All interspersed with charming towns that simply beg to be explored, and serve as gateways to heaps of natural wonders.

For example, Geirangerfjord is enough reason in itself to take a Norwegian fjords cruise. This UNESCO World Heritage Site showcases the country at its most fairy-tale fabulous, with highlights including the spectacular Seven Sisters Falls. As a bonus, Geirangerfjord is often reached via the impossibly pretty town of Alesund, with its beautiful Art Nouveau architecture.

Then there’s the village of Flaam, which offers access to the remarkable Flaam Railway – an engineering marvel that delivers one of the world’s most remarkable rail rides, thanks to its up-close views of cascading falls, gaping gorges, alpine meadows and snow-cloaked peaks. 

Destination focus: Mediterranean cruise itineraries

Encompassing some of the world’s most beloved destinations, booking a Mediterranean cruise is a convenient, comfortable, enriching way to see stacks of iconic sights. Picture yourself exploring the likes of the Acropolis and Parthenon, Barcelona’s Basílica de la Sagrada Familia, or the ancient city of Ephesus on bespoke tours led by local experts.

City attractions aside, MSC Cruises’ Mediterranean itineraries also cover Greek and Croatian island idylls, and hidden treasures of Morocco, Malta, Montenegro, Slovenia, Tunisia and Turkey, with excursions variously inviting guests to feast on flavoursome regional food, bliss out on beautiful beaches, explore secret coves by boat, uncover ancient heritage sites, and enjoy exhilarating walks on the wild side.

If the Med’s on your mind, take time to browse Mediterranean cruise itineraries for both the west and east, taking assurance from the fact that every option will deliver MSC Cruises’ timeless style and top-notch service.

Last minute cruise deals: your ticket to spontaneous trips of a lifetime

We’ll sign off with a tip to check-out MSC Cruises’ last-minute cruise deals, which are on-hand to satisfy any carpe diem moments that leave you longing to escape the everyday on an eleventh-hour adventure.

Act fast and you could be packing your bags to head off in a couple of days (or hours), with late-booking deals available from Southampton, and on Fly & Cruise packages, which enable guests to reach a range of global destinations from several UK airports. Your only problem will be trying to choose between flying to blissful Barbados, the glamorous Côte d’Azur, or Dubai’s dazzling cityscapes, to highlight just a few options.

It goes without saying that last-minute cruise deals are rarely around for long, which means you’d be wise to act fast to secure what’s likely to be a priceless holiday bagged for pocket-pleasing price.

Lastly, before we leave you to ponder where in the world to voyage with an MSC cruise, if you’re looking for something really special, you might want to read up on MSC Yacht Club’s luxury cruises.