7 nights Western Mediterranean from Palermo (Monreale)

Daily Itinerary

1. Day 1

   Palermo

   Depart 17:00

   Italy

   

   Palermo is the Mediterranean's most intoxicating crossroads of civilisations — Arab arches meet Byzantine gold mosaics beneath Norman royal chapels in the extraordinary Palatine Chapel, a monument to 12th-century multicultural brilliance that is Sicily's single greatest work of art. The Ballarò and Capo street markets, among southern Italy's most atmospheric, tumble through the ancient city in a sensory barrage of swordfish, blood oranges, jasmine, and street food improvised across centuries. Do not leave without tasting arancini and sfincione, Sicily's gloriously thick street pizza. Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer the ideal climate — warm enough for the sea, cool enough for extended walking.

2. Day 2

   Valletta

   Arrive 09:00Depart 17:00

   Malta

   

   Valletta, Europe's smallest capital, is a fortress city of exceptional grandeur raised from bare limestone in just fifteen years after the Knights of St. John repelled the great Ottoman siege of 1565 — its rigid Renaissance grid of sun-drenched streets concealing a density of baroque palaces, gilded oratories, and subterranean World War II shelters unrivaled anywhere in the Mediterranean. The Grand Harbour, framed by golden bastions plunging into startlingly blue water, offers one of the most dramatically photogenic arrivals in the world for arriving vessels. Spring and autumn deliver the most comfortable temperatures for exploring this UNESCO-listed gem.

3. Day 3

   At Sea

   

4. Day 4

   Barcelona

   Arrive 08:00Depart 18:00

   Spain

   

   Barcelona is the city where Roman history, Gothic grandeur, and Gaudí's delirious Modernisme collide in a Mediterranean coastal capital of astonishing energy and beauty. The Sagrada Família — still under construction after 140 years — continues its audacious ascent toward completion, while the Gothic Quarter's Roman-era foundations and the Passeig de Gràcia's extraordinary concentration of Modernisme masterpieces reward days of exploration. For a complete sensory experience, lose an afternoon in the covered labyrinth of La Boqueria market before descending to the waterfront for Catalan seafood at its finest. May through June and September through October offer the most pleasant weather; the city connects directly to Paris by overnight train.

5. Day 5

   Marseille

   Arrive 08:00Depart 16:00

   France

   

   Founded by Greek sailors in 600 BC, Marseille is France's oldest and most viscerally alive city — a Mediterranean port where the catch is still sold from fishing boat decks at the Vieux-Port each morning beneath the golden Madonna of Notre-Dame de la Garde, gleaming on her basilica above the city. The bouillabaisse served at harbourside institutions such as Chez Fonfon is not merely a dish but a rite, its saffron-stained broth tying Marseille to its Hellenic roots. Explore the dramatic Calanques national park, a coastal labyrinth of turquoise coves just south of the city. Spring and autumn are the finest seasons.

6. Day 6

   Livorno

   Arrive 07:00Depart 18:00

   Italy

   

   Purpose-built as a Medici utopia in the late sixteenth century, Livorno was conceived from the outset as a city without discrimination — its founding Leggi Livornine granted equal rights to Jews, Christians, Muslims, and merchants of every nation, making it one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Renaissance Europe. Today, the Venetian-style canals of the Venezia Nuova quarter reflect colourful palazzi with a distinctly faded glamour, while the Mercato Centrale's fish counters display the cacciucco ingredients — a robust Livornese brodetto of five sea creatures — that make this port city a pilgrimage for serious eaters. Day trips to Pisa and Lucca are effortless from here. The season runs April through October.

7. Day 7

   Cagliari

   Arrive 12:00Depart 19:00

   Italy

   

   Cagliari, Sardinia's sun-drenched capital overlooking the Gulf of Angels, has absorbed three thousand years of Phoenician, Carthaginian, Roman, Pisan, and Spanish ambitions into a layered and deeply compelling Mediterranean city — where the flamingo-fringed salt lagoons stretching to the city's western edge create one of Europe's most surreal urban vistas. The Castello quarter's medieval ramparts enclose a cathedral, Pisan towers, and panoramic terraces that survey the entire city and coastline, while the Marina district below offers some of the finest bottarga pasta and fresh tuna in Italy. Visit May through September for beach perfection; the prehistoric Nuraghe Su Nuraxi at Barumini, a UNESCO Wonder, is an hour's drive north.

8. Day 8

   Palermo

   Arrive 09:00

   Italy

   

   Palermo is the Mediterranean's most intoxicating crossroads of civilisations — Arab arches meet Byzantine gold mosaics beneath Norman royal chapels in the extraordinary Palatine Chapel, a monument to 12th-century multicultural brilliance that is Sicily's single greatest work of art. The Ballarò and Capo street markets, among southern Italy's most atmospheric, tumble through the ancient city in a sensory barrage of swordfish, blood oranges, jasmine, and street food improvised across centuries. Do not leave without tasting arancini and sfincione, Sicily's gloriously thick street pizza. Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer the ideal climate — warm enough for the sea, cool enough for extended walking.

Cabin Categories

BALCONY AUREA

Balcony

248 sq ftMax 2BA

Balcony Sitting area with sofa Spacious closet Bathroom with shower or bathtub, vanity area and hairdryer Interactive TV. telephone, safe and minibar Wi-Fi access available

Lounge AreaBathDouble or Twin ConfigurationVanity AreaShowerToiletries Provided+8

View Details ›

BALCONY BELLA GUARANTEED

Balcony

248 sq ftMax 2BB

Balcony Sitting area with sofa Comfortable double or single beds (on request) Interactive TV, telephone, Wifi connection available (for a fee), safe and minibar Bathroom with shower or bathtub , vanity area with hairdryer

BathDouble or Twin ConfigurationLounge AreaVanity AreaShowerToiletries Provided+8

View Details ›

DELUXE BALCONY FANTASTICA

Balcony

248 sq ftMax 2BP

Surface approx 19 sqm, balcony approx 4 sqm. Sitting area with sofa. Bathroom with shower or bathtub, vanity area with hairdryer. Comfortable double or single beds (on request). Interactive TV, telephone, Wifi connection available (for a fee), safe and minibar.

BathDouble or Twin ConfigurationLounge AreaVanity AreaShowerToiletries Provided+7

View Details ›

PREMIUM BALCONY FANTASTICA

Balcony

248 sq ftMax 2BL3

Balcony Sitting area with sofa Spacious closet Bathroom with shower or bathtub, vanity area and hairdryer Interactive TV. telephone, safe and minibar Wi-Fi access available

Lounge AreaShowerToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableTVWi-Fi (Additional Cost)+8

View Details ›

PREMIUM BALCONY FANTASTICA

Balcony

248 sq ftMax 2BL2

Balcony Sitting area with sofa Spacious closet Bathroom with shower or bathtub, vanity area and hairdryer Interactive TV. telephone, safe and minibar Wi-Fi access available

Lounge AreaShowerToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableTVWi-Fi (Additional Cost)+8

View Details ›

PREMIUM BALCONY FANTASTICA

Balcony

248 sq ftMax 2BL1

Balcony Sitting area with sofa Spacious closet Bathroom with shower or bathtub, vanity area and hairdryer Interactive TV. telephone, safe and minibar Wi-Fi access available

Lounge AreaShowerToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableTVWi-Fi (Additional Cost)+8

View Details ›

DELUXE INTERIOR FANTASTICA

Inside

183 sq ftMax 2IR1

Relaxing armchair Spacious closet Bathroom with shower, vanity area and hairdryer Interactive TV. telephone, safe and minibar Wi-Fi access available

ShowerToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableTVWi-Fi (Additional Cost)Safe+6

View Details ›

DELUXE INTERIOR FANTASTICA

Inside

183 sq ftMax 2IR2

Relaxing armchair Spacious closet Bathroom with shower, vanity area and hairdryer Interactive TV. telephone, safe and minibar Wi-Fi access available

ShowerToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableTVWi-Fi (Additional Cost)Safe+6

View Details ›

Inside

inside

SPL

Budget-friendly rooms without windows, approx. 13–16 m².

View Details ›

INTERIOR BELLA GUARANTEED

Inside

183 sq ftMax 2IB

Bathroom with shower, vanity area and hairdryer TV, telephone, safe and minibar Wi-Fi access available

Double or Twin ConfigurationVanity AreaShowerToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableMini Bar (Additional Cost)+6

View Details ›

OCEAN VIEW BELLA GUARANTEED

Outside

194 sq ftMax 2OB

Bathroom with shower, vanity area and hairdryer TV, telephone, safe and minibar Wi-Fi access available

Double or Twin ConfigurationLounge AreaShowerToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableMini Bar (Additional Cost)+6

View Details ›

PREMIUM OCEAN VIEW FANTASTICA

Outside

194 sq ftMax 2OL3

Window with sea view Relaxing armchair Spacious closet Bathroom with shower, vanity area and hairdryer Interactive TV. telephone, safe and minibar Wi-Fi access available

ShowerToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableTVWi-Fi (Additional Cost)Safe+7

View Details ›

PREMIUM OCEAN VIEW FANTASTICA

Outside

194 sq ftMax 2OL1

Window with sea view Relaxing armchair Spacious closet Bathroom with shower, vanity area and hairdryer Interactive TV. telephone, safe and minibar Wi-Fi access available

ShowerToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableTVWi-Fi (Additional Cost)Safe+7

View Details ›

PREMIUM OCEAN VIEW FANTASTICA

Outside

194 sq ftMax 2OL2

Window with sea view Relaxing armchair Spacious closet Bathroom with shower, vanity area and hairdryer Interactive TV. telephone, safe and minibar Wi-Fi access available

ShowerToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableTVWi-Fi (Additional Cost)Safe+7

View Details ›

GRAND SUITE AUREA

Suite

452–506 sq ftMax 2SX

Balcony Sitting area with sofa Spacious closet Bathroom with bathtub, vanity area and hairdryer Interactive TV. telephone, safe and minibar Wi-Fi access available

BathDouble or Twin ConfigurationLounge AreaVanity AreaShowerToiletries Provided+8

View Details ›

JUNIOR SUITE AUREA WITH SEALED WINDOW

Suite

237–248 sq ftMax 2SRS

Panoramic sealed window Sitting area with sofa Spacious closet Bathroom with bathtub, vanity area and hairdryer Interactive TV. telephone, safe and minibar Wi-Fi access available

Double or Twin ConfigurationBathRoom Service AvailableMini Bar (Additional Cost)TVWi-Fi (Additional Cost)+7

View Details ›

MSC YACHT CLUB DELUXE SUITE

Suite

377 sq ftMax 2YC1

Balcony Sitting area with sofa Comfortable double or single beds (on request) Spacious wardrobe Bathroom with shower or bathtub, vanity area with hairdryer Interactive TV, telephone, Wifi connection available (for a fee), safe and minibar Surface approx. from 23 to 29 sq.m.* Discover a world of privileges with MSC Yacht Club

ShowerBathToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableSuite BenefitsTV+7

View Details ›

MSC YACHT CLUB EXECUTIVE & FAMILY SUITE

Suite

484–570 sq ftMax 2YC2

Panoramic Sealed Window Sitting area with sofa Comfortable double or single beds (on request) Spacious wardrobe Bathroom with shower or bathtub , vanity area with hairdryer Interactive TV, telephone, Wifi connection available (for a fee), safe and minibar Surface approx. from 45 sq.m. to 53 sq.m. Discover a world of privileges with MSC Yacht Club

Lounge AreaShowerBathToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableTV+9

View Details ›

MSC YACHT CLUB GRAND SUITE

Suite

377 sq ftMax 3YCP

Comfortable double bed or single beds (on request) Ample wardrobe Bathroom with bathtub and vanity area with hairdryer Wifi connection included Interactive TV, telephone, safe and minibar Surface approx. 26 sq.m, the balcony is approx. 6 sq.m. Discover a world of privileges with MSC Yacht Club

Double or Twin ConfigurationVanity AreaBathRoom Service AvailableSuite BenefitsTV+8

View Details ›

MSC YACHT CLUB ROYAL SUITE

suite

YC3

MSC Yacht Club Royal Suite

View Details ›

Msc Yacht Club Yacht Club Executive and Family Suite with Balcony

Suite

560 sq ftMax 2YCT

Surface approx 36 sqm and balcony approx 16 sqm with dining table, deck 16 Separate living area and dining room Bathroom with bathtub and shower, vanity area with hairdryer Walk-in wardrobes Comfortable double or single beds (on request) Wifi connection included Interactive TV, telephone, safe and minibar Discover a world of privileges with MSC Yacht Club including: 24-Hour Butler service and dedicated concierge Premium Extra Drink and Internet packages included Complimentary Access to the Thermal Suite in the MSC Aurea SPA Balinese massage package and Specialty restaurants package, available up to 2 days prior to embarkation; 10% discount on all spa treatments purchased on board.. 1 Free cruise change The image is representative only; the size, layout and furniture may vary (within the same cabin category).

Lounge AreaShowerToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableSuite BenefitsTV+10

View Details ›

PREMIUM SUITE AUREA

Suite

355–420 sq ftMax 2SL1

Balcony Sitting area with sofa Spacious closet Bathroom with bathtub, vanity area and hairdryer Interactive TV. telephone, safe and minibar Wi-Fi access available

Lounge AreaShowerToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableTVWi-Fi (Additional Cost)+8

View Details ›

PREMIUM SUITE AUREA WITH SEALED WINDOW

Suite

269–337 sq ftMax 2SLS

PREMIUM SUITE AUREA WITH SEALED WINDOW, DECK 9 - 11 Comfortable king bed that can be converted into two single beds Panoramic sealed window Sitting area with sofa Spacious closet Bathroom with bathtub, vanity area and hairdryer Interactive TV. telephone, safe and minibar Wi-Fi access available ($) Approx. 269 – 334 ft2 Located on decks 9 - 11

BathDouble or Twin ConfigurationLounge AreaVanity AreaToiletries ProvidedRoom Service Available+7

View Details ›