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ITBRI - Bari, Italy - photo credit belongs to Thea Smc.jpg

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Bari, capital of the province of Apulia, lies on southern Italy's Adriatic coast. Its busy port is a leading commercial and industrial centre as well as a transit point for travellers catching ferries across the Adriatic to Greece. Bari comprises a new and an old town. To the north, on a promontory between the old and new harbours, lies the picturesque old town, or Citta Vecchia, with a maze of narrow, crooked streets. To the south is the spacious and regularly planned new town, which has developed considerably since 1930, when the Levant Fair was first held here. The heart of the modern town is Piazza della Liberta. The busy thoroughfare, Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, separates the new town from the old. At the eastern end of the Corso begins the Lungomare Nazario Sauro, a magnificent seafront promenade that runs along the old harbour. Bari and the Apulian region were long recognized for their strategic location, attracting a succession of colonizers such as the Normans, Moors and Spaniards, each leaving their mark.&nbsp;

Ground literally to ashes in World War II and wracked by a massive earthquake a decade later, the capital of Kefalonia once more shows pride in its native spirit and natural beauty. The vast harbor on Argostoli’s east side makes an especially attractive port for cruise ships full of visitors who never seem to tire of strolling the cobbled seaside promenade, sipping ouzos in cafés, and stocking up on the succulent Mediterranean fruits in the outdoor markets.

Heraklion Region

Agios Minas Cathedral, Heraklion _Iraklion_

Architecture, Heraklion _Iraklion_

Boats in Harbor, Heraklion _Iraklion_

Crete Architecture

Crete

From the Sea, Crete

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Having been controlled by Arabic, Venetian and Ottoman empires over the years - it's no surprise that Heraklion is a diverse patchwork of exotic cultures and historical treasures. Celebrated as the birthplace of the Spanish Renaissance artist, El Greco, you can visit to explore the storied ruins of the Minoan empire's capital, and unearth the rich cultural treasures that Crete’s bustling modern capital has to offer.

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Undoubtedly the most extraordinary island in the Aegean, crescent-shape Santorini remains a mandatory stop on the Cycladic tourist route—even if it's necessary to enjoy the sensational sunsets from Ia, the fascinating excavations, and the dazzling white towns with a million other travelers. Called Kállisti (the "Loveliest") when first settled, the island has now reverted to its subsequent name of Thira, after the 9th-century-BC Dorian colonizer Thiras. The place is better known, however, these days as Santorini, a name derived from its patroness, St. Irene of Thessaloniki, the Byzantine empress who restored icons to Orthodoxy and died in 802. You can fly conveniently to Santorini, but to enjoy a true Santorini rite of passage, opt instead for the boat trip here, which provides a spectacular introduction. After the boat sails between Sikinos and Ios, your deck-side perch approaches two close islands with a passage between them. The bigger one on the left is Santorini, and the smaller on the right is Thirassia. Passing between them, you see the village of Ia adorning Santorini's northernmost cliff like a white geometric beehive. You are in the caldera (volcanic crater), one of the world's truly breathtaking sights: a demilune of cliffs rising 1,100 feet, with the white clusters of the towns of Fira and Ia perched along the top. The bay, once the high center of the island, is 1,300 feet in some places, so deep that when boats dock in Santorini's shabby little port of Athinios, they do not drop anchor. The encircling cliffs are the ancient rim of a still-active volcano, and you are sailing east across its flooded caldera. On your right are the Burnt isles, the White isle, and other volcanic remnants, all lined up as if some outsize display in a geology museum. Hephaestus's subterranean fires smolder still—the volcano erupted in 198 BC, about 735, and there was an earthquake in 1956. Indeed, Santorini and its four neighboring islets are the fragmentary remains of a larger landmass that exploded about 1600 BC: the volcano's core blew sky high, and the sea rushed into the abyss to create the great bay, which measures 10 km by 7 km (6 mi by 4½ mi) and is 1,292 feet deep. The other pieces of the rim, which broke off in later eruptions, are Thirassia, where a few hundred people live, and deserted little Aspronissi ("White isle"). In the center of the bay, black and uninhabited, two cones, the Burnt Isles of Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni, appeared between 1573 and 1925. There has been too much speculation about the identification of Santorini with the mythical Atlantis, mentioned in Egyptian papyri and by Plato (who says it's in the Atlantic), but myths are hard to pin down. This is not true of old arguments about whether tidal waves from Santorini's cataclysmic explosion destroyed Minoan civilization on Crete, 113 km (70 mi) away. The latest carbon-dating evidence, which points to a few years before 1600 BC for the eruption, clearly indicates that the Minoans outlasted the eruption by a couple of hundred years, but most probably in a weakened state. In fact, the island still endures hardships: since antiquity, Santorini has depended on rain collected in cisterns for drinking and irrigating—the well water is often brackish—and the serious shortage is alleviated by the importation of water. However, the volcanic soil also yields riches: small, intense tomatoes with tough skins used for tomato paste (good restaurants here serve them); the famous Santorini fava beans, which have a light, fresh taste; barley; wheat; and white-skin eggplants.

7 NIGHT Mediterranean - Eastern CRUISE

Aida Deck

Otello Deck

Rigoletto Deck

La Traviata Deck

Norma Deck

Turnadot Deck

Tosca Deck

La Boheme

Sun Deck/Mini-Golf Deck

<ul><li>Surface 23 sqm, balcony 5 sqm, deck 12</li><li>Balcony</li><li>Sitting area with sofa</li><li>Spacious Wardrobe</li><li>Bathroom with bathtub, vanity area with hairdryer</li><li>Comfortable double or single beds (on request)</li><li>TV, telephone, Wifi connection available (for a fee), safe and minibar</li></ul>The image is representative only; the size, layout and furniture may vary (within the same cabin category).

MSC Cruises MSC Opera Suite 0

MSC Cruises MSC Opera Suite 1

Deluxe Suite Aurea

<ul><li>Surface 13 sqm, balcony approx 3 sqm, deck 9-10, best ship positions</li><li>Sitting area with sofa</li><li>Bathroom with shower, vanity area with hairdryer</li><li>Comfortable double or single beds (on request)</li><li>TV, telephone, Wifi connection available (for a fee), safe and minibar </li></ul>The image is representative only; the size, layout and furniture may vary (within the same cabin category).

MSC Lirica Class Balcony Cabin

Deluxe Balcony Aurea

<ul><li>Surface 13 sqm, balcony approx 3 sqm, deck 9-10</li><li>Sitting area with sofa</li><li>Bathroom with shower, vanity area with hairdryer</li><li>Comfortable double or single beds (on request)</li><li>TV, telephone, Wifi connection available (for a fee), safe and minibar </li></ul>The image is representative only; the size, layout and furniture may vary (within the same cabin category).

Junior Balcony

Balcony Bella

BINGO BALCONY

<ul><li>Surface 22 sqm, deck 9.</li><li>Window with sea view</li><li>Relaxing armchair</li><li>Bathroom with shower, vanity area with hairdryer</li><li>Comfortable double or single beds (on request)</li><li>TV, telephone, Wifi connection available (for a fee), safe and minibar </li></ul>The image is representative only; the size, layout and furniture may vary (within the same cabin category).

MSC Lirica Class ocean view Cabin

Premium Ocean View 

<ul><li>Surface 13 sqm, deck 7-8</li><li>Window with sea view</li><li>Relaxing armchair</li><li>Bathroom with shower, vanity area with hairdryer</li><li>Comfortable double or single beds (on request)</li><li>TV, telephone, Wifi connection available (for a fee), safe and minibar </li></ul>The image is representative only; the size, layout and furniture may vary (within the same cabin category).

Junior Ocean View

<ul><li>Surface 13 sqm, deck 7</li><li>Window with sea view</li><li>Relaxing armchair</li><li>Bathroom with shower, vanity area with hairdryer</li><li>Comfortable double or single beds (on request)</li><li>TV, telephone, Wifi connection available (for a fee), safe and minibar </li></ul>The image is representative only; the size, layout and furniture may vary (within the same cabin category).

Junior Ocean View with Obstructed View

BINGO OUTSIDE

<ul><li>Surface 13 sqm, deck 7-8</li><li>Relaxing armchair</li><li>Bathroom with shower, vanity area and hairdryer</li><li>Comfortable double or single beds (on request*)</li><li>TV, telephone, Wifi connection available (for a fee), safe and minibar</li></ul>*Cabins for guests with disabilities or reduced mobility have single beds only.The image is representative only; the size, layout and furniture may vary (within the same cabin category).

MSC Lirica Class Inside Cabin

Junior Interior

BINGO INSIDE

Ocean View Bella

Interior Bella

L'Approdo Restaurant is located on deck 6.

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L'Approdo Restaurant

La Caravella Restaurant is located on deck 5.

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La Caravella Restaurant

Alfresco restaurant, serving pizza and fast-food styled dishes.

MSC Cruises MSC Opera II Patio Pizza & Pasta 0

MSC Cruises MSC Opera II Patio Pizza & Pasta 1

II Patio Bar

Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A cafeteria style, self-service buffet.

MSC Cruises MSC Opera Le Vele Buffet 0

MSC Cruises MSC Opera Le Vele Buffet 1

Le Vele Self Service Buffet

MSC Cruises is proud to bring the very best in artisanal gelato to our travellers. Venchi has been making superlative desserts since 1878 and owes much of its success to the use of 100% natural ingredients and exclusive recipes, from its intense extra dark chocolate to luscious gianduja and refreshing fruit sorbets.Freshly made daily on board

MSC Lirica Class Ice cream

Venchi Ice Cream Bar

Bar with vitamin drinks made from fresh fruits and juice such as Orange Delight and Carrot Fantasy.

MSC Lirica Class Vitamin Bar

Vitamin Bar

Your cruise experience is at the centre of everything we do. To help make your holiday with us truly memorable, we give you the chance to tailor your experience to your needs and desires. For example, you can either leave the choice of cabin to us and benefit from the best rates available, or choose your own ideal cabin and location, while enjoying extra flexibility and additional benefits to make your cruise even more special.<ul><li>Bella Experience</li><li>Fantastica Experience</li><li>Aurea Experience</li><li>MSC Yacht Club Experience</li></ul>

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Unique Feature

One of the best ways to explore a city is from the seat of a bicycle. Hit the road on your next MSC Cruise on a MSC BIKE ADVENTOURS experience.See, hear, smell and feel the destination like never before. You’re guaranteed to leave with a deeper connection.

MSC Cruises Bike Tours

Bike Tours

What are ProtectoursWe are committed to preserving a beautiful world for future generations to enjoy. By focusing on environmental sustainability, PROTECTOURS contribute to that vital goal. 70% of the tours involve activities with zero environmental impact – like walking, cycling, or kayaking – while others make a direct contribution to the environment, for example, tree planting or beach cleaning. So, you can enjoy original insights into the natural world while preserving its beauty and helping to ensure a greener future!A world of amazing experiencesPROTECTOURS offer you unforgettable experiences in close contact with nature and communities in a variety of environments around the world. Local guides, with an expertise in wildlife or traditions, will help you save baby sea turtles in the Caribbean, clean the desert in Abu Dhabi, explore Iceland by horseback, or immerse yourself in Corfu’s beautiful countryside and the magical world of bees.MSC Cruises and the environmentOur love and respect for the marine environment are reflected in our certified eco-ships, with their innovative systems for energy saving, waste treatment and recycling. Naturally, our commitment to the environments extends to our onshore activities too. PROTECTOURS is not only a way to offer our guests a variety of eco-friendly shore excursions, but also a means of encouraging our onshore partners to develop tours that pay ever more attention to environmental sustainability. Just one example is that no single-use plastic or other items are accepted on these tours.

MSC Cruises Excursions Protectours

Sustainable Shore Excursions: MSC Protectours

MSC Family Explorer ClubExplore the destination together on a fun filled family adventure, inspired by history and designed to cover all the highlights.Family friendly programmingTours typically start later in the morning, are shorter in duration and are accompanied by expert guides and story tellersTours that the whole family can enjoyEach experience is developed to keep both children entertained while also providing an enriching and educational experience for adultsFamily-Friendly Prices 50% offChildren tickets are always half-pricePeace of MindWhen you choose an MSC Family Explorer Club you can relax in the knowledge that all our tours are operated by carefully selected partners who can easily make contact with your ship throughout the day.

MSC Cruises Family Explorer Club Excursions

MSC Family Explorer Club

Explore each destination at your own paceOur Easy &amp; Accessible Tours make exploring comfortable for everyone!These tours allow slow walkers, wheelchair, scooter users and any guests that like to leisurely explore, to visit the best each destination has to offer on easy tours created just for them. Through specifically selected itineraries and specially designed tours, guests will be able to enjoy step free routes at their own pace, experiencing the wonders of our destinations in total comfort. Special needs vehicles will be available to accommodate small groups, and tours itineraries will always include access to special needs restrooms.Please note that vehicles and their wheelchair &amp; scooter requirements (width, height, weight) vary from tour to tour so make sure to carefully check the specific requirements within each tour description.

msc world europa accessible excursions

Easy & Accessible Excursions

713 seat theatre, and the main show lounge onboard. Offers tiered seating, and features small-scale production shows and cabaret performances.

MSC Lirica Class Teatro dell'Opera 3

MSC Lirica Class Teatro dell'Opera 4

MSC Lirica Class Teatro dell'Opera 

MSC Lirica Class Teatro dell'Opera 2

Teatro Dell'Opera

Our casinos are elegantly designed, featuring games for all types of players. You’ll be able to try your hand at Roulette or Blackjack, challenge yourself at one of our Poker tables, or choose among a variety of slot machines.

MSC Lirica Class Casino

MSC Lirica Class Casino 2

Med Pearl Casino

Late-night bar and nightclub with a 450 square foot dance floor.

MSC Lirica Class Bybios Disco

MSC Cruises MSC Opera Byblos Discoteca

Byblos Discoteca

Show lounge, with piano and bar and 193 square foot dance floor.

MSC Cruises MSC Opera La Cabala Piano Lounge 2

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La Cabala Piano Bar & Lounge

The ship's card room is located on deck 7 and seats 28 guests.

MSC Lirica Class The card room 2

MSC Lirica Class The card room

The Card Room

Sottovento Pub is located on deck 5.

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Sottovento Pub

Piazza di Spagna Lounge is located on deck 5.

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Piazza di Spagna Lounge

Lo Spinnaker Pool Bar is located on deck 11.

MSC Cruises MSC Opera Lo Spinnaker Pool Bar

Lo Spinnaker Pool Bar

MSC Cruises MSC Opera Cotton Club Music Hall 2

MSC Cruises MSC Opera Cotton Club Music Hall 1

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Cotton Club

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Coffee Bar

If a bit of poolside therapy sounds like your idea of heaven, look no further than one of our numerous swimming pools to get your fill of sun and relaxation, while our pool attendants can cater to your every need.

MSC Cruises MSC Opera Le Piscine and Doremi Spray Park 2

MSC Cruises MSC Opera Le Piscine and Doremi Spray Park 1

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MSC Cruises MSC Opera Le Piscine and Doremi Spray Park 3

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Le Piscine and Doremi Spray Park

While away a few enjoyable hours of game play at the Arcade on board the ship. Pit your wits and skill against those of your friends in any number of typical arcade options, including video games, pinball and more. Great fun guaranteed.

MSC Cruises Arcade

Arcade

It’s all white for a night with dazzling décor and costumes to suit the theme, plus a special performance starring our theatre cast.

MSC Cruises White Party

White Party

Think you’ve got what it takes to be a star in our on-board talent competition, The MSC Factor? Then come and showcase what you can do in the most exciting talent show at sea. Whatever your specific talent may be, don’t be shy – come and show the world what it’s been missing.

MSC Cruises MSC Factor

MSC Factor

The world's best-loved food show awaits you on the MSC Cruises fleet! Experience the adrenaline-fuelled creativity of an extraordinary on-board cooking competition for adults and junior guests.

MSC Cruises Master Chef

Master Chef

A start-of-the-cruise event celebrating the ship's departure, led by the Entertainment Team and Dancers in a spectacular Costume Parade.

MSC Cruises Sailaway Party

Sailaway Party

Fun-packed festive celebrations with a Bavarian flair - decorations, costumes, games, music and of course beer. There’s even a Master of Beer competition and a 6-metre-tall inflatable beer mug.

MSC Cruises Beer Festival

Beer Festival

Infuse your cruise with gifts that spark magical memories of your voyage across the waves! Navigate the MSC Logo Shop for everything from gadgets to books and novelty gifts! You’ll also find MSC’s very own DOREMI Mascot right here in the MSC Shop.

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MSC Logo Shop

Browse the latest collections for men, women and children, plus an array of accessories for all tastes. Enjoy the expert guidance of our staff, here to help you find something for the special people in your life, whatever their age and taste!

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MSC Cruises MSC Opera Lei & Lui Boutique 0

Fashion Boutique

Top Italian brands such as Armani, Coccinelle, Furla and Fusaro feature alongside international names like Radley London, Calvin Klein, Lacoste, Tommy Hilfiger and Ralph Lauren.Here you are sure to find serious sartorial inspiration for bags and accessories!

MSC Cruises MSC Opera Accessories Shop

Accessories

Discover everything the Duty Free shop has to offer, all at tax and duty-free prices*.You can choose between top-flight international tobacco products, technology products, fine wines, chocolate, make up and travel essentials.Our expert staff can provide you with all the help you need to make the perfect choice.

MSC Cruises Shopping Duty Free

Duty Free

Smile! Our professional team of photographers constantly roam the ship, capturing wonderful memories every day. Be sure to stroll through the Photo Gallery daily, so you don’t miss one of their great shots of you and your loved ones enjoying your cruise.

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MSC Cruises MSC Opera Photo Shop 1

Photo Shop

A dedicated Studio Photographer will provide you with a unique photo opportunity to capture the special moments of your cruise. During a private consultation you will be presented with the best locations around the ship so you can choose where your photoshoot will take place. Every photo will be taken with top of the line equipment by our highly-skilled, studio photographer using creative lighting techniques. Pictures will be re-touched and edited, and printed on premium photo paper. After your session choose from our different packages and take home lasting memories.

MSC Photo Portrait

Photo Portrait

MSC Aurea Spa boasts an exotic interior of natural stone, precious woods and rich mosaics, and is equipped with specific and massage treatment suites. Being pampered by a traditional Balinese Massage is a truly unique experience. Thanks to a blend of scented essences and aromatic oils, your body is enveloped in an endlessly peaceful and relaxing aura.

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MSC Aurea Spa

Enjoying time off on your cruise doesn’t need to mean letting your fitness routine slide, so gear up and rendezvous with the power walking and jogging track on deck to get your daily exercise fix while also savouring outstanding ocean views.

MSC Cruises Walking Track

Power Walking Track

Exclusively for adults, this calm, quiet and peaceful retreat can be found on the Sun Deck.

MSC Lirica Class Solarium

Top 13 Exclusive Solarium

Relaxing on one of our ships will do wonders for you, but we also have a few secrets on board to help you look and feel even better. Make the most of our range of safe and effective Anti-Ageing treatments and return from your cruise visibly rejuvenated.

7 NIGHT Mediterranean - Eastern CRUISE

Itinerary

Itinerary

Day

About this cruise

Available dates

L'Approdo Restaurant

Deck Plans

Ship Specifications