7 Night Mediterranean - Western Cruise
Itinerary

Marseille
France
Day 1Since being designated a European Capital of Culture for 2013, with an estimated €660 million of funding in the bargain, Marseille has been in the throes of an extraordinary transformation, with no fewer than five major new arts centers, a beautifully refurbished port, revitalized neighborhoods, and a slew of new shops and restaurants. Once the underdog, this time-burnished city is now welcoming an influx of weekend tourists who have colonized entire neighborhoods and transformed them into elegant pieds-à-terre (or should we say, mer). The second-largest city in France, Marseille is one of Europe's most vibrant destinations. Feisty and fond of broad gestures, it is also as complicated and as cosmopolitan now as it was when a band of Phoenician Greeks first sailed into the harbor that is today's Vieux Port in 600 BC. Legend has it that on that same day a local chieftain's daughter, Gyptis, needed to choose a husband, and her wandering eyes settled on the Greeks' handsome commander Protis. Her dowry brought land near the mouth of the Rhône, where the Greeks founded Massalia, the most important Continental shipping port in antiquity. The port flourished for some 500 years as a typical Greek city, enjoying the full flush of classical culture, its gods, its democratic political system, its sports and theater, and its naval prowess. Caesar changed all that, besieging the city in 49 BC and seizing most of its colonies. In 1214 Marseille was seized again, this time by Charles d'Anjou, and was later annexed to France by Henri IV in 1481, but it was not until Louis XIV took the throne that the biggest transformations of the port began; he pulled down the city walls in 1666 and expanded the port to the Rive Neuve (New Riverbank). The city was devastated by plague in 1720, losing more than half its population. By the time of the Revolution, Marseille was on the rebound once again, with industries of soap manufacturing and oil processing flourishing, encouraging a wave of immigration from Provence and Italy. With the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869, Marseille became the greatest boomtown in 19th-century Europe. With a large influx of immigrants from areas as exotic as Tangiers, the city quickly acquired the multicultural population it maintains to this day.
About this cruise
Discover The Art of Cruising on board MSC World Asia, the new World Class ship from MSC Cruises.
MSC World Asia showcases MSC Cruises' unparalleled expertise in The Art of Cruising, blending refined craftsmanship with meticulous attention to detail.
This harmonious combination delivers the art of savouring, exploring and making memories.
Be one of the first to discover The Art of Cruising on MSC World Asia, now open for bookings.
MSC World Asia starts cruising to the Mediterranean's most captivating cities in winter 2026.
The new MSC Cruises World Class ship is designed for unique and unforgettable experiences at sea. Immerse yourself in a stylish, international atmosphere where you'll be seduced by the most charming and refined craftsmanship and attention to detail, on a ship designed for all guests and travellers.
The Art of Design
Be captivated by the beauty of the World Promenade, where the stunning ocean views and LED light shows are unmatched. Revel in the excitement of award-winning activities for the whole family. Delight in the art of flavours with an incredible choice of restaurants and bars featuring globally inspired menus and dive into the vibrant life of an authentic city of the future, abounding with choice and excitement.
Available dates
Stateroom Options
- InsideFROM£1,054 pp
- OceanviewFROM£1,204 pp
- BalconyFROM£1,274 pp
- SuiteFROM£1,824 pp
Fast, Simple, Secure booking
No Booking Fees
No Hidden Fees


dining
enrichment
kids teens
accommodation
entertainment
health fitness
dining
HOLA! Tacos & Cantina
This new sat-casual street food dining concept, offers a selection of Latin American and Mexican-inspired dishes and drinks to be shared and enjoyed friendly atmosphere. Choose from a tantalising array of dishes from blue corn tacos and nachos and tasty tamales through to tortilla soup or vegetarian tacos, all to be savoured with a glass of agua fresca or our selection of Top 10 Tequilas and Mezcals! A signature salsa bar offers a large selection of sauces.
MSC World Asia
MSC Cruises
FROM
£1,054 pp
- What's included?
Included benefits
Bella Experience
Fantastica Experience includes all Bella benefits, plus:
Aurea Experience includes all Fantastica benefits, plus:
- MSC Yacht Club (Available on board MSC World Europa, MSC Seascape, MSC Seashore, MSC Virtuosa, MSC Grandiosa, MSC Bellissima, MSC Seaview, MSC Seaside, MSC Meraviglia, MSC Preziosa, MSC Divina, MSC Splendida and MSC Fantasia):