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
WELCOME TO THE FUTURE OF CRUISING
Futuristic Cruise Experience
The future of cruising isn't just about technology: it's about the experience too. MSC World Europa was designed to elevate the delights of a traditional cruise ship to entirely new levels.
From her sleek interior design to her 13 dining venues to her thrilling entertainment offerings, the onboard experience is like no other cruise ship. Relax in the scenic Panorama Lounge, experience the excitement of the futuristic Luna Park Arena, or lose yourself in the iconic Kinetic Dome.
Ground-Breaking Design
From her stunning silhouette to her signature plumb bow, the futuristic MSC World Europa is a visually striking as she is innovative.
Her unique Y-shaped open aft leads to a 104m long promenade, with incredible panoramic ocean views. The promenade also features the record breaking, longest dry slide at sea - The Venom Drop @ The Spiral - an 11-deck high stainless-steel masterpiece, unique in the cruise industry.
On-Board Experience
There's something for everyone on board MSC World Europa, from the largest waterpark in our fleet, to bumper cars, and our new surprise street performances. And with 7 swimming pools spread across the ship, including one with a sliding roof, there's always space to relax by water and pool deck.
For families with children, the award-winning MSC Kids Club features state-of-the-art facilities inside a dedicated area of the ship, with a range of kids' clubs and tailor-made programs for every age group.
The World On Your Doorstep
MSC World Europa will come into service in December 2022, commencing her season with a special 4-night sailing from Doha to Dubai.
For her inaugural season, guests will be able to experience the ultimate winter cruise experience in the Dubai, Abu Dhabi & Qatar, with 7-night cruises on offer. Explore the modern metropolis
Available dates
Stateroom Options
- InsideFROM£1,299 pp
- OceanviewFROM£1,509 pp
- BalconyFROM£1,609 pp
- SuiteFROM£2,059 pp
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Chef's Garden Kitchen
The Chef's Garden Kitchen's promises fresh and seasonal flavours, taking its cues from nature. Born in Sweden, the son of a produce seller, Niklas Eksedt began his strong connection with nature and the Earth's flavours at a young age. Modernising cuisine with art not technology, Eksedt combines traditional Nordic cooking and preserving techniques with astonishingly creative combinations of rigorously fresh seasonal ingredients.
MSC World Europa
MSC Cruises
FROM
£1,299 pp
- What's included?
- The below amenities and services are included in your selected cruise fare. By choosing a promotion during the booking process you may be entitled to additional amenities or services, depending on the particular offer.
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):