Mediterranean Odyssey Cruise (from Southampton)

Lisbon
Amsterdam
Belem Tower, Lisbon
Monument to the Discoveries, Lisbon
Palma, Majorca
Palma, Majorca
Valletta
Valletta
The dazzling shore of Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik Old Town
Venice
Rialto Bridge, Venice

Your Itinerary

DAY 1: Southampton, UK.

Make your own way to Southampton to embark your cruise ship, MSC Opera. Latest embarkation is at 2pm. Enjoy a sail away party at around 4pm. (D)

DAY 2: Amsterdam.

The Dutch capital is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city with plenty of sights to enjoy. Famed for its charming, tree-shaded canals spanned by 1,000 bridges and lined by handsome gabled merchant houses, it also boasts numerous world-class galleries and museums, including the magnificent Rijksmuseum filled with Dutch masterpieces, and the Van Gogh Museum. Today, why not join an optional canal cruise along the city's 'grachten', passing under picturesque arched bridges and admiring landmarks such as Anne Frank's House and the famous Skinny Bridge? (B, L, D)

DAY 3: Cherbourg.

The gateway to Normandy, Cherbourg sits on a spectacular natural harbour, developed into a transatlantic port by Napoleon in the early 19th century. Set on the Cotentin peninsula, alongside a stunning coastline of wide sandy beaches, tranquil fishing villages and rocky cliffs, Cherbourg is home to a quaint old town, offering a maze of narrow streets packed with traditional brasseries and splendid food and gift shops, as well as a fascinating aquarium and planetarium. An important site in the Allies' battle for the Normandy coast during WWII, Cherbourg has a turbulent history and the town's Liberation Museum is a must-see for history buffs. (B, L, D)

DAY 4: At sea.

(B, L, D)

DAY 5: Vigo.

Set in the gorgeous Galician province of Ponteverde, Vigo is a charming Spanish port town on the shores of the Atlantic. Rich in history and maritime tradition, Vigo is famed for its delicious seafood, picturesque streets and beautiful parks. Immerse yourself in the atmospheric charms of the Casco Vello old quarter and its labyrinth of steep, winding streets, each packed with enchanting craft and curio shops. Or perhaps view the pretty Porta del Sol and surreal Sireno statue. Alternatively, visit the nearby city of Santiago de Compostela - one of the world's most revered Catholic pilgrimage sites and an awe-inspiring medieval gem laced with granite-paved streets and breathtaking religious monuments. (B, L, D)

DAY 6: Lisbon.

Today, discover Portugal's capital, one of Europe's smallest but most vibrant cities. Why not take the optional city tour, which encompasses the April 25th Suspension Bridge, the Jeronimos Gothic Monastery and ornate Belem Tower? (B, L, D)

DAY 7: At sea.

(B, L, D)

DAY 8 to 9: Palma de Mallorca.

Surrounded by the warm, azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea, Majorca is the largest of the Balearic Islands and is renowned for its gorgeous beaches, secluded coves and vibrant, cheerful resorts. Palma, it's stylish capital, is home to a fascinating historic quarter with attractions such as the impressive Gothic cathedral, the Royal Palace of La Almudaina, the 14th century Bellver Castle, the Convent of St Francis and the Carthusian Monastery of Valldemosa. Why not relax in picturesque Plaza Mayor or take a stroll along Passeig Maritim to admire Palma's beautiful marina? (B, L, D)

DAY 10: La Valletta.

Ruled by the medieval Knights of St John for 270 years, sun-drenched Malta has an intensely warm-hearted culture. The honey-stoned capital, Valletta, fringes a spectacular Grand Harbour and bursts with stepped alleyways, bustling cafés and rich monuments. Today there's free time to admire its gems, perhaps wandering its Upper Barracca Gardens or marvelling at the sumptuous St John's Co-Cathedral, which houses Caravaggio's masterpiece, 'The Beheading of St John the Baptist'. Also see the Grand Master's Palace, home to Malta's government for four centuries. (B, L, D)

DAY 11: At sea.

(B, L, D)

DAY 12: Dubrovnik.

Dubrovnik is a beautiful city overlooking the sparkling Adriatic Sea and stunning Dalmatian Coast. Once a rival to Venice as a trading centre, Dubrovnik's Old Town sits protected behind mighty medieval walls measuring almost 2 kilometres long. After breakfast, enjoy an optional guided tour of the city centre, taking in a wealth of sights from the Dominican monastery to the glorious Rector's Palace. (B, L, D)

DAY 13: Venice - UK.

After breakfast, disembark your ship and transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B)

ID Requirements

A full passport is required for this holiday and must be valid for at least 6 months after the return date to the UK.

Your Holiday Map

Mediterranean Odyssey Cruise (from Southampton)

MSC Opera
Inside twin cabin, MSC Opera
Outside twin cabin, MSC Opera
Outside double cabin, MSC Opera
Outside balcony cabin, MSC Opera
Pool area, MSC Opera
La Caravella Restaurant, MSC Opera
L'Approdo Restaurant, MSC Opera
Aroma Coffee Bar, MSC Opera
La Cabala Piano Bar, MSC Opera
MSC Opera
Sotto Vento Pub, MSC Opera
Teatro dell'Opera, MSC Opera

MSC Opera

Suffused with an understated ambience, MSC Opera is a contemporary ship laden with modern navigational technologies yet retains an old world charm with its sumptuous, traditional décor. Adorned with fine woodwork, marble floors and trimmings, art deco inspired furnishings, acres of rich fabrics, and vast glass walls for plenty of natural light and dramatic sea views, MSC Opera embodies operatic grandeur and spaciousness. Accommodating 2,055 guests in 856 well-appointed cabins, MSC Opera also provides impeccable service and a very good selection of amenities, fine dining options and entertainment to choose from.

Public Rooms & Facilities

Sun deck; 2 swimming pools and pool bar; 2 whirlpools; 2 restaurants; café; outdoor grill; ice cream bar; beer bar; piano bar; coffee bar; pub; Caruso Lounge; deck games; minigolf; jogging track; beauty parlour; spa; fitness centre; casino; theatre; shops and photo gallery; card room; library; disco; internet centre; medical centre; 4 lifts.

Dining

Your cruise includes full board. The choice of on board dining options includes 2 dining rooms: La Caravella and L'Approdo; along with the more casual Le Vele café and Il Patio outdoor grill. Many dishes are cooked with a traditional Italian flavour, although an assortment of international-styled options is also available.

Cabins

All cabins have twin beds that can be made up as a double; air-conditioning; satellite TV; shower and wc. Your holiday price includes an inside cabin, or you may choose to upgrade.

Options/Upgrades

Cabin Categories & Descriptions:

Inside cabin

Outside cabin

Outside cabin with balcony

Tipping

A fixed service charge of 6 euros per person per day will automatically be added to your on board account. This will be shared amongst the crew. Tipping is discretionary and should you wish to make adjustments, you may do so by contacting the guest reception desk during your cruise.

MSC Opera
Inside twin cabin, MSC Opera
Outside twin cabin, MSC Opera
Outside double cabin, MSC Opera
Outside balcony cabin, MSC Opera
Pool area, MSC Opera
La Caravella Restaurant, MSC Opera
L'Approdo Restaurant, MSC Opera
Aroma Coffee Bar, MSC Opera
La Cabala Piano Bar, MSC Opera
MSC Opera
Sotto Vento Pub, MSC Opera
Teatro dell'Opera, MSC Opera

MSC Opera

Suffused with an understated ambience, MSC Opera is a contemporary ship laden with modern navigational technologies yet retains an old world charm with its sumptuous, traditional décor. Adorned with fine woodwork, marble floors and trimmings, art deco inspired furnishings, acres of rich fabrics, and vast glass walls for plenty of natural light and dramatic sea views, MSC Opera embodies operatic grandeur and spaciousness. Accommodating 2,055 guests in 856 well-appointed cabins, MSC Opera also provides impeccable service and a very good selection of amenities, fine dining options and entertainment to choose from.

Public Rooms & Facilities

Sun deck; 2 swimming pools and pool bar; 2 whirlpools; 2 restaurants; café; outdoor grill; ice cream bar; beer bar; piano bar; coffee bar; pub; Caruso Lounge; deck games; minigolf; jogging track; beauty parlour; spa; fitness centre; casino; theatre; shops and photo gallery; card room; library; disco; internet centre; medical centre; 4 lifts.

Dining

Your cruise includes full board. The choice of on board dining options includes 2 dining rooms: La Caravella and L'Approdo; along with the more casual Le Vele café and Il Patio outdoor grill. Many dishes are cooked with a traditional Italian flavour, although an assortment of international-styled options is also available.

Cabins

All cabins have twin beds that can be made up as a double; air-conditioning; satellite TV; shower and wc. Your holiday price includes an inside cabin, or you may choose to upgrade.

Options/Upgrades

Cabin Categories & Descriptions:

Inside cabin

Outside cabin

Outside cabin with balcony

Tipping

A fixed service charge of 6 euros per person per day will automatically be added to your on board account. This will be shared amongst the crew. Tipping is discretionary and should you wish to make adjustments, you may do so by contacting the guest reception desk during your cruise.