MSC Cruises has opened sales for the MSC World Cruise 2023, which will span 53 destinations in 33 countries across six continents in a 119-day voyage on board the MSC Poesia, departing January 5, 2023 from Genoa Italy on a 30,000 nautical mile journey that will cross 24 separate time zones.
Crossing the Atlantic Ocean from Europe, where passengers will also be able to embark at the ports Civitavecchia/Rome, Marseille and Barcelona, the MSC Poesia will visit the tropical islands of the Caribbean and then sail through the Panama Canal, before heading to the west coast of Central America with calls in Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Guatemala and Mexico, from where it will continue to San Francisco.
The Pacific leg will feature visits to Maui, Hawaii, Samoa, Fiji, Auckland in New Zealand, Sydney, the Australian Gold Coast, Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef, Papua New Guinea and the Philippines. The ship will then arrive in Japan during the cherry blossom season with calls at Kyoto and Tokyo.
With the focus of the voyage on Asia, the MSC World Cruise will call at Shanghai, Vietnam, Singapore and Malaysia, before crossing the Indian Ocean to the Persian Gulf region and then head home to the Mediterranean via the Suez Canal.
The MSC World Cruise (2023) will span six continents, 53 destinations, and 33 countries over 119 days (Infographic: MSC)
99% Protection With Sonovia Antiviral Facemask: Kills 99% of the COVID-19 Virus Using Nano Tech Textile
MSC World Cruise 2023 highlights
According to an MSC press release, highlights of the voyage include calls at:
- Tokyo, Japan – One of six Japanese cities the MSC Poesia will visit during the world tour. With a plethora of uniquely Japanese activities to experience, guests may choose between traditional tea ceremonies, observing Sumo wrestlers’ morning practice sessions and discovering the restaurant offerings that make Tokyo the most Michelin-starred city in the world.
- Shanghai, China – One of China’s most iconic cities will give guests an opportunity to immerse themselves in the Far East, visiting the Jade Buddha Temple, walking along the Bund waterfront or taking a day trip to the Zhujiajiao water town, where the historic homes and bridges will have guests feeling they’ve stepped back in time.
MSC Magnifica back at sea; MSC Grandiosa has now made nine COVID-free sailings
- Da Nang, Vietnam – Vietnam’s 5th largest city is one of the country’s most beautiful. Guests may opt to climb the one-of-a-kind Marble Mountains, bask in the sun on My Khe Beach or discover the many stunning pagodas that the city is known for.
- Singapore – Framed by the unmistakable Marina Bay Sands Hotel and the city’s symbol, the Merlion, Singapore is a paradise for shoppers, with breath-taking malls that are as beautiful as they are well-stocked. The historical Raffles Hotel and eye-opening Gardens by the Bay make this small island a taste of the best of both worlds, modern meets classic.
- Aqaba, Jordan – This city rests on the Red Sea coast and is a haven for divers and history buffs alike. From snorkelling in the Aqaba Marine Park to Mamluk Castle and the Aqaba Archaeological Museum, this destination has something to satiate everyone’s interests.
- Puerto Limon, Costa Rica – the country’s largest city with a rich history, stunning beaches and lush rainforests.
- San Francisco, USA – Guests will not want to miss a chance to get a look at the iconic Golden Gate bridge, visit the famous penitentiary-turned-prison Alcatraz, or taste the local California wines in one of the United States’ most famous cities.
- Honolulu, USA – Hawaii is renowned for its sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and looming volcanoes. On Oahu, the Hawaiian capital is home to all three of these treasures, where guests can partake in a luau or simply say ‘aloha’ to a day of sunbathing on the famous Waikiki Beach.
- Sydney, Australia – Sailing by the Sydney Opera House and towering Harbour Bridge, guests will have two days to explore the Australian capital.
