Transatlantic Voyage: Caribbean to the Mediterranean – Fly, Stay & Cruise Package

Departing from Sydney or Melbourne, this package includes economy airfares to Miami and returning from Barcelona, as well as two nights pre-cruise hotel accommodation in Miami. Once your flight lands, you’ll make your way to your central hotel for your first night in Miami.

Spend a full day exploring Miami and discover the melting pot that is this magical city. Known as a world class holiday destination, offering a vibrant mix of trendy nightlife, stunning beaches, captivating art galleries, and rich Latin American influences, Miami is the gateway to the Americas, providing a glamorous and cosmopolitan experience for every visitor. From discovering the historical neighbourhood of Little Havana or beautiful South Beach, to alligator spotting in the Everglades or people watching on the legendary Ocean Drive, to here is plenty for you to fill your day with. Tonight is your last night’s accommodation in Miami before embarking on your cruise in the morning.

It’s embarkation day! Head to the port after checking out from your hotel and board the stunning MSC Seaside at your embarkation time. Your ships’ departure is set for 6pm, so you have plenty of time to explore the ship, get comfortable in your stateroom, and then wave goodbye to Miami at sailaway!

The next two days of your itinerary are sea days as you make your way from Miami to the Caribbean, and its the perfect opportunity to really get to know your new home away from home. MSC Seaside boasts a revolutionary design that seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor spaces that really connect you with the sea. On deck 8 you’ll find a seafront promenade with a diverse array of dining, shopping, swimming options, and even a glass skywalk. Deck 16 showcases the Miami Beach Pool with stunning ocean views and ample space for sun-worshipping; and on the ship’s aft on deck 7 you’ll find the elegant South Beach Pool which has panoramic lifts connecting it to the top deck. This, and so much more, is all yours to discover!

The unique island of St Maarten is the smallest inhabited destination in the world shared by two nations – France in the north and the Netherlands in the south. Known as the true melting pot of the Caribbean, St. Maarten’s is home to individuals hailing from 47 different nationalities. The island features two capitals: Philipsburg on the Dutch side and Marigot in the French territory. Philipsburg is rich in history and welcoming in nature, with pastel-coloured West Indian houses and enticing shopping experiences along Front Street. Marigot boasts picturesque gingerbread-like houses, sidewalk bistros, and a delightful waterfront market. Both are worth exploring during your time in port, but no visit to St. Maarten is complete without a trip to the famous Maho Beach, aptly nicknamed Airplane Beach because you will witness planes passing by at a hair’s breadth while landing and taking off from Princess Juliana Airport’s short runway. It’s guaranteed to leave you awe-struck.

This Caribbean gem boasts an incredible 365 beaches, truly earning it’s motto “One Beach a Day”. Whether you’re in search of famous stretches of sand, hidden havens, or even secluded shores nestled in volcanic craters, there is quite literally a beach for everyone! The vibrant port of St. John’s – the capital and commercial hub of Antigua and Barbuda – is a laid-back cosmopolitan city, with an unmistakable British flair. It is renowned for its luxury boutiques and high-end shopping malls, providing a shopper’s paradise. However, if you’re in search of an immersive experience in nature, a trip to Stingray City, where you can dive into the crystal-clear waters and swim alongside gentle southern stingrays, is a must! Or, for a bird’s-eye view of Antigua’s lush rainforest, embark on a guided canopy tour that will have you traversing suspension bridges and soaring through zip lines, all within a breathtaking gorge.

The small Barbados capital of Bridgetown is bursting with attractions and oozing British charm, but it is still undeniably a Caribbean nation. While in port, a visit to the Garrison Historic Area is an absolute must. This area boasts magnificent 18th- and 19th-century buildings and houses one of the world’s most impressive collections of cannons. Or if you want to delve deeper into the island’s rich history, visit the Barbados Museum and Historical Society. For a truly breathtaking experience with nature, make your way to Harrison’s Cave, a natural wonder that is adorned with stalactites, stalagmites, streams, lakes, and waterfalls. Inside one of the caverns, the play of light on the rocks is so mesmerising that it has earned the nickname “The Crystal Room.” Or, unwind beachside at Pirates Cove, known as one of the finest beaches on Barbados. With palm trees, chickee huts, white sands, and crystal-clear waters, this idyllic spot is just a stone’s throw away from Bridgetown. And, if you’re feeling adventurous and wish to explore the depths of the ocean, join an MSC excursion aboard the Atlantis, a real submarine, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the coral reef.

The next six days of your itinerary are “sea days” as you make your way from the islands of the Caribbean to the stunnings shore of Portugal. Make the most of this time and see and do everything that’s on your MSC Seaside wish list.

Funchal is the capital of the picturesque Madeira archipelago, a group of sub-tropical islands formed by immense volcanic eruptions 20 million years ago. This charming city is steeped in history and attractions, including Cabo Girão (Europe’s highest promontory); “Laurissilva” forest, an inland forest region of Madeira; and the Monte district, where you will find the revered pilgrimage site of Nossa Senhora do Monte, an esteemed destination for spiritual devotees.

Enjoy a day cruising at sea as MSC Seaside takes you to your next Portuguese stop.

As the second oldest European capital after Athens, Lisbon captivates with its rich history, timeless beauty, and unmistakably Portuguese charm. Perched on a series of hills overlooking the Tejo estuary, Lisbon’s historic center is remarkably compact, allowing you to explore its wonders in just a day during your MSC cruise stop. At the heart of the city lies the Alfama, a maze of narrow streets leading up to the imposing Moorish Castelo de São Jorge. On the opposite hill, you’ll find the Bairro Alto, renowned for its bars, restaurants, and nightlife. The valley between these two hills forms the Baixa, or lower town, home to impressive buildings, intriguing shops, and inviting cafes. During your port day, seize the opportunity to traverse a narrow walkway leading to the awe-inspiring Torre de Belém (Belem Tower), a landmark that epitomises the spirit of Lisbon and Portugal. Originally built as a ceremonial gateway and fortress during Portugal’s global empire, the tower has witnessed its fair share of history. From falling to Spanish forces in the 16th century to French occupation during the Peninsula War, the Belem Tower has seen it all. Today, as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it reveals its secrets to visitors, such as the haunting pits where prisoners were once held and the magnificent 16th-century rhinoceros gargoyle.

Enjoy a day cruising at sea as MSC Seaside takes you to the shores of Spain.

Once a Roman settlement, Valencia is a captivating port city on the beautiful coast of Spain. This charming city perfectly blends modern and ancient architecture, from the futuristic design of the City of Arts and Sciences to the majestic Valencia Cathedral from the 13th century – you’ll be spellbound by it’s unique beauty. If you’re seeking a peaceful retreat in nature, you can’t miss the protected natural wonder that is Albufera National Park, which has a vast freshwater lagoon and estuary nestled within it. As you glide across the water, have your camera ready to snap the local wildlife, including flamingos, stilts, herons, and terns.

The captivating port city of Palma, situated on the south coast of Mallorca, enchants visitors with its medieval streets, stunning architecture, and ancient fortified walls. Explore the city’s landmark sights on foot or by bike, and make sure to visit the extraordinary La Seu cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece dating back nearly 400 years. You can also immerse yourself in Spanish traditions at the Balearic Coliseum in Plaza de Toros, a historic arena that still hosts bullfights, or take a trip to La Almudaina, the splendid summer residence of the Spanish Royal Family. You can lose yourself in the awe-inspiring Cathedral of Santa Maria, adorned with designs by the legendary architect, Gaudi, and explore the Gothic Bellver castle, with its captivating circular center and striking towers. For lovers of dramatic landscapes, an excursion to the Dragon Caves is a must. This is Mallorca’s mysterious underground world, shaped by years of coastal erosion. There is a wealth of things to see and do in Palma, so book your shore excursions ahead of time!

Enjoy a day cruising at sea as MSC Seaside takes you to the beautiful coastlines of Italy.

The port of Palermo is a vibrant destination on your itinerary. As the regional capital of the beautiful island of Sicily, this cosmopolitan city is renowned for its stunning architecture, tantalising street food, and breathtaking beaches. There are a wealth of landmarks and exciting attractions to visit during your day in port, including the Politeama and Quattro Canti squares, the remarkable Palazzo d’Orléans, and the astonishing Palatine Chapel. There are a number of excursions you can book with MSC, including a visit to Segesta, a revered archaeological site, or the coastal town of Cefalù, where your first stop will be the awe-inspiring Arab-Norman cathedral, Duomo di Cefalù. Any of these Sicilian gems should be on your “must-see” list, so plan your day ahead of time and book a shore excursion on board.

Dating back to 2nd millennium B.C., Naples is a true gem of Italy. With its vibrant historical center surrounding a breathtaking harbour bay, it is a treasure trove of architectural landmarks, masterpiece artworks, and delectable cuisine. You can opt to explore the beautiful city of Naples itself, or venture beyond to the awe-inspiring archaeological site of Pompeii, the glamorous island of Capri, or the picturesque coastal town of Sorrento. Whether you want to witness the ancient Roman city buried under pumice and ash during the volcanic eruption of 79 AD, embrace laid-back island life, or get lost in the historical architecture of centuries-old landmarks, there is an MSC shore excursion that will get you there.

Located on the breathtaking west coast of Tuscany, Livorno is a vibrant port city that offers rich historical architecture, mouthwatering seafood, and a charming waterside promenade. One of the other major highlights of Livorno is its proximity to Tuscany’s magnificent art cities, Florence and Pisa. Florence, the capital city of the region, is renowned for its Italian Renaissance wonders, masterpiece artworks, artisan stores and chic boutiques. Pisa, is of course home to the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa. Visit Piazza dei Miracoli, where you’ll find not only the leaning tower but also the 13th-century Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and the Baptistery with its Gothic façade. Another unforgettable experience is a trip to Cinque Terre, the UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Park that consists of five charming coastal villages: Corniglia, Manarola, Riomaggiore, Monterosso al Mare, and Vernazza.

Nestled on the coastline of the French Riviera is Marseille, a must-see destination celebrated for its vibrant culture, vibrant colors, and lively atmosphere. Plus, just a stone’s throw away from Marseille’s vibrant Vieux Port lie a treasure trove of stunning cities waiting to be explored, including Aix-en-Provence and Avignon, which you can easily visit on an MSC shore excursion. No matter which destination you choose, Marseille, Aix-en-Provence, or Avignon, an MSC excursion promises an unforgettable journey filled with culture, history, and the vibrant spirit of the French Riviera.

This morning, your ship arrives in Barcelona, one of the busiest cruise ports in the Mediterranean, and you can disembark and spend the day exploring this seaside city before making your way to your hotel for the night. Your package includes two night’s accommodation in a central Barcelona hotel. However, from Antoni Gaudí’s surreal Sagrada Família and the famous boulevard of the Ramblas, to the medieval Barri Gótic and the Museu Picasso, there is so much to see and do in this sprawling Spanish city, that you may need more than the next two days to discover it all.

This marks the final full day of your holiday package, and your last day in Barcelona. Spend the day discovering this captivating city at your own pace, or ask one of our Cruise Travel Advisors for tour recommendations. Then rest up at your hotel before starting your return journey home the next day.

Farewell Spain as you board your flight home, or ask us about our flexible fares and extend your stay to see even more of Europe!