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30th May 2026 | 9 nights | MSC Cruises | MSC Meraviglia
Why do we love this cruise holiday? Begin your holiday with a flight to Marseille, where you’ll enjoy a two-night stay and an included tour to Cassis, known for its picturesque harbour and dramatic coastal scenery. Explore the charm of southern France before boarding MSC Meraviglia for a 7-night Mediterranean cruise. Sail to some of the region’s most iconic destinations, including Barcelona, Naples and Palermo, with a blend of cultural discovery, historic sights and relaxed sea days. With flights, hotel stay and guided touring included, this package offers a smooth and well-rounded way to experience the highlights of the Western Mediterranean.
What's included?
Want to go all-inclusive? Ask our team about the drinks packages available with MSC.
Cruise Circle Collection packages adhere to our 7 point charter:
Today your holiday begins with an outbound flight to Mareille.
Check-in to your 4* hotel for a 2-night stay in the city.
Fill your head with memories of the French Riviera with a tour to the Provençal fishing village of Cassis, stopping at breathtaking viewpoints along the way. On our way back we enjoy a panoramic tour of the city of Marseille, including a photo stop at the Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica. Take in the breathtaking views of the city, the Frioul archipelago and the Château d'If and drive along the Corniche Road lined by magnificent 19th century residences. Our last stop is the 11th century Abbey of St Victor guarding the entry to the Old Port, before the tour ends.
Enjoy the included tour and perhaps a lovely dinner in the evening.
Marseille, gateway to Provence, is France's largest port and second largest city, with a vast history stretching back more than 2,000 years to its foundation by the Greeks in the 6th century BC. While much of the city is urban sprawl, it has a spectacular setting between dramatic limestone hills and the Mediterranean, and the once-industrial streets now feature stylish shops and cutting-edge art galleries, thanks to investment from its role as European Capital of Culture 2013. Most cruisers make a beeline for Le Vieux Port, a buzzing, picturesque harbour lined with boutiques, restaurants and cafes. This district attracts an eclectic crowd, from local fishermen to millionaires venturing ashore from James Bond-style mega-yachts. All gather to soak up Le Vieux Port's charming atmosphere, browse its bustling markets and tuck into a bowl of Marseille's classic signature dish, bouillabaisse (a rich fish stew).
The capital of Spain's Catalonia region is one of the country's -- maybe even Europe's -- most beautiful and vibrant places. A city of contrasts, it is like no other in Spain; this is most evident in its architecture, a marriage of Gothic spikes and modern curves. (One name to keep an eye out for is Antoni Gaudi, Barcelona's most famous architect.) Barcelona is also a city of distinct neighbourhoods. The old city -- Ciutat Vella -- is the heart of everything, with museums, shopping and cafes. Then there's the port area, Port Vell, which features bars, restaurants, shops, an IMAX theatre and the largest aquarium in Europe. (Port Vell is different from the working port area where cruise ships dock, but it's not too far away.) Enchanting and ancient, the Barri Gotic (Gothic Quarter) is the centre of the old city and brings together the best of Barcelona in a series of narrow streets, shops, cafes and magical corridors. One of Barcelona's best attributes is that while it seems large and spread out, its neighbourhoods are surprisingly walkable and easily accessible by bus, metro or even on foot (in comfortable shoes). Don't miss a stroll along Las Ramblas, replete with produce and flower stands, a historic opera house and maybe even a glimpse of Marilyn Monroe calling to you from the balcony of the Erotica Museum. Just be sure to rest your feet now and then over a few plates of tapas (which are meant to be shared, but we won't tell if you don't) and an ice-cold pitcher of sangria or a bottle of cava, the region's sparkling wine.
Tunis is the capital of Tunisia, the northernmost country in Africa, but the city feels neither Arab nor African. It's a place where old and new mix without any seeming conflict, in both the architecture (with Moorish and French influences) and way of life.
On one corner in the capital city of 2.5 million, you might see a group of girls in tight jeans and tops with dangling earrings possibly heading to one of the modern shopping malls. On another, an old lady with a traditional head covering stands with her camel. (Women have not had to cover their heads there since the mid-1980s.) Meanwhile, a street sweeper wields an old-fashioned thatched broom while he chatters away on his mobile phone.
Outside the very Arab souk (main market) in the well-preserved Medina (Old City) is a square with a fountain where we spied men sitting and talking dressed in garb that would look at home in Rome (one wore a light tan suit -- his blue shirt open -- and tasselled loafers without socks). Passing them were men in traditional red skull caps.
Tunisia's history dates back over some 3,000 years. The country has been occupied by the Phoenicians, Romans, Byzantines, Turks, Spanish and French. During the 12th to 16th centuries, Tunis was considered one of the most important and wealthiest cities in the Arab world. It finally gained independence from France in 1956. Tunisian presidents are elected, although the same leader ruled from 1957 to 1987. His successor, President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, ruled from 1987 to 2010, when nationwide demonstrations over unemployment, corruption and poor living conditions forced him to resign from office. "We have elections, but we know the outcome of these elections before they take place," said our guide, noting that the system is more a wink to the concept of democracy than reality.
This is a poor country, with a 15-per cent unemployment rate. It is one of the world's largest producers of olive oil. Other products include citrus, wine and dates. Tourism is an important business here (more than five million tourists visit each year, mostly French and German), though cruise calls are still pretty exotic and limited largely to European ships (like those from Costa and MSC Cruises) and U.S. lines that offer more exotic Mediterranean itineraries (such as Oceania). And though it may be considered a third world country, we saw few genuinely poor folks. The streets and towns were extremely clean, and crime (though we heard of the occasional run-in with pickpockets) is low.
To be sure, if you get off the ship on your own rather than a shore excursion, you will immediately throw yourself into a foreign atmosphere including cab drivers at the pier haggling to give you a tour -- more intense haggling than I've come across in other places. And the souk is very much a place where Arab traditions rule -- so are many coffee houses, which are for men only.
But all in all, you'll find a laid-back city, very liberal by Islamic standards, and much more Western than you'd expect.
Naples is instantly recognizable from the sea. The port is overlooked by Castel Nuovo (Maschio Angioino), the royal Palazzo Reale, and Castel Sant’Elmo atop the hill, with Mount Vesuvius rising prominently behind the city. Suburbs climb the volcano’s slopes, and an eruption would require evacuating around 600,000 people.
The city was ruled by various European dynasties, including the Hapsburgs, Bourbons, Bonapartes, and the House of Savoy. Naples declined after the Italian capital moved to Turin, Florence, and finally Rome, leaving many historic buildings in disrepair.
Naples features significant architecture, such as the Gallerias Principe di Napoli and Umberto I, churches, and former convents, alongside modern 1970s apartment blocks. The city is a mix of wide avenues and narrow alleys, known for its lively, passionate street life.
The port provides access to Pompeii, Sorrento, Ravello, Positano, Capri, and Ischia, but Naples itself offers a rich and authentic urban experience.
On any Western Mediterranean itinerary, Florence is an absolute highlight -- the gem of the early Italian Renaissance. In the 15th century, when great artists like Giotto, Ghiberti, Brunelleschi and Michelangelo worked there, they created magnificent examples of painting and sculpture that today still fill Florentine churches, civic buildings, grand palazzi and world-class museums like the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia. Architecture prospered in Florence, too. The city's signature work of art is the masterful Brunelleschi-designed dome of its cathedral, Santa Maria del Fiore, known as the Duomo. No question, Florence is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. However, for cruise travelers with just one precious day on a six-hour port of call, it's impossible to see it all. We should note that, as lovely as Florence's famous River Arno is, it's nowhere near big enough (and its bridges are far too low) to allow any kind of ship inside the heart of the city -- and here we include low-slung river vessels along with more traditional cruise ships. As such, it can be confusing to see a cruise itinerary that calls on Florence when ships actually dock at the huge commercial port of Livorno, a good hour-plus drive from the Renaissance City. However, the charmless city of Livorno (it was badly bombed during World War II) serves as a jumping-off point for daytrips elsewhere. And while Florence is no doubt the richest destination of all, Livorno's north Tuscan locale means that other cities -- Pisa, with its famous leaning tower; the walled city of Lucca; and San Gimignano, with 14 of its medieval towers still intact -- are also options.
Marseille, gateway to Provence, is France's largest port and second largest city, with a vast history stretching back more than 2,000 years to its foundation by the Greeks in the 6th century BC. While much of the city is urban sprawl, it has a spectacular setting between dramatic limestone hills and the Mediterranean, and the once-industrial streets now feature stylish shops and cutting-edge art galleries, thanks to investment from its role as European Capital of Culture 2013. Most cruisers make a beeline for Le Vieux Port, a buzzing, picturesque harbour lined with boutiques, restaurants and cafes. This district attracts an eclectic crowd, from local fishermen to millionaires venturing ashore from James Bond-style mega-yachts. All gather to soak up Le Vieux Port's charming atmosphere, browse its bustling markets and tuck into a bowl of Marseille's classic signature dish, bouillabaisse (a rich fish stew).
This morning your holiday comes to an end as you disembark the ship. At the scheduled time take your return flight to the UK.
MSC Meraviglia, launched as MSC's largest ship at the time and among the world's top five, signifies the start of a major shipbuilding programme. This 171,598-ton, 4,475-passenger vessel represents a significant investment and is part of a series of new ships.
MSC Cruises, a prominent player in Europe, South Africa, and South America, is expanding its reach.
MSC Cruises is known for its "Mediterranean way of life" experience. Meraviglia builds on this foundation with international influences. English is used for signage, communication, and announcements. New dining options include a teppanyaki restaurant and a steakhouse.
Meraviglia incorporates popular concepts seen on other cruise lines, such as the teppanyaki restaurant, a central promenade, a high-tech theatre, and duplex suites. MSC Cruises adds its unique touches, including the Yacht Club, a chocolate shop and cafe, partnerships with LEGO and Eataly, and Swarovski crystal-studded stairs in the atrium.
Despite its capacity, Meraviglia offers a spacious experience, with various venues for relaxation. The ship provides a lively atmosphere with pool parties, clubs, parades, and shows.
MSC Cruises has focused on enhancing its dining and service. The line has partnered with chefs like Carlo Cracco and chocolatier Jean-Philippe Maury and invested in staff training. High-quality service is a feature of the cruise.
Meraviglia is technologically advanced, introducing MSC for Me, an app for managing bookings and preferences. RFID wristbands are also used for cabin access and onboard purchases.
MSC Meraviglia showcases thoughtful design, combining MSC Cruises' strengths with an international flavour.
Daytime: Casual attire, with swimwear and flip-flops common.
Evening: Smart casual dress is suggested, with two "elegant" nights per cruise. Jackets and dresses are suggested for elegant nights, though formal wear isn't required.
Restrictions: T-shirts and shorts are not permitted in public areas in the evenings. Swimwear is not allowed in main dining rooms. Jeans are not permitted in the dining room on elegant nights.
Broadway Theatre (Deck 6): This large theatre hosts various shows, including flamenco, opera, and contemporary productions. Shows are designed to cater to different tastes and age groups. The theatre is also used for daytime activities, including children's programs.
Carousel Lounge (Deck 7): Cirque du Soleil presents two unique productions, designed specifically for MSC Meraviglia. These shows take place in the purpose-built Carousel Lounge, featuring a circular stage and advanced LED technology. The Cirque du Soleil shows are available as part of a Dinner & Show or Cocktail & Show experience.
Meraviglia offers a range of activities throughout the day. The main pool area is a hub for pool games, dance classes, quizzes, and tournaments. Other activities include bingo, video quizzes, and parades along the Galleria Meraviglia. The Galleria's LED ceiling displays various scenes.
Live music can be found throughout Meraviglia, in bars, lounges, and the reception area. Themed parties take place in the Galleria Meraviglia. The Casino Imperiale offers slots, gaming tables, and tournaments.
Meraviglia features a variety of bars and lounges, each with its own atmosphere. These include the Infinity Bar, Champagne Bar, Edge Bar, Meraviglia Bar & Lounge, TV Studio & Bar, Carousel Lounge Bar, Casino Bar, Brass Anchor Pub, Atmosphere Bar North, Atmosphere Bar South, Atmosphere Ice Cream Bar, Bamboo Bar, Top Sail Lounge (Yacht Club only), Sports Bar, Horizon Bar, Attic Club, Sky Lounge, and Polar Bar.
Pools: Meraviglia has several pools, including the main pool, Bamboo Pool, Horizon Pool, and a Yacht Club pool. The main pool area is a lively space, while other pools offer different experiences. The Solarium offers whirlpools and relaxation areas.
Recreation: The ship features the Himalayan Ropes Course and Polar Aqua Park. The Polar Aqua Park includes a kids' splash area and water slides. The Sportplex is a multi-use facility for sports and transforms into a disco at night. The Amusement Park offers various attractions, including F1 simulators, a bowling alley, a 4D cinema, and a flight simulator.
Sun Decks: Ample sun deck space is available, including the exclusive Top 19 sun deck for Aurea and Wellness guests.
The main reception area houses reception, a shore excursions desk, the Infinity Bar, and a business center. The photo gallery, library, and Champagne Bar are located above. Shops are located along the Galleria Meraviglia. Wi-Fi packages are available. Laundry service is offered.
Aurea Spa (Deck 7): The spa offers a variety of treatments, including massages and beauty therapies. The Thermal Suite includes steam rooms, saunas, a salt room, and relaxation areas. A Jean Louis David salon is located within the spa.
MSC Gym by TechnoGym (Deck 16): The gym is equipped with cardio and weight training equipment. A separate spinning room and classes are available. A jogging track is located on Deck 16.
MSC Cruises has invested in its dining experience, partnering with chef Carlo Cracco. Fresh pasta, pastries, bread, cakes, and mozzarella are made onboard daily.
Four main dining rooms offer the same menus but different dining experiences (classic, flexi, or fixed). There are a few specialty restaurants, and the ship's offerings are high-quality. MSC caters to dietary needs and allergies.
Breakfast is served buffet-style in Waves, with à la carte options. Lunch is a three-course meal. Dinner is four courses. Vegetarian and vegan options are available. A kids' menu is offered in all restaurants.
Room Service: Available 24/7
Cirque du Soleil (Deck 7): Dinner and show or cocktail and show options
A lot of thought has gone into the cabins onboard Meraviglia in terms of design, decor and little touches. For example, every cabin has a mini-bar, (even Insides), a USB port on the desk and a magazine/newspaper rack underneath the TV. The decor is stylish in muted greys, steels and chocolate, creating an elegant, understated feel. Design-wise there are some nice touches with bedside lights activated by touch, switch controlled Do Not Disturb and Make Up My Room signs and lots of extra spots for storage, such as the bedside tables and magazine racks.
All cabins come with two twin beds (which can be made into a double) and are high enough to store a big suitcase underneath; a double wardrobe, a desk with European two-pin sockets and a USB socket, footstool, fixed bedside lighting, two bedside tables, a phone, safe, hair dryer and a large interactive TV with numerous channels in multiple languages.
All standard cabins have a shower room with a shower stand with glass doors, a footrest for leg shaving and a clothes wire for drying laundry. Products are generic in fixed dispensers. There is a single basin with a fixed soap dispenser and a small cupboard with shelves. There is no trash can.
There are 85 interconnected cabins, as well as specially-designed Family cabins (see below).
Meraviglia also has the biggest Yacht Club in the fleet, which includes 94 cabins.
MSC sells its cruises by "Experience" rather than cabin size or type, and it's worth noting that some cabins are only available depending on the experience you buy. For example, you can only stay in an Interior if you have opted for the Bella, Fantastica or Wellness experience, and you can only stay in a suite if you have opted for the Aurea experience etc.
Interior: These come in at 172 square feet which is a bit bigger than the industry average and as a result, they feel surprisingly roomy, perhaps due to a large open space beside the wardrobe below the TV. It helps that the line does not store life jackets in cupboards, which frees up extra closet space.
As indicated above, these cabins are available for passengers who book the Bella, Fantastica or Wellness experience. Bella represents a value-for-money cruise that includes all meals, entertainment, activities and preferred choice of dinner sitting, subject to availability. Fantastica includes extra perks such as 24-hour room service, priority choice of dinner sitting and cabins on the upper decks. Wellness, the newest experience to be introduced by MSC, is aimed at those who want to try and keep cruising calories at bay. It includes a one-to-one health check, personalized exercise program, with a free daily gym class, a laundry service for gym gear, free water and welcome wellness kit (T-shirt, shorts and sports towel).
Oceanview: These can be a bit bigger than an interior, ranging from 161 to 183 square feet. The rest is the same, with the addition of an oblong window. Bookable on Bella, Fantastica and Wellness experiences.
Balcony: These come in on average at 204 square feet (though note the accessible cabins are bigger). The balcony size varies from between 48 square feet to 59 square feet, depending on where the cabin is. There is enough space for two chairs (not loungers) and a small table.
These are available for all four experiences: Bella, Fantastica, Wellness and Aurea. The Aurea offers all the benefits of the Fantastica package with additional privileges such as the All-Inclusive beverage package, spa package including a welcome cocktail, one massage of choice, wellness consultation, free access to the Thermal Suite, My Choice dining, priority boarding and superior cabins on the upper decks.
Suite: These corner cabins come in at an impressive 301 to 409 square feet, and include a 63-square-foot wrap-around balcony with its own hot tub. The balcony has plenty of space for loungers and chairs; it comes with two loungers and a small table. Inside, you'll find three rooms -- a living room, a shower room, and a separate main bedroom. The living room has a large sofa, small table and five chairs. There is a desk with a wall-mounted TV above. Both rooms lead out onto the balcony.
All suite categories, excluding the Yacht Club which has a separate pricing structure and inclusions, are available to passengers booking the Fantastica, Wellness or Aurea experiences.
Duplex Suite: Another cabin category brand new to MSC, these suites come in at a hefty 559 square feet. There are just eight of them, all of which are located right at the front on Deck 9 and would suit a family or perhaps two couples sharing. They are accessed from Deck 9, but there is a door through the wardrobe to Deck 10, effectively giving them two entrances. The lower floor consists of a living area, with a sofa bed which converts into a double bed; a shower room with toilet, wardrobe, dining area with a table that would seat four people and which leads out onto a 19 square foot balcony complete with hot tub. The upper area (which is really half a floor), consists of a double bed, a bathroom with tub and a wardrobe.
Bookable on Fantastica, Wellness and Aurea experiences.
Yacht Club: The exclusive Yacht Club is MSC's ship-within-a-ship complex, which has been taken to new heights (and size) on Meraviglia. For the first time on an MSC ship, the Yacht Club has been put all in one place: right at the front of the ship across five decks (14 to 19). Most of the top suites are here, with the exception of the eight Duplex Suites at the aft of the ship and the Corner Suites, as well as exclusive access to a lounge, a dining room and a sun deck, with pool and bar.
All Yacht Club cabins, irrespective of category, come with a Nespresso coffee machine.
Other perks include: Dedicated priority check-in and check-out; 24-hour butler service; 24-hour concierge; bathrobe, slippers and MSC Med range of bathroom products; unlimited drinks in all MSC Yacht Club areas, including the in-suite mini-bar; unlimited beverage selection in all bars and restaurants; free Thermal Suite access and direct private lift to the MSC Aurea Spa; free room service delivery.
Interior Suite: There are 15 of these, which are 52 square feet, and it's misleading to label them "suite" as they are clearly not -- they are exactly the same size and shape as a regular Interior cabin. The only difference is the addition of a small table and two chairs, as well as the Nespresso coffee machine.
Deluxe Suite: Although not technically a suite (i.e. two separate rooms), these are a decent size at 301 square feet and do have two areas -- a living area with sofa, coffee table, two chairs and a fixed desk; and a double bed. It also has a fixed desk which runs the length of the room and has cupboard space and the coffee machine atop; as well as two wardrobes. The bathroom, though without a tub, is a decent size with marble fitting, a large shower and products from the MSC Med range, rather than from generic dispensers.
Wellness Deluxe Suite: There are two of these which are the same as the Deluxe Suite, but equipped with a Technogym Kinesis for working out in your cabin.
Royal Suite: There are two Royal Suites, both on Deck 15, which come in at a whopping 699 square feet with a 430 square foot balcony. The layout is as follows: bedroom with its own small private balcony, ensuite bathroom with tub and separate shower stall; living room with L-shaped sofa, a coffee table and two armchairs. Double sliding doors lead out to the balcony which has its own dining table at one end a hot tub at the other.
Family: New for Meraviglia, these "Super Family Cabins" cabins are an exciting addition to the family offerings onboard, allowing family groups of up to 10 (or groups of friends) to stay together. They are basically two Balcony cabins (though aft balconies, so bigger and deeper than a standard balcony), joined by an Interior -- a total square footage of 580 square feet. They are all at the back of the ship. There is a main room in a square shape which has a recessed bunk bed and a small cupboard which you can close off with a curtain, as well as a large double bed. Inside is a small sofa, a desk top and a shower room. It leads out onto a large balcony. The room is connected to an inside room which has a sofa bed and a shower room. It also has a virtual window, another first for this ship. This middle room can be connected to a third cabin, which is a standard balcony cabin shape, leading out to a big balcony. These are only available as part of the Fantastica experience.
Studio Cabin: The small cabin sandwiched between the two cabins which make up the Super Family Cabins is a single cabin and can be purchased as such. It is 172 square feet. Unlike previously advertised, these are not clustered together and nor is there a separate lounge.
Accessible: There are 55 accessible cabins, all with wide doors, ramps and fully accessible bathrooms, across various cabin categories.
Travellers looking for an action-packed, around-the-clock party, plus families with kids on a budget
Recluses looking for a small ship feel with plenty of quiet spaces, penny pinchers looking to avoid extra expenses
MSC Cruises is one of the most diverse cruise lines you can sail on with a multicultural mix of Italians, Brits, Spanish, Germans and French in the Mediterranean, with more North Americans in the Caribbean (but still lots of Italians and Spanish-speaking passengers), and a big local market in South Africa and South America. You'll also come across all ages. The lively night scene means these ships work well for teens and younger cruisers, while the decent kids' clubs (particularly on the newer ships) and the clever arrangements of clustered family cabins mean a lot of families travel during school holidays.
Yes, a little. The usual dress code is informal during the day and smart-casual at night -- think nice trousers and shirt for men and nice pants/skirts with blouse or cocktail dress for women. There's usually one gala night per cruise, when black tie or dark suit and tie are encouraged for men, as is a formal dress for women. This is not enforced, but people do make an effort.
No, unless you're in one of the Yacht Club suites, and even then, not everything is included. MSC sells its cruises through a somewhat bewildering array of packages: Bella, Fantastica, Aurea and Yacht Club. All include your accommodation, meals in specified restaurants and big-stage entertainment, along with basic coffee and tea, and select juices at breakfast and lunch. Beyond that, perks and inclusions vary by which package you've purchased, with Bella having no additional inclusions and Aurea featuring unlimited beverages. The Yacht Club has the most inclusions, with extra dining venues for eating, spa thermal suite passes and most beverages (plus access to a personal butler and a dedicated Yacht Club lounge and pool).
The action onboard an MSC ship is nonstop, with cruisers flocking to participate in pool games, sports contests, shopping promotions, trivia, karaoke and filling the nightclubs until late. On newer ships, high-tech arcade games are all the rage, including a 4D cinema, laser maze, F1 simulator and bowling. Many MSC cruisers are also just as happy to park themselves by a pool and stay there all day, and when the ship is in port, you'll find the vast majority of cruisers off the ship on ship-sponsored or independent tours.
