MSC CRUISES REVEALS DETAILS OF MSC SPLENDIDA’S WINTER RED SEA ITINERARY FEATURING NEW DESTINATIONS AND EXPANDED EMBARKATION OPTIONS

• Cairo via Sokhna Port, Egypt added to itinerary for extra unforgettable destination
• Extended stay in port allows ample time to explore Cairo and visit Great Pyramid of Giza
• Sokhna Port also becomes embarkation option for Fly&Cruise packages via well-connected Cairo International Airport

Geneva, Switzerland – 3 October 2022 - MSC Cruises today announced that it will offer an enriched Red Sea 7-night itinerary with MSC Splendida for the winter 2022/2023 season with 33 shore excursions available including the addition of Cairo, Egypt, and three embarkation ports in Sokhna Port and Safaga in Egypt plus Jeddah in Saudi Arabia.

MSC Splendida’s 7-night sailings call at Sokhna Port, Safaga for Hurghada and Luxor, Egypt; Aqaba for Petra, Jordan; Jeddah for AlUla, Saudi Arabia and Yanbu, Saudi Arabia. 

The line also revealed a 9-night holiday experience under its ‘Fly&Cruise’ programme with a two-night pre-stay in Cairo before the 7-night voyage.

An extended 13 hour stay in Sokhna Port, Egypt allows for trips to the Great Pyramid of Giza, the only remaining ‘Seven Wonders of the World’, a must-see, once-in-a-lifetime destination.

A programme of shore excursions is available at each port to enable guests to discover and explore incredible sights and attractions in this fascinating part of the world – highlights include the following:

SOKHNA PORT FOR CAIRO, EGYPT - FIVE SHORE EXCURSIONS AVAILABLE: Open the door to Egypt’s capital city, with world-class sights not to be missed. Dive into history at the Great Pyramid of Giza, a wonderfully well-kept sight with the last intact ancient Wonder of the World, one of the most recognisable sights in the world.

Located on the Nile River, Cairo is also known as the ‘city of a thousand minarets’, enriched with its famous mosques including the stunning Citadel of Saladin, madrasas, hammams and fountains.  Visits to vibrant bazaars provide an opportunity to haggle a best price for a souvenir to remember the incredible and lively city.

SAFAGA FOR HURGHADA AND LUXOR, EGYPT – 13 SHORE EXCURSIONS AVAILABLE: The port town of Safaga is just down the beautiful coastline from the popular resort town of Hurghada, known for its incredible beach life. Here, discover stunning white-sand beaches stretching along the coast both north and south of the town, the perfect spot to soak up the sunshine.

For those wanting to tick off a once-in-a-lifetime experience can explore the grandeur of the ancient city of Luxor.  See where pharaohs ruled and step back in time during a visit to Luxor Temple or Karnak Temple, or head to the world-famous Valley of the Kings.

AQABA FOR PETRA, JORDAN – EIGHT SHORE EXCURSIONS AVAILABLE: An undeniable highlight is a visit to the Wonders of Petra - the ancient city and UNESCO World Heritage site in the middle of the Jordanian desert. After laying hidden for centuries, this jewel of early engineering was rediscovered in 1812. Hewn out of the solid rock by Nabatean Arabs more than 2,000 years ago, it served as their capital city and featured a sophisticated water conduit system that turned the city into an artificial oasis.

JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA – THREE SHORE EXCURSIONS AVAILABLE: Saudi Arabia’s second largest city blends history and modernity and for a taster of everything it offers.  A City of Culture and History tour offers a journey through centuries of local traditions.

The extraordinary archaeological site of Hegra became the first UNESCO World Heritage site in Saudi Arabia and offers more than 100 monuments.  The ancient city of AlUla is situated in a desert setting in the Hijaz mountains and where pilgrims, travellers and permanent settlers have gathered over the centuries.  Surrounded by an ancient oasis, the old town of AlUla is dominated by a citadel dating back to the 10th century and has some 900 brick houses, 400 shops and an atmospheric maze of alleyways and squares. 

YANBU, SAUDI ARABIA – FOUR SHORE EXCURSIONS AVAILABLE: Known as ‘the diving capital of Saudi Arabia’, Yanbu offers adventure-seekers snorkelling at Iona Coral Reef where they can enjoy a kaleidoscope of fish, marine flora and the sunken wreck of the British ship Iona. Enjoy this adventure swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Yanbu with some of the most amazing reef systems in the world. For guests who prefer to kick back and enjoy the sun for their holiday, the Baridi Island Getaway offers hours of relaxation, fun, sun and a crystal-clear sea on a secluded spot of Baridi Island.