MSC CRUISES’ 2021 WORLD CRUISE: AN ALL-NEW ITINERARY OF DISCOVERY FOCUSING ON THE FAR EAST AND MORE

Geneva, Switzerland, 10 December 2018 – MSC Cruises, the Swiss-based world’s largest privately-owned cruise line and market leader in Europe, South America, South Africa and the Gulf, announced that sales for its much-awaited 2021 World Cruise will open today.

This once-in-a-lifetime experience – a follow-on to the now nearly all sold-out 2019 and 2020 MSC World Cruises - will see guests embark on board MSC Poesia on a 119-day journey around the globe departing on January 5th, 2021. With an all-new itinerary featuring a significant focus on unique Asian destinations, the 2021 World Cruise has been designed to allow guests to really discover some of the region’s most inspiring destinations and more.

Gianni Onorato, MSC Cruises’ CEO, commented: “At MSC Cruises, each time we bring a new itinerary to our guests we are committed to making that part of a unique and unforgettable holiday experience. Our newest World Cruise itinerary for 2021 – which features one of our most charming ships, MSC Poesia - will offer guests not only an incredible number of different destinations and overnight stays in iconic cities but a rich array of on board entertainment and music, enrichment activities as well as dining experiences that are sure to make this a voyage of discovery both while on board and ashore.”

The 118-night voyage sails roundtrip from Genoa and Civitavecchia in Italy, Marseille in France and Barcelona in Spain and takes guests literally across the globe in one single voyage of discovery. Going westwards, the first leg crosses the Atlantic to the islands of the Caribbean and through the Panama Canal, sails the west coast of the continent (Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Guatemala and Mexico) to San Francisco. The second leg visits the scenic Maui and then volcanic Hawaii, Samoa, Fiji, Auckland in New Zealand, Sydney and the Australian Golden Coast together with Cairns and the incredible Great Barrier Reef, Papua New Guinea and the Philippines. It then arrives in Japan during its most beautiful season: the cherry blossom.

After visiting Kyoto, Tokyo and Shanghai in China, the third leg cruises to Hong Kong, Vietnam, Singapore and Malaysia allowing guests to really discover this part of the Asian Continent. Finally, crossing the Indian Ocean to Sri Lanka and Dubai guests can explore Oman and Jordan (Petra) and travel through the Suez Canal, back to the Mediterranean.

Guests will travel in style and comfort on board MSC Poesia – MSC Cruises’ “poem to the beauty of the sea.” On board, guests will enter a refined world of comfort, created to surprise and delight. There's so much to delight in from the spectacular foyer waterfall to the Zen Garden, authentic Japanese Sushi bar and opulent MSC Aurea Spa wellness centre with steam room, sauna and divine massages to pamper body and mind - it’s the perfect place to unwind. For the more active, there are even a basketball and tennis court, shuffleboard, state-of-the-art gym and mini golf area. Plus 3 swimming pools, 4 whirlpools and a giant poolside cinema screen, to name only some of the features of MSC Poesia.

Some of the highlights include:

• Puerto Limon, Costa Rica – the stunning beaches and lush rainforest are a haven for any nature lover. Here guests will have the unique experience of interacting with native sloth species or discovering the rich history that the 2nd largest city in Costa Rica has to offer. One of the best ways to take in the landscape is through the ‘VERAGUA RAINFOREST & AERIAL TRAM’ shore excursion, offering guests a comfortable and convenient way to adventure deep into the rainforest, to encounter myriad butterflies and breath-taking waterfalls.

• 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. The ‘SAN FRANCISCO & GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE’ shore excursion, one of the many unique shore excursions featured on the cruise - is the ideal way to take in these landmarks during your stay, offering a plethora of can’t-be-missed sites in one trip.

• 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. To discover the city, as well as learn some of its most moving history, the ‘PEARL HARBOR & CITY TOUR’ will usher guests from sunken submarine and battleships, to pearls of the ancient Hawaiian kingdom.

• Sydney, Australia – Sailing by the Sydney Opera House and towering Harbour Bridge, guests will have two days to explore the iconic Australian city. Whether they choose to visit the famous Taronga Zoo for a chance to see real-live kangaroos or learn to surf at Bondi Beach, this is a destination for everyone. To truly experience the city, guests may join the ‘SYDNEY HARBOUR BRIDGE CLIMB’ shore excursion, where they will ascend the 134-metre tall bridge for a panoramic view of the city, while their climb leader details the history from 1932 until now.

• Tokyo, Japan – The bright lights of Tokyo are 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.

• Hong Kong – This vibrant former British colony is where East meets West, where guests will be amazed by the many modern skyscrapers that paint the city’s skyline and delighted by the rich history, such as the Tian Tan Buddha.

• 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.

• 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.

The MSC 2021 World Cruise sales will initially open to MSC Voyagers Club members only for one month, with sales opening to all guests on 10 January 2019. Each cruise ticket comes with a set of 15 included shore excursions, as well as a mealtime package. For more information, visit here.

To explore remaining availability for the much-sought-after 2019 and 2020 MSC World Cruises see here.

2019 MSC World Cruise: https://www.msccruises.com/en-gl/Cruise-Destinations/MSC-World-Cruise.aspx

2020 MSC World Cruise: https://www.msccruises.com/en-gl/Cruise-Destinations/MSC-World-Cruise-2020.aspx