What are the best cruise destinations?
Choosing the best cruise destinations is a near-impossible task, as MSC Cruises’ list of countries is so varied. Ultimately, it will depend on what you want from a holiday – whether it's a beachside jaunt, cultural learnings or show-stopping nature, you'll find it in our cruise holiday destinations.
The Mediterranean has long captivated artists and casual visitors alike with its effortlessly impressive scenery – and its flawless beaches. A Mediterranean cruise may invite you to discover the beautiful islands of Greece, the cuisine of Italy or the glamour of the French Riviera.
For consistently summery weather, there's perhaps no better place than the Caribbean and its tropical islands. But the Canary Islands offer similar weather, alongside picturesque landscapes that are perfect for adventurous travellers.
Cruise to Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Qatar to witness the juxtaposition of beautiful beaches and luxurious cities. Similarly futuristic cityscapes await in Asia, too, where countries at the forefront of innovation maintain historic links to tradition, complemented by beautiful temples and similarly superb landscapes.
In South America, surround yourself with great music and authentic cuisine that differs wildly from place to place. South Africa offers a similar opportunity for exploration, against a backdrop of mesmeric deserts and fantastic wildlife
How to choose a cruise destination?
The world is full of places to see, and whether you’re seeking history, culture, sunny climes or all of the above, MSC Cruises has the perfect cruise itinerary for you.
For sun-soaked scenes, set sail on a cruise to the Caribbean or Canary Islands, where the tropics will make gloomy weather a distant memory. In summer, the Mediterranean joins these cruise destinations in offering sunshine and superlative beaches.
The Mediterranean is also one of the best cruise destinations for those who like their holiday with a dose of history – but it's far from the only choice, as history buffs will discover when enjoying trips to North America. Northern Europe, too, is home to countless historic destinations, such as medieval Mont Saint-Michel or numerous ancient archeological sites in Greece.
Northern Europe is also a phenomenal destination for nature-lovers, thanks partly to the untold beauty spread across various Scandinavian locations - one look at Norway’s soaring fjords or Iceland’s lunar-like beaches will convince anyone of this.
Those looking to travel further afield can head to Asia, where ancestral temples coexist with cutting-edge design, or South Africa, where fantastic creatures galore can be spotted.
When is the best time to go on a cruise?
Thanks to an enviable variety of cruise destinations, any time of year is the perfect time for a trip with MSC Cruises.
Summer cruises can take advantage of Northern Europe's temperate climate, with June cruises journeying as far north as Ålesund, Norway, where the sun rises at 3am and sets at midnight. July cruises and August cruises could take you to the Mediterranean, whose temperate climate really heats up in summer.
Autumn cruises lengthen the sunny days, thanks to September cruises to Greece and Southern Italy tempering the stark heat of summer. October cruises to North America provide front-row access to the jewel-toned leaves of the East Coast, and November cruises to the Caribbean and the Antilles prolong the sunshine even as winter knocks at the door.
Winter cruises offer respite from cold weather, with December cruises to Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Qatar supplying access to breathtaking modernity set against desert landscapes. Christmas cruises to the Mediterranean introduce long-held traditions and festivals, such as Provençal Noël or Italian Natale, while January cruises to the tropics keep out the chill. February cruises pave the way for a romantic, Caribbean-set Valentine's Day.
Spring cruises are perfect for nature-lovers, as the world wakes from its wintry nap. March cruises may see the Mediterranean in bloom, while April cruises to Japan could be a chance to view cherry blossoms. And warm weather returns to the Mediterranean just in time for May cruises to set sail
When is the best time to book a cruise?
Any time of year is perfect for booking with MSC Cruises, with a vast range of cruise deals to suit every holiday need you might have.
Thanks to our last-minute cruise deals, it's never too late to book the trip of a lifetime, no matter the destination. These deals are perfect for those wanting to suddenly and unexpectedly book a trip – just because you haven’t had a whole lot of time to prepare doesn’t mean you can’t find a life-changing cruise holiday.
But remember that time is still a factor here, so do book as soon as is feasible in order to take advantage of these offers.
Journeys with MSC Cruises always include a wonderful range of accoutrements: stylish accommodations, first-rate meals and onboard spas are just a few examples of what to look out for. If you want to go the extra mile, our all-inclusive cruises add yet-more to your holiday, taking things to the next level.
Depending on the destination, all-inclusive packages may include flights and transfers or perhaps a drinks package – and don’t forget the option to travel in the height of comfort with MSC Yacht Club, making for a truly special voyage.