PEAKLIFE

By Neha Mehrotra

Autumn has a new address, and it’s called the Mediterranean. It’s a time when the crowds have thinned and the weather is perfect for exploring charming towns and hidden gems along the coastline and setting sail on a cruise. There’s nothing quite as lovely as sipping champagne on the deck of a luxury ship as the Mediterranean coastline stretches out before you. If you’re seeking an extraordinary cruise experience, look no further than MSC Poesia’s Mediterranean adventure this fall.

MSC Poesia presents a captivating cruise itinerary for autumn, inviting you to embark on a remarkable journey through some of the Mediterranean’s most coveted destinations. From October to November 2023, MSC Poesia will whisk you away to places, including Kusadasi and Istanbul in Turkey, Piraeus (near Athens) in Greece, and Genoa, Palermo, and Civitavecchia in Italy. This 11-night itinerary allows you to fully immerse yourself in the historical wonders, architectural marvels, delectable cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes of each destination, all while benefiting from the delightful autumn climate, perfect for outdoor adventures and sightseeing.

The Itinerary of MSC Poesia

Prepare to embark on an extraordinary voyage of luxury and discovery aboard the MSC Poesia. What sets this cruise apart is not just its opulent offerings but also its flexibility, allowing you to choose from an array of embarkation ports. Depending on the date of departure, you can choose from many different embarkation ports in Italy (Rome and Genoa), Turkey (Kusadasi and Istanbul), and Greece (Athens and Piraeus). Regardless of the port calls, all journeys aboard MSC Poesia share a common thread, with each voyage encompassing captivating destinations. For bookings, visit here.

Sailing through Time and History

Your voyage will lead you to the Ligurian Riviera gems of Portofino, Camogli, and Santa Margherita in Genoa, where historical sites and palaces like the Nicolosio Lomellino and Palazzo Bianco await. In Kusadasi, Turkey, you can explore the ancient city of Ephesus, unwind on Aegean Sea beaches, trace the remnants of Hadrian’s Temple, and indulge in exquisite Turkish cuisine and grand baths. The cruise also includes an extended stay in Istanbul, where you can explore its countless museums, grand mosques, colourful bazaars, historical structures, excellent restaurants, and mesmerising landscapes. MSC Cruises’ excursion options also allow you to visit some of its world-renowned landmarks, including the Blue Mosque and the Topkapi Palace.

Grecian architecture and ancient monuments are the highlights of the port calls to Athens. The cruise will take you through a sightseeing tour of the city to its well-known attractions, including the legendary Acropolis, the grand ancient hilltop citadel overlooking the city of Athens, where you can view the Parthenon, the temple dedicated to the ancient Greek goddess Athena.

Grand palaces, old churches, delectable cuisine, visits to the village of Monreale, and the mediaeval marble of Palazzo dei Normanni top the list of things to do in Palemero. In Rome, you will arrive in the coastal town of Civitavecchia, celebrated for its bustling harbour. From here, you can explore on your own or book a guided tour of the Colosseum and other city highlights, such as the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and the Vatican.

Life Aboard MSC Poesia: A Symphony of Luxury

The amenities on board include 3 swimming pools, 4 whirlpool baths, and a giant poolside cinema screen. Kids and teens are also well served, with their clubs and parties, including a dedicated dinosaur play area and even a disco! Other facilities that are free to use include a small library and a card room. You can also head to the Casino Royal to try your luck. The MSC Poesia also has several sports facilities, including a tennis court, basketball court, shuffleboard, mini-golf, and a gym.

MSC Poesia is full of great places to unwind, from the spectacular foyer waterfall to the Zen Garden and the opulent MSC Aurea Spa wellness centre with its steam room, sauna, and divine massages designed to pamper body and mind. If you want to stay in shape during your cruise, there are many sports and fitness activities available on board, including a basketball court, tennis court, state-of-the-art gym, shuffleboard, and minigolf.

The cruise offers tantalising dining options with Ristorante Le Fontane, Ristorante Il Palladio, and Villa Pompeiana Cafeteria. The dining rooms are elegantly decorated with impeccable service and multi-language, three-course menus that change every night The cruise also has an authentic Japanese sushi bar, Kaito Shushi Bar.

If you want to shop, you can head to Deck Six for tax-free indulgence. There’s a jewellery store, a shop that sells liquor, cigarettes, and chocolates, and an MSC cruise shop selling MSC merchandise. What more can you ask for?