The newly renovated ship will be based in Venice and will run 14-day itineraries with nine stops in five countries during the summer season.
MSC Cruises has announced that its ship, MSC Opera, the third of the four MSC Cruises ships to be refurbished as part of the Renaissance Program, set sail on July 4th and will be in Venice . This move further strengthens MSC Cruises' offering in the Eastern Mediterranean this season. To meet customer demand, MSC Cruises has adapted MSC Opera's itineraries to showcase the best and most beautiful destinations in each region. MSC Opera will offer 14-day itineraries departing from Venice, with stops in southern Italy and the Puglia region, mainland Greece and its islands, Romania's stunning Black Sea coast, Sochi and the Russian Riviera, Turkey and its ancient cosmopolitan capital, and Croatia's Dalmatian coastbeforereturning to Venice – the Queen of the Adriatic – a city that is a destination in itself.
Following its refurbishment, MSC Opera will offer passengers new spaces and services. Among the new features, MSC Opera will have more balcony cabins, larger public areas, a wider variety of restaurants, and new clubs dedicated to younger guests, including an outdoor "Spray Park" with waterfalls and slides.
MSC Opera is the third ship in the MSC Cruises fleet to introduce dedicated children's areas, thanks to partnerships with Chicco® and LEGO®. These enhancements are a fantastic complement to the existing facilities on MSC Opera, such as the three outdoor pools, bars, and restaurants. The ship now boasts 197 new cabins, 30 of which have balconies, bringing the total to 204 balcony cabins on board, as well as new and redesigned restaurants and bars. Foodies and entertainers have also been catered for, with a buffet open 20 hours a day and 20 hours of entertainment for all ages. The ship also features separate areas for children and teenagers, segmented by age: Baby (0-3 years); Mini Club (3-6 years); Juniors Club (7-11 years); Young Club (12-14 years); and Teens Club (15-17 years).The Renaissance program, valued at €200 million, is the first link in a fleet expansion project valued at €5.1 billion, initiated in 2014, which includes the construction of four new ships, based on two state-of-the-art prototypes, to be delivered by STX France and Fincantieri respectively, between 2017 and 2019, with an option to build three more by 2022. Ports and destinations:
Bari: the ancient city, facing the entrance to the Adriatic Sea, is known for the quality of its cuisine and the hospitality of its inhabitants, and is arguably the most enchanting place to wander through its picturesque alleyways. Upon reaching the heart of Bari's old town, you'll find the Basilica of San Nicola, consecrated in 1197 to house the relics of the saint, which had been looted a century earlier from southern Turkey across the Mediterranean Sea.
Athens: A visit to the world-renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Acropolis will be an unforgettable experience. Seeing the Parthenon, perched atop the Acropolis, one of the most famous temples in the world, is an enduring symbol of ancient Greece and its Athenian democracy. Athens is steeped in history and has been a melting pot of influences throughout the centuries. Strolling through the city streets with their bustling markets, wine shops, souvenir , and ancient monuments is enough to fall in love with the unique atmosphere of this beautiful city.
Constanta: Romania is a beautiful, little-known country that needs to be discovered, along with the thriving city of Constanta. This city not only boasts the country's largest port but is also one of the most fascinating in all of Romania. It offers many places to visit and explore, such as the Danube Delta near Tulcea. Founded by the Greeks approximately 2,600 years ago on the southern coast of the Black Sea, Constanta, according to Greek mythology, is the port that welcomed Jason, the Argonauts, and the Golden Fleece upon their return.
Sochi: Thanks to its location on the Black Sea coast, with a pleasant, warm, subtropical climate of hot summers and mild winters, Sochi is Russia's largest tourist city. Much of Sochi's monumental architecture dates back to the 19th century, while the Godilik Loo Fortress and Temple date from the time of the ancient Byzantine settlements.
Istanbul: Guests will visit the only city in the world to have been the capital of three empires—Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman—and which today presents a fascinating blend of different historical periods and traditions with a strong sense of modernity. The museums, churches, palaces, mosques, bazaars, and stunning natural landscapes seem endless. Beyond Istanbul's rich history and culture, its attractions, restaurants, nightclubs, and shops make it one of the most wonderful destinations for a Mediterranean cruise vacation.
Mykonos: the most popular of the Cyclades islands in Greece, it welcomes nearly a million visitors each year. Many think of Mykonos only in terms of entertainment, but this spectacular destination offers much more. With its colorful wooden buildings lining the coast, Mykonos is rich in history and natural beauty, while also possessing a distinctly cosmopolitan character.
Santorini: As the largest island in the Cyclades archipelago, Santorini is an iconic destination unlike any other. The result of over 3,000 years of volcanic activity, Santorini sits atop a caldera that can be explored. Whitewashed houses, beautiful beaches, and some of the most breathtaking sunsets can be found here.
Argostoli/Kefalonia: This is the capital of the captivating island of Kefalonia, the largest of the Ionian Islands west of Greece. It was ruled by the Romans and other local powers, the kingdoms of Naples, Venice, the Ottomans, the French, and the British before becoming Greek in 1864. Its crystal-clear beaches, lush olive groves, and local crafts will delight all who visit this charismatic island.
Dubrovnik: This city, the capital of southern Dalmatia in Croatia, is considered one of the most beautiful places in the world, as evidenced by its inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979. The “Pearl of the Adriatic” is the gateway to the picturesque Dalmatian region, with many excursions available for MSC Cruises guests. Dubrovnik’s city walls have also been a popular filming location for the fictional King’s Landing in the HBO television series, “Game of Thrones.”
