In its seventh season in the Persian Gulf, MSC Cruises will significantly increase its offering with the deployment of a second ship.
Article from CruisesNews magazine
While the MSC Splendida will continue to offer the classic seven-night cruise through the Persian Gulf, next winter the MSC Lirica will join the route, also offering very new eleven- and fourteen-night itineraries that will reach as far as India, allowing its passengers to visit Mumbai, Goa, and Mangalore.
An Indian experience like no other aboard MSC Lirica. The optional excursions offered are also remarkable, notably a three-day trip that allows MSC Lirica cruisers to enjoy Mumbai, New Delhi, Fatehpur Sikri, Agra (to see the Taj Mahal), and Cochin.
MSC Lirica Aegean Cruises
This coming summer, MSC Cruises will deploy up to nine ships in the Mediterranean. On October 18, 2017, MSC Cruises announced the return of the MSC Lirica to Europe, and that in the summer of 2018 it would offer cruises from Venice and Bari. The first Aegean cruise will depart from Venice on April 6, with a spectacular eight-day itinerary including stops in Bari, Mykonos, Heraklion, Corfu, Dubrovnik, and back to Venice. The final departure of the season will take place on October 26.
Venice and Bari will be the home ports of the MSC Lirica this coming summer.
What can be said about Venice? It's considered one of the most enchanting and romantic cities in the world. Visiting Venice, experiencing its rhythm, its lagoon city magic, is simply a dream come true. Venice is a city to be discovered slowly, as its charm lies precisely in experiencing it, getting lost in its narrow streets and canals. Sailing along Venice's Grand Canal in a gondola or vaporetto is one of the things you absolutely must do if you visit Venice. It's the largest and busiest canal in Venice, the city's main thoroughfare. Its 4-kilometer length divides the island in two, forming a huge "S" shape. Among its bridges, the Rialto Bridge stands out, which until 1854 was also the only one spanning the Grand Canal. The Rialto Bridge is divided into three ramps: two on the sides and a central one, and between each ramp is a row of shops selling handicrafts and souvenirs.
St. Mark's Square is the heart of the city. It is the only square in Venice called a "Square," as all the others are called "Campo." There you'll find the famous Clock Tower, dating from 1496, from which the Moorish figures emerge every hour to ring the bells. The square also houses the magnificent Doge's Palace, the finest example of Venetian Gothic architecture and one of the greatest architectural achievements of the Renaissance. Behind the Doge's Palace is the famous Bridge of Sighs, built of white stone, which once connected the old courthouse to the prison. The cathedral's interior is particularly striking, with its imposing columns and shimmering mosaics set against a gold background, which are further enhanced by the natural light streaming through the windows at sunset.
You can also embark on the MSC Lirica from Bari, considered the capital of Apulia, famous for Bari Vecchia, the historic quarter where you can stroll leisurely as the Crusaders did 800 years ago and admire its medieval architecture. A visit to the Basilica of Saint Nicholas, Bari's patron saint, is also essential. Founded towards the end of the 11th century, this basilica is an important center of religious pilgrimage. The old Norman castle of Bari is also well worth a visit. MSC Cruises also offers other activities, such as olive oil tastings, during this port call.
MSC Cruises has gradually increased its offering in the Persian Gulf since 2011, its first year in that destination.
Mykonos is one of the most cosmopolitan islands in the Aegean. For many, it's the Greek St. Tropez. Mykonos, the capital of the Cyclades, offers spectacular beaches, the charm of its whitewashed houses, the vibrant colors of its balconies, the idyllic island interior, and traditional Greek hospitality, along with a lively nightlife. One of the most interesting ways to explore is on foot, discovering its hidden corners, narrow streets, chapels, secluded gardens, and more. Mykonos's own somewhat chaotic urban layout is one of its main attractions. Another distinctive feature is its windmills, very similar to those in La Mancha, Spain, which today generously offer their famous silhouette to all tourists. Or its seaside houses, full of tavernas battered by wind and waves, ideal for enjoying a glass of ouzo or a frappe. Or a day trip to neighboring Delos.
The MSC Lirica offers a stop in Heraklion, the capital of Crete. There, the star optional excursion is to the legendary Palace of Knossos, an archaeological site that preserves the remains of the Minoan civilization, which vanished when the Santorini volcano erupted 2,800 years BC. It is situated in an ideal location, well protected by its location in a hollow, surrounded by olive groves. King Minos lived in this palace with his family; and it was here that he built his famous Labyrinth to imprison the Minotaur. Another Minoan palace is Phaistos, the second largest and most important, which is located in an incomparable setting overlooking the Mesara plain and Mount Ida. The city of Heraklion also has its own charm. It was built by the Venetians. Its port features a long breakwater and a 14th-century Venetian fort, but it is also filled with small fishing boats, offering a vibrant mix of colors alongside the nets, buoys, and other gear. Another vestige of its Venetian past is the Loggia building, completed in 1628.
MSC Lirica was the first MSC Cruises ship in the Persian Gulf and in China.
In Corfu, MSC Lirica passengers can enjoy the Kanoni Peninsula. This small hill served as a defensive position and was equipped with cannons, hence its name. The views from this hill are breathtaking. In the bay, there's a jetty where you can visit the Monastery of Panagia: a splendid contrast exists between the blue of the sea, the green of the mountains, and the white of the church.
Another must-see is Sissi's palace, Achilleion, built in 1891, where she spent long periods of time, a testament to her admiration for Greek culture. Its views of the Ionian Sea, its gardens, and the Roman and Greek sculptures are remarkable, especially those of Achilles Victorious and Achilles Defeated, from which the palace takes its name. The opulent rooms enjoyed by Sissi are also noteworthy. The center of Corfu, with its Venetian fortresses, the cafes of the Splanada, and St. Rocco Square, as well as the numerous beaches of this legendary island, are also worth exploring.
Dubrovnik, the Pearl of the Adriatic, is one of Europe's trendiest cities. This charming town on the Dalmatian Coast never disappoints. It's a beautiful city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in a unique setting. Its Old Town is completely enclosed by imposing 13th-century walls, one of Croatia's most iconic images. You can walk the entire length of the walls, which offer the best 360° view of the city, and the views are well worth it. Placa (Stradun) is the main street of walled Dubrovnik, running through the Old Town from the famous Pile Gate (where you can see the statue of Saint Blaise, the city's patron saint) to Luza Square, where you can admire the Clock Tower and Orlando's Column. Most of the city's points of interest are concentrated on this street or in its immediate vicinity. Among them is the 16th-century Sponza Palace, which houses the State Archives and the Memorial Hall of the Defenders of Dubrovnik. Highlights include the six-columned portico and the manuscript collections.
Evolution of MSC Cruises' presence in the Persian Gulf
MSC Cruises is one of the main cruise ship owners in the Persian Gulf, a destination where it began operating in the Persian Gulf in the winter of 2011-2012 with the MSC Lirica.
That winter, MSC Cruises became the first cruise line to base one of its ships in Abu Dhabi, offering nineteen seven-night cruises between November 2011 and March 2012, with stops in Dubai, Bahrain, Fujairah, and Muscat. The MSC Lirica returned for the 2013-2014 season after a winter absence, and since then, MSC Cruises has sent ships from its fleet to this destination, gradually increasing the size of the vessels.
Dubai not only has the tallest skyscraper in the world, but also the largest cruise terminal on the planet.
In 2014-2015, it was the turn of the MSC Orchestra, which was replaced a year later by its sister ship, the MSC Musica. Last winter, 2016-2017, MSC Cruises made a significant investment in the Persian Gulf by sending one of its post-Panamax ships, the MSC Fantasia, to that destination. This season, and for 2018/19, its sister ship, the MSC Splendida, will sail the warm waters surrounding the Emirates. In both cases, these are the largest ships offering cruises in the Persian Gulf.
In its second season in the Persian Gulf (2013-2014), the MSC Lirica offered eighteen eight-day cruises from Dubai, departing from November 23, 2013, to March 22, 2014. These cruises included stops in Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates), Khor al Fakkan (United Arab Emirates), and Muscat and Khasab (Oman), with an overnight stay in Dubai, allowing passengers to experience the unique nightlife of this vibrant desert oasis. Flights departed from Madrid and Barcelona for embarkation in Dubai.
During the 2014-2015 winter season, the MSC Orchestra took over from the MSC Lirica and offered cruises from the port of Dubai to Abu Dhabi, Khor Fakkan, Muscat, and finally Khasab. Dubai was also the departure port for the first MSC Grand Voyages to Australia offered by the MSC Orchestra: a 33-night voyage with stops in India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, and Australia.
Yacht Club. Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Yacht Club… luxury and splendor in the Persian Gulf.
During the 2016-2017 winter season, MSC Cruises showcased the MSC Fantasia in the Emirates, making it the largest ship based in the region. The megaship sailed the Persian Gulf between December 2016 and March 2017, offering three different seven-night itineraries throughout the sixteen-week season, with embarkations in Abu Dhabi (Sundays) and Dubai (Saturdays).
This season, following an 18-day repositioning cruise between Genoa and Dubai that began on December 6, the MSC Splendida sailed to that destination. After the Christmas and New Year's cruises, the ship began a series of twelve round-trip sailings from Dubai, which will continue until March 23. On March 31, 2018, it will depart Dubai for Yokohama on a 28-night cruise, with fares starting from €1,749.
2018-2019 Season in Arabia and India:
The MSC Splendida will return to the Persian Gulf next winter for its second consecutive season. On November 11, it will depart from Shanghai for Dubai, a 27-night voyage following the Silk Road. The first departure from Dubai is scheduled for December 8, in an extended season offering sixteen sailings (4 in 2018 and 12 in 2019), with two different itineraries. The ship will embark in Dubai on Saturday and in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.
The last seven-night departure is scheduled for March 23, 2019. On March 30, the MSC Splendida returns to the East with a 28-night cruise between Dubai and Yokohama, ending on April 27, 2019.
The MSC Splendida will offer cruises from China in the summer, and from Dubai in the winter.
And the exclusivity begins at the airport, as Yacht Club guests travel to Dubai in Emirates Business Class. Designed for the most discerning guests who desire exclusivity and privacy, yet with a world of choice, the MSC Yacht Club is an innovative "ship within a ship" design concept. It offers a completely self-contained area with sweeping sea views and a variety of private facilities, including a swimming pool, sun deck, and a dedicated restaurant.
These “Fly&Cruise” packages from MSC Cruises are offered in partnership with Emirates, which provide excellent connections to Dubai from Madrid and Barcelona.
Once in the Persian Gulf, the MSC Lirica will offer ten Fly & Cruise packages from Dubai or Abu Dhabi, starting from just €919. Eight of these are eleven-night itineraries, sailing west to Manama (Bahrain) and Doha (Qatar) and east to Muscat. It also offers two thirteen-night cruises to India, departing on December 22, 2018 (Christmas and New Year's cruise) and March 1, 2019, with stops in Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Mangalore, Goa, Bombay, and Khor Fakkan, plus five days at sea.
After its season in the East, the MSC Lirica will return to the Mediterranean on March 15, 2019, offering a twenty-night Dubai-Venice cruise, with unconventional stops such as Eilat, Aqaba, Limassol and Kotor.
A very attractive itinerary
Within the Gulf, passengers of the MSC Splendida and MSC Lirica will be able to enjoy exotic ports such as Dubai, Muscat and Khasab (in Oman), Doha, Abu Dhabi and Manama (Bahrain).
Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates. While it may not possess the sophistication of its neighbor Dubai, it is considered one of the most prosperous cities on the planet. This ancient land of falcons is located on a T-shaped island in the southeastern Persian Gulf. It boasts futuristic skyscrapers, such as the Etihad Towers, a complex of five buildings among the tallest in the city, situated along the Corniche and opposite the Emirates Palace, one of the city's most famous hotels, which, according to several analysts, is also the most expensive hotel ever built. But Abu Dhabi is also home to mosques and traditional architecture. Passengers can visit the impressive Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, a masterpiece of neo-Islamic architecture and one of the largest in the world, which cost $500 million to build. It is also possible to visit its theme parks, such as Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, where Formula Rossa, the world's fastest roller coaster, is located; or Yas WaterWorld. Or Yas Marina, with its Formula 1 circuit. And with the recent opening of the Louvre Abu Dhabi, designed by French architect Jean Nouvel on Saadiyat Island, a building that cost 580 million euros, which has been the icing on the cake, turning Saadiyat into a powerful international cultural center.
Next winter, MSC Cruises will deploy two cruise ships to the Persian Gulf for the first time.
Muscat is a very interesting port of call because the city has only recently opened to tourism, considering it dates back to the 2nd century AD, making it one of the oldest cities in the Middle East. MSC ships offer the opportunity to visit this charming Omani city and some of the region's treasures. The city boasts countless mosques, including the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the Ruwi Mosque, and the Zawawi Mosque. You can also see Shia temples as well as two Hindu temples, one dedicated to Shiva and the other to Krishna. Regarding civil architecture, you can visit Nizwa Fort, one of Oman's most impressive towers, built in the 17th century.
Khasab is the other MSC stop in Oman. Located on the Musandam Peninsula, it's known as the "Norway of Arabia" due to its towering mountains and famous fjord, known as Khors. It was founded by the Portuguese in the 17th century around the beautiful and imposing Khasab Fort, built to control maritime trade in the Strait of Hormuz. The fort's location offers excellent views and photo opportunities. Another option is to visit Musandam aboard a dhow, the traditional Omani boat, gliding through clear, calm turquoise waters that contrast with the creamy-white limestone cliffs.
Khor Fakkan is a town surrounded by rugged mountains, boasting beautiful golden sand beaches that are a popular subject for photographers at sunrise and sunset. Its coral reefs are renowned among divers. You can also visit Fujairah, nestled in the foothills of the Hajar Mountains, with its Sheikh Zayed Mosque.
Dubai, the Megalopolis of the East.
And what can be said about Dubai? A true metropolis, now widely recognized for its artificial islands, skyscrapers, and indoor ski slopes. A two-day stopover in Dubai allows you to immerse yourself in this new megalopolis of the East, brimming with modern and traditional attractions.
The Louvre Abu Dhabi branch is a new attraction in the Saudi Arabian destination.
The Jumeirah Mosque is the most famous in Dubai, both for being the most beautiful and for being the only one that allows visitors access through guided tours. Appropriate attire is required, as shorts and sleeveless shirts are not permitted inside. Women must cover their hair. Shoes must also be removed upon entry.
Palm Jumeirah, located off the coast of Dubai, is one of the emirate's most famous attractions. It consists of a group of artificial islands shaped like a palm tree, with a trunk, 17 fronds, and a semicircular breakwater. Construction of the Palm Jumeirah began in 2001 and was completed in 2008. Besides being a major tourist attraction, Palm Jumeirah is a residential area filled with hotels, most notably the striking Atlantis Hotel, a luxurious establishment that boasts the largest water park in the Middle East, Aquaventure Water Park.
The famous Burj Al Arab Hotel, shaped like a sail, is the world's only 7-star hotel and has been ranked as the best hotel on the planet since its creation in 1999; or the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world at 828 meters high, which houses the Armani Hotel.
Like any self-respecting Arab city, Dubai boasts several souks scattered throughout. The most important are: the Gold Souk, the foundation of Dubai's reputation as the City of Gold. In the Gold Souk alone, you'll find over 300 jewelry shops specializing in gold; the Spice Souk, the oldest in Dubai. The blend of aromas, colors, and flavors will transport visitors back in time. And then there's the Bur Dubai Souk, a colorful and traditional space for buying fabrics, t-shirts, and all sorts of souvenirs.
Dubai is the most cosmopolitan city in the Middle East and one of MSC Cruises' home ports in that destination.
But Dubai also offers a modern shopping experience, with its shopping malls, such as the Dubai Mall, Dubai's largest shopping mall, opened in late 2008; the Mall of the Emirates; or the Madinat Jumeirah Souk, a shopping mall that looks like a traditional souk.
Sir Bani Yas: The Caribbean of the East.
Sir Bani Yas is a paradisiacal beach, a coastal oasis in the heart of the Persian Gulf. Although MSC Cruises' commitment to a private destination in this area has received less media attention than its private island, Ocean Cay, in the Caribbean, its importance is similar. In both cases, MSC Cruises has chosen ecology and biodiversity as its hallmarks, simultaneously offering recreational facilities that will necessarily reflect those available on ships of the MSC Fantasia, MSC Splendida, or MSC Lirica category, and creating a new destination for the company's passengers.
Sir Bani Yas is a natural island located off the southwest coast of Abu Dhabi, offering over 2.5 kilometers of idyllic white-sand beaches lined with sun loungers and umbrellas, where passengers can enjoy a variety of activities. Kayaks, bicycles, and beach carts are available for rent, and for those seeking a more luxurious experience, Balinese beds and private cabanas are also available.
Sir Bani Yas. Located just off the coast of the western region of Abu Dhabi, it is the largest wildlife reserve in the Arabian region.
The area has the same facilities as the ship, which are effectively transferred to land, including a private space for MSC Yacht Club customers, massages in cabanas with sea views, a children's area, live music, a buffet inside a giant tent with several local and international menus, barbecues, beach bars, Wi-Fi, etc.
Inside, there's a park with wildlife and a great variety of flora, which can be explored by jeep. The tour lasts about an hour and a half, and the guide explains the park's origins, its upkeep, and the types of animals they protect: gazelles, onyx, ostriches, giraffes, cheetahs, and more
MSC Cruises offers you the chance to enjoy the charms of the first private island in the Persian Gulf: Sir Bani Yas.
In addition, MSC Cruises offers the typical attractions of a desert trip: a desert safari in a 4x4, on a mountain bike or on a camel; a barbecue on top of a dune, surrounded by tents; excursions by helicopter or seaplane, etc.
India
Colaba is the heart of Bombay's old port, its most visible icon. Its arch, known as the Gateway of India, was designed by architect George Wittet, one of the most influential figures in shaping Victorian Bombay's architecture. It was erected in 1924 to commemorate the visit of King George V in 1911. Adjacent to the Gateway stands the luxurious Taj Mahal Intercontinental Hotel, a symbol of Indian dignity in the face of colonialism. The hotel was built by a Parsi industrialist as revenge for being barred from the luxurious, whites-only Watson Hotel.
Elephanta is an island located an hour away by boat. The Portuguese named it Elephanta after a sculpted elephant they found in its harbor. The sculpted cave dates back to the 8th century and covers approximately 5,000 square meters. It is accessed by climbing a long, steep staircase. It is a magnificent work of Hindu art with exquisite sculpted panels and colossal guardian statues (dvarpala) at its four entrances.
India and its allure, mystery, and exoticism, on an MSC cruise. Some analysts highlight India as one of the emerging cruise destinations in the not-too-distant future.
The Prince of Wales Museum is a magnificent colonial building in the Indo-Saracenic style. It is the finest and largest museum in India. It is an encyclopedic museum encompassing all of Indian art. It also houses a natural history museum and collections of Western painting, decorative arts, and Chinese and Japanese art. Visitors can also watch cricket matches or see a Bollywood film.
In 2017, India's economy was the third largest in the world and sixth in terms of GDP. With over 1.24 billion inhabitants, it is the second most populous country in the world, and its area of 3,287,263 km² makes it the seventh largest country on the planet.
Mangalore has been an important trading port for centuries. It is situated between the Western Ghats mountains to the east and the Arabian Sea to the west. Mangalore is also famous for its beaches and natural beauty, in addition to the city's own charm. Among its most important temples is Kadri Manjunath, dedicated to the deity Lokeshwara, a three-faced, six-armed figure renowned as one of the finest bronze statues in India. The Kadri temple dates back to 1068 AD. Numerous pilgrims visit these caves. Also very famous is the 10th-century Mangaladevi Temple, dedicated to the ruling deity of Mangalore. Mangaladevi was a princess of Kerala who breathed her last in this land. Also famous are the frescoes in the Chapel of St. Aloysius College, built in 1899-1900, or the Sultan Battery, a watchtower built by Tipu Sultan to guard the entrance to the Gurpur River.
The MSC Lirica will offer the first MSC cruises to India next winter.
And the MSC Lirica's final stop in India is Goa, whose strong Portuguese influence makes it a unique city in India. Highlights include the Viceroy's Arch, built in 1597, which commemorates Vasco da Gama's arrival in Goa; and St. Catherine's Cathedral, which took eighty years to build and was larger than all the churches in Portugal combined. The enormous Mormugao Fort has large bastions, chapels, prisons, and barracks for the guard. It was an important fortress on the Indian west coast.
The MSC Lirica:
During the early years of MSC Cruises' history, its founder, Gian Luigi Aponte, opted to acquire second-hand ships from other cruise liners. However, this market was very limited, and MSC needed to grow with more ships, which also had to be more efficient to compete with the other shipowners.
Therefore, in Christmas 2000-01, MSC signed a contract with the French shipyard Chantiers de l'Atlantique to build two cruise ships, each 58,600 GT and with a capacity of 1,560 passengers in lower berths. These ships shared the same hull and technical facilities as Festival Cruises' sister ships, European Vision and European Stars. The contract price was €280 per ship.
The MSC Lirica was delivered at the end of March 2003 and, in a brilliant ceremony, the Italian diva Sophia Loren christened MSC Cruises' first new ship in Naples on Saturday, April 12.
Externally, MSC Lirica was a boxy-looking ship, featuring a sloping bow and a stern design that improved upon the angular image of its Festival predecessors, with more rounded lines. Its main characteristics are:
1) The MSC Lirica, when delivered, was already a small ship, far from the size of the newer RCCL and Carnival Corp. vessels. But at the same time, it was a very long ship: for example, it has the same length as the Costa Victoria, but its beam is 3.5 meters narrower. As a result, its gross tonnage is 18,000 tons lower.
2) All cabins on board, both exterior and interior (apart from the 132 balcony suites), were the same size. Furthermore, all cabins were located in the superstructure, away from sources of noise and vibration.
3) As with almost all new cruise ships, the MSC Lirica is powered by two Mermaid azimuth thrusters. As a result, it offered low levels of noise and vibration in the cabins, even while underway.
In December 2013, MSC Cruises announced the Renaissance project, a €200 million refit that lengthened the four ships in the Lirica series by adding a 21-meter section. This added 193 passenger cabins and 59 crew cabins. The gross tonnage increased to 65,000 GT, and the maximum passenger capacity reached 2,680. The refit took place between September 1 and November 1, 2015, at the Fincantieri shipyard in Palermo.
Following this operation, it became the first MSC ship in China, a market where it remained for two years. In 2018, it returned to the Mediterranean, offering seven-night cruises from Venice and Bari.
Characteristics of Persian Gulf Cruises
– These are winter season cruises, generally between December and April.
– Having received cruise ships for over fifteen years, the Persian Gulf is perceived as a safe and stable destination.
– Cruises that combine shopping, nature (desert), history, and beaches. Adventure options for active passengers.
– Offers numerous air connections. Direct flights from Spain. – Christmas/New Year's cruises.
CRUISESNEWS' OPINION:
A cruise through the Persian Gulf is a magnificent opportunity to discover and experience not only a different place, but also a culture distinct from Western culture, while still enjoying the comforts of European comfort each night. This is a very attractive option for many Westerners seeking their first taste of this destination. The distances between ports are very short, and port calls are very generous, which, combined with the extensive range of optional excursions, allows you to explore the most important ports and cities of the Persian Gulf. On the other hand, there is only one full day at sea, so you might not be able to enjoy all the ship's amenities, such as those of the MSC Splendida… which is also the only ship in the Persian Gulf offering the exceptional MSC Yacht Club; or the MSC Lirica. The two cruises to India on the MSC Lirica add an extra touch of exoticism and adventure, making this trip even more appealing and desirable.
