The Port of Las Palmas welcomed the MSC Opera for the first of 20 calls the ship will make in the city this winter. This itinerary, available for the first time this season, with departures from Las Palmas and Santa Cruz de Tenerife, reaffirms MSC Cruises' commitment to Spanish ports, especially those in the Canary Islands.
MSC Opera will be sailing around the Canary Islands until March 23, offering 20 embarkations on each island this winter season. The ship will operate weekly 7-night cruises departing from Tenerife and Las Palmas, with stops in Lanzarote, La Palma, Funchal (Madeira), La Gomera, and Fuerteventura.
MSC Opera, a Lirica-class ship from MSC Cruises, can accommodate over 2,679 passengers and offers a unique cruising experience, combining luxury, comfort, and a wide range of activities and services. During their days at sea, passengers can discover the extensive array of services available on board MSC Opera: four international restaurants and eight bars and lounges; dedicated facilities with themed areas for younger guests; the award-winning MSC Aurea Spa, offering everything from traditional Balinese massages to modern beauty treatments; and dedicated spaces for sports and leisure activities, such as the casino, the nightclub, and its spectacular theater.
To enrich the passenger experience, MSC Cruises has developed a series of excursions in collaboration with local providers, allowing passengers to immerse themselves in the natural and cultural richness of the Canary Islands.
Among the various excursions available, some truly unique experiences stand out. In Lanzarote, passengers can explore, all on the same trip, the lunar landscapes of the petrified lava fields in Timanfaya National Park and the impressive Jameos del Agua, a complex of natural caves transformed by the artist César Manrique. In Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, they can discover the picturesque Puerto de Mogán, known as the “Little Venice of the Canary Islands,” or stroll through the historic Vegueta district, home to the Casa de Colón, a 15th-century palace believed to have been used by Christopher Columbus during his voyages. In La Palma, passengers can delve into the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, sample local rum, or enjoy hiking excursions through the stunning volcanic landscapes of Teneguía, where natural beauty blends seamlessly with the island's geological history. In Tenerife, excursions include exploring the Anaga Mountains and their surrounding forests, or Puerto de la Cruz, where colonial architecture and exotic gardens offer an unforgettable experience.
These experiences not only provide passengers with a deeper connection to the islands, but also contribute to local economic development by supporting Canarian communities and businesses.
Fernando Pacheco, Managing Director of MSC Cruises in Spain, stated: “We are proud to announce the arrival of MSC Opera to the island. This inaugural call is a step forward in our commitment to Spanish ports and the Canary Islands, opening Las Palmas as a port of embarkation. Collaboration with the port and local authorities has been essential to achieving this, and I am grateful for their continued support. With this new itinerary, we expect to generate a positive impact on local tourism and a significant economic opportunity for businesses and service providers in the region.”
In addition to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Santa Cruz de Tenerife will also be one of MSC Opera this winter. To make it easier for Spanish passengers to reach the islands comfortably from the mainland, MSC Cruises offers convenient direct flights from Barcelona, Bilbao, Madrid, and Santiago de Compostela.
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