Switzerland-based MSC Cruises is now introducing a Port Info service aboard the upcoming new MSC Meraviglia, as well as new shore excursions throughout the Mediterranean.
With the company’s new Port Info service, guests can discover and explore more of each traveled destination through complimentary expert advice and information. The Port Info desk offers guests tailored information on what to see, where to eat, where to visit and how to get there, while also helping them book local transportation such as train tickets, taxis or car service. The desk can also assist guests in creating private tours and experiences. In a press release, MSC Cruises said that this is an “especially invaluable service” in countries where guests don’t speak the local language.
Port Info will also let guests know about local events, festivals and parades, allowing them to experience the local culture and traditions firsthand. Ship port times will also be adjusted to allow guests enough time to fully experience these events and to get the most of their stay, when possible, according to the release.
The Port Info service, developed through collaboration with local authorities and tourism boards, debuted aboard the MSC Meraviglia, which launched in June. The Port Info service is also planned to extend to the entire MSC Cruises fleet in the future.
MSC Cruises has added 19 new destinations with the introduction of its Mediterranean shore excursions, including five that are exclusive to MSC Cruises’ guests aboard the MSC Meraviglia. These excursions have been tailored toward families and food lovers and provide activities for people of all ages.
With these excursions, travelers can tour Italy’s largest aquarium in Genoa, which gives guests a “behind-the-scenes” look at marine laboratories, plankton farming and jellyfish. They can also see the sights at Messina, including the Cristo Re church, and can taste arancine (rice balls), cannoli and passito, a local sweet liquor wine made from raisins, over the course of the day.
New family tours with MSC Cruises include trips to Pompeii, walking barefoot at the Villarè farm in Messina and experiencing the thrill at Barcelona’s only amusement park, Tibidabo Park. New foodie tours include baking handmade pizza in Naples on the city’s subterranean geothermal rock and sailing along the Maltese coastline, passing the waterfront of Valletta and its Cottonera area, made up of Senglea, Cospicua and Vittoriosa, known as The Three Cities.
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