MSC Cruises has announced the expansion of its accessible shore excursions program to five more ports this winter and three more ports for summer 2020, bringing the total number of destinations in the Caribbean and Mediterranean in which these excursions are available to 20.
MSC Cruises’ Accessible Tours Program offers tailored shore excursions for those with varied mobility. The tours and excursions guarantee that tour routes are completely step-free and accessible to wheelchairs wherever possible. Additionally, the routes only cover short distances, timings are run at a slower pace and accessible restrooms with wide doors are planned along the route.
Family members and friends can also join these inclusive tours, which are conducted in small groups led by professional tour guides experienced in working with guests with varied mobility.
Caribbean highlights of the Accessible Tours Program include an exploration of San Juan, including a stroll in the Old Town and a panoramic driving tour of the old Fort San Cristobal, El Capitolio, the Casa Olimpica and other famous landmarks. In Jamaica, an excursion in Ocho Rios includes a visit to the historic open-air museum of Columbus Park, as well as a trip to Kokono Falls Park. A scenic drive can take guests to the capital cities of Philipsburg and Marigot in St. Maarten, with opportunities to taste Dutch cheeses, French pastries and rum from the island’s best distilleries.
In the Mediterranean, an excursion in Naples, Italy, takes guests on a half-day tour of the 2,000-year-old ruined Roman city of Pompeii, as well as other historic landmarks, including Piazza del Plebiscito and the Royal Palace. A scenic drive in Valletta, Malta, will be followed by an exploration of Mdina, the island’s former capital. In Marseilles, France, guests will begin on a hill overlooking views of the city before exploring historic landmarks including the Old Port and accessible parts of the 17th-century Fort Saint-Jean.
In the Caribbean, these tours are already available on the MSC Seaside, MSC Armonia, MSC Meraviglia, MSC Divina and MSC Preziosa calling at Cozumel (Mexico), George Town (Grand Cayman), Montego Bay (Jamaica), Nassau (Bahamas), Ocho Rios (Jamaica), San Juan (Puerto Rico), Philipsburg (St. Maarten), Charlotte Amalie (St. Thomas), King’s Wharf (Bermuda), Roseau (Dominica) and Basseterre (Saint Kitts and Nevis).
In the Mediterranean, these tours will be available for the winter 2019 season on MSC Grandiosa and MSC Opera calling at Genoa (Italy), Civitavecchia/Rome (Italy), Valetta (Malta), Barcelona (Spain), Marseille/Provence (France) and Messina (Italy). In summer 2020, three more destinations – Naples, Palma de Mallorca and Valencia – will have these tours available for guests cruising on the MSC Grandiosa, MSC Divina, MSC Fantasia, MSC Lirica and MSC Seaview.
Tours will be confirmed on board based on whether the participation minimum is met or not. If not, guests may have the option of booking the tour as a private experience at an additional cost. Limited seats are available, and bookings are open now.
Related Stories
The Coolest Cruise Awards: Cruise Ship Pools
Oasis of the Seas Sets Sail From Miami Following Major Reno