With the introduction of the French Antilles as a new destination for the 2012-2013 winter season, and the prospect of a vast array of fascinating shore excursions, MSC Cruises has created a unique opportunity for guests to experience the very best of this idyllic region.
The 59,000 gross ton MSC Lirica features 780 cabins, a sophisticated and elegant decor, superb attention to detail in all areas, the finest Mediterranean and international cuisine and a dazzling selection of entertainment. The ship boasts 4 restaurants, 8 bars and lounges, the 1,000 m² MSC Aurea Spa, a running track, a mini golf course, numerous boutiques, a casino, a 700-seat theatre, a nightclub, and a children’s club.
On 30 November 2012 MSC Lirica will depart from Genoa, Italy for a 15-night cruise, arriving at her new homeport in Martinique just over two weeks later. MSC Lirica’s course will take her from the Mediterranean Sea through the Atlantic Ocean to the Caribbean Sea, with scheduled stops in Marseilles, France, Barcelona, Spain, Funchal, Portugal and, after five full days at sea, Bridgetown, Barbados. Scheduled stops then follow in Saint George in Grenada, Basseterre in Saint Kitts and Nevis and Castries in Saint Lucia, with MSC Lirica arriving in Fort-de-France in Martinique on 15 December 2012. With a total of 7 full days at sea, this cruise provides guests with the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the many impressive facilities on board the luxury ship.
From 15 December 2012 through to 16 February 2013, MSC Lirica has a full schedule of ten 7-night cruises, departing every Saturday from Fort-de-France, Martinique, and every Sunday from Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe.
The French Antilles will say farewell to MSC Lirica on 23 February 2013, when she starts her 15-night return cruise from Fort-de-France in Martinique to Genoa in Italy. Scheduled stops are, Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe, Castries, Saint Lucia, Funchal, Portugal, Malaga, Spain, Barcelona, Spain and Marseille, France.
During the Caribbean experience, guests on board MSC Lirica can enjoy the region's most charming attractions and discover not only the breathtaking beauty but also the rich history of the islands, with scheduled stops in St John’s in Antigua and Barbuda, Road Town in Tortola, in the British Virgin Islands, Santo Domingo and La Romana in the Dominican Republic, and Philipsburg in St Maarten, Netherlands Antilles.
Itineraries offer up the perfect balance of relaxation, adventure and historical discovery through a diverse choice of shore excursions.
The adventurous will not be bored, with spectacular bird’s eye views of the rainforest on offer in the zip-lining Canopy Tour, and opportunities to swim and snorkel with stingrays, discover the region on horseback, swim with dolphins in a natural lagoon, kayak, go off-road in 4 X 4 Jeeps, river raft and ride along the coast in a speed boat.
Learning about the region, its history and culture is easy and enjoyable with the many informative excursions on offer. You can visit the fishing village where Christopher Columbus landed in 1502, historic plantations and distilleries, and take the Chocolate Tour to the Caribbean’s largest organic cocoa processing plants where only the most exquisite raw materials are used. Discovering historical Philipsburg is especially enjoyable on the bicycle tour, and you can revisit the 1950s on the Creole Bus Sensation Tour, as well as appreciating the enchanting views of Sabana Grande de Boyá which also commemorates the region’s fight to abolish slavery.
By providing so many imaginative options, MSC Cruises is confident of offering guests an unforgettable Caribbean adventure.
