- MSC Cruises today commences first winter season in Greece with ship call in Piraeus
- Introduction of winter calls means cruise line is present in Greece year-round
- Cruises from Piraeus include calls to Corfu, Bari (Italy), Istanbul and Izmir (Turkey)
Piraeus, 18 November 2024 – MSC Cruises today commenced its first winter season in Greece, marking the first time the cruise line serves this region year-round.
MSC Sinfonia will call weekly to Piraeus throughout winter, operating seven-night itineraries that include stops in Corfu as well as a wide variety of Mediterranean highlights, including Izmir, Istanbul (Turkey) and Bari (Italy).
This initiative aligns with the country’s five-year tourism development plan to extend the core visitor season, promoting year-round tourism by leveraging Greece’s rich cultural heritage, diverse natural landscapes, and mild winter climate to attract more visitors during the off-peak season.
This supports wider tourism and economic impact in the region thanks to the ship’s embarkation port in Greece, which will see international guests flying into Greece, with many extending their holiday at sea with stays pre or post-cruise ashore in Greek resorts and cities.
Over summer and winter seasons, MSC Cruises offers over 40 different shore excursions across all Greek destinations, using entirely local suppliers, and incorporating tours, tickets and visits to local Greek businesses. These excursions not only support local economies, but encourage guests to immerse themselves in Greek culture, taste Greek cuisine and learn about Greek history.
Full details of MSC Cruises Greek destinations can be found here.
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MSC Sinfonia
MSC Sinfonia pays homage to the symphonies of the great composers through a thoroughly modern reinterpretation of the classic cruise experience. Stylish designer interiors combine clean lines and every modern comforts with the warmth of traditional natural wood, brass and marble, lending each stunning venue on this ship its own unique feel.
The cruise ship offers options for all ages. Children will love the water park with its fun water features, while teenagers will find their own corner for video games. The areas have been created in collaboration with renowned companies such as Chicco, LEGO® and Namco®.
The sports and leisure options cater to all tastes and ages. From a lavish pool complex to a fully-equipped gym and the MSC Aurea Spa offering modern beauty treatments and exotic Balinese massages, there’s something to suit everyone’s desires for relaxation or activity.
Among the ship’s four restaurants and buffets, passengers will discover a variety of Italian, Mediterranean, and international cuisine. For evening entertainment, they can explore the luxurious San Remo Casino, the panoramic Pasha Club Disco, as well as the Teatro San Carlo or the brand new 319-square-metre venue for music and dancing.
MSC Sinfonia’s Specifications
Ship name: MSC Sinfonia Gross tonnage: 65,4542 GT Max passenger capacity: 2,646 Crew members: 742 Number of cabins: 980 Length / Beam / Height: 274.9 m / 28.8 m / 54 m Maximum speed: 20.9 knots
MSC Sinfonia Itineraries
MSC Sinfonia will be sailing year-round from Piraeus. From March to November 2024, it will visit Split (Croatia), Venice (Italy), Brindisi (Italy), and Mykonos. From November 2024 to May 2025, while still homeporting in Piraeus, it will include stops in Izmir/Efessos (Turkey), Istanbul (Turkey), Corfu (Greece), and Bari (Italy).
About MSC Cruises
Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, MSC Cruises is the world’s third largest cruise line and the market leader in Europe, South America, the Middle East and Southern Africa, with a strong and growing presence in North America and the Far East.
The MSC Cruises fleet consists of 22 modern ships with three new vessels due to be launched in 2025, 2026, and 2027.
The Company operates in more than 100 countries around the world, offering cruises across five continents, calling at more than 300 destinations and welcoming more than 180 different nationalities on board.
MSC Cruises is firmly committed to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions for its marine operations by 2050.
For more information, click here.
