South Caribbean

Fort-de-France, located on Martinique is the largest city in the French West Indies and it has personality to match. Life here is vibrant and fast-paced, and the culture is as colourful as the brightly painted shops that line the city’s cobblestone streets. Ships will dock at the port.

Top Things to Do in Fort-de-France:

• visit the Botanical Gardens
• join a rainforest hike to Absalon
• visit the Rum Distillery
• explore a banana plantation
• see the ruins of Chateau Dubuc
• take a helicopter flight over Martinique

Pointe-à-Pitre, located in Guadeloupe, is a dynamic city where Caribbean vibrancy meets rich history. Its streets are lined with colonial-era architecture, including the ornate Saint-John Perse Museum, which not only offers insights into the poet's life but also into Guadeloupe’s past. The bustling spice market, a sensory overload of colours, scents, and sounds, showcases the island’s culinary wealth.

The city’s location makes it a central point for exploring the natural beauty surrounding it. Just a short trip away are lush rainforests and the serene beaches of Grande-Terre. Pointe-à-Pitre's lively cultural festivals, such as the vibrant Carnival, bring the city to life with music, dance, and Creole traditions, offering an authentic immersion into Guadeloupe's festive spirit.

Saint Lucia is the quintessential island paradise, with the majestic peaks of the Pitons, the splendour of lush rainforests, and the blue-green waters of the Caribbean breaking just off shore. Here, the mix of Caribbean, African, English, and French cultures creates an exquisite blend of food, music, and traditions. Enjoy a leisurely morning visiting Sulphur Springs, the world's only drive-in volcano, where you can relax in therapeutic mud baths and hot springs. For a taste of local culture, head to Castries Market, bustling with vendors selling fresh produce, spices, and handmade crafts.

In Castries, cruise ships dock at Pointe Seraphine or La Place Carenage. Both terminals are conveniently located within 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) of the city center, making it a quick 5-minute drive or a pleasant 15-minute walk. Pointe Seraphine is the primary terminal, featuring duty-free shops and a range of local craft stores, while La Place Carenage offers easy access to the central market.

To explore further, consider taking a taxi or a water taxi to Marigot Bay, roughly 11 kilometers (7 miles) south, about a 20-minute drive. Alternatively, arrange for a guided tour to the island's iconic Pitons, which are 45 kilometers (28 miles) away, typically a 1.5-hour drive. Local buses are also an economical way to see the island's stunning landscapes.

Bridgetown, the captivating capital of Barbados, combines faded colonial history, captivating tradition, and vivid white beaches. Stately colonial buildings intermingle with colourful wooden homes, open-air markets and catch-of-the-day cafés. Ships will dock at this port.

Top Things to Do in Bridgetown:

• ride an electric tram into Harrison Cave
• look for green monkeys in the Barbados Wildlife Reserve
• relax at the Copacabana Beach Bar
• visit the George Washington House
• go underwater in the Atlantis Submarine

Onboard MSC you'll experience a welcoming atmosphere with a Mediterranean-inspired elegance. Enjoy a wide array of dining options, from gourmet restaurants to casual eateries and experience live performances, themed parties, and engaging activities for all ages, making it ideal for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.

Known as the 'City of Arches' because of the many volcanic stone archways throughout the downtown area, Kingstown is filled with old world charm and accented with rich, rolling green hills. Ships will dock at the cruise terminal.

Top Things to Do in Kingstown:

• beach hop on Bequia Island
• visit the St. Vincent Botanical Gardens
• hike up La Soufriere volcano
• sail the Tobago Cays
• taste the Caribbean's highest proof rum at St. Vincent Distillery

Grenada, the Caribbean's "Isle of Spice," is renowned for producing nutmeg, mace, clove, cinnamon, and cocoa. The island's fragrant aroma envelops its emerald hillsides, tropical forests, and sun-drenched beaches. Start your adventure by snorkeling at the unique Underwater Sculpture Park, an underwater gallery of marine life and art.

For stunning views, visit Fort Frederick, then explore the lush landscapes of Grand Etang National Park. Spot sea turtles at Levera National Park and tour a spice garden to learn about the island's famous spices. For a thrilling experience, try river tubing down the Balthazar River. Grenada's vibrant culture and natural beauty make it a captivating destination.

Ships docking in St. George's, Grenada, typically arrive at the Melville Street Cruise Terminal. This terminal is conveniently located just 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) from the city center, a short 5-minute walk. St. George's is known for its picturesque harbor, historic forts, and vibrant market square.

Fort-de-France, located on Martinique is the largest city in the French West Indies and it has personality to match. Life here is vibrant and fast-paced, and the culture is as colourful as the brightly painted shops that line the city’s cobblestone streets. Ships will dock at the port.

Top Things to Do in Fort-de-France:

• visit the Botanical Gardens
• join a rainforest hike to Absalon
• visit the Rum Distillery
• explore a banana plantation
• see the ruins of Chateau Dubuc
• take a helicopter flight over Martinique

Pointe-à-Pitre, located in Guadeloupe, is a dynamic city where Caribbean vibrancy meets rich history. Its streets are lined with colonial-era architecture, including the ornate Saint-John Perse Museum, which not only offers insights into the poet's life but also into Guadeloupe’s past. The bustling spice market, a sensory overload of colours, scents, and sounds, showcases the island’s culinary wealth.

The city’s location makes it a central point for exploring the natural beauty surrounding it. Just a short trip away are lush rainforests and the serene beaches of Grande-Terre. Pointe-à-Pitre's lively cultural festivals, such as the vibrant Carnival, bring the city to life with music, dance, and Creole traditions, offering an authentic immersion into Guadeloupe's festive spirit.

Sint Martin, a gem in the Caribbean, is renowned for its dual French and Dutch heritage. This unique blend offers travelers a diverse cultural experience. In the French capital, Marigot, visit the bustling open-air markets and savor gourmet dining, while in Philipsburg on the Dutch side, indulge in duty-free shopping and lively beach bars. Maho Beach, famous for its low-flying planes, is a must-see spectacle.

For nature lovers, the island offers pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling and diving. Loterie Farm provides an adventurous escape with zip-lining and hiking trails. Don't miss the opportunity to sample local delicacies like conch fritters and guavaberry liqueur, which reflect the island’s rich culinary traditions.

Philipsburg is the capital of Dutch Sint Maarten and it's port is conveniently located about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) from downtown Philipsburg, taking roughly 5 minutes by car or a leisurely 20-minute walk. Visitors can explore the vibrant Front Street, known for its duty-free shopping, colorful boutiques, and lively cafes. Transportation options include taxis, rental cars, and water taxis. Don’t miss a visit to the Great Bay Beach, just steps from the main shopping area, or venture to Maho Beach to watch planes land dramatically close to the shore.

Onboard MSC you'll experience a welcoming atmosphere with a Mediterranean-inspired elegance. Enjoy a wide array of dining options, from gourmet restaurants to casual eateries and experience live performances, themed parties, and engaging activities for all ages, making it ideal for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.

Located on São Miguel, the largest of the Azores archipelago, Ponta Delgada is a place of whitewashed buildings, spectacular volcanic vistas, steaming hot springs and impressive landscaped gardens. This city is the gateway to the stunning landscape and lush nature of São Miguel. Ships will dock at Portas do Mar.

Top Things to Do in Ponta Delgada:

• go dolphin and whale watching
• soak in a hotspring in Furnas Valley
• view the Sete Cidades Crater Lakes
• stroll through a botanical garden
• explore São Miguel in 4x4

Onboard MSC you'll experience a welcoming atmosphere with a Mediterranean-inspired elegance. Enjoy a wide array of dining options, from gourmet restaurants to casual eateries and experience live performances, themed parties, and engaging activities for all ages, making it ideal for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.

The quirky and heritage-filled Hamburg is a true city of water, nestled snugly between the Baltic and North seas and intersected by a frayed network of rivers and canals, spanned by hundreds of pretty bridges. Explore the Speicherstadt, the world’s largest warehouse district and a UNESCO site, known for its neo-gothic architecture.

The nearby Elbphilharmonie concert hall is impressive with its striking design and views over the Elbe River. For a taste of local life, visit the lively Fish Market or stroll along the waterfront at Landungsbrücken, where ferries offer scenic river cruises along the canals.