World Cruise from Valparaiso

Of Chile’s 4000km-plus coastline, the brief central strip between Rocas de Santo Domingo and Los Vilos is the most visited and developed. Known as the Litoral Central, this 250km stretch boasts bay after bay lined with gorgeous, white-sand beaches, and a string of coastal resort towns.

Valparaíso and Viña del Mar sit next to each other near the middle of the strip. They are geographical neighbours, but poles apart in appearance and atmosphere.

Viña is Chile’s largest beach resort and one of its ritziest. With its high-rises, casino, and seafront restaurants, as well as the beaches and clubs in nearby Reñaca, Viña typifies modern hedonism.

The UNESCO World Heritage-listed city of Valparaíso, on the other hand, has far more personality, with ramshackle, colourfulhouses spilling chaotically down the hills to the sea (but no decent beaches). “Valpo” is Chile’s principal port and naval base, and also perhaps the country’s liveliest and most vibrant city. The nightlife and excellent seafood attract much of Santiago to its bars and restaurants at the weekend, as does the nearby beach
resort of Viña del Mar. For stretches of sand, you’ll need to head south or north.

Closest to Santiago, via the “Autopista del Sol” (Ruta 78), are the resorts south of Valparaíso, which are busier and more developed. The one spot besides the beaches where you might want to spend some time in Viña del Mar is the lovely Quinta Vergara park, where the manicured grounds are home to a vast array of exotic imported plants. It is located a couple of blocks south of Plaza Vergara behind the Metrotrén Estación Viña, with the futuristic-looking Anfiteatro, home to the annual music festival, as its centrepiece.

Hanga Roa is the main town, harbour and capital of Easter Island, a province of Chile. It is located in the southern part of the island’s west coast, in the lowlands between the extinct volcanoes of Terevaka and Rano Kau. The population of 3,304 comprises 87 percent of the total population of the island.

Bounty Bay is an embayment of the Pacific Ocean into Pitcairn Island. Bounty Bay is named after the Bounty, a British naval vessel whose eighteenth-century mutiny was immortalized in the novel Mutiny on the Bounty, and the numerous subsequent motion pictures made of it.

In the heart of the Pacific Ocean exists a paradise of crystal clear waters, white beaches and primitive vegetation.
A place of pure beauty, where every corner hides wonderful treasures. It is French Polynesia, home of the island of Tahiti and the bustling port city of Papeete. This is where your incredibly beautiful vacation with MSC World Cruise will start on a journey to discover sensational places. It is the home of pearls; in Papeete, you can visit the first museum in the worlddedicated to the processing of these natural jewels, in particular the black pearl of Tahiti, the protagonist of the museum named after one of the largest cultivators of pearls, Robert Wan.
Here each step of the delicate process of harvesting and processing pearls will be explained and you can learn how they become beautiful jewels. The museum also offers a comprehensive guide to the history and legends associated with pearls, crossing various cultures and civilizations. During your MSC Cruise into this exotic land, you will have the opportunity to visit the pulsating center of the city of Papeete, famous for its market. Activity begins at first light, with fruit, vegetables, fish, flowers and crafts.
It is a place not to be missed especially early in the morning to breathe in its magical atmosphere before it is full of people. The entire island of Tahiti offers visitors a hiking dream, including walks in Bougainville Park, full of flowers and manicured plants, or a ride to Marae Arahurahu, the best place to admire the old traditional Polynesian temples and learn about their history by admiring one of the best preserved on these islands. MSC Cruises also offers a fantastic tour in the sky of Tahiti to see the whole island in one fell swoop.

In the heart of the Pacific Ocean exists a paradise of crystal clear waters, white beaches and primitive vegetation.
A place of pure beauty, where every corner hides wonderful treasures. It is French Polynesia, home of the island of Tahiti and the bustling port city of Papeete. This is where your incredibly beautiful vacation with MSC World Cruise will start on a journey to discover sensational places. It is the home of pearls; in Papeete, you can visit the first museum in the worlddedicated to the processing of these natural jewels, in particular the black pearl of Tahiti, the protagonist of the museum named after one of the largest cultivators of pearls, Robert Wan.
Here each step of the delicate process of harvesting and processing pearls will be explained and you can learn how they become beautiful jewels. The museum also offers a comprehensive guide to the history and legends associated with pearls, crossing various cultures and civilizations. During your MSC Cruise into this exotic land, you will have the opportunity to visit the pulsating center of the city of Papeete, famous for its market. Activity begins at first light, with fruit, vegetables, fish, flowers and crafts.
It is a place not to be missed especially early in the morning to breathe in its magical atmosphere before it is full of people. The entire island of Tahiti offers visitors a hiking dream, including walks in Bougainville Park, full of flowers and manicured plants, or a ride to Marae Arahurahu, the best place to admire the old traditional Polynesian temples and learn about their history by admiring one of the best preserved on these islands. MSC Cruises also offers a fantastic tour in the sky of Tahiti to see the whole island in one fell swoop.

Green, blue, azure, white. Moorea is an explosion of colours; when viewed from above, this volcanic island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean – separated from Tahiti by the “Sea of the Moon” – is a triangle that resembles a heart.

During this stop-over on the French Polynesia MSC World Cruise, you will be enchanted by Moorea’s crystal waters and extraordinary mountain peaks covered with emerald vegetation. A magical island, which over the years has been chosen by many couples from all over the world as the perfect place to get married.
Seeing the beauty of Moorea up close is a privilege. During the excursion organised by MSC Cruises, you can take a guided tour of the island, arriving at the top of Mount Tohivea to enjoy a breathtaking view of Cook’s Bay; you can also visit an archaeological site, where you can see the remains of Moorea’s marae and learn about the ancient Polynesian customs and ceremonies that were practiced in these sacred places.
Adventure enthusiasts can take part in a safari on board a 4×4, which will take you off the beaten track into a volcanic crater and to Moorea’s Tropical Garden, with its collection of exotic plants. Those who love the sea can put on a mask and flippers and dive into the lagoon off Opunohu Bay, Cook’s Bay’s twin, which is on the opposite side of Mount Rotui; here you can swim with stingrays and sharks and admire the corals and tropical fish. And afterwards, you can soak up the sun on the soft white sandy beach while eating Polynesian delicacies. Moorea is a fascinating destination that will enchant you; one of the destinations that will make your MSC cruise unforgettable.

As soon as you arrive at Arutanga on an MSC cruise, you can’t help but notice that the Aiutaki atoll has the shape of a triangle that seems to have been drawn by a child.
The small settlement area — the entire island is home to only a couple of thousand people — is located on the west coast, south of the landing strips made for American airplanes during World War II.

An MSC World Cruise is a great way to leisurely discover the riches found on the second largest of the Cook Islands: Aiutaki Lagoon. Right after you go ashore at Arutanga, you run into the rugby field and two white churches (the Cook Islands Christian Church is more than a hundred years old and is one of the oldest masonry structures on the island) on the main road, where the post office can also be found. This road circles the entire island whose eastern side also boasts a crystal-clear, calm lagoon, justifiably considered one of the most beautiful in the world.

Out of the selection of interesting MSC excursions available, you can choose to go on guided tours of two of the smaller islands: Honeymoon Island and One Foot Island. They are located at opposite ends of the lagoon; Honeymoon Island is 2 miles west of the coast, and One Foot Island (Tapueta) 2.5 miles to the east. Honeymoon Island is actually a sandbank located in front of the island of Maina where the red-tailed tropicbird with plumage as white as the sand of this atoll nests.
One Foot Island takes its name from its shape that is reminiscent of the footprint of a bare right foot. Also hidden amongst the vegetation of Aiutaki can be found the marae (courtyards), sacred ceremonial places used by the ancient populations that colonized the Cook Islands before the arrival of European explorers.

Even today, just as centuries ago, when you get to Avatiu Harbor, you are welcomed by the people of Rarotonga, the largest of the Cook Islands, giving you flower necklaces.

As you disembark from your MSC cruise ship, Rarotonga looks like a mountainous island surrounded by a single road, the Ara Tapu, which runs along the coastline, crossing the many streams that come down from the mountains. This road runs upstream, while the other, the Ara Metua is much older and dates back to a thousand years ago.

On your MSC World Cruise, you will discover what it is like to live in Avarua, the peaceful capital of the Cook Islands, strolling through its open market, the Punanga Nui, and exploring this nation’s ministerial buildings or visiting the CICC Church (Cook Islands Christian Church) that dates back to 1842.

If you go on one of the MSC Cruises, you will also be able to explore the heart of the island accompanied by a local traditional healer or visit the Takitumu Conservation Area on the opposite side of the island. This reserve preserves a section of tropical rainforest that protects
a rare indigenous bird, the kakerori or Rarotonga Monarch, threatened by the introduction of such predators as the cat. If you continue a further 8 km away from the reserve, you will find the dock at Ngatangiia Harbor where the Polynesian boats that colonized New Zealand in the middle of the 14th century launched from. Behind this harbor is found Muri Lagoon, a rare treasure protected by four islands covered in forests and filled with colorful tropical fish and intricate coral reefs. And if, after spending so much time at sea, you want to do some flying, the most daring visitors can take the opportunity to fly over Rarotonga island for about twenty minutes aboard a single-engine Cessna. An unforgettable guided aerial tour.

In the Heart of Maori Culture

At the edges of the world in search of a land full of primeval beauty, a delicate ecosystem where nothing has changed since the dinosaurs grazed there undisturbed. It is the Bay of Islands, the northern region of New Zealand and the place of origin of the first inhabitants of this land: the Maori.

Thanks to your MSC World Cruise, you will have the opportunity to see some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world: the Bay of Islands is home to many forests, reserves and marine parks where you can admire wonderful flora and fauna. In Waipoua Forest, for example, you can find Tane Mahuta, the “Lord of the Forest”, a Kauri tree about 3,000 years old and the second largest tree in the world.

In the Waitangi National Reserve, you can take a trip on the calm waters of the estuary, listening to the legends of the Maori immersed in the mangrove forests, all the way up to Haruru Falls. Nearby can be found the city of Paihia, the best location to discover the beauty of the Bay of Islands. Here, on your voyage with MSC Cruises, you can reach the picturesque village of Russell in only
a short time, enjoy the beautiful scenery and visit the Russell Museum, where you can find handmade Maori crafts and the history of the whalers that circulated this area.

Still on Paihia Wharf, you can head off to one of the landmarks of this region of New Zealand: the Hole in the Rock. It is a majestic natural arch in the rocks and once you are inside, you seem to be underneath the dome of a giant cathedral. It is the ideal spot for spotting dolphins, whales and penguins, admiring these beautiful sea creatures in their natural habitat. With MSC Cruises, you will experience only the best of an extraordinary land.

Adorned with a harbor and a spectacular bridge, the largest and most populous city in New Zealand is also one of the most beautiful. Auckland will be the next stop on your MSC World Cruise, for an extraordinary vacation in the “City of Sails”, named as such for its beautiful bays and its passion for water sports and yachting.

Its superb location, on a narrow strip of land between the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea, is made even more attractive by the lush subtropical forests that surround the nearby hills and the volcanic landscapes of the surrounding islands. Another stop on your trip with MSC Cruises that can not be missed is the Sky Tower, the tallest structure in the southern hemisphere. At 328 meters in height, this tower offers breathtaking sights: out of its glass windows, the view stretches for 80 kilometers in every direction.

To find out all about the Maori culture and the origins of life in the ocean, you can visit the Auckland Museum, with a section dedicated to the Second World War. Here you can not only enjoy the collections on the local traditions, but also
watch live vocal performances and dances by the local people. The National Maritime Museum instead will reveal the secrets of sailing in New Zealand, and at Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter & Underwater World aquarium, you can see fish of all kinds, alternating with the recreation of fantastic arctic excursions.

The city has a lot to offer in terms of art galleries, festivals and events of all kinds, related to music, cooking, wine and adventure, such as bungee jumping, skydiving, kayaking, swimming with dolphins and diving or shellfish. Thanks to your MSC cruise ship, you will experience unique moments in one of the most amazing cities in the world.

These “sheltered waters”, the meaning of the name Tauranga in Maori, will also shelter you while on an MSC World Cruise in New Zealand.

The city extends along a narrow peninsula dotted with parks and gardens lying behind a vibrant promenade, The Strand. Tauranga is a delightful city in which you can spend half a day wandering around between shops, restaurants and art galleries. If you miss the ocean, you can take a taxi to Mount Maunganui, the name of both the mountain that protects the port of Tauranga and the district overlooking the Pacific, with its long sandy beach and surfers.

One of the city’s main attractions is the Tauranga Art Gallery, which opened in 2007. The gallery is housed in a former bank that was transformed inside by creating large exhibition spaces; the exterior is completely sheathed with metal panels, similar to those of medieval armour. On The Strand, there is an ad hoc structure that houses the Te Awanui, a 14-metre long carved Maori war canoe used during ritual ceremonies; it is a truly remarkable example of New Zealand’s indigenous art. If you want
to relax, seek out the roses and Begonias in Robbins Park, or if you prefer to dive into the past of Tauranga, there’s nothing better than a visit to the immaculate Elms Mission House, one of New Zealand’s oldest standing houses, built between 1835 and 1847 for the first missionaries. A visit to this house, which still has its original furniture, is part of an MSC tour that ensures that you don’t miss out on anything in Tauranga.

If you want to go further afield, about 70 km inland you can visit Tudor-style spa bath houses and the Government Gardens near the town of Rotorua, which are well worth a visit, as are the Glow-Worm Waitomo Caves and the Hobbiton Movie Set, where Peter Jackson reconstructed J.R.R Tolkien’s County for his The Lord of the Rings film trilogy.

Where the Sky and Sea Meet
An earthly paradise of rare beauty. It is impossible to describe Fiji in any other way, a place far from reality, beautiful, iridescent ‒ a place where the sky and sea offer up dreamlike colors and atmospheres.

With your MSC World Cruise, you will have the opportunity to disembark in Suva, the capital of Viti Levu, the largest island of this beautiful archipelago. In town, you can start your tour by visiting the Fiji National Museum with its numerous archaeological finds and ancient local crafts on display. Other buildings of great interest are undoubtedly the majestic Sacred Heart Cathedral and the Suva City Library, both dating to the early twentieth century, but there are also many parks to admire that are home to beautiful local flora species.

The capital city offers visitors many places where they can have fun and eat in fine restaurants enjoying typical local dishes such as fish marinated in coconut milk. Suva is undoubtedly a lively cultural and culinary center that will amaze you. Do not miss the chance to also spend a bit of time at the Municipal Market.

Thanks to your MSC Cruise, you can relax on the beautiful white sand beaches of Viti Levu, which jut into cobalt-blue waters brimming with colorful corals and diverse marine creatures. Not to be forgotten is the hinterland with its rain forests, steep mountain ranges, and deep canyons carved by rivers and waterfalls. The perfect place for an unforgettable excursion surrounded by unspoiled nature.

Where the Sky and Sea Meet
An earthly paradise of rare beauty. It is impossible to describe Fiji in any other way, a place far from reality, beautiful, iridescent ‒ a place where the sky and sea offer up dreamlike colors and atmospheres.

With your MSC World Cruise, you will have the opportunity to disembark in Suva, the capital of Viti Levu, the largest island of this beautiful archipelago. In town, you can start your tour by visiting the Fiji National Museum with its numerous archaeological finds and ancient local crafts on display. Other buildings of great interest are undoubtedly the majestic Sacred Heart Cathedral and the Suva City Library, both dating to the early twentieth century, but there are also many parks to admire that are home to beautiful local flora species.

The capital city offers visitors many places where they can have fun and eat in fine restaurants enjoying typical local dishes such as fish marinated in coconut milk. Suva is undoubtedly a lively cultural and culinary center that will amaze you. Do not miss the chance to also spend a bit of time at the Municipal Market.

Thanks to your MSC Cruise, you can relax on the beautiful white sand beaches of Viti Levu, which jut into cobalt-blue waters brimming with colorful corals and diverse marine creatures. Not to be forgotten is the hinterland with its rain forests, steep mountain ranges, and deep canyons carved by rivers and waterfalls. The perfect place for an unforgettable excursion surrounded by unspoiled nature.

Sydney, capital of New South Wales and one of Australia’s largest cities, is best known for its harbourfront Sydney Opera House, with a distinctive sail-like design. Massive Darling Harbour and the smaller Circular Quay port are hubs of waterside life, with the arched Harbour Bridge and esteemed Royal Botanic Garden nearby. Sydney Tower’s outdoor platform, the Skywalk, offers 360-degree views of the city and suburbs.

Sydney, capital of New South Wales and one of Australia’s largest cities, is best known for its harbourfront Sydney Opera House, with a distinctive sail-like design. Massive Darling Harbour and the smaller Circular Quay port are hubs of waterside life, with the arched Harbour Bridge and esteemed Royal Botanic Garden nearby. Sydney Tower’s outdoor platform, the Skywalk, offers 360-degree views of the city and suburbs.