POSTED: 20 APRIL 2011

Destination: Ukraine & Eastern Mediterranean

MSC adds Yalta and Odessa to its line-up*

The fascinating Black Sea ports of Yalta and Odessa in southern Ukraine are the focal point of a new 15-night fly/stay/cruise package from MSC Cruises.

Priced from $4052 per person twin share, the itinerary also calls includes Istanbul, Rome, Sorrento, Messina and Greece’s stunning Nafplion, with its charming waterfront and fortress, during the 11-night cruise aboard the classic cruise ship MSC Melody.

Return economy-class Qantas air travel from Australia to Milan is included in the package, along with transfer from Milan airport to Genoa, the starting and finishing point for the cruise, a night’s accommodation at Best Western City Genoa (or equivalent) with breakfast and transfer from the hotel to the port.

On-board meals and entertainment are also included in the price, along with invitations to the captain’s cocktail party and gala dinner, port charges, air taxes and transfer from Genoa port to Milan airport for the homeward flight.

Departure from Australia for the MSC Cruises’ Breathtaking Black Sea Adventure is 25 October 25. Price for single guests booking a stateroom starts at $4628.

“We also have a flexible flight option which allows passengers to have one free stopover on the flight home or additional stopovers for a charge of $100 per person, twin-share,” said Lynne Clarke, managing director of MSC Cruises Australia and New Zealand.

“This is a very exciting package which involves ports rarely or never spoken of in Australia. Nafplion, Yalta, to name two. They are as fascinating as the cruise itself.”

As a bonus, guests who decide to stay longer can book a second 11-night cruise to Malta, Israel, Cyprus and Crete and save $150 per person, twin-share.

As with all MSC Cruises, children under 18 years travel free, providing they share the cabin with two adults (port charges are extra).

Meanwhile, MSC Cruises has replaced trouble Bahrain with Oman’s former Portuguese port Khasab in its Arabian Peninsula program, which begins in October 2011.

Billed the “Norway of Arabia” or the “Norwegian Fjords of the Arabian Coast” for its scenic splendour, Khasab was built by the Portuguese in the 17th century during the height of the European country’s naval presence in the region. The city’s natural harbor was a sanctuary for ships sheltering from rough seas.

Unlike many forts built on high ground for defensive purposes, Khasab was designed as a supply point for dates and water for Portuguese ships sailing through the strait.

MSC Lirica, which takes up residency in the region until March 2012, will cruise the waters along the Musandam peninsula on its series of seven-night cruises, fares starting at $879 per person, twin share.

Renowned for being the world’s swiftest-growing cruise line, family-owned MSC Cruises, has moved quickly to build on Abu Dhabi’s emerging popularity as a holiday destination by establishing the Arabian centre as an international embarkation hub for MSC Lirica on these cruises.

Abu Dhabi’s port, Mina Zayed, will serve as the primary point for the Italian operator’s maiden itinerary for the region.

Entry into the Arabian Peninsula will see the 59,000-tonne MSC Lirica, which has a capacity to cater for almost 2200 guests in 784 cabins and suites, offer 19 eight-day/seven-night cruises.

These cruises will cover contrasting destinations, ports of call including Dubai, on the edge of the Arabian Desert, Al Fujairah and its 17th-century fortress, and Muscat in Oman, one of the world’s great ports since ancient Rome, and Khasab.

Details: MSC Cruises, phone 1300 028502, www.msccruises.com.au

*Based on media release issued by www.msccruises.com.au