MSC Cruises: Strengthens its presence in Greece with 6 cruise ships
MSC Cruises celebrated the start of this year’s summer season in Greece and the Eastern Mediterranean with a special event for the cruise community, held on the MSC Armonia cruise ship, in the port of Piraeus. The company also celebrated the successful inaugural winter season in Greece, as 2025 is the first year that MSC Cruises offers year-round itineraries in the region.
Recognizing the growing popularity of Greece as a hub for cruise itineraries in the Mediterranean, MSC Cruises is strengthening its presence in the region for the 2025 summer season. In total, six of the company’s ships will sail throughout the summer in the region, highlighting the pivotal role of Greece in the company’s activities in the Eastern Mediterranean. In this way, MSC Cruises enables its passengers to tour the most enchanting locations in the region, relax, and explore destinations such as Greece, Italy, Croatia, and Turkey.
The itineraries include:
- MSC ARMONIA on 7-night cruises from Piraeus to Split, Venice-Marghera, Brindisi, Mykonos, and return to Piraeus, from April to October 2025.
- MSC FANTASIA on 9-night cruises from Piraeus to Kusadasi, Istanbul, Corfu, Bari, Trieste, Katakolon, and return to Piraeus, from May to October 2025.
- MSC DIVINA on 7-night cruises from Civitavecchia to Mykonos, Kusadasi, Santorini, Naples, and return to Civitavecchia, from May to October 2025.
- MSC LIRICA on 7-night cruises from Venice-Marghera to Kotor, Mykonos, Santorini, Ancona, and return to Venice-Marghera, from April to October 2025.
- MSC OPERA on 7-night cruises from Venice-Marghera to Dubrovnik, Corfu, Kotor, Bari, Zadar, and return to Venice-Marghera, from May to October 2025.
- MSC SINFONIA continues with weekly sailings from Piraeus, following its successful winter season, offering 7-night cruises throughout the summer and winter seasons. The itineraries include visits to Corfu and a range of Mediterranean destinations, including Izmir and Istanbul in Turkey, as well as Bari in Italy.
Summer itineraries start from €449 and are available to book.
“Greece is extremely important to MSC Cruises. We are proud to further strengthen our presence in the region, with a year-round presence,” said Norbert Stiekema, Chief Executive Officer of MSC Cruises. “With six of our ships calling at and based in Greek ports this summer, and with our brand Explora Journeys offering luxurious itineraries in the Eastern Mediterranean, we are giving our guests more opportunities than ever to explore the beauty, culture, and heritage of this unique country,” he added.
MSC Cruises’ year-round presence in Greece aligns with the country’s strategic goal to extend its tourist season beyond the traditional summer months. By promoting Greece’s cultural richness, diverse natural beauty, and exceptional climate, MSC Cruises supports efforts to develop responsible and sustainable off-peak travel and to promote the country as a year-round destination.
Throughout both its summer and winter itineraries, MSC Cruises will offer more than 40 shore excursions in the Greek ports its ships will visit. All excursions are carried out in collaboration with local suppliers, showcasing authentic Greek culture, cuisine, and local heritage. This approach not only enhances the guest experience but also provides essential support to local businesses and communities across the country.
MSC Group’s dynamic activity in Greece and the Eastern Mediterranean is further underlined by the presence in the region of the Group’s luxury cruise line, Explora Journeys. EXPLORA I, the first cruise ship in the company’s fleet, will sail in the region until November 2025, offering unique luxury voyages designed for discerning travelers seeking deeper cultural experiences and high-level services on board.
