2024-09-29
Here is everything you need to know if you’re going to travel on the MSC Orchestra cruise ship, including the current itineraries, tours, and other information for first-time cruisers!
At the moment, the MSC Orchestra cruise offers three types of itineraries. The ship travels in the Mediterranean, South America, and also the MSC Grand Voyages.
I believe that most european travelers, Mediterranean cruises are the most sought after since they are the closest to home.
The good news is that it was precisely the Mediterranean cruise on the MSC Orchestra that we took.
So, keep reading and take note of all the information you need to organize your next cruise, whether it’s in the Mediterranean, South America, or MSC Grand Voyages!
What is the MSC Orchestra like?
The MSC Orchestra is quite a large ship, and to better understand its size, here are some figures to grasp the magnitude I’m referring to.
The MSC Orchestra has a capacity for 3,013 passengers, 987 crew members, and 1,275 cabins, with 17 cabins that can accommodate guests with special needs.
It has a SPA on board, 5 pools, a sports center, the Covent Garden Theater, Palm Beach Casino, Jungle Adventure children’s playroom and kids’ club, as well as a teen club for adolescents.
In terms of dining options, you can enjoy the buffet restaurant, the Chinese restaurant Shanghai, and the Italian restaurants Four Seasons and La Piazzetta.
As you can see, there’s no shortage of activities on board the MSC Orchestra.
Entertainment Options Aboard the MSC Orchestra Cruise
In terms of onboard entertainment on the MSC Orchestra, you can enjoy 5 pools, some of which are covered and others dedicated to children.
Additionally, active passengers can make use of the sports center, where various sports can be practiced.
Every night, fun is guaranteed with Broadway-style shows at the Covent Garden Theater. Typically, there are two shows per night, so you can easily fit them into your dinner schedule.
Moreover, if you’re feeling lucky, you might want to spend a couple of hours at the Palm Beach Casino.
Finally, if you’re traveling with children, you’ll be pleased to know that the MSC cruise offers a kids’ club and a playroom for the little ones, as well as a teen club for your teenage children.
My Mediterranean Itinerary Aboard the MSC Orchestra
👉NOTE: This itinerary is no longer available, but you can take similar cruises departing from Venice on the MSC Armonia or the MSC Opera departing from Bari.
Our trip aboard the MSC Orchestra through the Mediterranean was incredible! We arrived in Venice two days early to explore the city of canals and the Rialto market.
The cruise started the next day, departing from Venice towards Bari. We chose not to take the tour in Bari to save some money, but we explored the area near the port.
After Bari, we headed to Greece, stopping in Katakolon, where we visited Olympia. Santorini exceeded our expectations, especially Oia, Fira, and the magical sunset!
The only thing we could have skipped in Santorini was watching the donkeys climb up and down the hillside. Then, in Athens, we visited the Acropolis and enjoyed Greek yogurt and gyros.
In Corfu, we explored the summer palace of Empress Sissi, the Achilleion. Before ending the cruise, we made a stop in Montenegro, visiting Kotor and Perast.
In short, it was an unforgettable trip! Of course, we would have liked to spend more time in some ports, but we couldn’t have explored so many places in such a comfortable and quick way.
Here is the list of ports included in this Mediterranean cruise:
- First day: Embark in Venice, Italy
- Second day: Bari
- Third day: Katakolon, Greece (Olympia & Shopping tour)
- Fourth day: Santorini, Greece (Best of Santorini tour)
- Fifth day: Piraeus (Athens), Greece (Athens and Acropolis tour)
- Sixth day: Corfu, Greece (Achilleion’s Palace tour)
- Seventh day: Kotor, Montenegro (Kotor & Perast tour)
- Eighth day: Return to Venice, Italy.
Everything You Need to Know About the MSC Orchestra
What are the main destinations visited by the MSC Orchestra?
As mentioned before, the MSC Orchestra currently offers cruises in the Mediterranean, South America, and MSC Grand Voyages.
In the Mediterranean, the ports of embarkation are:
Portugal:
- Lisbon (Cascais)
Spain:
- Alicante
- Barcelona
- Málaga
Italy:
- Cagliari (Sardinia)
- Civitavecchia (Rome)
- Genoa (Portofino)
- Olbia (Sardinia)
France:
If you’re considering a cruise in South America, the MSC Orchestra departs from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
For MSC Grand Voyages, the departures are from the ports of:
- Barcelona
- Genoa (Portofino)
- Marseille
Does the MSC Orchestra Include Activities for Children and Families?
Yes, the MSC Orchestra includes many activities for both children and families.
In fact, I believe that cruises are one of the best ways for families to travel with children.
This is because it allows them to visit different destinations without the logistics of constantly changing cities and hotels.
Moreover, I found it very easy to maintain the children’s routine on board. Whether it’s meal times or bedtime, it didn’t seem difficult to balance the children’s needs with the way cruises operate.
What is the typical duration of cruises in the Mediterranean?
Cruises in the Mediterranean typically last between 3-10 days, with many lasting a week.
In any case, the shortest cruise lasts 3 nights, departing from Alicante with disembarkation in Genoa (Portofino).
What is the typical duration of MSC Grand Voyages cruises?
MSC Grand Voyages cruises are typically longer, as the name suggests. They are usually transatlantic voyages that change seasons, moving between the Mediterranean and South America.
Therefore, expect cruises lasting 15-20 nights on board.
What is the typical duration of cruises in South America?
MSC Orchestra cruises in South America can last between 3-8 nights.
You May Also Like
- Cruising with children: everything you need to know!
- How to find the best cruise prices: Effective tips to save money!
- What To Do On a Cruise At Sea (7 Great Onboard Activities)
We are a Family traveling around the world and sharing our journey and experiences at passaportenobolso.com. Here you can find plenty of family budget travel tips as well as practical information about numerous destinations in Europe, Africa, Asia and America. We have visited 30+ countries and we don’t plan on stopping anytime soon. Follow our adventures on YouTube / Instagram / Pinterest / Twitter / Facebook.
