MSC Cruises’ themed wine cruises

MSC Splendida in port in Malta

MSC Cruises is offering a limited series of tantalizing journeys through flavours and cultures with three wine-themed cruises, where guests can delight their palates and hone their knowledge through expert-led tastings and talks, and captivating excursions to wine estates.

Whether in charming Provence, buzzing Barcelona or the historic Roman port of Civitavecchia, ‘On The Wine Routes’ will immerse guests in the fascinating and ancient world of Mediterranean wine production, trade and tradition.

The eight-day / seven-night cruises on MSC Splendida will depart from Genoa, Italy, on 2 and 9 November, and 14 December, making stops in Italy, Tunisia, Spain and France.

Dom Perignon vintage champagne

They are priced from A$664 per person, twin share.

The November cruises are scheduled to call at Naples and Messina (Italy); Tunis (Tunisia); Barcelona (Spain) and Marseille (France), while the December departure’s Italian stops will be in Civitavecchia, near Rome, and Palermo, in Sicily.

Every On The Wine Routes cruise includes city tours, enlightening talks, tastings of a wide range of fine local wines and qualified insights by Masters of Wine, leading experts on the art, science and business of wine.

The cruise package includes one excursion to a wine producer or cellar in Barcelona, and a high quality beverage package, comprising superior wines served with onboard meals* and a bottle of fine sparkling wine on Gala Night.

MSC Cruises CEO Gianni Onorato said: “Wine is an unbroken thread linking past to present in the Mediterranean, a region whose rich wine culture and history are admired the world over. As the region’s top cruise line it makes absolute sense for MSC Cruises to offer our guests a special wine-themed experience that celebrates this heritage.”

He added: “Many people enjoy a glass of good wine, but some want to take this a step further and learn more about wine, its production, history and so on. On The Wine Routes is a unique chance to discover more about wine in different countries under expert guidance, in an unhurried and enjoyable way.”

*Wines will vary between departures but will always reflect the itinerary.