MSC Lirica
March 28, 2026

Bari, Italy, offers docking at Bari Port. Travelers explore Basilica of San Nicola and Bari Vecchia. Excursions visit Alberobello’s trulli houses. Local markets sell orecchiette. The peak season, April to October, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures medieval alleys and Adriatic vistas. Dining onboard includes tiella, an Apulian favorite. Souvenirs, like ceramic crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Norman history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance historic walks. Bari’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Italian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic landmarks and scenic coasts, making Bari an engaging destination for exploring Italy’s Apulia region.

Piraeus (Athens), Greece, offers docking at Piraeus Port with excursions to Athens. Travelers explore Acropolis and Parthenon. Excursions visit Cape Sounion. Local markets sell souvlaki. The peak season, April to October, brings warm weather for city tours. Photography captures ancient ruins and Aegean vistas. Dining onboard includes moussaka, a Greek favorite. Souvenirs, like olive oil, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Hellenic history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance historic walks. Piraeus’ cultural gateway offers a vibrant Greek stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of iconic landmarks and scenic coasts, making Piraeus an engaging destination for exploration.

Santorini, Greece, offers docking at Fira Port with tenders to shore. Travelers explore Oia’s blue-domed churches and Thera ruins. Excursions include sailing to Nea Kameni. Local markets sell fava beans. The peak season, May to September, brings warm weather for island tours. Photography captures caldera views and Aegean vistas. Dining onboard includes moussaka, a Greek favorite. Souvenirs, like volcanic crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Minoan history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while sturdy shoes enhance cliff walks. Santorini’s iconic charm offers a vibrant Greek stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of stunning views and ancient ruins, making Santorini an engaging destination.

Katakolon (Olympia), Greece, offers docking at Katakolon Port with excursions to Olympia. Travelers explore Ancient Olympia and Archaeological Museum. Excursions visit Kourouta Beach. Local markets sell loukoumades. The peak season, May to September, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures ancient stadiums and Ionian vistas. Dining onboard includes moussaka, a Greek favorite. Souvenirs, like olive oil, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Peloponnesian history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance ruin walks. Katakolon’s historic charm offers a vibrant Greek stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of ancient landmarks and scenic beaches, making Katakolon an engaging destination.

Ancona, Italy, docks at Molo Wojtyla, 1 kilometer from the old town, with shuttles or a 15-minute walk. The city, population 100,000, features the 12th-century Cathedral of San Ciriaco on a hilltop with Adriatic views. Travelers explore the Arch of Trajan, a 14-meter Roman relic from 115 AD. Excursions to Urbino, 90 minutes west, visit Renaissance palaces. Local markets sell olive ascolane (stuffed olives). Peak season May to September; buses 1.50 EUR. Dining includes brodetto (fish stew). Souvenirs feature lacework.

Marghera, Venezia Porto Marghera, Italy, provides docking at Porto Marghera. Travelers explore Venice’s St. Mark’s Square and Doge’s Palace via water taxis. Excursions visit Murano’s glassblowing workshops. Local markets sell tiramisu. The peak season, April to October, brings mild weather for canal tours. Photography captures Venetian canals and Gothic architecture. Dining onboard includes risotto al nero, a Venetian dish. Souvenirs, like Murano glass, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Venetian history. Light layers suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Marghera’s access to Venice offers a vibrant Italian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a blend of iconic landmarks, artistic heritage, and romantic waterways, making Marghera a gateway to Venice’s timeless beauty and cultural richness, perfect for an immersive Italian experience.