MSC Lirica
December 7, 2026

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.

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.

Iraklion (Heraklion), Crete, offers docking at Heraklion Port. Travelers explore Knossos Palace and Heraklion Archaeological Museum. Excursions visit Phaistos ruins. Local markets sell dakos. The peak season, May to September, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures Minoan ruins and Aegean vistas. Dining onboard includes moussaka, a Greek favorite. Souvenirs, like olive oil, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Minoan history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance ruin walks. Heraklion’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Greek stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of ancient landmarks and scenic coasts, making Heraklion an engaging destination for exploration.

Port Said, Egypt, offers docking at Port Said Port. Travelers explore the Suez Canal waterfront and Port Said Lighthouse. Excursions visit Cairo’s Pyramids of Giza. Local markets sell koshari. The peak season, October to April, brings mild weather for city tours. Photography captures canal views and colonial architecture. Dining onboard includes ful medames, an Egyptian favorite. Souvenirs, like papyrus art, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Suez history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Port Said’s canal-side charm offers a vibrant Egyptian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic landmarks, canal views, and cultural heritage, making Port Said an engaging gateway to Egypt’s history and Cairo’s wonders.

Alexandria, Egypt, docks at the Western Port terminal, 10 kilometers from the city center, with shuttles or taxis offering 20-minute transfers to the Corniche. The facility includes lounges and ATMs. Travelers explore the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a modern library complex with manuscripts and planetarium shows. Qaitbay Citadel, 15 minutes east, features 15th-century fortifications on Pharos Lighthouse ruins. Kom el-Dikka, a 5-minute drive, reveals Roman amphitheaters and mosaics. Excursions to Cairo, 3 hours away, include Giza Pyramids and Sphinx. Montaza Palace Gardens, 20 minutes east, offer seaside walks and tea houses. Dining features kofta at waterfront stalls. Souvenirs include papyrus scrolls. Best visited October to April; taxis 50-100 EGP. Guided tours ensure security.

Split, Croatia, offers docking at Split Port. Travelers explore Diocletian’s Palace and Marjan Hill. Excursions visit Trogir’s historic center. Local markets sell soparnik. The peak season, May to September, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures Roman ruins and Adriatic vistas. Dining onboard includes pašticada, a Croatian favorite. Souvenirs, like lavender crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Dalmatian history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance palace walks. Split’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Croatian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of UNESCO landmarks and scenic hills, making Split an engaging destination for exploring Croatia’s Adriatic coast.

Returning to Marghera Venezia Porto Marghera Italy — see Day 1 above for port info.