MSC Magnifica - January 6, 2025

The most populated city in France after Paris, Marseille has all the sights and sounds of a Mediterranean melting pot, which it has been ever since the Phocaean Greeks invaded around 600 B.C. Its industrial docks rub shoulders with the picturesque old harbor, the Vieux Port, founded by the Greeks 2,600 years ago. Packed with colorful fishing boats and yachts, the Vieux Port is the heart of Marseille.

Barcelona is the cultural heartland of Spain, yet its first language is Catalan, the native tongue of the proudly independent Catalonia region. Stroll down the shady, tree-lined Ramblas between street musicians and elegant bistros. Then perhaps visit the venerable Gothic cathedral, Picasso Museum or enjoy the architectural genius of Antonio Gaudi's Church of the Holy Family.

Situated on Spain's Costa del Sol, Malaga is the region's capital and a popular holiday destination. At the same time, the city is known as the birthplace of Pablo Picasso and for the sweet Malaga dessert wines that come from the hilly vineyards just outside of town. Other points of interest include impressive Gothic architecture, remains of a Moorish castle, and several interesting museums.

The economic capital of Morocco and the second largest city in Africa, Casablanca is an exotic blend of African, Arabian and European cultures. White-washed houses and peaceful mosques line the narrow streets of ancient Medina, the original Arab Section. Nearby, souks hum with the activity of contented shoppers bargaining for fine leather and handicrafts. The Ain Daib quarter in the southern part of the city boasts a strand of oceanfront resorts and restaurants set along the beach. Visit the mysterious "pink" city of Marrakech with its famed market and snake-charmers.

Mindelo is the most culturally rich, cosmopolitan city on the island of Sao Vicente. The architecture on this Cape Verde island has a distinctly British feel, and the nights feature a Brazilian rhythm. Enjoy the fantastic local seafood. The beaches of the area are quite excellent. Mindelo is the home of the famous composer B. Leza.

The city of Salvador, which dates back four hundred years, is an unbelievable experience. Surf or swim in the crystal blue waters of Salvador's more than twenty beaches. Feel the rhythms the African-influenced music that springs up everywhere and then dance the night away at one of the city's clubs. Be sure to try some of the Moqueca, a local fish stew.

Called the "Wonderful City" by Brazilians, Rio features the best of all worlds. Great nightlife, beautiful beaches, stunning shorelines, friendly people, plenty of shopping, and many, many restaurants featuring cuisine from all over the world make Rio a thrill for all five senses!

Called the "Wonderful City" by Brazilians, Rio features the best of all worlds. Great nightlife, beautiful beaches, stunning shorelines, friendly people, plenty of shopping, and many, many restaurants featuring cuisine from all over the world make Rio a thrill for all five senses!

Buenos Aires is a very European city located in the heart of Argentina. German and Italian culture combine with the Spanish native tongue and flavor of Buenos Aires. The food of the city is legendary. If you leave Buenos Aires without seeing a tango show, you have missed out. The energy, melancholy, passion, and tension of the city come bursting forth from this music and dance.

Buenos Aires is a very European city located in the heart of Argentina. German and Italian culture combine with the Spanish native tongue and flavor of Buenos Aires. The food of the city is legendary. If you leave Buenos Aires without seeing a tango show, you have missed out. The energy, melancholy, passion, and tension of the city come bursting forth from this music and dance.

Puerto Madryn is located on the Atlantic coast of Argentina. It is often called the city of whales, as there are an abundance of opportunities to view these magnificent and graceful giants in the waters. There is also an astonishing variety of marine life, making this an attractive destination for divers and snorkelers.

Port Stanley is the only town on the Falkland Islands, and though it has little more than 1,200 residents, it contains half of the islands' population. On the other hand there are 700,000 sheep, and a wonderful assortment of sea birds and elephant seals. Though subject to the British Queen, Argentinean claims to the "Islas Malvinas" caused war in 1982.

The southernmost town in the world faces the Beagle Channel, where Charles Darwin encountered the now-extinct Yahgan Indians in 1832. In this desolate, wind-swept part of the world, the scenery and wildlife are awesome. Visit the Park Nacional Tierra del Fuego, where you'll find magnificent forest beaches, towering mountains, crystal-clear lakes, as well as seals, walrus, and giant sea birds.

This Chilean town with the memorable name is located along idyllic Austral Road in the Patagonian Steppe. Puerto Chacabuco offers an extraordinary view of nature at its best. From majestic waterfalls to ice-capped mountains, there are astounding sights everywhere. The town is also lined with dense forests, where rare and beautiful creatures may be spotted through a bit of darkened brush.

Puerto Montt is located just south of central Chile. The city boasts great bay views, seafood restaurants, handicrafts, and plenty of lodging. Puerto Montt is a popular launching point for day trips to national parks, waterfalls, lakes, and mountains of the area. If you take a 50-cent boat ride to the Island of Tenglo, you'll get a great view of the city and several snow-covered volcanoes.

The port of Valparaiso is the gateway to the city of Santiago, Chile's beautiful colonial capital, and the seaside resort town of San Antonio. Here you can see the majestic Andes from almost any street corner. Follow the wine trail through nearby Maipo Valley, which produces some of South America's finest wines. Or visit a pre-Colombian museum for a walk through antiquity.

The port of Valparaiso is the gateway to the city of Santiago, Chile's beautiful colonial capital, and the seaside resort town of San Antonio. Here you can see the majestic Andes from almost any street corner. Follow the wine trail through nearby Maipo Valley, which produces some of South America's finest wines. Or visit a pre-Colombian museum for a walk through antiquity.

The largest of the Society Islands in French Polynesia, Tahiti held a magical attraction for artist Paul Gauguin and writer Robert Louis Stevenson. To understand why, simply listen to the winds whistling through casuarina trees on a secluded black-sand beach, or stroll through beautiful botanical gardens and marvel at island flora.

The largest of the Society Islands in French Polynesia, Tahiti held a magical attraction for artist Paul Gauguin and writer Robert Louis Stevenson. To understand why, simply listen to the winds whistling through casuarina trees on a secluded black-sand beach, or stroll through beautiful botanical gardens and marvel at island flora.

Here, you'll find the real South Seas' experience -- a casual, barefoot existence amidst white sand beaches and multi-hued lagoons surrounded by jagged mountains and volcanic spires that reach into the clouds, while below, valleys are blanketed with the colors that one only finds when tropical climates and rich, volcanic soils meet.

Capital of the Cook Islands, Rarotonga is an exquisite slice of paradise. Only 20 miles wide and home to under 10,000 inhabitants, the island offers spectacular beauty without crowds or compromise. Visit a 19th-century trading post. Sample the delicacies at an Umukai feast. No snakes, poisonous insects, or wild animals live on Rarotonga, so your hikes are sure to be as safe as they are enjoyable.

The Bay of Islands is one of the most picturesque and popular holiday sites in New Zealand. It combines great fishing, diving, sailing and other watersports with some of New Zealand's most significant historic sites. One of the most popular attractions is the Hole in the Rock, off Cape Brett. You can take a boating trip through the hole in a huge rock outcrop. Also popular are dolphin swimming and diving trips to the sunken Rainbow Warrior wreck.

New Zealand's largest city is draped over seven volcanoes and wrapped around Waitemata Harbour (meaning "sea of sparkling waters" in Maori). Despite its British feel, it is the world's largest Polynesian city. Shop for Polynesian crafts on Queen Street, the main drag. Or from atop Mt. Eden, overlook the "City of Sails," which will host the America's Cup races in 2000.

Tauranga is located in the Bay of Plenty and is the region's largest residential and commercial area, boasting profuse sunshine and a fertile landscape. The township is the center of a large kiwifruit and citrus growing area and houses a population of approximately 91,000 people, including those residing in Mount Maunganui.

Christchurch was founded in 1850 by members of the Church of England, who wanted a little bit of heaven on earth. They succeeded, and today the city takes great pride in its spacious layout and distinctive English-style buildings in elegant grey stone. The River Avon winds through Christchurch, along parks and gardens that cover one third of the city.

The attractive, historic town and modern container port of Port Chalmers, on a tiny peninsula 12km from Dunedin, is worth a half-day trip for its magnificent harbour views offset by bush-covered hills, its fine nineteenth-century buildings and its thriving artistic community. The site was chosen in 1844 as the port to serve the proposed Scottish settlement of New Edinburgh, later called Dunedin. The first settlers arrived on the John Wickliffe in March 1848 and named the port after the Reverend Dr Thomas Chalmers.

Milford Sound is the most famous and accessible of the grand glacier carved fiords scattered along New Zealand's south western coast. Mountain peaks with sculptural, hanging valleys, send waterfalls cascading over sheer granite cliffs to the sea below. Boat trips on the Sound are a must and provide close up views of awe inspiring scenery.

Hobart is the state capital and the largest city in Tasmania. Perched on the southeast part of the island, Hobart offers many historic buildings, cultural events, and scenic views to delight visitors. The city is also a great base for day tours to Hastings Caves, Mount Field National Park, and the town of Richmond. The new Wrest Point Casino is Australia's first.

Say 'G'day' to one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Stroll along the world-famous Bondi and Watsons Beaches. Tour the Sydney Opera House on Bennelong Point, shop for Aboriginal art, or go on a photographic safari. This diverse land is home to crocodiles, koalas, emus, and, of course, kangaroos.

Say 'G'day' to one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Stroll along the world-famous Bondi and Watsons Beaches. Tour the Sydney Opera House on Bennelong Point, shop for Aboriginal art, or go on a photographic safari. This diverse land is home to crocodiles, koalas, emus, and, of course, kangaroos.

The vast majority of South Australia's 1.4 million people live in this capital city. Adelaide enjoys a Mediterranean climate, and is home to miles of fine sandy beaches. Sample the fine wines and the fresh seafood. The surfing in the Adelaide region is legendary as well. The region is also home to countless gardens, parks, and nature reserves.

Fremantle, the main port of Western Australia, was once a major whaling center. Today, Fremantle boasts a splendid climate, a huge fishing fleet, and warm people. Freo, as the city is known to the locals, is a great place for food lovers, with its many restaurants, cafes, and al fresco dining opportunities. Watch the sidewalk entertainment on South Terrace, a street known as Cappucino Strip.

Fremantle, the main port of Western Australia, was once a major whaling center. Today, Fremantle boasts a splendid climate, a huge fishing fleet, and warm people. Freo, as the city is known to the locals, is a great place for food lovers, with its many restaurants, cafes, and al fresco dining opportunities. Watch the sidewalk entertainment on South Terrace, a street known as Cappucino Strip.

On January 17, 2000, anti-Christian violence (looting and burning) broke out on the resort island of Lombok. Although there has not been a recurrence of major violence since January, American citizens should take this earlier unrest into account when planning travel.

One of Asia's great success stories, this island republic has merged diverse cultures into a dynamic and thriving nation. Clean, modern and full of green gardens, its neighborhoods reflect the Chinese, Malay, Indian, Arab and European backgrounds of its past. After sampling the legendary shopping, retire to Raffles Hotel's famous bar and toast Maugham, Kipling and Noel Coward with a Singapore Sling.

Port Kelang (Klang) serves as a port for Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia's capital rises like a vision from the deep jungles. Its fascinating array of architectural styles includes Malay stilt villages, Islamic minarets, Hindu temples, Chinese shop houses and the indescribable opulence of the Royal Palace. In the background rise the world's tallest buildings, the Petronas Twin Towers completed in 1996.

The swirl of Batik in eastern bazaars, the cascade of waterfalls in the Botanical Gardens, jungle-clad hills ringed by golden beaches, these are the images you will take from Penang. This lovely resort island and its bustling capital of Georgetown are the picture of Malaysian diversity. Visit the Temple of the Reclining Buddha and Kek Lok Si, one of the most beautiful temples in Southeast Asia. See the ornate Khoo Kongsi, and old Chinese clan house; and an 18th century British fortress. Enjoy the Chinese embroidery and Malay daggers in the Penang Museum, or marvel at the Penang Bridge (third longest in the world).

Set like a jewel in the Andaman Sea, Thailand's largest island has great expanses of sandy beaches that lure sun-seekers to their shores, and a unique culture combining influences from China and Portugal. Visit the fabled monastery of Wat Chalong, the Orchard Garden and the Thai Village, where examples of the country's culture are presented in a tranquil lakeside setting.

Formerly known as Ceylon, Sri Lanka means "Resplendent Land," an apt description for this beautiful island. Sri Lanka lies fifty-five miles north of the equator, just off the southern tip of India. With its unique beauty, warm climate and near-perfect beaches, Sri Lanka is one of Asia's most adored destinations. Since the sixteenth century, the Portuguese, Dutch and British have all left their architectural and cultural marks in Sri Lanka's capital of Colombo. Yet despite its colonial architecture, Sri Lanka has always remained Oriental in spirit, with colorful bazaars, dancing elephants, graceful women in saris, and many Buddhist shrines and temples.

It is the only Jordanian port with direct access to the Red Sea; it remains the trade entrepot to Iraq. Aqaba is also a popular winter and summer seaside resort. Since at least 1000 B.C., a port has existed continuously on the site to handle trade between Palestine and Syria.

Located at the southern tip of the Sinai, Sharm El-Sheikh is one of the most accessible and developed tourist resort communities on the Sinai peninsula. Sharm El Sheikh is a diver's paradise with crystal-clear waters, lovely reefs, and a variety of exotic fish. On land, you'll find sun loungers, shades, and bars, as well as shops with both foreign and local products.

Sail down the Nile River to the ancient city of Safaga, the gateway to the magnificent antiquities of Luxor and Karnak. Site of the ancient metropolis of Thebes, Luxor has a history that dates back 2,000 years. Marvel at the ancient columns and statues. Stroll down the avenue of the Sphinxes to the ceremonial gateway of the temple of Amon-Ra, or sail across the Nile to the Valley of the Kings.

The Suez Canal is an artificial waterway running across the Isthmus of Suez in northeastern Egypt. It connects the Mediterranean Sea with the Gulf of Suez, an arm of the Red Sea. The canal, about 101 miles long, has no locks because the Mediterranean Sea and the Gulf of Suez have roughly the same water level. Most of the canal has only a single traffic lane, with several passing bays.

The Suez Canal is an artificial waterway running across the Isthmus of Suez in northeastern Egypt. It connects the Mediterranean Sea with the Gulf of Suez, an arm of the Red Sea. The canal, about 101 miles long, has no locks because the Mediterranean Sea and the Gulf of Suez have roughly the same water level. Most of the canal has only a single traffic lane, with several passing bays.

Alexandria was once considered the greatest city in the ancient world; today it is the second largest city in Egypt. As a port perched directly at the mouth of the Nile, it is the gateway to one of the world's most mysterious and intriguing regions. Walk along the Corniche, a seaside boulevard that is home to restaurants, beach huts, and an unbroken line of hotels and apartment buildings.

The setting for Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing, Messina has much to offer in the way of history. Its dramatic, boulder-filled harbor has challenged navigators since the days of Ulysses. Try to visit the city's Bell Tower at the stroke of noon--the hour when one of the world's largest and most fanciful mechanical clocks springs into action. Messina's museum is also noteworthy for its Renaissance masterworks.

One of the most spectacular bays in the world lies in the shadow of Mt. Vesuvius. Visit the San Carlo Opera House and the cathedral of San Janarious, or tour the ancient ruins in the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum.

Civitavecchia is just moments from Rome, Italy's Eternal City. One of the most geographically perfect ports in the world, Civitavecchia boasts a number of compelling area attractions. Stroll through the streets of the medieval town of Tarquinia. View the resplendent Madonnina at the Resort of Pantano.

The most populated city in France after Paris, Marseille has all the sights and sounds of a Mediterranean melting pot, which it has been ever since the Phocaean Greeks invaded around 600 B.C. Its industrial docks rub shoulders with the picturesque old harbor, the Vieux Port, founded by the Greeks 2,600 years ago. Packed with colorful fishing boats and yachts, the Vieux Port is the heart of Marseille.