MSC Virtuosa
November 19, 2026

Funchal, Madeira, Portugal, offers docking at Funchal Port. Travelers explore Monte Palace Gardens and Funchal Cathedral. Excursions include levada walks. Local markets sell bolo de mel. The peak season, April to October, brings mild weather for coastal tours. Photography captures lush gardens and Atlantic vistas. Dining onboard includes espada com banana, a Madeiran favorite. Souvenirs, like embroidery crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Madeiran history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the subtropical climate, while sturdy shoes enhance levada hikes. Funchal’s scenic charm offers a vibrant Portuguese stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of botanical beauty and scenic coasts, making Funchal an engaging destination.

Arrecife, Lanzarote, Canary Islands, docks at Puerto de Naos, 2 kilometers from downtown, with shuttles or taxis for 10-minute rides. The city, population 60,000, features the San Gabriel Castle, now a history museum. Charco de San Ginés, a lagoon, hosts fishing boats. Excursions to Timanfaya National Park, 30 minutes west, explore volcanic craters. Local markets sell mojo sauce. Peak season November to April; taxis 5-10 EUR. Dining includes papas arrugadas at harbor cafes. Souvenirs feature lava jewelry.

Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, offers docking at Las Palmas Port. Travelers explore Vegueta’s old town and Las Canteras Beach. Excursions visit Bandama Caldera. Local markets sell papas arrugadas. The peak season, November to April, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures colonial streets and Atlantic vistas. Dining onboard includes sancocho canario, a Canarian favorite. Souvenirs, like mojo sauce crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Guanche history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the subtropical climate, while sturdy shoes enhance caldera hikes. Las Palmas’ coastal charm offers a vibrant Spanish stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic districts and scenic beaches, making Las Palmas an engaging destination.

Salvador de Bahia, Brazil, offers docking at Salvador Port. Travelers explore Pelourinho’s UNESCO colonial streets and Elevador Lacerda. Excursions visit Praia do Forte’s beaches. Local markets sell acarajé. The peak season, December to March, brings warm weather for city tours. Photography captures colorful facades and Atlantic vistas. Dining onboard includes moqueca, a Bahian favorite. Souvenirs, like berimbau crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Afro-Brazilian history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while comfortable shoes enhance cobblestone walks. Salvador’s vibrant culture offers a dynamic Brazilian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of colonial heritage and coastal beauty, making Salvador an engaging destination for exploration.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, offers docking at Porto Maravilha. Travelers explore Christ the Redeemer and Copacabana Beach. Excursions visit Sugarloaf Mountain’s cable car. Local markets sell feijoada. The peak season, December to March, brings warm weather for city tours. Photography captures iconic statues and Atlantic vistas. Dining onboard includes pão de queijo, a Brazilian favorite. Souvenirs, like samba crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Carioca history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Rio’s vibrant energy offers a dynamic Brazilian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of iconic landmarks, scenic beaches, and samba culture, making Rio de Janeiro an engaging destination for exploration.

Santos (Sao Paulo), Brazil, offers docking at Santos Port with excursions to Sao Paulo. Travelers explore Ibirapuera Park and Sé Cathedral. Excursions visit Guarujá’s beaches. Local markets sell feijoada. The peak season, December to March, brings warm weather for city tours. Photography captures urban landmarks and Atlantic vistas. Dining onboard includes pão de queijo, a Brazilian favorite. Souvenirs, like coffee beans, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Paulista history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Santos’ urban gateway offers a vibrant Brazilian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of metropolitan culture and coastal beauty, making Santos an engaging destination for exploration.