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Arrive | Depart | ||||||
6th06 | SepSep | 201919 | Venice, Italy, embark on the MSC Lirica | 17:00 | |||
Venice is a city unlike any other. No matter how often you've seen it in photos and films, the real thing is more dreamlike than you could imagine. With canals where streets should be, water shimmers everywhere. The fabulous palaces and churches reflect centuries of history in what was a wealthy trading center between Europe and the Orient. Getting lost in the narrow alleyways is a quintessential part of exploring Venice, but at some point you'll almost surely end up in Piazza San Marco, where tourists and locals congregate for a coffee or an aperitif. | |||||||
7th07 | SepSep | 201919 | Bari, Italy | 14:00 | 20:00 | ||
Bari, capital of the province of Apulia, lies on southern Italy's Adriatic coast. Its busy port is a leading commercial and industrial centre as well as a transit point for travellers catching ferries across the Adriatic to Greece. Bari comprises a new and an old town. To the north, on a promontory between the old and new harbours, lies the picturesque old town, or Citta Vecchia, with a maze of narrow, crooked streets. To the south is the spacious and regularly planned new town, which has developed considerably since 1930, when the Levant Fair was first held here. The heart of the modern town is Piazza della Liberta. The busy thoroughfare, Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, separates the new town from the old. At the eastern end of the Corso begins the Lungomare Nazario Sauro, a magnificent seafront promenade that runs along the old harbour. Bari and the Apulian region were long recognized for their strategic location, attracting a succession of colonizers such as the Normans, Moors and Spaniards, each leaving their mark. | |||||||
8th08 | SepSep | 201919 | At Sea | ||||
9th09 | SepSep | 201919 | Santorini, Greece | 07:00 | 19:00 | ||
Undoubtedly the most extraordinary island in the Aegean, crescent-shape Santorini remains a mandatory stop on the Cycladic tourist route—even if it's necessary to enjoy the sensational sunsets from Ia, the fascinating excavations, and the dazzling white towns with a million other travelers. Called Kállisti (the "Loveliest") when first settled, the island has now reverted to its subsequent name of Thira, after the 9th-century-BC Dorian colonizer Thiras. The place is better known, however, these days as Santorini, a name derived from its patroness, St. Irene of Thessaloniki, the Byzantine empress who restored icons to Orthodoxy and died in 802. You can fly conveniently to Santorini, but to enjoy a true Santorini rite of passage, opt instead for the boat trip here, which provides a spectacular introduction. After the boat sails between Sikinos and Ios, your deck-side perch approaches two close islands with a passage between them. The bigger one on the left is Santorini, and the smaller on the right is Thirassia. Passing between them, you see the village of Ia adorning Santorini's northernmost cliff like a white geometric beehive. You are in the caldera (volcanic crater), one of the world's truly breathtaking sights: a demilune of cliffs rising 1,100 feet, with the white clusters of the towns of Fira and Ia perched along the top. The bay, once the high center of the island, is 1,300 feet in some places, so deep that when boats dock in Santorini's shabby little port of Athinios, they do not drop anchor. The encircling cliffs are the ancient rim of a still-active volcano, and you are sailing east across its flooded caldera. On your right are the Burnt isles, the White isle, and other volcanic remnants, all lined up as if some outsize display in a geology museum. Hephaestus's subterranean fires smolder still—the volcano erupted in 198 BC, about 735, and there was an earthquake in 1956. Indeed, Santorini and its four neighboring islets are the fragmentary remains of a larger landmass that exploded about 1600 BC: the volcano's core blew sky high, and the sea rushed into the abyss to create the great bay, which measures 10 km by 7 km (6 mi by 4½ mi) and is 1,292 feet deep. The other pieces of the rim, which broke off in later eruptions, are Thirassia, where a few hundred people live, and deserted little Aspronissi ("White isle"). In the center of the bay, black and uninhabited, two cones, the Burnt Isles of Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni, appeared between 1573 and 1925. There has been too much speculation about the identification of Santorini with the mythical Atlantis, mentioned in Egyptian papyri and by Plato (who says it's in the Atlantic), but myths are hard to pin down. This is not true of old arguments about whether tidal waves from Santorini's cataclysmic explosion destroyed Minoan civilization on Crete, 113 km (70 mi) away. The latest carbon-dating evidence, which points to a few years before 1600 BC for the eruption, clearly indicates that the Minoans outlasted the eruption by a couple of hundred years, but most probably in a weakened state. In fact, the island still endures hardships: since antiquity, Santorini has depended on rain collected in cisterns for drinking and irrigating—the well water is often brackish—and the serious shortage is alleviated by the importation of water. However, the volcanic soil also yields riches: small, intense tomatoes with tough skins used for tomato paste (good restaurants here serve them); the famous Santorini fava beans, which have a light, fresh taste; barley; wheat; and white-skin eggplants. | |||||||
10th10 | SepSep | 201919 | Khania, Greece | 07:00 | 17:00 | ||
The second-largest city in Crete and capital of the Homonym Prefecture, Chania is located in Minoan Kidonia at the end of the Homonym Gulf between the Akrotiri and Onicha peninsulas. Chania City is divided into two parts; the Old Town, which is comprised of several connected districts built around the old Venetian Harbour, and New Town, a larger, more modern city whose centre is situated next to, and south of, the Old Town. The Old Town is home to Venetian buildings and Turkish elements that combine to create a unique architectural style, and is considered to be the most beautiful urban district on Crete. It was once surrounded by old Venetian fortifications that separated it from the New Town; however, only the eastern and western parts remain today. Due to its compact size, Skiathos can be easily explored in just a single day. | |||||||
11th11 | SepSep | 201919 | Argostoli, Greece | 08:00 | 15:00 | ||
Ground literally to ashes in World War II and wracked by a massive earthquake a decade later, the capital of Kefalonia once more shows pride in its native spirit and natural beauty. The vast harbor on Argostoli’s east side makes an especially attractive port for cruise ships full of visitors who never seem to tire of strolling the cobbled seaside promenade, sipping ouzos in cafés, and stocking up on the succulent Mediterranean fruits in the outdoor markets. | |||||||
12th12 | SepSep | 201919 | Split, Croatia | 12:00 | 19:00 | ||
Split's ancient core is so spectacular and unusual that a visit is more than worth your time. The heart of the city lies within the walls of Roman emperor Diocletian's retirement palace, which was built in the 3rd century AD. Diocletian, born in the nearby Roman settlement of Salona in AD 245, achieved a brilliant career as a soldier and became emperor at the age of 40. In 295 he ordered this vast palace to be built in his native Dalmatia, and when it was completed he stepped down from the throne and retired to his beloved homeland. Upon his death, he was laid to rest in an octagonal mausoleum, around which Split's magnificent cathedral was built.In 615, when Salona was sacked by barbarian tribes, those fortunate enough to escape found refuge within the stout palace walls and divided up the vast imperial apartments into more modest living quarters. Thus, the palace developed into an urban center, and by the 11th century the settlement had expanded beyond the ancient walls.Under the rule of Venice (1420–1797), Split—as a gateway to the Balkan interior—became one of the Adriatic's main trading ports, and the city's splendid Renaissance palaces bear witness to the affluence of those times. When the Habsburgs took control during the 19th century, an overland connection to Central Europe was established by the construction of the Split–Zagreb–Vienna railway line.After World War II, the Tito years saw a period of rapid urban expansion: industrialization accelerated and the suburbs extended to accommodate high-rise apartment blocks. Today the historic center of Split is included on UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites. | |||||||
13th13 | SepSep | 201919 | Venice, Italy, disembark the MSC Lirica | 09:00 | |||
Venice is a city unlike any other. No matter how often you've seen it in photos and films, the real thing is more dreamlike than you could imagine. With canals where streets should be, water shimmers everywhere. The fabulous palaces and churches reflect centuries of history in what was a wealthy trading center between Europe and the Orient. Getting lost in the narrow alleyways is a quintessential part of exploring Venice, but at some point you'll almost surely end up in Piazza San Marco, where tourists and locals congregate for a coffee or an aperitif. |
The images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of what you find on the ship.
Features a double bed, which can be converted in to two singles. Also includes: air conditioning, bathroom with shower, hairdryer, shampoo & shower gel,TV, telephone, cable internet connection (for a fee), mini-bar, safe deposit box.
Features a double bed, which can be converted into two singles. Also includes: air conditioning, spacious wardrobe, bathroom with shower, hairdryer, towels, shampoo & shower gel, TV, telephone, mini-bar, safe deposit box.
Features a porthole and a double bed, which can be converted into two singles. Also includes; air conditioning, bathroom with shower, hairdryer, towels, shampoo & shower gel, TV, telephone, mini-bar, safe deposit box.
Features a window with sea view, comfortable double or single beds (on request), relaxing armchair, TV, telephone, Wifi connection available (for a fee), safe and minibar, bathroom with shower, vanity area with hairdryer
Features a double bed, which can be converted in to two singles. Also includes: air conditioning, spacious wardrobe, bathroom with bathtub, TV, telephone, cable internet connection (for a fee), mini-bar, safe deposit box.
The images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of what you find on the ship.
Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A cafeteria style, self-service buffet.
Alfresco restaurant, serving pizza and fast-food styled dishes.
MSC Cruises is proud to bring the very best in artisanal gelato to our travellers. Venchi has been making superlative desserts since 1878 and owes much of its success to the use of 100% natural ingredients and exclusive recipes, from its intense extra dark chocolate to luscious gianduja and refreshing fruit sorbets.
Freshly made daily on board
Bar with vitamin drinks made from fresh fruits and juice such as Orange Delight and Carrot Fantasy.
The images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of what you find on the ship.
The ship's card room is located on deck 7 and seats 28 guests.
On MSC Lirica guests can choose from 8 bars, inspired by different themes and inimitable in their wine and food selection, thus satisfying even the most sophisticated and demanding palates. These include the Beverly Hills Bar and L'atmosphere.
Show lounge, with piano and bar and 193 square foot dance floor.
Full gaming casino which offers roulette, poker, blackjack, and slot machines. It is open until late at night whilst at sea. Tournaments are regularly held onboard, and there are surprise promotions offered for those who play the slots - the winners are picked at random.
Late-night bar and nightclub with a 450 square foot dance floor.
713 seat theatre, and the main show lounge onboard. Offers tiered seating, and features small-scale production shows and cabaret performances.
The images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of what you find on the ship.
A children's playroom, open to all kids onboard.
An onboard arcade, with a variety of video games and digital options. Open to all children onboard.
The images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of what you find on the ship.
Return flights including luggage allowance | |||
Overseas Transfers | |||
7 nights aboard the MSC Lirica | |||
Drinks packages available. | |||
Evening entertainment & Broadway style shows | |||
Speciality Restaurants (charges may apply) | |||
Award winning MSC Aurea Spa (charges apply) | |||
Gratuities Included | |||
Port Taxes and Fees | |||
ABTA and ATOL Protection* |
Fly/cruise package |
Date 6th Sep 2019 |
Nts 7 |
Interior £689pp |
Oceanview £789pp |
Balcony |
Suite £1,279pp |
Interior £909pp |
Oceanview £1,009pp |
Balcony |
Suite £1,449pp |
Date 6th Sep 2019 |
Nts 7 |
Interior £689pp |
Oceanview £789pp |
Balcony |
Suite £1,279pp |
Interior £909pp |
Oceanview £1,009pp |
Balcony |
Suite £1,449pp |
Interior staterooms from | £689pp | ||
I1 | Inside Bella | £689pp | |
I2 | Inside Fantastica | ||
Oceanview staterooms from | £789pp | ||
O1 | Outside Bella (With Partial View) | £789pp | |
O2 | Outside Fantastica | £839pp | |
Balcony staterooms | |||
B2 | Balcony Fantastica | ||
B3 | Balcony Aurea | ||
Suite staterooms from | £1,279pp | ||
S2 | Suite Fantastica | £1,279pp | |
S3 | Suite Aurea | £1,639pp | |
Interior staterooms from | £909pp | ||
I1 | Inside Bella | £909pp | |
I2 | Inside Fantastica | ||
Oceanview staterooms from | £1,009pp | ||
O1 | Outside Bella (With Partial View) | £1,009pp | |
O2 | Outside Fantastica | £1,059pp | |
Balcony staterooms | |||
B2 | Balcony Fantastica | ||
B3 | Balcony Aurea | ||
Suite staterooms from | £1,499pp | ||
S2 | Suite Fantastica | £1,499pp | |
S3 | Suite Aurea | £1,859pp | |
Interior | Oceanview | Balcony | Suite | |
(All prices are £GBP per person) | ||||
Fri 13th Sep 201913 Sep 19 | 999 | |||
Fri 13th Sep 201913 Sep 19 | 1,189 | |||
Fri 20th Sep 201920 Sep 19 | 1,739 | |||
Fri 20th Sep 201920 Sep 19 | 1,759 | |||
Fri 27th Sep 201927 Sep 19 | 1,459 | |||
Fri 27th Sep 201927 Sep 19 | 1,779 | |||
Fri 4th Oct 201904 Oct 19 | Please call for availability | |||
Fri 11th Oct 201911 Oct 19 | 1,699 | |||
Fri 11th Oct 201911 Oct 19 | 1,769 | |||
Fri 18th Oct 201918 Oct 19 | 929 | 1,499 | ||
Fri 18th Oct 201918 Oct 19 | 999 | 1,569 |
Fusion Cruises when selling travel arrangements is a trading name of The Midcounties Co-operative Ltd. Fusion Cruises is an Accredited Body Member of Midcounties Co-operative Travel Consortium. (ABTA:P6652, ATOL:6053).
Book with Confidence. We are a Member of ABTA which means you have the benefit of ABTA’s assistance and Code of Conduct.
Some of the flights and flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme but ATOL protection does not apply to all holiday and travel services offered on this website. This website will provide you with information on the protection that applies in the case of each holiday and travel service offered before you make your booking. If you do not receive an ATOL Certificate then the booking will not be ATOL protected. If you do receive an ATOL Certificate but all parts of your trip are not listed on it, those parts will not be ATOL protected. Please see our booking conditions for information, or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.caa.co.uk