MSC Cruises is set to bolster its winter 2024-25 season by stationing the MSC Opera in the Canary Islands, unveiling a new 7-night cruise that takes travelers on an enchanting journey to Spain’s idyllic islands off the African coast.
Launching a Fresh Winter Escape
The company has opened bookings for this exclusive journey, which stretches from November 3, 2024, to March 16, 2025. The voyage embarks from and returns to Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Tenerife, weaving through six renowned ports.
The Canary Islands and Madeira, known for their pleasant climate in winter, are well-connected by international flights, making this new offering a convenient choice for holidaymakers, as highlighted on MSC Cruises’ website. This itinerary emerges as a strategic pivot from the previously scheduled Red Sea sailings for the winter of 2024-25, which were scrapped due to current geopolitical conflicts.
Introducing Unique Adventures
The Lirica-class MSC Opera, with a capacity for nearly 2,700 guests and weighing over 59,000 gross tons, will embark from Tenerife’s capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife. This city is a gateway to the UNESCO-listed La Laguna and the majestic Teide Peak in Teide National Park.
Travelers will also visit Las Palmas in Gran Canaria, where they can enjoy Las Canteras beach, explore the Casa de Colón museum, and stroll through the Vegueta historical district. The cruise continues to Puerto del Rosario in Fuerteventura and Santa Cruz de la Palma in La Palma, offering a mix of artistic streets, historic sites, and natural beauty.
Lanzarote’s capital, Arrecife, and Madeira, Spain, are also key stops. In Madeira, guests can visit the botanical gardens, ride a cable car to Monte, and experience the unique Monte Toboggans descent.
Though MSC Cruises is accepting reservations, the detailed schedule and booking options are pending on their website as of this announcement.
A Strategic Shift
The introduction of the Canary Islands itinerary marks a significant shift for MSC Cruises, prompted by the cancellation of the MSC Opera’s Red Sea voyages due to rising geopolitical tensions. The area, a vital link between the Mediterranean Sea and the Indian Ocean via the Suez Canal, has seen increased threats from armed drones and sea mines, posing risks to maritime safety.
MSC Cruises’ decision to redirect the MSC Opera to the Canary Islands is a move towards ensuring a safe and enjoyable travel experience for its passengers amidst the current global uncertainties.
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