Following on from the success of its Northern European season this northern hemisphere summer, MSC Cruises has announced the introduction of a Northern Europe itinerary for this upcoming northern hemisphere winter – the first time that the Company has offered a winter programme in the region.
Starting from 14 November 2021, MSC Magnifica will offer 7-night cruises visiting five of Europe’s most popular cities. The ship will call Hamburg, Germany; Southampton for London, UK Le Havre for Paris, France; Zeebrugge for Bruges and Brussels; IJmuiden/Amsterdam, Netherlands. With extended stays in port of up to 12 hours, guests can really make the most of their time ashore. Embarkation will be possible in each port, ensuring that there are plenty of convenient connections close for guests.
Winter is one of the best times of year to visit Northern Europe – the cities are not as busy and guests can explore historical sites in cooler weather. The holiday season also brings festive decorations and Christmas markets creating a magical atmosphere and many of the landscapes are transformed into winter wonderlands! This is also a unique opportunity to visit some of Europe’s capitals all in one trip.
Hamburg, Germany, is renowned for its elegant boulevards, stately buildings, and emerald green parks and in November and December, you can enjoy one of the city’s 30 Christmas markets whilst sipping on mulled wine or nibbling roasted chestnuts! From Hamburg you can visit the Hanseatic city of Lubeck – a UNESCO World Heritage Site or Lüneburg’s – the “City of White Gold” with its many richly decorated historical buildings and small, cobbled alleyways.
The UK port of Southampton provides convenient access to a number of top tourist attractions in Southern England including the nearby historic cities of Winchester or Salisbury with their world-famous cathedrals and Windsor Castle dating back to the 1tth Century or to the stone circle of Stonehenge, one of the most intriguing and ancient sites in the U.K. Situated on a vast plain, the site is truly impressive; shrouded in magic and mystery, many believe this sacred site emanates a special atmosphere. For those wishing to visit another capital city, spend the day in London, where you can visit Oxford Street, explore Hyde Park, check out Covent Garden market or simply enjoy a pint of ale and relax in a typical English pub.
From Le Havre, France guests can visit Rouen, historical capital of Normandy, or Honfleur, a tiny town known for its picturesque harbour and beautifully preserved old buildings with slate-covered frontages. A favourite motif of many painters, Honfleur is known to have particularly inspired Gustave Courbet, Claude Monet, Eugène Boudin and Johan Jongkind. Or visit Paris and soak up the charms of France’s romantic capital city and see the Champs-Élysées, the Eiffel Tower, Place de la Concorde and many other world-famous landmarks.
Zeebrugge, Belgium is close to the picturesque UNESCO World Heritage city of Bruges, one of Europe’s best-preserved Medieval cities with quaint cobbled streets and tranquil canals. Indulge in traditionally Belgian treats such as waffles and chocolate, the world-famous beers and French fries or shop for the beautiful local lace and tapestries. Or spend the day exploring Belgium’s capital city, Brussels where skyscrapers and hotels have modernized the skyline of this French and Flemish speaking city. Step back in time and wander around the “Grand Place”, one of Europe’s most beautiful squares. The extraordinary ensemble of baroque façades was built on the very spot where Brussels first inhabitants held their market in the 12th-century, the heart of the community in the Middle Ages.
Amsterdam is the charming city made-up of picture-perfect canals and bridges with stunning 16th century architecture. Popular attractions include Anne Frank’s house and the Van Gogh Museum. For food lovers, visit the famous town of Gouda – renowned worldwide for its delicious creamy cheese but also for stroopwafels – syrup waffles. Or for those looking to get out of the city, visit the the windmill village of Zaanse Schans, where most of the houses are made of wood and sport the pretty green painted façades typical of the Zaan area. The village is home to traditional Dutch craft production, including a wooden shoe factory where you can see how the Dutch clogs are made.
About MSC Magnifica
MSC Magnifica will enable guests to travel in true comfort and style featuring an elegant design and relaxed refinement, with all the features that distinguish MSC Cruises ships, including high quality service, a varied choice of dining options including four restaurants and 11 bars, modern and comfortable cabins, as well as a wide range of entertainment and leisure activities including a swimming pool with a retractable roof, a sports centre, bowling, a high-tech gym and the MSC Aurea Spa. There is never a dull moment as the wide variety of entertainment offerings include a stylish casino, panoramic disco, 4D cinema and a 1,200-seater theatre with original theatre productions as well as live entertainment throughout the ship. And of course, the ship offers award-winning family facilities and activities with dedicated kids’ areas and clubs for all ages.
