by Donald Wood
Last updated: 11:47 AM ET, Mon May 3, 2021
WHY IT RATES: The cruise industry continues to make major strides to a return to service around the world.-Donald Wood, Breaking News Senior Writer.
MSC Seaside joined MSC Grandiosa back at sea this past Saturday, welcoming guests back on board for weekly 7-night cruises in the Western Mediterranean, featuring new destinations in Siracusa in Sicily and Taranto in Puglia, Italy. The ship is now two days into her voyage, having departed from Genoa, Italy on 1 May, followed by a relaxing day at sea on Sunday and is now in the stunning port of Valetta, Malta today. As part of her itinerary, the ship will also call in Civitavecchia for Rome.
MSC Seaside becomes the second ship back at sea for the 2021 summer season, with further ships, including sister ship and future flagship MSC Seashore to join them in the Mediterranean from August. All ships will implement the Company's rigorous health and safety protocol, which has been developed with a Blue Ribbon Panel.
The Sicilian port of Siracusa makes its MSC Cruises debut offering a choice of protected shore excursions so that guests can discover the rich historical and archaeological sites in this area, including the Greek theatre of Siracusa, the biggest ever built in Sicily and one of the largest in the Greek world, or immerse themselves in the beautiful countryside and baroque cities where the world-famous Inspector Montalbano films are shot.
The southern town of Taranto in Puglia will offer something very special for those looking for a day to relax and unwind while making the most of this historic region. The old town of Taranto, full of charm with its winding alleys and dozens of churches and palaces and the National Archaeological Museum of Taranto (MArTA) displays the history of Southern Italy and the roots of its culture. In addition to the range of protected excursions, MSC Cruises will introduce a special private beach experience in Taranto from June, exclusively for MSC Seaside's guests. A day out at the beach is an important part of a summer holiday so now guests on MSC Seaside will be able to relax on the sandy beach next to the clear waters of the Ionian Sea.
MSC Seaside rewrote the rule book of cruise ship design, combining indoor and outdoor areas to connect guests with the sea like never before and features generous outdoor spaces with plenty of outdoor deck space and pools. Located as low as Deck 8 is a unique seafront promenade lined with places to eat, drink, shop, swim and sunbathe. The ship features the MSC Yacht Club for those looking for exclusivity and privacy with the facilities of a private club and a 24/7 butler service. This ship is specifically designed for warmer weather and is best enjoyed outdoors, making this the perfect ship for the start of summer in the Mediterranean when the climate is at its best.
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