MSC Cruises today announced it will base a ship in Spain’s Canary Islands for the winter to replace its previously planned Red Sea winter 2024-25 program, which is cancelled in light of the current risk to shipping in the region.
The 2024-25 winter season and sales are now open with the MSC Opera set to operate seven-night itineraries with six ports of call between Nov. 3 and March 16, 2025.
The ship will depart Santa Cruz de Tenerife in Tenerife for Las Palmas in Gran Canaria, Puerto del Rosario in Fuerteventura, Funchal in Madeira, Santa Cruz de la Palma in La Palma and Arrecife in Lanzarote before returning to Tenerife.
The new itinerary also offers flexible embarkation options, including Santa Cruz de Tenerife on Sundays, Las Palmas on Mondays, Madeira for Funchal on Thursdays or Fridays and Arrecife on Saturdays.
With extended stays in ports, the new itinerary gives guests up to 16 hours in port, ample time to explore the Spanish islands and the Portuguese island of Madeira.
As the Canary Islands and Madeira are a popular warm-weather destination in the winter months, the new program is easily accessible with regular international flights to Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Madeira and Lanzorote.
Destination highlights include:
Santa Cruz de Tenerife: Celebrated for its world-famous carnival, breathtaking landscapes, beautiful beaches and historical landmarks, Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the port capital of Tenerife, the largest of Spain’s seven Canary Islands. There are a range of incredible sights including the Plaza de Espana and the striking white wave auditorium, the Auditorio de Tenerife, an architectural marvel. In proximity to the city is El Teide National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the impressive volcanic Mount Teide is located.
Las Palmas: The capital city of Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands is an idyllic holiday destination filled with diverse culture, historical heritage, and gorgeous beaches. The city boasts an abundance of attractions to discover such as Las Canteras, the world-famous beach known for its crystal-clear waters, the Casa de Colón, a museum highlighting the history of the Canary Islands and Christopher Columbus’s voyages as well as the city’s picturesque cobblestone street-filled historical quarter, Vegueta, offering a glimpse into the city’s past.
Puerto del Rosario: The capital of Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands offers a wealth of attractions for visitors, famed for its artistic streets adorned with sculptures and art. Whether it’s strolling the lively harbour brimming with shops and restaurants or visiting nearby beautiful beaches, there’s an array of experiences to enjoy. The town also serves as a gateway to Fuerteventura’s stunning natural landscapes and sites including the famous Corralejo sand dunes.
Funchal: The enchanting capital of Portuguese island Madeira is famed for its picturesque bay, charming historic streets, renowned Madeira wine and world-class botanical gardens. Some known attractions include the city’s historical centre, the Zona Velha, preserving some of the city’s most impressive monuments, the enchanting Madeira Botanical Garden, and the nearby Cabo Girão, one of the highest cliffs in Europe.
Santa Cruz de la Palma: The capital city of La Palma in the Canary Islands captivates visitors with its stunning blend of historical and natural attractions. From strolling the picturesque city’s cobblestone streets and admiring the architecture in the Plaza España, dating back to the Renaissance, to visiting key landmarks such as the 16th century El Salvador Church, this destination offers guests rich and varied experiences for all. The city is also a great starting point to discover the island’s awe-inspiring sites including the Caldera de Taburiente National Park, known for its dramatic volcanic crater and lush forests.
Arrecife: The vibrant capital city of Lanzarote is a natural paradise and a must-visit destination in the Canary Islands, known for its volcanic landscapes, beautiful beaches, and rich cultural heritage. Some key sights include Castillo de San Gabriel, the impressive ancient fortress and now home to the history museum of Arrecife, the charming lagoon Charco San Ginés with its many fishing houses and an array of bars and restaurants as well as Timanfaya National Park, located outside of the city on the island, famous for spectacular volcanic landscapes.
WiFi
Meanwhile, MSC reports that two thirds of its ships are now equipped with SpaceX’s Starlink onboard connectivity and that the fleet roll out program will be completed by May. The low earth orbit solution provides faster internet speeds, improved wi-fi in cabins and public spaces, reduced latency levels and lower operational costs.
MSC Cruises’ ships currently equipped with Starlink are MSC Divina, MSC Euribia, MSC Fantasia, MSC Grandiosa, MSC Lirica, MSC Magnifica, MSC Meraviglia, MSC Orchestra, MSC Poesia, MSC Preziosa, MSC Seascape, MSC Seashore, MSC Seaside, MSC Seaview and MSC Virtuosa.