MSC Cruises Ocean Cruises: 18 nights from Le Havre with MSC Preziosa
Oct 8, 2025

Gijon

On the coasts of the Cantabrian Sea, Gijón offers an interesting combination of maritime tradition, monumental heritage and modern urbanism right by the sea.

It is a modern, welcoming and open city full of green spaces, sports facilities and protected artistic heritages that have been recently restored. Gijón is the venue for numerous fairs, conferences, large concerts and cultural and sporting events. All this has been possible thanks to the improvement of the connections between Gijón and the rest of Asturias and Spain.
Its very original center, with its narrow cobbled streets, attracts many tourists, and the Cerro de Santa Catalina park on the tip of the Cimadevilla peninsula offers a splendid view of the coast.
It has a temperate oceanic climate typical of the Atlantic coast of Spain, with cool summers and humid and mostly mild winters. Autumn and spring offer the best climate and in summer there is almost no rain.
Its life and culture, the people, the landscape and the gastronomy all mixed together offer visitors and citizens a great and diverse experience.

La Coruna

La Coruña is a city and municipality in Spain. It belongs to the autonomous region of Galicia and is the capital of the province. Important historic port is located on the north-western coast of the Iberian Peninsula, in the Rias Altas.

Located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, La Coruña is a city whose history has maintained close ties with its old fishing and commercial port. The peninsula on which the houses of the historic center are located, beyond the Tower of Hercules, one of the symbols of the city and declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, you will find a set of interesting and historic streets, squares and medieval churches.
Although the origin of the town may appear as an old Celtic settlement, the history of the city began to be important in Roman times, when the port became a fundamental structure for the country.
Historically, the port has been the scene of some of the most important historical events in the city, such as the defeat of the English corsair Francis Drake in 1589, thanks to the resistance of the entire population and led by the protagonist María Pita.
The Finisterrae Aquarium, the Domus and the Science Museum are some of the areas that show the most modern and playful side of the provincial capital, also offers one of the most beautiful and extensive beaches of Riazor and Orzán. All this is completed with a traditional cuisine, marked by the excellence of its fish and meats from the interior of the province. Gastronomic city par excellence, it has many good places to enjoy the exquisite Galician cuisine. Furthermore, you will find several establishments that offer excellent wine, normally concentrated in the old part of the city.
In its splendid, always lively streets, there are good examples of Romanesque architecture. One of the most beautiful churches in the city is undoubtedly that of Santiago, the oldest in the area, built in the 12th century. Its large nave of arches houses a polychrome sculpture of Saint James dating back to the 13th century. For its architectural interest, it has been declared a Historical-Artistic Monument.
Sit on a terrace in Plaza de María Pita and discover its fascinating history, stroll through the Cantons admiring its famous modern-style crystal galleries, and if you want to go shopping, this is certainly the best place.

Funchal

The famous Portuguese poet, Júlio Dinis described Funchal as: ‘The sea on one side, the mountains on the other and between these two majestic splendours, the city smiles like a sleeping child, safe and warm, between its parents’. Funchal, the capital of the Portuguese island of Madeira is the soul of Portugal. Settlers over 500 years ago were attracted to this sheltered place, which is structured like a natural ‘amphitheatre’. Gentle slopes, abundant greenery and flowers, rise above the pretty harbour for almost 1,200 metres. The port is located 15-minute walk from the city center, in Funchal's magnificent bay with its sparkling blue waters. Due to its strategic mid-Atlantic location, Madeira has been a stopover point for ocean-going ships for many years.

Funchal, the capital of the Portuguese island of Madeira is the soul of Portugal. Colonists over 500 years ago were drawn to this sheltered place, which is structured like a natural 'amphitheater'. Gentle slopes, abundant greenery and flowers, rise above the pretty port for almost 1200 meters. The magnificent bay of Funchal, with its sparkling blue waters, is home to the port, a 15-minute walk from the city center. Thanks to its strategic mid-Atlantic location, Madeira has been a stopping point for ocean-going ships for many years.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the capital of Tenerife, is located in the north-east of the island. Its pleasent climate and commercial areas make the city the perfect place for walking and enjoying long hours of relaxation. There are lots of things to visit in the city such as its avenues, parks and Henry Moore's most famous sculptures, hidden treasures and historic buildings such as the Church of the Conception or the Carta Palace.

Do not miss the opportunity to taste local cuisine. Santa Cruz de Tenerife is a beautiful port located in Tenerife, the largest of the western islands of the Canary Islands archipelago. In the area around the port, there are wide avenues, squares, exotic green areas and some examples of modern architecture. At the heart of the city, near the sea, there is Plaza de España, built in the mid-20th century and once the site of the San Cristobal Castle (16th century).

The oldest part of the city is rich in religious monuments. The construction of the Church of San Francisco, one of the best examples of the Baroque style, began in the 17th century. The Church of Pilar, dated back to the 18th century, stands on the remains of an ancient temple. The city has also some green areas filled with exotic tree species. The Garcia Sanabria Park houses an important outdoor Sculpture Museum.

Another not to be missed place is the Maritime Park, a recreational area designed by architect César Manrique and located in the old Canary Islands commercial basin. Also known as the Black Castle, this circular defensive bastion was built in the first half of the 17th century with volcanic stones. From a naturalistic point of view, Tenerife is an island of contrasting landscapes. The wide beaches of fine sand in the south of the island give way to lush vegetation in the north.

Every year, the outfits of the island's capital prepare to host Carnival, declared International Tourist Interest and one of the most spectacular in Spain. Its privileged location makes it possible to enjoy beautiful beaches such as Las Teresitas, get to know the city of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or visit Teide National Park, the symbol of the island.

Salvador

Salvador, the capital of the state Bahia in Brazil, is a lively city that vibrates to the rhythm of samba and candomblé, offering a rich and variegated cultural mosaic. This historic city, renowned for its breathtaking beaches, colonial architecture and vibrant nightlife, is a stop not to be missed on Salvador cruises. Its unique atmosphere, where tradition and modernity are linked together, offers visitors an unforgettable experience, immersed in Afro-Brazilian history and culture.

Explore the historic center: the Pelourinho
The heart of Salvador is the Pelourinho, its historic city center, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking around the clobbed streets, you can admire colorful colonial houses, Baroque churches and lively squares. The Pelourinho is also the stage of recurring open-air musical performances and folkloric dances, offering visitor an authentic taste of local culture. Cruises that stop in Salvador allow you to immerse in this rich human cultural heritage, letting passengers living unique moments.
Immerse youself in Afro-Brazilian culture Salvador is considered Afro-Brazilian cultural capital of the country. Here, visitors can explore museums dedicated to African art, attending candomblé cerimonies or simply enoying the local cuisine, that fuses African, Indigenous and Portuguese flavors. Enjoying a cruise that includes Salvador offers the opportunity to discover these deep cultural roots, enriching the trip with meaningful and authentic
experiences.

Discover Paradise Beaches
In addition to its cultural richness, Salvador amazes with its enchanting beaches. From Praia do Forte to Itapuã, the coastlines around Salvador invite relaxation and recreation, with crystal-clear waters and fine sand. Cruises stopping in Salvador allow travellers to enjoy these natural wonders, offering a perfect balance of culture, adventure and relaxation. Opting for a cruise that stops in Salvador means choosing a journey rich in history, culture and natural beauty. The city offers a complete travel experience, capable of satisfying every type of traveller, from the passionate historian to the adventurer, from the bodybuilder to the seeker of relaxation on the beach. Salvador promises to leave indelible memories in the hearts of those who visit it, making it a must-see destination on cruises along the Brazilian coast.

Welcome to Salvador: Cradle of Brazilian Culture

Salvador, the capital of the state of Bahia in Brazil, is a city that vibrates to the rhythm of samba and candomblé, offering a rich and varied cultural mosaic. This historic city, known for its breathtaking beaches, colonial architecture, and vibrant nightlife, is a must-see for Cruises to Salvador. Its unique atmosphere, where tradition and modernity meet, promises visitors an unforgettable experience, immersed in the history and culture of Afro-Brazil.

Explore the Historic Center: The Pelourinho

The beating heart of Salvador is the Pelourinho, its historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking through the cobblestone streets, you can admire colorful colonial houses, baroque churches, and lively squares. The Pelourinho is also the stage for frequent musical performances and folk dances that take place outdoors, offering visitors an authentic taste of local culture. Cruises that stop in Salvador allow passengers to immerse themselves in this rich cultural heritage, making them live unique moments.

Immerse Yourself in Afro-Brazilian Culture

Salvador is considered the Afro-Brazilian cultural capital of the country. Here, visitors can explore museums dedicated to African art, participate in candomblé ceremonies, or simply enjoy the local cuisine, which blends African, indigenous, and Portuguese flavors. Participating in a cruise that includes Salvador offers the opportunity to discover these deep cultural roots, enriching the trip with significant and authentic experiences.

Discover the Paradise Beaches

In addition to its cultural richness, Salvador amazes with its enchanting beaches. From Praia do Forte to Itapuã, the coasts around Salvador invite you to relax and have fun, with crystal clear waters and fine sand. Cruises that stop in Salvador allow travelers to enjoy these natural wonders, offering a perfect balance between culture, adventure, and relaxation.

Opting for a cruise that stops in Salvador means choosing a trip full of history, culture, and natural beauty. The city offers a complete travel experience, capable of satisfying every type of traveler, from the passionate historian to the adventurer, from the bodybuilder to the seeker of relaxation on the beach. Salvador promises to leave indelible memories in the hearts of those who visit it, making it a must-see destination on cruises along the Brazilian coast.

Ilheus

Buzios

Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro (which means River of January in Portuguese) is a city in Brazil, the capital of the homonymous confederated state. The city has a population of approximately 6,186,710 inhabitants (according to the 2009 IBGE census), and occupies an area of ​​1,256 km² while that included in the metropolitan area is approximately 12 million. Rio is the second city in Brazil after San Paolo and was the capital of the nation from 1763 to 1960, after Salvador da Bahia and before Brasilia.

The city is famous for its tourist attractions including: the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, for the gigantic statue of Jesus, called Cristo Redentor located on Mount Corcovado, for the Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain), with its cable car, and for its annual carnival, the most famous in the world.

Rio de Janeiro also contains the largest forest within an urban area, the floresta da Tijuca. 

Rio de Janeiro: The Marvelous City's Cruise Departure

Set sail from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil's iconic "Marvelous City," and embark on a cruise from one of the most breathtaking natural harbors in the world. With its stunning Sugarloaf Mountain, the majestic Christ the Redeemer, and the vibrant Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, Rio offers an unparalleled backdrop for your departure. Before stepping aboard, soak in the city's infectious energy, dance to samba rhythms, and explore its rich cultural tapestry. Rio promises an exhilarating and unforgettable start to your South American adventure.

Explore South American Coasts from Rio

Cruises departing from Rio de Janeiro open up a world of possibilities along the vibrant coasts of South America. Whether you dream of discovering the pristine beaches of Brazil, the historical cities of Argentina, or the dramatic fjords of Chile, Rio serves as an ideal launchpad. Enjoy the seamless transition from the energetic streets of Rio to the luxurious comfort of your cruise ship, ready for days of relaxation, exploration, and unforgettable moments. Each voyage from Rio promises breathtaking scenery, lively culture, and the spirit of adventure, leaving you with cherished memories of a continent truly alive.

Santos

Discover Santos: the Jewel of Brazil
Located along the coast of São Paulo, Santos is a lively port city, rich in hitory, culture and nature beauties. Renowned for having the largest port in South America, Santos is an ideal destination for those who are searching for a unique and diverse travel experience. Santos Cruises offer a unique opportunity to explore this fascinating city, from its waterfront parks to its historic coffee plantations.

The historic charm of Santos

The heart of Santos in its rich historic heritage. In the city there is Museu do Café, where visitors candiscover the history of coffee in Brazil and the crucial role Santos played in its trade. Walkig along the center, you can admire well-preserved buildings that offer a look at the past and testify the importance of the city over centuries.

NATURE AND ENTERTAINMENT IN SANTOS
The natural beauty of Santos is evident along the coast with its beautiful beaches stretching for kilometers, offering breathtaing landscapes and opportunities to relax under the Brazilian sun. The Beach Garden that stretches for many kilometers along the seaside, is known as the largest garden in front of the sea, offering green areas ideal for those who want to relax and doing open-air activities.

CULTURE AND ENTERTAINMENT
In addition to its history and natural beauty, Santos is a lively center of cultural and entertainment. The city hosts many cultural events, art exhibitions and musical spectacles that reflect Brazil's rich diversity.
The nightlife in Santos, with its bars and clubs, offers fun nights out and the opportunity to taste local cuisine, offering unforgettable moments.
Choosing a cruise that includes Santos in its itinerary means immersing youself in a travel experience that combines history, nature and culture. Santos offers visitors a complete discovery, rich in culture and a relaxation beauty of its beaches, making it a stop not to be missed for all passengers in search of the authentic Brazilian spirit.

Discovering Santos: The Jewel of Brazil

Located along the coast of São Paulo, Santos is a vibrant port city, rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Known for having the largest port in South America, Santos is an ideal destination for those seeking a diversified travel experience. Cruises to Santos offer the unique opportunity to explore this fascinating city, from its waterfront gardens to the historic coffee plantations.

The Historical Charm of Santos

The beating heart of Santos lies in its rich historical heritage. The city boasts the Museu do Café, where visitors can discover the history of coffee in Brazil and the crucial role Santos has played in its trade. Walking through the center, you can admire well-preserved colonial buildings, which offer a glimpse into the past and testify to the importance of the city over the centuries.

Nature and Fun in Santos

The natural beauty of Santos is manifested along its coast, with beaches that stretch for kilometers, offering breathtaking views and the opportunity to relax under the Brazilian sun. The beach garden, which extends for several kilometers along the waterfront, is recognized as the largest seaside garden in the world, offering green spaces ideal for relaxing walks and outdoor activities.

Culture and Entertainment

In addition to its history and natural beauty, Santos is a lively center of culture and entertainment. The city hosts various cultural events, art exhibitions, and musical performances that reflect the rich diversity of Brazil. The nightlife of Santos, with its bars and clubs, promises fun evenings and the opportunity to savor local cuisine, offering unforgettable moments.

Choosing a cruise that includes Santos in its itinerary means immersing yourself in a travel experience that combines history, nature, and culture. Santos promises its visitors a complete discovery, from cultural richness to the relaxing beauty of its beaches, making it a must-see stop for every cruise traveler in search of the authentic Brazilian spirit.