Explore the Med without the stress with our first‑time cruiser’s guide

Whether you’re a cruise sceptic or simply cruise-curious, here’s how to make your first voyage with MSC Cruises smooth sailing

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Paul AtkinsCommercial Content Writer

23:50, 30 SEP 2025

MSC Cruises delivers sunshine, savings and no-stress travel in one smooth booking (Image: MSC Cruises)

Cruising the Mediterranean no longer belongs only to seasoned seafarers and honeymooners.

For Northern Ireland travellers, MSC Cruises is opening up a world of sun-drenched ports, glittering cities and all-inclusive ease - without the stress of DIY planning or mystery costs.

So, whether you’re a cruise sceptic or simply cruise-curious, here’s how to make your first voyage smooth sailing.

Great-value holidays

This spring, MSC Cruises is offering a choice of sun-drenched Fly & Cruise escapes from Ireland, making it easier than ever to explore the Med without the hassle.

Travellers flying from Belfast can choose the MSC Grandiosa, sailing from Palma de Mallorca on May 15, 2026.

This seven-night itinerary visits Barcelona, Cannes, Genoa, La Spezia and Civitavecchia before returning to Palma, from £1,229 per person.

From Dublin, travellers can board the elegant MSC Divina for a seven-night sailing from Civitavecchia (Rome), calling at Mykonos, Kusadasi, Marmaris and Naples before looping back to Rome on May 1, 2026. Prices start from £1,289 per person.

Also departing Dublin on May 1, 2026, MSC World Europa sets off from Barcelona to Marseille, Genoa, Naples, Messina and Valletta, with seven nights of Med glamour for £1,299 per person.

Two weeks later, on May 17, 2026, the stylish MSC Splendida follows a different Barcelona route, taking in Marseille, Livorno, Cagliari, Palermo and Valletta for just £1,139 per person.

Why cruises are catching on

Think of a cruise as a floating resort: one cabin to unpack into, dozens of restaurants, endless entertainment, and no long car journeys between destinations.

Yet many first-timers hesitate because of old-school myths - tipping worries, dress codes, kids’ clubs, extra charges...

This is why MSC Cruises has reimagined the experience so that even the most value-conscious traveller can feel at ease.

With kids’ and teen clubs, flexible dining, and activities ranging from waterparks to West End-style theatre shows, MSC Cruises blends big-ship wow factor with transparency about what’s included.

MSC Divina boasts classic, elegant interiors and a glamorous pool deck (Image: MSC Cruises)

Fly & Cruise vs Cruise Only

One of the biggest choices is how to get to your ship:

Fly & Cruise Packages: Ideal if you want the holiday handled from the moment you leave Belfast or Dublin. MSC Cruises arranges your flights, transfers, and cruise in one booking. You’ll be met at the airport, taken to the ship, and your luggage follows you on board.
Cruise-Only: This option gives you the freedom to book your own flights and transfers, often allowing a few extra days in your embarkation city. You can stay in Barcelona for a long weekend before joining the ship, or fly into Rome and explore before you sail.

Iconic embarkation ports

If you’re travelling from Northern Ireland, consider pairing your cruise with one of the Med’s classic cities:

Barcelona: Tapas, Gaudí and beaches before you board - this bustling city is MSC Cruises’ most popular Med departure point.
Rome (Civitavecchia): Walk the Colosseum, see the Vatican, then let the ship take you to Naples or Sicily without changing hotels.
Venice (Trieste): A few days of gondolas and gelato before stepping onto your ship for the Adriatic and beyond.

Enhance your cruise with MSC Cruises’ curated shore excursions, offering a range of experiences to explore each destination in depth.

Explore a host of stunning holiday destinations with MSC Cruises (Image: MSC Cruises)

Demystifying the details

Tipping: MSC Cruises includes service charges in the fare on most packages. You can still tip extra if you wish, but there are no awkward envelopes or nightly cash surprises.
Dress Codes: Even gala nights are more about glamour than a strict dress code. A cocktail dress or smart shirt will do - you don’t need a tuxedo unless you want one.
Kids’ Clubs: Included for babies to 17-year-olds. Parents can drop off children for activities or evening sessions while they enjoy dinner or a show.
Extra Costs: Speciality restaurants, spa treatments and some drinks packages cost extra, but the main dining, buffet, kids’ clubs, pools, theatre shows and fitness areas are included.