Port guides

Vinh Long

Asia

Vĩnh Long is a city and the capital of Vĩnh Long Province in Vietnam's Mekong Delta. Vĩnh Long covers 48.1 kilometres and has a population of 147,039.

167 cruises

Sakaiminato

Japan · Asia

Wedged between sea, sky and mountains, this small fishing port has been esteemed for centuries for its superb seafood. Here, the Sea of Japan yields up both crab and hon-maguro, the prized Bluefin tuna esteemed by gourmets around the world. Sakaiminato is also your gateway to a very ancient region of Honshu. West of the city lies Izumo-taisha, one of the oldest and holiest shrines in Shinto. This area is dotted with burial mounds from Japan's Bronze Age. The town of Matsue boasts the celebrated "Black Castle," a six-story, black-walled castle that home to a clan of the mighty Tokugawa dynasty that ruled Japan for over 250 years. And to the east rises the great snow-capped summit of Mt. Daisen, considered one of the four most scenic mountains in all Japan.

158 cruises

Kanazawa

Japan · Asia

Dive into feudal Japan! Fascinating Kanazawa is a real gem thanks to its elegant houses, the historic districts dedicated to pleasure, its proud white castle and the Kenrokuen garden. On an MSC cruise you will get to know this city, a much appreciated destination also for it handicrafts: the Kaga-Yuzen silk kimonos, Wajima's lacquer-ware and Kutani and Ohi ceramics are all exquisite. At the foot of the castle lies the district of Nagamachi, which you can visit on an excursion: the area preserves a historic atmosphere with its Samurai residences characterised by their "mud walls", private wooden entrance gates, narrow lanes and water canals. Kenrokuen, the green area surrounding the castle, is a real discovery: ranked as one of the "three most beautiful landscaped gardens" in Japan alongside Kairakuen in Mito and Korakuen in Okayama. Its colours change depending on the season. Teambuoco Shima and Kaikaro theatres are the two chaya districts open to the public: these areas once hosted exclusive restaurants whose guests were entertained by Geishas. Shirakawa-Go was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995 and is famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri, some of which are more than 250 years old. That is wooden houses with steep thatched roofs, whose shape recalls the palms of the Buddhist monks joined together in prayer. In actual fact the roofs are designed to withstand the heavy snowfall during the winter.

151 cruises

Fukuoka

Japan · Asia

Kyushu’s largest city, Fukuoka is one of the most likeable places in Japan – indeed, despite the fact that it’s not exactly a household name abroad, it regularly pops up on global best-places-to-live lists. While it boasts few actual sights, there’s a certain Kyushu-style joie de vivre here, best exemplified at the umpteen rustic street-side yatai, where locals slurp happily away on their ramen while knocking back beer, sake or whatever takes their fancy. Until recently, the city was an industrial nonentity, notable only for its transport connections to Korea and the rest of the island, but its renaissance has been remarkable. When you are cruising the Pacific Ocean with MSC Cruises you’ll find that Fukuoka is a squeaky-clean metropolis; it deserves a day of any cruiser’s time. Highlights here include one or two excellent museums and ranks of eye-catching modern architecture – most notable in the latter category are Canal City, a self-contained cinema, hotel and shopping complex built around a semi-circular strip of water, and Hawks Town, which forms part of a major seafront redevelopment incorporating venues for shopping, eating and entertainment. If you feel like something more educational during your MSC Grand Voyages cruise, head for Fukuoka renowned festivals and folk crafts, which are presented at Hakata Machiya Folk Museum. As with any self-respecting Japanese city of this size, Fukuoka maintains a lively entertainment district, in this case crammed onto the tiny island of Nakasu, though it’s safer on the wallet to head for the less glitzy bars and restaurants of Tenjin, the city’s main downtown area. There are also a couple of excellent sights just south of Fukuoka: the ancient temple town of Dazaifu, once the seat of government for all of southern Japan, but now a pleasant backwater best known for its collection of temples and shrines; and the healing waters of nearby Futsukaichi Onsen.

150 cruises

Miyako,Iwate, Japan

Asia

A pretty prefecture located on the northeastern coast of Honshu, Japan's main island, Miyako, Iwate, is situated along the Pacific coast surrounded by stunning scenery of Sanriku Fukko National Park and a sandy coastline defined by dramatic rock formations carved by the pounding surf. This iconic landscape invokes images of the 'Pure Land,' a Buddhist concept of paradise, and is best appreciated from the deck of a cruise boat on the waters of Jodogahama. The city's natural wonders are woven within its cultural highlights, and a visit to Kamaishi Daikannon Statue, a towering statue of the Buddhist 'Goddess of Mercy,' showcases sparkling Kamaishi Bay, while the historic Rokando Cave, is home to "the waterfall of the heavenly cave," an underground cascade. No visit to Miyako's shores would be complete without paying reverence to the tragedy that occurred on March 11, 2011, when a powerful earthquake triggered a devastating 17-meterhigh tsunami. The Taro Kanko Hotel Tsunami Remains is a testament to the power of the community's resiliency and serves as commemorative site, an important destination for those lucky enough to visit the island as it blooms with renewal.

146 cruises

Incheon

South Korea · Asia

The bright lights of neighbouring big city Seoul might burn brightly but Incheon, just 27 kilometres away, has nothing to be ashamed of. The coastal city was the first to open its borders to the world in 1883, and as such has always enjoyed a special relationship with the west. So much so that it was granted “English Status” in 2007, with many residents priding themselves on their command of the language. View less The city’s love of English has made it a business powerhouse so expect soaring skyscrapers and smart technology as part of the landscape. Incheon was also the first to welcome the Chinese and today the city’s Chinatown is one of the most vibrant and welcoming there is. A frenetic and exciting hybrid of Chinese and Korean heritage, it is said that Jjajangmyeon (black soy bean noodles), South Korea’s de facto national dish originates from here. Try a steaming bowl from one of the many vendors, then walk it off with the short 15-minute stroll from Chinatown to the traditional Sinpo Market for different kind of sensational feast. The city is steeped in history, notably in recent times during the Korean War. In 1950, the US general General MacArthur led UN forces behind enemy lines in freeing the city from North Korean pressure. MacArthur’s victory is commemorated by a statue in the Jaya (Freedom) Park. The city’s history of course goes back much further, with the first historical record dating as far back as 475 CE. At the time the city was called Michuhol, only changing its name to Incheon in 1413.

141 cruises

Myanaung

Asia

141 cruises

Semarang

Java · Asia

Located on the north coast of the island of Java, Indonesia, Semarang is the capital of its province, playing a prominent role as both busy commercial center and important cultural destination. The lowlands are characterized by offices, business centers and industrial estates, while up in the hills are houses with lovely gardens and superb views. The city’s current vibrancy could perhaps have been predicted, as Semarang has been a bustling trading center since the Dutch colonial era, when the Dutch East Indies Company established tobacco plantations and built infrastructure such as roads and railroads. The Dutch influence can still be seen in the older part of the city near the harbor. Other cultures, primarily that of the Chinese, also have left their imprint on Semarang and continue to be a significant part of what it is to live in and visit Java.

141 cruises

Niigata, Japan

Asia

A sophisticated sake capital, Niigata is an intoxicating, creative place of Japanese traditions and flavours. Learn of the many crafts and creativities that are practised here, from kite-making to alcohol fermentation and ceramic work, and immerse yourself in the beautiful coastline and waterfall-laced mountains of Niigata prefecture. The city evolves with each season, taking on a new appearance - whether it's the thick layers of snow during winter, or the cherry blossoms of spring. View less Look out for the gorgeous curved black roof tiers of Shibata Castle, rising from a picturesque bed of pale-pink flowers. Sitting overlooking the Sea of Japan, out towards the intrigues of Sado Island, where the rare Toki bird - with its scythe-like beak - lives protected. This busy port city is famous for the high-quality and pure taste of its rice. As a result, sake produced here is among Japan's finest, and distilleries will teach you the artistry behind its creation, and to appreciate the subtle flavours. Pia Bandai market is a bustling place to take a stroll and sip a morning coffee. Japan’s first public park, Hakusan Park was built in 1873 and is perfect for whiling away an afternoon, among drifting lotus flowers and swaying trees. Appreciate a magical tea ceremony in the Edo-era Shimizu-en Gardens, or savour the tranquillity of the peaceful Hakusan Shrine - dedicated to the god of marriage.

139 cruises

Agra

Asia

Agra is a city on the banks of the Yamuna river in the Agra district of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is 206 kilometres south of the national capital New Delhi. Agra is the fourth-most populous city in Uttar Pradesh and 24th in India.

138 cruises

Delhi

Asia

Delhi, India’s capital territory, is a massive metropolitan area in the country’s north. In Old Delhi, a neighborhood dating to the 1600s, stands the imposing Mughal-era Red Fort, a symbol of India, and the sprawling Jama Masjid mosque, whose courtyard accommodates 25,000 people. Nearby is Chandni Chowk, a vibrant bazaar filled with food carts, sweets shops and spice stalls.

138 cruises

Nagoya

Aichi · Asia

Home to Toyota, Lexus and Mitsubishi among many other, Nagoya is one of Japan’s industrial powerhouses. A veritable economic tour de force, the city is the fourth largest in the country, and boasts multiple excellent museums, significant temples and, unsurprisingly, excellent shopping. Located on the Pacific coast, the city is often overlooked as a travel destination. View less Sandwiched between the neon lights of Tokyo 350 km to the east and the history laden walls of Kyoto just 120 km to the west, Nagoya has been dubbed – by the country’s Prime Minister no less – as “the most boring city in Japan.” However, that view might be subjective. Beginning with Nagoya’s cuisine, the city offers much in the way of tasty treats. Many traditional dishes that originate here, such as the popular rice dish Hitsumabushi and the chicken based Tebasaki. The city’s many shrines and castles are not only among the oldest in Japan but are also some of the country’s National Treasures. The aforementioned museums offer fine examples of the city’s history dating all the way back to the 17th century Tokugawa period (the city’s castle is from the same period) while the brand new aquarium is touted as being one of the best in Japan. The Port Tower offers spectacular views of the city both day and night. The 2,000-year-old Atsuta Shrine, the second-most revered shrine in Japan, hosts over 4,400 artefacts. The sprawling city is also home to beautifully laid out gardens and parks, which offer a welcome respite from Nagoya’s urban buzz.

137 cruises

Jaipur

Asia

Jaipur is the capital of India’s Rajasthan state. It evokes the royal family that once ruled the region and that, in 1727, founded what is now called the Old City, or “Pink City” for its trademark building color. At the center of its stately street grid (notable in India) stands the opulent, colonnaded City Palace complex. With gardens, courtyards and museums, part of it is still a royal residence.

136 cruises

Manila

Philippines · Asia

Discover the capital of the Philippines, Pearl of the Orient Sea. Your MSC Cruise will take you to the world of Manila. Overlooking the South China Sea, the city is located on the island of Luzón, the largest of the archipelago. Twelve million people live in this colourful yet chaotic metropolis. Its origins can be traced back to the sixteenth century, when May Nilad, a Muslim colony, arose on the banks of the Pasig River. Following the arrival of the Americans in 1898, the town grew to become one of the most important cities in Asia. Today Manila is an economic and cultural hub, and ‒ like many big cities ‒ has to deal with overcrowding, crime and poverty. Here past and present coexist seamlessly. An excursion will take you to Fort Santiago, an ancient Spanish fortress in the citadel of Intramuros, built in 1571. In 1945, it was almost completely razed to the ground in the battle of Manila. Today it is an historical park and a place of prayer, in memory of the Filipino victims during the Japanese occupation in the Second World War. Tagaytay City is about 37 miles from Manila and can be visited with an excursion. It's not what you might imagine when you think of a Philippine town: forget the traffic of Manila and enjoy the wonderful greenery and peace of this town, dominated by the massive Taal Volcano – the second most active in the Philippines – with its green crater lake. Immerse yourself in the history of Corregidor: you can take an excursion to the last bastion of the allied Filipino and U.S. forces during the Second World War. Corregidor was conquered by the Japanese in 1942 and then liberated by the Americans in 1944.

131 cruises

Bali

Indonesia · Asia

Bali is a vision of ethereal beauty, where ribbons of pale sand unravel along an azure sea, emerald rice terraces and stone-carved temples pierce the landscape and Hindu gods inspire human creativity. Your guide to Bali. The Indonesian island of Bali delights visitors with its white sandy beaches, vibrant rice paddies and sacred Hindu temples. From Tanjung Benoa, where your Bali cruise calls, it’s just a short drive to the fishing port of Jimbaran Bay or the sublime beaches of upmarket Nusa Dua. Enjoying a warm year-round climate, Bali is a popular retreat for surfers, stand-up paddle boarders and reef divers. While those who prefer to relax find themselves quickly unwinding in this spiritual land where serenity seems to infuse the air. Savour freshly barbequed seafood while looking out to sea and delight in the opportunity to slow down and just be.

127 cruises

Kanmon Straits, Japan

Asia

The Kanmon Straits or the Straits of Shimonoseki is the stretch of water separating Honshu and Kyushu, two of Japan's four main islands. On the Honshu side of the strait is Shimonoseki and on the Kyushu side is Kitakyushu, whose former city and present ward, Moji, gave the strait its "mon".

126 cruises

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Asia

Perfumed flower garlands, colonial roots, and lavish afternoon teas welcome you to the former garden city of Colombo. Sri Lanka’s easy breezy city is certainly intoxicating, with its cinnamon dusted air, steaming cups of delicate ceylon, and sassy seaside charm. A place of full sensory immersion, explore tangled streets to sidestep frantic tuk-tuks and gaze in awe at grand colonial buildings turned heritage hotels. Cute cafes usher you inside for sweet lassi, and the walls are made for a pleasantly laxidasical pace of walking. They're perhaps most impressive on stormy days, when you can watch bruised clouds tumble and roil across the sea from this perfect vantage point. Back in the capital, stroll the ornate halls of the National Museum where gilded swords, studded masks, and rare artefacts from the ancient world and colonial times are gathered. Visit the Gangaramaya Temple, to walk among the orange-robed monks who glide between flora-strewn alters, or plunge into the chaos of Pettah - where market cries reach orchestral heights. An incredible gathering of carved Hindu gods decorate the colourful pyramid of the Captain’s Garden Kovil temple - the oldest Hindu temple in the city, which rises majestically from the surrounding railway tracks. Forever the dish of the day, crab is a must in Colombo. Sit down, tuck in your bib and use your hands to crack, scoop and suck out the soft white meat – especially delicious when smothered in lashings of garlic and fiery chilli.

124 cruises

Da Nang

Vietnam · Asia

Overlooking the mouth of the river Hán, Da Nang is a popular Vietnamese destination on an MSC Cruise. This metropolis, called Tourane under French colonial rule, is in central Vietnam and has 1.350,000 inhabitants. It is one of the country’s economic, cultural and artistic hubs. You can take an excursion to Da Nang, where you can visit the Museum of Cham Sculpture. Dating back to about 1,000 years ago, these sculptures by the Cham, an ancient Vietnamese civilisation, are made of terracotta, bronze and sandstone. It is an extensive collection that includes over four hundred works dedicated to the most important Hindu deities, from Brahma to Shiva. Huế was the ancient capital of Vietnam and you can take an excursion to the remains of the Imperial City, located on the banks of the Perfume River and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. The entrance, reminiscent of the famous Imperial City of Beijing, leads visitors into the Forbidden Purple City, where the emperor lived with his concubines. The complex was heavily damaged by American air raids during the Vietnam war. In 1999, the old town of Hoi An was also declared a World Heritage Site. Between the 16th and 17th centuries, the town ‒ called “Faifo” by European merchants ‒ was a nerve centre for Vietnamese Commerce, thanks to its strategic position on the estuary of the Thu Bon River. You can take an excursion to visit the old town: the colourful houses, red lanterns, narrow traffic-free streets and lush flowers make it an unforgettable experience.

123 cruises

Surabaya, Java

Asia

Indonesia’s second-largest city and Java’s capital, Surabaya is known as the City of Heroes thanks to the important role it played in capturing international attention during the country’s revolution in the 1940s. And that independent spirit is still palpable among the metropolis's internationally diverse population of nearly three million people. Surabaya is home to Indonesia’s only synagogue as well as the largest mosque in East Java. And colonial-era buildings sit just a short stroll from glitzy new shopping centers. Visitors have much to experience, whether taking in the extensive artifacts in the Museum Mpu Tantular, seeing where Indonesia’s clove cigarettes got their beginnings at the House of Sampoerna or venturing into the city’s green lung with a boat ride through the mangrove forests of Wonorejo. You’ll feel transported to a Middle Eastern bazaar at the Pasar Ampel, where the vendors hawk spices, sticky sweet dates and imported carpets. And a visit to Kenjeran Beach, right in the city, offers the chance to spot fishermen showcasing their fresh catch or take in views of one of Indonesia’s longest bridges. Obviously, deciding where to spend your time will be your main conundrum in Surabaya.

116 cruises

Nha Trang

Vietnam · Asia

One of Vietnam's most popular seaside resorts, Nha Trang offers white-sand beaches, azure waters and palm trees swaying in the breeze. Gaily painted fishing boats line the harbors. Small farm villages nestle in the countryside's lush valleys. Yet this relaxed city of some 300,000 souls boasts a long and storied past. Nha Trang was the capital of the Champa Kingdom, which dominated this corner of Southeast Asia for 13 centuries. North of the city, the great Cham Tower complex overlooks the Cai River and offers mute testimony to the kingdom's glory. Today, the towers attract locals and visitors alike, many of whom come to meditate while contemplating superb views of the river and the bay. Nha Trang's tourist district consists of a scattering of colonial-era beachfront hotels and sidewalk cafes. The city was a popular spot for U.S. servicemen during the Vietnam War.

114 cruises

Male

Maldives · Asia

The Maldives encompass a chain of more than a thousand small, low-lying coral islands. Created by the peaks of an ancient submerged volcanic mountain range, the islands are protected from the open ocean by barrier reefs that enclose crystal-clear lagoons and brilliant white beaches. The atoll stretches across the equator in a thin strip 452 miles long and 70 miles wide. There are no hills or rivers in the Maldives and none of the islands rise more than nine feet above sea level. It is feared that the whole archipelago could be submerged within 30 years because of the rising sea level caused by the greenhouse effect. The history of the Maldives can be divided into two stages - before and after the conversion to Islam in 1153. According to a theory by Kon-Tiki explorer Thor Heyerdahl, the islands lying at the trading crossroads of several ancient maritime nations date from around 2000 BC. The first settlers are thought to have arrived from Ceylon and southern India at around 500 BC. While there is no concrete information of the pre-Muslim period, the second stage is well documented through a series of sultanic dynasties to the recent birth and rebirth of the republic. In the long history of the Maldives little interference was experienced from colonial powers except for a 15-year occupation by the Portuguese in the mid-16th century; it was a British protectorate from 1887 to 1965.

112 cruises

Lombok

Indonesia · Asia

An island of startling contradictions and contrasts, Lombok exudes an aura of the staid and the rural, a genteel way of life in a quiet backwater. Located to the east and across a deep strait from its illustrious neighbor Bali, the island of Lombok offers unique culture, beautiful landscapes and a far less frenetic, pressured atmosphere than Bali. However, savvy travelers agree that Lombok’s calm existence may soon come to an end, as it is fast becoming the new "in place" after Bali. View less The island was once ruled by a series of Sasak princes who spent their time fending off successive invasions from Sumbawanese and Makassarese attackers. In 1740, the Balinese established a stronghold here and imposed their culture on the Sasaks. Later, Lombok came under Dutch rule until the country achieved independence. The western part of the almost circular island is well irrigated by mountain streams and artesian springs. Here Balinese and Sasaks have sculpted handsome rice terraces; Hindu temples vie for attention with glistening white mosques rising from picturesque rural villages. More dramatic is the southern coast with beautiful sandy bays set between rocky outcrops. Most of Lombok’s attractions are concentrated in the western district of the island, within a nine-mile radius of the capital, Mataram. Members of Lombok's polyglot population - Sasak, Balinese, Chinese and Arab - continue their laid-back, traditional ways.

105 cruises

Puerto Princessa, Palawan

Asia

Home to a New Wonder of the World - the amazing underground river that flows close by - Palawan’s capital promises a relentless assault of natural glory. Founded by the Spanish in 1872, Puerto Princesa is one of the Philippines’s largest centres - but the Green City is also one of the country's most spacious and lush. Whether it’s the innovative environmental credentials, or the dense vegetation clinging to scenic limestone cliffs nearby, Puerto Princesa welcomes you to a rich, green, and astonishingly beautiful corner of the world. View less The underground river of glowing emerald water slices into the limestone rock and runs through inky darkness for five miles, amid dark stalactites and elaborate natural rock sculptures. A subterranean wonder, sail into the cave in a canoe to witness this UNESCO World Heritage Site firsthand and explore a gaping interior, where bats flutter overhead. The scenery is just as impressive above the earth, with tropical beaches and rainforest-cloaked waterfalls nearby. Travel between attractive bays and islands, alive with diverse flora, as well as monkeys and monitor lizards wandering freely. Island hop the stunning sandy isles that pepper the turquoise water of Honda Bay, to investigate characterful idylls that beg to be snorkelled, surrounded by seawater stocked with starfish. Puerto Princesa itself is dotted with cultural and historical sites - including the harrowing World War II history of Plaza Cuartel. Where a massacre of American soldiers took place. Elsewhere, you can visit the thought-provoking Iwahig Prison and Penal Colony - which aims to reform prisoners through farming and agricultural practices. Head for the Baywalk to try some local foods, and to soak up the palm-lined waterfront atmosphere.

103 cruises

Xeo Quyt

Asia

102 cruises