MSC World Europa, West Mediterranean Christmas Cruise 🎄🚢

Christmas on a Cruise!
Ringing in the New Year on the high seas was memorable for us last year, and merited an encore! So, off we sailed aboard the grandest of the MSC ships -- World Europa, for Christmas following! The ship is indeed majestic, with its stately elegance decked in the most festive holiday styles. Although we’ve sailed the route before, the Western Mediterranean’s allures never fails to enchant..
After a day of fascination in one of the trendiest cities in Europe, with vibrant, unique, cosmopolitan, and colorful culture of fashion and cuisine, we set sail from Barcelona for our holiday voyage. World Europa did not disappoint - impressive, imposing, regal!
A night of coasting would bring us to Marseille; but weather swayed our sails to another city on the French Riviera with a port on the Mediterranean coast large enough to host a floating city - Toulon, where we spent half a day of shore exploration!
Another night of sailing took us to the gateway to the Riviera. Nestled between the Ligurian mountains and the azure blue sea is the beautiful city of Genoa. Basking in this city that Christopher Columbus calls home, with a taste of its famous pesto, and few snaps of its grand architecture, and picturesque small villages filled our day and our hearts.
What could possible top Genoa’s beauty? Rome and its grandeur, of course! A very fitting stop on our holiday journey, we gave due thanks to our Almighty Grand Architect for our bountiful blessings, and marveled symbols of the Holy Nativity adorning the Vatican City and the Holy See. It was a moment of religious and personal reflections that we sorely needed.
On to our next port…In Southern Italy, in the island of a thousand faces stands Palermo, the capital of both Sicily and the Metropolitan City of Palermo. After the bustling extravagance of the Dynamic Rome, we were treated to a day of calm and serenity, savoring the its unique architecture that’s part Gothic, baroque and part Arabic and Norman, that simply left us in awe!
Saving the best for last, Malta has always been a highlight and a delight. The land of (almost) eternal sunshine, boasting of megalithic temples older than the pyramids of Egypt, and kind people with infectious smiles, Malta always delivered; and this time, adorned in Christmas decors and spirit to rival New York’s 5th Avenue! What a treat, and a way to end our cruise!
Not to be outdone, the amazing shows, culinary delights, and themed nights onboard the floating splendor capped the amazing days with flair. The White Party, always a charm; the Flower Glory Party, a happy walk down memory lane; and the Formal Night of sartorial elegance encapsulate our Christmas on a Cruise!
Until our next sail…
Barcelona, Spain 🇪🇸
Toulon, France 🇫🇷
Genoa, Italy 🇮🇹
Chivitavecchia, Italy 🇮🇹
Palermo, Sicily, Italy 🇮🇹
Valleta, Malta 🇲🇹
DISCLAIMER: I do not claim any rights on the songs used. All rights belong to the owner. No copyright infringement intended.
Music Credits:
Good time By Owl City & Carly Jae Jepsen
Cheri Cheri Lady By Modern Talking
Keep Dreming By Emma Stevens