Winter Cruise

The MSC Opera is a luxurious cruise ship offering an unforgettable travel experience across stunning destinations in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and beyond. With a perfect blend of elegance, modern comforts, and entertainment options, the MSC Opera is designed to cater to every type of traveller. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or cultural exploration, this cruise provides an exceptional holiday experience.

• Elegant Design: The MSC Opera boasts a stylish design with Italian flair, featuring spacious lounges, sweeping staircases, and panoramic views.
• Variety of Dining Options: Indulge in a wide range of culinary delights, from gourmet restaurants serving international cuisine to casual eateries.
• Entertainment for All Ages: The ship offers a comprehensive entertainment programme, including live shows, music, and themed parties.
• Relaxation and Wellness: Enjoy the on-board spa, fitness centre, and multiple swimming pools, offering the perfect opportunity to unwind and rejuvenate.
• Exciting Shore Excursions: Explore fascinating destinations with a variety of guided shore excursions that allow you to experience local culture, history, and natural beauty.

Resort Information

Accommodation

The MSC Opera offers a range of accommodation options to suit different needs and preferences.

• Interior Cabins: Comfortable and cosy, these cabins are perfect for those who plan to spend most of their time exploring the ship and its destinations.
• Ocean View Cabins: Featuring large windows, these cabins offer stunning sea views, allowing you to wake up to beautiful sunrises each day.
• Balcony Cabins: Enjoy the luxury of your private balcony, where you can relax with a drink and take in the ocean views.
• Suites: For a truly indulgent experience, the suites offer extra space, a separate living area, and enhanced amenities, making your cruise even more special.

Facilities

The MSC Opera is equipped with a variety of facilities to ensure that your time on board is enjoyable and memorable.

• Dining: Multiple restaurants offer a diverse selection of cuisines, including Mediterranean, Italian, and international dishes.
• Bars and Lounges: Relax with a cocktail in one of the many bars and lounges, each offering a unique atmosphere and a selection of drinks.
• Theatre: Enjoy world-class entertainment in the on-board theatre, featuring live performances, music, and dance shows.
• Swimming Pools: The ship has several pools, including a main pool with sun loungers and a quieter adults-only pool.
• Spa and Wellness Centre: Treat yourself to a massage, facial, or a session in the sauna at the luxurious spa.
• Kids and Teens Clubs: The ship offers dedicated clubs for children and teenagers, providing age-appropriate activities and entertainment.

Top 10 Things to Do On Board

1. Relax by the Pool: Soak up the sun by the pool, complete with loungers, umbrellas, and a refreshing drink in hand.
2. Attend a Live Show: Experience the magic of live entertainment in the ship’s theatre, with performances ranging from musicals to comedy.
3. Indulge in Fine Dining: Savour exquisite dishes at one of the ship’s gourmet restaurants, offering a mix of traditional and contemporary cuisine.
4. Join a Themed Party: Get into the spirit with one of the themed parties, such as a white night or 70s disco night.
5. Unwind at the Spa: Treat yourself to a relaxing spa treatment, including massages, facials, and body wraps.
6. Explore the Fitness Centre: Stay active with a workout at the fully equipped gym, offering stunning sea views as you exercise.
7. Try Your Luck at the Casino: Test your luck at the on-board casino, featuring a range of games from slot machines to poker.
8. Enjoy a Cocktail at Sunset: Head to one of the open-air bars to enjoy a cocktail while watching the sunset over the ocean.
9. Take Part in a Cooking Class: Learn how to prepare delicious dishes with a cooking class led by the ship’s talented chefs.
10. Join a Dance Class: Get moving with dance classes that teach you everything from salsa to ballroom dancing.

Local Restaurants at Ports of Call

During your MSC Opera cruise, you'll have the chance to explore various ports of call, each offering a taste of local cuisine.

• Hamburg, Germany: Try traditional German dishes like schnitzel, bratwurst, and fresh seafood at a cosy local restaurant such as Fischerhaus or *Gasthaus an der Alster*. Don’t forget to sample a local beer or two.

• Rotterdam, Netherlands: For a taste of Dutch cuisine, visit FG Food Labs or De Ballentent for local favourites like bitterballen, poffertjes, and fresh herring. You can also take a tour to Amsterdam and enjoy a meal at one of the city’s charming canalside restaurants, such as Restaurant De Kas or Guts & Glory.
• Zeebrugge, Belgium: If you’re stopping at Zeebrugge, make sure to try some traditional Belgian waffles, mussels, or frites at a local spot like De Kombuis or take a trip to Bruges for a meal at De Halve Maan Brewery where you can enjoy Flemish stew with a locally brewed beer.
• Le Havre, France: In Le Havre, indulge in French cuisine with a focus on Normandy specialities such as seafood, Camembert, and Calvados. Try dining at La Taverne Paillette or Le Bistrot Parisien for a taste of authentic French fare.

Average Temperatures

Here’s what you can expect for average temperatures at each port of call during your cruise, giving you a good idea of what to pack:

• Southampton, UK: Average temperatures range from 8°C to 20°C depending on the season.
• Hamburg, Germany: Typically, you can expect 5°C to 23°C.
• Rotterdam, Netherlands: The weather can vary from 5°C in winter to 22°C in summer.
• Zeebrugge, Belgium: Expect averages between 6°C and 22°C.
• Le Havre, France: Temperatures usually range from 5°C to 21°C.

Resort Information

Accommodation on the MSC Opera

The MSC Opera provides a range of accommodation options to suit all types of travellers. Whether you prefer a cosy interior cabin or a luxurious suite with a private balcony, you’ll find the perfect space to relax after a day of exploring.

• Interior Cabins: Simple yet comfortable, offering a great value for those planning to spend most of their time enjoying the ship’s amenities.
• Ocean View Cabins: These cabins feature large windows, providing stunning views of the sea.
• Balcony Cabins: Enjoy your morning coffee or evening cocktail with a view in a Balcony Cabin.
• Suites: For an added touch of luxury, the suites offer more space, additional seating areas, and enhanced amenities.

Onboard Dining

The MSC Opera offers a variety of dining experiences:

• La Caravella Restaurant: The main dining room serving a diverse menu with international dishes.
• L’Approdo Restaurant: Another option for formal dining, offering a different selection of meals.
• Il Patio Outside Cafeteria: A casual spot for enjoying meals al fresco.
• La Piazza: An Italian-style eatery, perfect for grabbing a slice of pizza or a scoop of gelato.

Top 10 Things to Do Onboard

1. Explore the Panoramic Pool: Take a dip in the pool while enjoying breath-taking ocean views.
2. Pamper Yourself at the MSC Aurea Spa: Unwind with a massage or spa treatment in this luxurious wellness centre.
3. Catch a Broadway-Style Show: Enjoy nightly performances in the ship’s theatre.
4. Join a Wine Tasting: Expand your knowledge and palate with a wine tasting experience led by experts.
5. Enjoy the Casino: Test your luck at the slot machines or try your hand at poker.
6. Dance the Night Away: Dance enthusiasts can enjoy a range of music from DJs to live bands.
7. Relax at the Solarium: A quiet retreat where you can relax with a book or simply enjoy the sun.
8. Play Sports: Take part in activities such as basketball, tennis, or mini-golf.
9. Learn Something New: Join one of the many enrichment classes offered onboard, from cooking to photography.
10. Shopping: Treat yourself to duty-free shopping at the onboard boutiques.

The MSC Opera cruise offers an exceptional holiday experience, combining luxurious amenities, a wide range of entertainment, and exciting excursions at some of Europe’s most captivating destinations. From the culinary delights to the enriching activities on board, there’s something for every traveller to enjoy. Whether you’re exploring the picturesque streets of Bruges, taking in the modern architecture of Rotterdam, or savouring French cuisine in Le Havre, this cruise promises a memorable adventure.

Book your MSC Opera cruise with Tina’s Travel Deals today and start planning the holiday of a lifetime!