Mediterranean Gems – Marseille & Valletta

About this cruise

No complicated itinerary, no back-to-back transfers, just the ports, the ship, and the sea in between. This 7-night sailing from Barcelona on August 2, 2026 visits Marseille, Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Cagliari, Palermo and Valletta. A few ports come in quick succession, which is great for sightseeing but means you'll appreciate the sea days when they arrive. Crossing 3 borders through the Western Mediterranean: France, Italy and Malta. You'll notice the culture shift at every stop. Don't rush through Palermo, which is known as Arab-Norman splendour in Sicily's capital. Around 8 hours per port on average, which is generous enough to go beyond the obvious. MSC Splendida takes the food seriously, with 6 restaurants to choose from. 2 are included, and the rest are worth the splurge. Families and groups will find plenty to do: waterslides, shows, multiple pools, and something for every age. The timing works well too: warm evenings on deck, late sunsets, and a lively atmosphere. All told, 5 ports across 7 nights covers a lot.