Mediterranean Gems – Riviera, Rome & Malta

About this cruise

This one leaves Barcelona on January 8, 2027 and spends 7 nights visiting Marseille, Genoa, Civitavecchia (Rome), Messina and Valletta at a pace where every day has something going on but there's always time to just sit and watch the water too. There's a stretch of back-to-back port days, so those days are busy, but the sea days around them give you time to recharge. Crossing 3 borders through the Western Mediterranean: France, Italy and Malta. You'll notice the culture shift at every stop. Most ports give you about 9 hours, so you can do more than just tick off the main sights. As for the ship itself, MSC World Asia joined the MSC Cruises's lineup in 2026. Still has that new-ship feel. If you like having options (restaurants, bars, activities, entertainment), a big ship delivers that. Pro tip: fly in the day before. Barcelona has plenty to offer, and you'll board relaxed instead of rushed. The timing adds to it: swapping cold weather for sunshine and sea air is the whole pitch for a winter cruise. You'll probably start planning the next one before this one's even over.