Mediterranean Magic – Riviera to Malta

About this cruise

This one leaves Marseille on September 14, 2026 and spends 7 nights visiting Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Cagliari, Palermo, Valletta and Barcelona 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: Italy, Malta and Spain. 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 Splendida takes the food seriously, with 6 restaurants to choose from. 2 are included, and the rest are worth the splurge. If you like having options (restaurants, bars, activities, entertainment), a big ship delivers that. Pro tip: fly in the day before. Marseille has plenty to offer, and you'll board relaxed instead of rushed. Being shoulder season helps: golden light, comfortable weather, and shorter queues at the popular spots. Whether you've cruised before or not, this 7-night itinerary is a genuinely good one.