Merchants' Wake – Malta, Sicily & Marseille

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 May 28, 2027 visits Marseille, Genoa, Naples, Messina 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. It's a proper Western Mediterranean tour: 3 countries, from France to Malta. If one port sticks with you, it'll probably be Messina, Sicily's gateway to Mount Etna and Taormina. Around 9 hours per port on average, which is generous enough to go beyond the obvious. MSC World Asia joined the MSC Cruises's lineup in 2026. Still has that new-ship feel. Timing-wise, spring usually means comfortable temperatures and lower prices than peak season. It's the kind of trip you actually remember afterwards.