118-Day, 33 Country, 2023 World Cruise Opens For Booking

MSC Cruises has just announced that its 2023 World Cruise is now open for booking. The 118-night voyage aboard MSC Poesia will visit 53 destinations in 33 countries. This exciting months-long adventure begins on January 5, 2023 from Genoa, Italy.

Other embarkation port choices will be Rome, Italy; Marseille, France; and Barcelona, Spain. After visiting those cities in Europe, MSC Poesia will cross the Atlantic and visit a number of Caribbean islands before sailing through the Panama Canal. Next up will be the west coast of Central America before heading to San Francisco, California.

The Pacific leg of the journey will visit Hawaii, Samoa, Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, Papua New Guinea, and the Philippines. The ship will then arrive in Japan during the cherry blossom season with calls in Kyoto and Tokyo.

RELATED: Everything You Need To Know About MSC Cruises

Other destinations in Asia will include Shanghai, Vietnam, Singapore, and Malaysia. Crossing the Indian Ocean towards the Middle East, MSC Poesia will then head home to the Mediterranean via the Suez Canal.

Some highlights of the 2023 World Cruise will include:

• Puerto Limón, Costa Rica: The beautiful beaches and lush rainforest are perfect for any nature lover. Travelers will have the chance to interact with sloths here and discover the rich history of the second-largest city in Costa Rica.
• San Francisco, California: Passengers won’t want to miss the chance to see the Golden Gate Bridge, visit the infamous Alcatraz island, or taste local California wines in one of the west coast’s most famous cities.
• Honolulu, Hawaii: Hawaii is known for its crystal clear water, sandy beaches, and looming volcanoes. On Oahu, travelers can enjoy all three in the state’s capital.
• Sydney, Australia: Sailing by the Sydney Opera House and towering Harbour Bridge, guests will have two days to explore the Australian capital. They can visit Taronga Zoo and see kangaroos, learn how to surf at Bondi Beach, and more.

• Tokyo, Japan: Tokyo is one of six Japanese cities that MSC Poesia will visit during the world cruise. There are plenty of things to experience here, including a traditional tea ceremony, observing Sumo wrestlers’ morning practice sessions, or dining in one of the many Michelin-starred restaurants.
• Shanghai, China: One of China’s most iconic cities will welcome visitors with a plethora of activities, such as walking along the Bund waterfront, visiting the Jade Buddha Temple, or taking a day trip to the Zhujiajiao water town with its historic homes and bridges.
• Da Nang, Vietnam: Vietnam’s fifth-largest city is one of its most beautiful. Passengers may opt to climb the unique Marble Mountains, bask in the sun on My Khe Beach, or discover one of the city’s stunning pagodas.
• Singapore: Singapore is a paradise for shoppers and architecture lovers. It boasts stunning malls, the historic Raffles Hotel, and awe-inspiring Gardens by the Bay nature park.

• Aqaba, Jordan: This city rests on the Red Sea coast and is a haven for both divers and history buffs. From snorkeling in the Aqaba Marine Park, to Mamluk Castle and the Aqaba Archaeological Museum, this port has something for everyone.

Travelers on the World Cruise will receive the following perks included in the fare: a dine and drink package for Bella and Fantastica experiences, 15 shore excursions, and a 30 percent discount on laundry. MSC Voyagers Club members will receive a 5 percent discount on the World Cruise fare.

READ MORE: Add This 120-Night World Cruise To Your Bucket List

MSC Cruises previously announced that the 2021 World Cruise has been canceled due to the global health crisis. Passengers who were booked on that voyage may wish to sail this 2023 World Cruise, since it’s the same itinerary. Or, they may want to look into the 2022 World Cruise.

MSC is currently operating sailings on one ship in the Mediterranean, MSC Grandiosa, after suspending cruises again on sister ship MSC Magnifica due to a surge in case numbers in Europe. In the USA, the line plans to resume sailing in January 2021.

If you’re wondering how much this will cost, you’ll have to call for pricing, but the previous world cruise with the same itinerary started at $16,000 and went up to $45,000 per person, double occupancy.