Albania offers travelers a surprising and diverse experience shaped by centuries of influence. Visitors can explore the ancient city of Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian ruins set against a lagoon. In Berat and Gjirokastër stone houses stack along steep hillsides, giving visitors the sense of walking through a living museum. These towns offer an authentic window into daily Albanian life.
Batalha, a small town in central Portugal, is steeped in history and home to one of the country’s most magnificent monuments, the Batalha Monastery. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, also known as the Monastery of Santa Maria da Vitória, was built to commemorate the Portuguese victory over Castile at the Battle of Aljubarrota in 1385. I
Saint John is a culturally-rich seaport city on New Brunswick's Bay of Fundy. History and natural wonders combine to make this locale a hidden Canadian gem.
Portugal offers a layered experience shaped by maritime history, deep-rooted traditions, and a coastline that stretches for nearly 1,800 kilometers. In Lisbon, the streets of Alfama wind uphill toward São Jorge Castle, where views of red-tiled rooftops and the Tagus River reveal how the city was rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake. Trams still clatter through narrow streets, and fado music, often performed in candlelit taverns, tells stories of longing and the sea.
Formally called Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, Ocean Cay is a private island only accessible to MSC Cruises guests. Activities include beachside lounging, snorkeling, paddle boarding, lighthouse climbing, dining, shopping and more.