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This Winter, Comfortable Cruise Travel in Turkey with MSC Sinfonia

This year, for the first time, MSC Sinfonia will operate Aegean and Adriatic voyages departing from Istanbul and Izmir during the winter season. The program, which will be organized weekly from November to April, will offer Turkish cruise passengers the opportunity to discover the fascinating routes of the Eastern Mediterranean with attractive price advantages and unique gastronomic experiences.

It was published

6 months ago

25 Nov 2024

Author:

Elif Akin Yuksel

MSC Sinfonia, a ship belonging to MSC Cruises, one of the world's leading cruise companies, arrived in Istanbul for its first winter season voyages in Turkey. The ship anchored in Istanbul Port within the scope of the Aegean & Adriatic program, which appeals to the increasing interest of Turkish cruise passengers with its affordable price options and rich discovery routes.

A special launch was held for MSC Sinfonia at Galataport Istanbul on Wednesday, November 20, with the participation of important figures from the tourism and cruise worlds, as well as sector and media representatives. The traditional welcoming ceremony, held to celebrate the ship's first visit to the port, was attended by MSC Cruises Managing Director Norbert Stiekema and MSC Cruises Türkiye Country Manager Işın Hekimoğlu and her team introduced the ship and the winter season tour options. The event highlighted the extraordinary experiences that MSC Sinfonia offers, and detailed the affordable luxury and comfort options that await guests on board.

Enjoy a Cruise with MSC Sinfonia

MSC Cruises, the only cruise company with an office in Turkey, continues to offer unique experiences to thousands of passengers every year with its fleet of 22 ships offering high standards of service and destinations covering all corners of the world. Operating in Turkey during the summer season, the group will now provide year-round service to Turkish guests with the addition of MSC Sinfonia to the winter season, and will also be the only ship operating in Turkey during the winter season, offering cruise travel opportunities to Turkish guests.

Offering unique experiences to its guests, MSC Sinfonia promises unforgettable journeys with areas designed to meet every need and a rich range of activities. Throughout their comfortable journey, guests can benefit from many opportunities, from suites with sea views to cabins with balconies, from special restaurants offering selections from world cuisine to entertainment, shows and animations, from spa services to play areas for children.

An Unforgettable Journey of Discovery Departing from Turkey

MSC Sinfonia's weekly voyages between November and April, from the ports of Istanbul and Izmir, which are easily accessible to Turkish cruise passengers, consist of a 7-night, 8-day program. The affordable voyages, starting at €379 per person, offer full-board accommodation with a wide range of entertainment options from concept restaurants and bars. The tour programs, where you will meet the wonders of the ancient world in the winter season, offer unique discovery experiences in interesting destinations without the hassle of carrying luggage.

MSC Sinfonia is visiting the extraordinary regions of the Eastern Mediterranean as part of the Aegean & Adriatic itinerary, departing from the ports of Istanbul and Izmir. The ship sets sail from the ports of Turkey into the Aegean Sea, and first stops at the Greek island of Corfu, known for its lush green landscapes, lively tavernas and rich cultural experiences. Other stops on the route include Bari, a port city on the Adriatic Sea in southeastern Italy, and the ancient port of Piraeus, the gateway to Athens, the birthplace of democracy. After the tour is complete, MSC Sinfonia returns to the ports of Istanbul and Izmir to disembark her passengers.

As part of the program, cruise passengers have the chance to experience the landmarks and local culture of the ports they arrive at after comfortable ship journeys equipped with many facilities. Guests who visit many historical structures such as Achilleion Palace, Palaiokastritsa Monastery and Corfu Castle in the blue paradise of the Adriatic, Corfu, can also enjoy delicious souvlaki, fresh seafood and olive oil appetizers. After a relaxing day at sea, passengers can visit many historical structures in Bari such as St. Nicholas Basilica, San Sabino Cathedral, Petruzzelli Theatre and Norman Castle. Guests also have the opportunity to taste and buy local, handmade pasta on the city's famous pasta street, Strada delle Orecchiette.

Next on the journey, the port city of Piraeus, which blends the ancient culture of Greece with modern city life, awaits curious travelers. In Piraeus, cruise passengers can visit impressive locations such as the City Theater, Themictoclean Walls, Megalo Port, as well as delightful museums. While visiting Piraeus, guests can also see famous landmarks of Athens such as the Acropolis, Hadrian's Arch and Panathenaic Stadium, which are very close by. The city also offers unique options for shopping or having a delicious snack. After this unique journey that will make passengers feel special, they return to the ports of Istanbul and Izmir with unforgettable memories.

This winter, discover the best of the Eastern Mediterranean, its historical buildings, magnificent flavors and incredible landscapes in the elegant comfort of MSC Sinfonia!

About MSC Sinfonia

Blending the symphonies of great composers with the serenity of classical cruises, MSC Sinfonia makes its guests feel the comfort of home from the first step. Combining modern comfort with traditional elegance, this floating hotel opens the doors to a comfortable and elegant world.

One of the first members of the MSC Cruises fleet, MSC Sinfonia promises to revitalize and rejuvenate from start to finish, providing guests of all ages with a relaxing and enjoyable journey. The ship offers accommodation options to suit every need, from interior cabins to ocean view options, from balcony cabins to spacious suites and even connecting cabins for families. However, the luxury and comfort offered by MSC Sinfonia to its guests does not end with its accommodation options. Cruise passengers can enjoy the inviting waters of the pools on board, savour first-class cuisine, relax at the MSC Aurea Spa or pamper a new generation of cruise lovers in the kids’ clubs.

MSC Sinfonia offers first-class entertainment to keep everyone happy, as well as a variety of sports areas, delicious restaurants serving world cuisine and carefully designed comfortable spaces. From Teatro San Carlo, where Broadway-style shows are performed every evening, to themed bars and lounges; from boutiques to games rooms and golf simulators, the ship promises an endless variety of experiences for you to live your travels to the fullest. Moreover, MSC Aurea SPA, which offers personal care facilities such as spa, solarium and sauna, basketball and volleyball courts, tennis courts, walking track, shuffle board and a gym with a wide range of equipment overlooking the ocean are offered for the use of guests to have a pleasant time on board. In addition, children's clubs divided according to different age groups, which will double the pleasure of the trip for families, have the chance to have fun and learn with their peers, while parents have the chance to enjoy their holiday.

In addition to all the facilities it offers, MSC Sinfonia can easily access all ports thanks to its size. Therefore, the ship, which offers intimate experiences with its relatively small size, takes the cruise experience to the next level with the interesting destinations on its route.

Technical Specifications of MSC Sinfonia

Ship name: MSC Sinfonia

Gross tonnage: 65.542 ton

Maximum passenger capacity: 2.646

Crew: About 742

Number of cabins: 980 (Including 5 cabins suitable for disabled people)

Length/Width/Height: 274,9m / 28,8m / 54m

Maximum speed: 20,9 knots

Number of decks: 13 (9 of which are for guest use)

Source: HORECA TREND and MSC Cruises

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Türkiye's Largest Cruise Port Gets Its Energy from the Sun

It was published

1 months ago

April 21 2025

Author:

Elif Akin Yuksel

A subsidiary of Global Investment Holdings Global Ports Holding The cruise port that hosts the most ships and passengers in Türkiye, operated by Aegean Port Kuşadası, continues its investments to obtain its energy from renewable sources. In this context, Ege Port Kuşadası, which has completed the installation of a rooftop solar power plant as the first phase, will produce 312 kWh of electricity per year with this plant. In the second phase, with the land-type solar power plant to be completed this year, all of Ege Port Kuşadası's energy needs will be met from renewable sources.

Reminding that the cruise industry has a carbon-neutral target by 2050, Ege Port Kuşadası General Manager and Global Ports Holding Eastern Mediterranean Regional Director Aziz Güngör said, “With our solar power plant investment, which we will complete this year at Ege Port Kuşadası, the largest cruise port in our country, we will achieve net zero carbon emission in terms of energy by meeting all our needs from renewable resources.”

Operated by Global Ports Holding, a subsidiary of Global Investment Holding and the world’s largest cruise port operator, Ege Port Kuşadası, Türkiye’s cruise port that hosts the most ships and passengers, continues its investments to meet all of its energy needs from the sun. Having completed the installation of the rooftop solar power plant, which is the first phase investment at the port, Ege Port Kuşadası will generate 312 kWh of electricity per year with this plant. The rooftop solar power plant, which was realized with a total investment of 552 thousand dollars, consists of 300 solar panels and 426 inverters. The plant will prevent 5 tons of carbon emissions per year. With the second phase investment, the land-type solar power plant, which will be realized at the port and completed in 223, all of the port’s energy needs will be met from renewable sources.

'To Achieve Net Zero Carbon Emissions in Energy'

Reminding that the cruise industry has a Net Zero Carbon target by 2050 Aziz Güngör, General Manager of Ege Port Kuşadası and Eastern Mediterranean Regional Director of Global Ports Holding“As Global Ports Holding, the world’s largest cruise port operator, we are also making significant contributions to this goal. While we are working to obtain our energy needs from renewable sources in all ports in our portfolio, we are also completing our investments to achieve this in our first port, Ege Port Kuşadası. With our solar power plant investment, which we will complete this year in Ege Port Kuşadası, the largest cruise port in our country, we will obtain all our needs from renewable sources and achieve net zero carbon emissions in terms of energy,” he said.

Source: HORECA TREND and Global Ports Holding

MSC Cruises Begins a New Era at Sea

MSC Cruises, one of the world's leading cruise companies, is reinforcing its leadership in the sector once again by launching its new-generation flagship, MSC World America. Equipped with the latest technology, the ship combines European elegance with American comfort, while offering new standards in sustainability, innovation and guest experience. Officially launched with a ceremony held in Miami, MSC World America will bring a new breath to cruise tourism with its voyages starting in the Caribbean.

It was published

1 months ago

April 18 2025

Author:

Elif Akin Yuksel

MSC Cruises, the new flagship that is eagerly awaited worldwide MSC World America, the world's most advanced cruise terminal, MSC Miami Cruise Terminal'was introduced in a magnificent ceremony held in the

The ceremony held on April 9 famous actor Drew BarrymoreIt begins with the traditional maritime tradition of breaking bottles at the bow of the ship and cutting the ribbon to name the ship. MSC Cruises' "Let's Holiday" co-starred in the campaign Orlando Bloom also accompanied.

The prestigious award has been officially presented to MSC World America by the Classification Society Bureau Veritas for its 20-year commitment to health, safety and environmental protection. It is a testament to MSC Cruises’ commitment to the highest international standards in the cruise industry.

MSC World America Sets New Standards in Cruise Experience

The new state-of-the-art flagship is the second ship in MSC Cruises’ World Class prototype, ushering in a new era of the cruise experience with redesigned spaces, entertainment and dining concepts. The ship blends MSC Cruises’ elegant European design with North American comfort, appealing to global adventure travelers.

MSC World America will also be the first ship in the MSC Cruises fleet to feature seven regions, each offering a different atmosphere, amenities and experiences, allowing guests to curate their own vacation experience and make the most of their time on board.

MSC World America – First Arrival Miami FL

Luxury and Innovation at Sea

MSC World America stands out with its structure spreading over 22 decks, a hull wider than 47 meters, 2.614 cabins and common areas exceeding 40.000 square meters. There are seven different areas on the ship where each passenger can choose their own holiday style. 19 food and beverage areas including the only Eataly restaurant at sea, 18 bars and lounges with new concepts such as All-Stars Sports Bar and The Loft comedy club are offered to the guests. The Harbour area designed especially for families stands out with its surface swing, rope course, water park, games and relaxation areas, while World Promenade takes the entertainment to the top with shopping, food and beverage and one of the longest dry slides at sea. The three-story lively World Galleria and the largest MSC Yacht Club in the Caribbean give the ship a luxurious “ship within a ship” experience.

MSC World America welcomes its guests with 1.000 stores offering world-class brands, boutique concepts and special shopping experiences in its spacious and modern shopping area of over 9 m². The ship features a second-hand luxury accessory concept, a first at sea, a Bulova pop-up store and a wide range of shopping opportunities from fashion products to luxury watches and jewelry, perfumes and electronics. MSC World America promises a unique experience with innovative shopping options that appeal to every guest profile.

MSC World America, first time April 12 2025On flights departing from PortMiami in the Caribbean 7 nights alternating east and west routes will offer routes. Among these routes Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic), San Juan (Puerto Rico), Costa Maya and Cozumel (Mexico), Isla de Roatan (Honduras) and all voyages include ports such as Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve includes visit.

Source: HORECA TREND and MSC Cruises

Celestyal Signs Agreement with Abu Dhabi Tourism Board

It was published

1 months ago

April 15 2025

Author:

Elif Akin Yuksel

Celestyal has signed a three-year agreement with the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi). The multi-year partnership, signed at the Seatrade Global event in Miami, will promote Celestyal Abu Dhabi as a key destination for its guests and further strengthen the cruise line’s ties with the region.

Celestyal will return to the region with its two ships in December and will call at Abu Dhabi three times a week throughout the winter season until March 2026.

Last year, Celestyal launched its 1260-day “Desert Days” route, departing from Doha and covering Bahrain, Dubai, Hassa, Sir Bani Yas Island and Abu Dhabi, with its 7-passenger Celestyal Journey ship. The successful first season lasted from November to March 2025. It is stated that this route will continue for at least three seasons.

The revamped 1360-passenger Celestyal Discovery will join the region, departing from Abu Dhabi Port on December 12, 2025. It will operate three-, four- and seven-night “Iconic Arabia” cruises. Three-night weekend cruises will depart from Abu Dhabi and visit Dubai and Sir Bani Yas Island, combining beach and wildlife safaris. Four-night weekday cruises will visit Doha, Ras Al Khaimah and Khasab Port in Oman.

Prices start from €3 per person for a 618-night trip, including all meals, soft drinks and Wi-Fi, or €4 for a 778-night tour. Celestyal’s land-based tours include nine different excursions into the heart of Abu Dhabi, including half-day city tours, gastronomic and cultural explorations, theme park visits, VIP beach days and classic desert safaris.

A Destination That Stands Out With Its Diversity and Fascinating Nature

Lee Haslett, Celestyal Chief Commercial Officer “It is a great privilege for us to sign this three-year agreement with DCT Abu Dhabi and we are grateful for their support in bringing this partnership to life. Abu Dhabi is a destination that stands out for its diversity and captivating nature. That is why we are very excited to not only use it as a home port but also to be there three times a week during the winter season. Abu Dhabi is the ideal destination for our guests looking for culturally rich and in-depth experiences. Together with our agency partners, we look forward to introducing all that this city has to offer. The cruise industry in the Arabian Gulf is set to welcome record numbers of passengers in the coming years. After a successful first season in the region, we will continue to bring the best of this special geography to our guests.”

Source: HORECA TREND and Celestyal