GENEVA, SWITZERLAND – MSC Cruises has announced a refreshed programme of Eastern Mediterranean itineraries for summer 2026, with MSC Lirica and MSC Divina operating seven-night sailings across key destinations in Greece, Turkey, Italy and Montenegro. The new deployment introduces additional ports of call and revised routing aimed at broadening choice for cruise travellers and trade partners.
Both vessels will operate weekly itineraries designed to combine established cruise hubs with emerging destinations. The programme includes calls at Greek islands, historic Turkish ports, Adriatic destinations in Montenegro and multiple Italian cities, offering a mix of cultural sightseeing, leisure-focused stops and overnight stays.
From 4 April 2026, MSC Lirica will sail from Venice–Marghera, operating seven-night itineraries to destinations including Kotor in Montenegro, Mykonos and Syros in Greece, and Ancona in Italy. A key feature of this programme is an overnight stay in Mykonos, allowing guests extended time on the island beyond standard port calls.
Syros
MSC Divina will begin its Eastern Mediterranean programme on 24 April 2026, departing from Civitavecchia, the port for Rome. The itinerary includes calls at Mykonos, Kusadasi and Marmaris in Turkey, and Naples in Italy. From Kusadasi, guests can access the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ephesus, while Naples serves as the gateway to Pompeii and Herculaneum.
The summer 2026 itineraries also introduce or highlight lesser-served destinations such as Syros in Greece and Marmaris in Turkey. Syros is positioned as an emerging Cyclades destination, known for its neoclassical architecture and the historic capital of Ermoupolis, while Marmaris offers access to Turkey’s “Turquoise Coast” with a mix of resort infrastructure, beaches and marina facilities.
For guests seeking a premium onboard experience, MSC Divina will offer accommodation within the MSC Yacht Club. This includes keycard-only access to private areas, 24-hour butler and concierge service, and exclusive dining and leisure facilities, providing an additional product tier for cruise sellers.
From a trade perspective, the new Eastern Mediterranean programme strengthens MSC Cruises’ summer 2026 capacity in the region, combining well-known embarkation ports such as Venice and Civitavecchia with itineraries that balance high-demand destinations and developing ports. The announcement provides early visibility for tour operators, travel advisors and distribution partners planning cruise-led Mediterranean programmes for the 2026 season.
Tags: MSC Cruises