Thursday, March 27, 2025
MSC Cruises is making significant strides in expanding its operations in Spain for the 2025 summer season, announcing a remarkable 28% increase in cruise calls compared to 2024. The cruise line is set to complete 493 port calls across Spain, including 18 stopover destinations and eight embarkation ports, further enhancing its presence in this key market.
One of the standout developments is the upcoming launch of MSC Cruises’ advanced cruise terminal at the Port of Barcelona, slated for April 3. Designed by the prestigious architectural firm Ricardo Bofill Taller de Arquitectura (RBTA), the new terminal is aimed at streamlining passenger flows, improving embarkation and disembarkation processes, and allowing MSC to expand its cruise departures from this prominent city.
“Spain continues to be a market brimming with opportunities, and we are thrilled to keep growing our capacity here,” said Fernando Pacheco, General Manager of MSC Cruises Spain. “After an exceptional 2024, we’re proud to be the sole cruise line offering eight embarkation ports in Spain, making cruising more accessible for everyone.”
As part of its expansion plans, MSC Cruises will launch new sailings from various Spanish ports. MSC World Europa will embark on seven-night Western Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona, while MSC Seaview and MSC Seaside will offer Mediterranean voyages from the same port to a variety of stunning destinations. Additionally, Valencia will be introduced as a new embarkation point, joining Alicante, Las Palmas, Málaga, Mallorca, Tarragona, and Tenerife.
MSC Cruises is also enhancing air travel convenience for its passengers, with new direct flights from Málaga to Copenhagen for MSC Euribia’s Northern Europe and Norwegian Fjords itineraries. Furthermore, travelers will benefit from direct flights from Madrid, Barcelona, and Málaga to Turkey and Greece, which will include extended 16-hour stopovers in Mykonos for passengers aboard MSC Lirica.
The cruise line is expanding its Stay & Cruise program, which now includes Athens and Venice for Mediterranean and Eastern Mediterranean sailings. These packages offer travelers a two-night stay in a 4-star hotel, a half-day city tour, and private transfers between the airport, hotel, and ship, adding to the convenience of MSC’s offerings.
To further improve access to its ports, MSC Cruises is introducing high-speed train routes from Madrid, Zaragoza, and Andalusia to both Valencia and Barcelona. A new bus service from Valladolid to the port in Valencia will also help passengers from inland Spain reach their cruise departure points with ease.
MSC Cruises’ expanded transportation network now includes bus services from 17 cities to four different ports and trains from six cities to seven different ships, providing seamless travel options throughout Spain. This expansion cements MSC Cruises’ position as a leader in Spain’s cruise market, offering unparalleled convenience and a broader range of options for travelers.
