MSC's New Grand Voyage

Asia and the Middle East are increasingly fertile cruise areas in the winter months, and we have just been alerted to another new option in this region from MSC Cruises.

Taking their MSC Orchestra, MSC will be operating a special Grand Voyage in 2015, setting sail from the dazzling deserts of the United Arab Emirates and visiting the iconic sites of south-east Asia before reaching and exploring the enchanting coastlines of Australia. The once-in-a-lifetime 33-night Grand Voyage sets out from from Dubai on February 22 next year and arrives in Perth on 26 March 2015.

During the first part of her journey, Orchestra will call into Mumbai and Cochin, before arriving in Colombo, the gateway to Sri Lanka. She will then visit Phuket, Thailand's most popular and glamorous beach destination, followed by a stop in Langkawi, a true Malaysian tropical gem. Singapore’s skyline will be the ship’s next destination, where she will stay overnight, allowing guests to soak up the charms of this city-state where history and modernity walk hand in hand. Lush Benoa, in Bali, will be the ship’s last stop in Asia, offering travellers the chance to enjoy breathtakingly beautiful landscapes, enchanting temples and white sandy beaches.

Orchestra will continue her journey stopping in Cairns, in Australia’s tropical north, a city renowned for its easy access to the wilderness, romantic Port Douglas and its laid back ambience. The second port of call ‘Down Under’ will be Brisbane, with its vibrant atmosphere and excellent shopping scene. An overnight stay in Sydney will enchant travellers with stunning views of the world-renowned Opera House and the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains. MSC Orchestra will then complete its route to Perth via the state capital of Victoria, Melbourne, and Adelaide, recently named one of the world’s top 10 cities to visit, where travellers can sample some of the world’s finest wines on a wine-tasting tour.

It all adds up to a truly amazing one-off voyage and is sure to have great appeal for those who appreciate these more exotic voyages.

More info: call 0844 561 1955 or visit www.msccruises.co.uk/uk_en/MSC/MSC-Orchestra-Grand-Voyages-2015.aspx.

Have you subscribed to World of Cruising magazine yet? We have a very special, limited-time offer to save 50% off a full year's subscription, which includes six issues PLUS our new year-end Cruise Directory. That means a year's worth of Europe's leading cruise publication will be only £15. Check out the special rate on this link!

Time Spent at Sea has moved and can now be found at World of Cruising. You can follow World of Cruising on Twitter and Facebook for the very latest in cruise news.

If you haven't already, subscribe to the World of Cruising magazine today.