2010 MS Melody Cruise Sailing Dates: (departs Fridays)
March 27           April 7, 18, 29
May 10, 21        June 1, 12, 23
July 4, 15, 26    Aug 6, 17, 28
Sept 8, 19, 30   Oct 11, 22

About the MS Melody: 

The MS Melody is the largest in the MSC classic fleet of small ships and is designed to offer guest with the highest standards of Italian style and sophistication.  MS Melody features include:

• Charming spacious public areas with high ceilings and large, well-appointed guest quarters
• Swimming pool with retractable and transparent Magradome, making swimming possible during inclement weather.
• Several lavish balconies and decks ideal for viewing the magnificent scenery
• Tonnage: 35,140
• Capacity: 1,062
• Length: 671 ft 
• Launch Date: 2001

Take a look at the MSC Europe Online Brochure to get a closer look at the fleet's magnificent features!

Suggested Itinerary for Islands of the Tyrrhenian Sea Cruise:
(Your vacation itinerary may vary depending on the options you choose.)

Day 1: Fly from USA to Genoa.

Day 2: The first night of your extraordinary vacation begins in scenic Genoa, both so that you are able to explore the treasures of this great Ligurian capital, but also to ensure that you arrive on time for the MSC Melody's departure! An ItalyVacations representative will meet you at the airport and transport you and your bags to the hotel of your choosing. Genoa is beautifully situated on the Mediterranean and offers a multitude of treasures including its Via Aurea (Golden Avenue), delightful beaches, and a world-famous gastronomy. And don't worry: as our guests we'll handle transporting your luggage to the hotel, leaving you with the sole tasks of relaxing and having fun!

Day 3: After we have safely transported you from your hotel to the MSC Melody you will be ready to begin enjoying your cruise. Our first stop is just down the coast, in the resort town that has made the combination of boating and luxury a celebrated pastime: Portofino. You will spend the day here contemplating its crystal blue ocean, sipping espresso and/or refreshing white wine in Portofino's quaint and picturesque harbor, exploring its natural scenery, and lazing on the beach.

Day 4: Now we get back onboard to enjoy our fantastic MSC Melody, and by the time we have woken up, we've crossed over into the French Riviera. Here the joys are similar and as sublime as in their Italian counter-part. Be sure to soak up all if its natural splendor on the beach, experience the charms of its scenic town centers, and most importantly of all, to taste the delectable flavors of southern French food and wine!

Day 5: For the extreme Italophiles among us, don't worry if you start to get the shakes, because our next stop is ruggedly handsome Sardegna. This is Italy to be sure, but this exotic island offers joys found nowhere on the peninsula, which is something to be realized on everything from the faces of its people, delightfully rough terrain, and earthy food and wine.

Day 6: Tonight we pass through a portal that takes us to both an entirely different continent and culture: the North African country Tunisia. The exquisite culture and surroundings of the ancient city of Tunis, once the capital of the Hannibal and the Carthaginians, will remind you of Italy, particularly of the southern regions, but will be remarkable distinct and unlike anything you've ever seen in Europe. Be sure to embrace as many facets of Tunis' culture as possible, which most certainly should include a tasting of delicious North African cuisine!

Day 7: Leaving Tunisia, we set sail for Taormina, Sicily's picturesque seaside town, which is nothing short of divine. Perched atop steep volcanic cliffs, Taormina offers its visitors the best of Sicilian cuisine and culture paired with one of the island's most scenically beautiful locations. Take a nice walk through its medieval streets and gaze at the pristine sea beckoning from below; and if you fancy a brief walk down to the seashore, Taormina will present you with a beach of the most paradisiacal variety imaginable.

Day 8: Our next stop is on the mainland, the mythically beautiful Amalfi Coast. For the Ancients it was quite literally so: their explanation for the region's remarkable crystal blue waters, lush gardens, and arresting views was related to the legend of the romance between Hercules and his beautiful but ill-fated lover, the nymph Amalfi. Even in the 21st century, traveling the Amalfi Coast and the quaint towns that dot its ruggedly beautiful terrain presents vacationers with something akin to a religious experience.

Day 9: Now it is on to the island of the great Emperor Napoleon: Corsica. This paradise was once a part of the kingdom that would become Italy, which means that even though it is technically a part of France, the rhythm of Italian life pervades its stunning landscape and compelling culture.

Day 10: ... And finally, after a voyage that has been the very epitome of luxury and relaxation, we return to Genoa. It is sad saying adieu to our lovely Melody, but now it is time to turn our attention to the rest of our vacation filled with the delights of Italy's beautiful scenery and cuisine. We suggest adding a few nights in Genoa or any city of your choice after the cruise ends.  Then, return to the United States with the promise of returning to Italy for another magnificent ItalyVacation.

See more of the MS Melody

CALL: 1-800-ITALY-25