MSC Lirica: 12-Night Cruise from Venice - December 28, 2026

With roughly 7 hours hours in Katakolon (Olympia), Greece - arriving at 10:00 AM and departing at 5:00 PM - you'll want to be strategic. A ship-arranged shore excursion is a smart choice here - the ship will wait for its own excursions to return. Stick to attractions close to the port. One moment you are enjoying a coffee by the water and the next you are walking through the ruins where the Olympic Games began.

The MSC Lirica is a mid-sized ship, which means excursion options in Heraklion, Crete, Greece are plentiful. Plan your top priorities in advance and you'll generally find services accessible without long waits. Knossos is the main reason many travelers come to Heraklion and it lives up to expectations.

Your ship arrives in Rhodes, Greece at 8:00 AM, one of the most common arrival windows. If you've booked a morning excursion, aim to be among the first off. If your plans are flexible, waiting 30-45 minutes lets the initial wave pass. Rhodes Old Town is a living museum of medieval streets, stone walls, and historic landmarks.

With roughly 7 hours hours in Limassol, Cyprus - arriving at 10:00 AM and departing at 5:00 PM - you'll want to be strategic. A ship-arranged shore excursion is a smart choice here - the ship will wait for its own excursions to return. Stick to attractions close to the port. Limassol attracts travelers seeking a mix of sun, culture, and culinary delights.

The MSC Lirica is a mid-sized ship, which means excursion options in Port Said (Cairo), Egypt are plentiful. Plan your top priorities in advance and you'll generally find services accessible without long waits. The Port Said Military Museum offers insights into the city's role in conflicts around the Suez Canal.

Your ship arrives in Alexandria, Egypt at 8:00 AM, one of the most common arrival windows. If you've booked a morning excursion, aim to be among the first off. If your plans are flexible, waiting 30-45 minutes lets the initial wave pass. The modern Library of Alexandria is a striking cultural landmark inspired by the ancient world center of learning.

You'll have 8 hours hours to explore Split, Croatia, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM - a solid full day ashore. That's enough for 2-3 attractions and a sit-down lunch without rushing. Tackle the most distant spot first, then work your way back toward the port. Marjan Hill rises just west of the old town and offers shaded walking paths, viewpoints, and quiet beaches.

The MSC Lirica is a mid-sized ship, which means excursion options in Venice, Italy are plentiful. Plan your top priorities in advance and you'll generally find services accessible without long waits. Glide through Venice's canals on a traditional gondola.

Your cruise ends in Bari, Italy, where the MSC Lirica is scheduled to dock at 2:00 PM. On a smaller ship, the disembarkation process moves quickly - most passengers are off within one to two hours. If you're flying out, book your flight at least four hours after the ship's scheduled arrival. Cruise ships dock at the Port of Bari, located close to the city center.