MSC Lirica and MSC Divina Outline New Seven-Night Eastern Mediterranean Routes for 2026

(NEWS) GENEVA, Switzerland, 2025-Dec-17 — /Travel PR News/ — MSC Cruises is expanding its Eastern Mediterranean presence for summer 2026, unveiling new seven-night itineraries aboard MSC Lirica and MSC Divina that will connect some of the region’s most established ports with a handful of lesser-known destinations. Sailing from Italy, the two ships will offer routes linking Greece, Turkey, Montenegro and Italy, reflecting continued demand for itineraries that balance cultural landmarks with resort-style coastal stops.

MSC Lirica will operate weekly sailings from Venice-Marghera beginning in early April 2026, calling at Kotor in Montenegro, the Greek islands of Mykonos and Syros, and Ancona on Italy’s Adriatic coast. A standout feature of the itinerary is an overnight stay in Mykonos, allowing passengers to experience the island beyond daytime excursions, from sunset views to its well-known nightlife.

MSC Divina, meanwhile, will sail from Civitavecchia, the port serving Rome, starting later in April. Its itinerary spans Mykonos, Kusadasi and Marmaris in Turkey, and Naples in southern Italy. The route blends historic destinations such as Ephesus—accessed from Kusadasi—with beach-focused stops along Turkey’s Turquoise Coast, alongside Naples, a gateway to Pompeii and Herculaneum.

Two ports new to MSC Cruises’ Eastern Mediterranean program—Marmaris and Syros—feature prominently in the 2026 season. Marmaris is emerging as a growing cruise destination, known for its natural harbour, beaches and resort infrastructure, while Syros offers a quieter Cycladic alternative, with neoclassical architecture, traditional neighbourhoods and a slower pace compared to some of its better-known island counterparts.

Across both itineraries, the cruise line is positioning the sailings as a mix of iconic and under-the-radar destinations, appealing to travellers seeking variety within a single week. Guests can choose standard accommodation or opt for the MSC Yacht Club on MSC Divina, which offers a more private onboard experience with dedicated spaces and services.

The newly announced itineraries underscore MSC Cruises’ broader strategy in the Mediterranean, where demand remains strong for cruises that combine multiple cultures, cuisines and landscapes within relatively short sailing distances—particularly during the peak summer travel season.