TUNISIA is back on the map for international cruise ships with four members of MSC Cruises’ fleet returning to the troubled North African country in July.
MSC Fantasia and MSC Lirica are scheduled to return to the Tunis port of La Goulette on July 5 to resume regular visits during week-long Mediterranean cruises.
MSC Splendida and MSC Sinfonia will make returns to the same port on the following day.
“The country is back to normal, security is now stable and we are glad to offer our guests one of their favourite destinations again for this (northern) summer’s seven-night cruises in the Mediterranean,” declared MSC Cruises CEO Pierfrancesco Vago. “Tourism represents one of the biggest resources for this country’s economic revival and we are proud to be making our contribution,” he said.
His views were mirrored by Lynne Clarke, managing director of MSC Cruises Australia and New Zealand, who said Tunis was a popular port among passengers - from around the world.
“Its history, culture, markets and many other outstanding features separate it from other prime ports in the Mediterranean. “I’m glad we are returning to Tunis as it is highly fancied.”
The four ships will offer seven-night Mediterranean cruises, prices from $769 per person, twin share on MSC Lirica (summer), from $879pp, twin share on MSC Splendida (winter).
MSC Lirica will call at Genoa (Italy), Ajaccio (France), Civitavecchia (Italy), Salerno (Italy), La Goulette (Tunisia), Palma de Mallorca (Majorca, Spain), Marseille (France) and Genoa (Italy), while MSC Fantasia will call at Genoa (Italy), Marseille (France), Barcelona (Spain), La Goulette (Tunisia), La Valletta (Malta), Messina (Italy), Civitavecchia (Italy) and Genoa (Italy).
On MSC Splendida’s ports of call will be Genoa (Italy), Naples (Italy), Palermo (Italy), La Goulette (Tunisia), Palma, Barcelona (Spain), Marseille (France) and Genoa (Italy), while MSC Sinfonia will call at Livorno (Italy), Villefranche (France), Valencia (Spain), Ibiza (Spain), La Goulette (Tunisia), Catania (Italy), Naples (Italy) and Livorno (Italy).
MSC Cruises will also offer Tunis as a winter destination on MSC Splendida’s six seven-night cruises sailing between December 2011 and March 2012, departing from Genoa.
“Guests visiting Tunis can enjoy its renowned North African hospitality on a varied array of excursions offered by MSC Cruises,” said Mrs Clarke. “The city welcomes MSC guests and never fails to enchant with its famous archeological site at Carthage, typical spice market in the Medina, traditional fishing village Sidi Bou Said and much, much more - including, of course, La Goulette itself.”
