Pack your dancing shoes and masks for a 14-night MSC Cruises holiday which combines a nine-night Mediterranean cruise with three nights of partying in Venice, lapping up the atmosphere of the Italian city’s annual Carnival.

Beginning with an Emirates flight from Australia on February 13, 2012, this colourful fly, stay and cruise package is priced from $4656 per person twin share and combines the best of Venice in party mood with such fascinating ports as Italy’s Bari, Rhodes in Greece, Israel’s Haifa and Piraeus (for Athens) on the round cruise aboard MSC Magnifica.

Furthermore, children under 18 years cruise free (pay only port charges) when sharing a cabin with adults, as is the case with all 11 of MSC Cruises’ fleet.

“You’ll experience the fabulous Venice Carnival, complete with your own personally fitted hire costume,” said Lynne Clarke, managing director of MSC Cruises Australia and New Zealand.

“On the third day you will be able to have free time or attend the optional Grand Ballo Tiepolo (Grand Ball) which is something worth treasuring at Carnival time,” she said.

Package price applies to flights to Venice via Dubai from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. Accommodation will be at the four-star Hotel Ca Pisani (or similar), including breakfast and the private costume fitting. Enjoy the Essence Party including buffet lunch, gondola tour and San Marco Costume Parade on 15th February 2011.

To really get into the Carnival atmosphere why not add on the Essence Party, only an extra $950pp, including a traditional gala at Palazzo Pisani-Moretta, lavish dinner, entertainment and dancing and two-day costume hire.

“There will also be a gala dinner and captain’s cocktail party during the cruise after the festival,” said Mrs Clarke, “which are included in the price of the cruise, along with the main meals and entertainment.”