Cruise - 6 Nights | Northern Europe - MSC Cruises: MSC Poesia

Rotterdam & Beyond – Your Perfect Day Ashore

Begin planning your cruise adventure and reserve your excursions in and around Rotterdam today.

As the Netherlands’ second-largest city (after Amsterdam) and Europe’s biggest port, Rotterdam is a captivating stop on MSC Cruises’ Northern Europe itineraries. Situated where the Nieuwe Maas river meets the North Sea and founded in 1270, the city blends striking modern architecture with charming historic waterways.

Featured MSC Cruises Excursions

• Classic Amsterdam Canal Cruise

• Amsterdam Your Way – Free Time

• Best of Rotterdam City Highlights

Classic Amsterdam Canal Cruise

Nicknamed the “Venice of the North,” Amsterdam’s UNESCO-listed canal ring is one of the world’s most beautiful urban landscapes. Glide beneath elegant bridges and past centuries-old merchants’ houses on a relaxing boat tour. Highlights include Anne Frank House, the majestic 17th-century Westerkerk, graceful gabled homes, Dam Square, the Royal Palace, Nieuwe Kerk, and views of the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum from the water.

Amsterdam Your Way – Free Time

Prefer to explore at your own pace? This excursion is made for you. A comfortable one-hour coach ride delivers you to the heart of Amsterdam, where you’ll enjoy approximately four hours of total freedom. Wander Dam Square, visit world-class museums, stroll the flower market, or simply get lost in the charming Jordaan district. A map is provided—just be back at the meeting point on time for the return coach to Rotterdam.

Best of Rotterdam City Highlights

Discover why Rotterdam is called the “Manhattan on the Maas.” Your panoramic coach tour showcases the city’s bold, futuristic skyline: the iconic Erasmus Bridge, Euromast Tower (185 m/607 ft), Cube Houses, and architectural masterpieces like the Groothandelsgebouw and Kunsthal. Pass the beautifully preserved pre-war Van Nelle Factory and the elegant 1920 Town Hall. The experience includes a photo stop at the famous yellow Cube Houses and a short walking tour through historic Delfshaven—the only part of old Rotterdam that survived the 1940 bombing—with its picturesque harbor, windmill, and traditional Dutch charm.

Paris & Normandy Highlights – Excursions from Le Havre

Start planning your perfect day in France and reserve your shore excursions from Le Havre today.

Located on the Normandy coast at the mouth of the River Seine, Le Havre is a UNESCO-listed city celebrated for its bold post-war concrete architecture, outstanding Impressionist collections, and lush seaside gardens. More importantly, it’s the ideal gateway to some of France’s most iconic treasures – from the romance of Paris to the dramatic cliffs of Étretat and the magical island of Mont Saint-Michel.

Top MSC Cruises Excursions from Le Havre

● The Magic of Paris

● Étretat & the Alabaster Coast

● Mont Saint-Michel – The Wonder of the West

The Magic of Paris

Fall under the spell of the City of Light. After a comfortable coach journey (approx. 2.5–3 hours each way), step into the heart of romance and elegance. Stroll down the tree-lined Champs-Élysées, marvel at the Eiffel Tower – Paris’s unforgettable iron lady – and admire the intricate Gothic façade of Notre-Dame Cathedral (exterior visit). Continue to majestic Place de la Concorde, then enjoy free time at the legendary Galeries Lafayette. Shop, people-watch from the stunning rooftop terrace, or treat yourself to colourful macarons and a perfect café crème before returning to the ship.

Étretat & the Alabaster Coast

Experience one of France’s most breathtaking natural wonders. The dazzling white cliffs of Étretat, sculpted by the sea into dramatic arches and a needle-like rock formation, have inspired artists from Monet to Courbet. On this relaxing excursion, soak up panoramic views from the clifftops, breathe the fresh sea air, and enjoy free time to wander the charming pebble beach and picturesque town centre. Pass half-timbered Norman houses, the medieval church, and the quaint covered market before heading back to Le Havre.

Mont Saint-Michel – The Wonder of the West

Journey through Normandy’s emerald countryside to one of the world’s most extraordinary sights: the medieval rocky island of Mont Saint-Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage masterpiece. Rising dramatically from the tidal bay, this fortified village is crowned by its 8th-century abbey. Climb the winding streets, walk along the ancient ramparts with sweeping views over the shifting sands, and explore the serene abbey gardens and gothic cloisters. A truly magical, once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Book your excursion now and turn your day in Le Havre into an unforgettable French adventure!

Set Sail from Southampton – History, Culture & Adventure Await

Step aboard in Southampton and open the door to 5,000 years of wonder. The world is waiting.

Discover Southampton & Beyond with MSC Shore Excursions

Southampton is more than a port – it’s a city rich in maritime heritage and surrounded by England’s greatest treasures.

In the City

• Historic Old Town & Medieval Walls – cobbled streets, Tudor houses and the ancient Bargate
• Culture & Waterfront – art gallery, Mayflower Theatre and lively Ocean Village marina

A Short Drive Away

• Windsor Castle – the King’s magnificent home
• Stonehenge & Salisbury – prehistoric mystery + Britain’s tallest cathedral spire
• Elegant Bath – Roman Baths and Georgian splendour
• London Highlights – Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Tower Bridge & more
• Fairytale Arundel Castle – 11th-century fortress in the Sussex hills
• Winchester – Alfred the Great’s ancient capital, stunning cathedral & Arthurian Round Table

Top Day Trips

London Discovery (2½ hrs away)

Changing of the Guard, Westminster Abbey, Tower Bridge, Tate Modern, Covent Garden – the very best of the capital in one perfectly paced day.

Stonehenge & Salisbury

Walk among the 5,000-year-old stones, then visit magnificent Salisbury Cathedral and the original Magna Carta.

Winchester Adventure

Explore the cathedral that houses kings and Jane Austen, see the legendary Round Table in the Great Hall and wander medieval streets beside the River Itchen.

Short on time, big on memories – book your MSC excursion today and fall in love with Britain’s historic south!

Entertainment at Sea – Non-Stop Wonder on Every MSC Cruise

Day or night, the fun never stops on board. From sunrise to long after sunset, MSC ships come alive with experiences designed to delight every age and taste.

By Day

Laugh together at family tournaments, dive into exciting sports competitions, catch a blockbuster in the open-air cinema under the stars, or challenge friends in the interactive game zone. There’s always something happening – indoors and out.

By Night – Pure Magic

Prepare to be amazed by Carousel Productions at Sea – our spectacular original shows created exclusively for MSC Cruises. Jaw-dropping acrobatics, breathtaking dance, live musicians and dazzling special effects fuse into immersive productions that pull you right into the heart of the story. Lights, sound, emotion – this is entertainment reinvented.

Then keep the energy high:

Try your luck in the glamorous casino

Feel the adrenaline rush of the MSC Formula Racer simulator

Scream and laugh together in the 4D cinema

Go for a strike at the full-size bowling alley

Dance until dawn in the nightclub

With so many incredible options, the hardest part is choosing what to do next.

Discover the full entertainment line-up and lock in the best value with the Fun Pass Package – available to pre-book online at special rates. The magic is waiting – all you have to do is dive in!

Hamburg – Germany’s Vibrant Northern Gem

• Hamburg is more than just Germany’s biggest port – it’s a stylish, water-loving metropolis brimming with character, culture, and surprises around every corner.
• From the moment your ship glides past the futuristic Elbphilharmonie concert hall perched on the Elbe, you’ll feel the city’s unique energy. Climb the baroque tower of St Michael’s Church (“Michel”) for breathtaking panoramic views, then explore the UNESCO-listed Speicherstadt – the world’s largest historic warehouse district – with its red-brick canals and fairy-tale charm. Right next door, ultra-modern HafenCity showcases Europe’s most exciting waterfront regeneration.
• By day, lose yourself in world-class museums, stroll the lush oasis of Planten un Blomen park with its dancing water-light shows, or hop on a classic harbour boat tour. When the sun sets, the legendary St Pauli district lights up – the Reeperbahn pulses with music, theatre, and nightlife that’s famous worldwide (and just as fun to explore during daylight hours).
• A Hamburg cruise also puts you within easy reach of two Hanseatic jewels: medieval Lübeck with its iconic Holsten Gate and fairy-tale old town, and Bremen, home to the enchanting Town Musicians statue and stunning market square.
• Sophisticated yet laid-back, historic yet cutting-edge – Hamburg is a city that captivates everyone who visits. Come ashore and let Germany’s northern star work its magic on you.

Entertainment on an MSC Cruise – Pure Joy, 24/7

From the moment you step on board, the fun never stops. Whether you’re looking for relaxed daytime vibes or show-stopping evenings, every hour brings something new to discover.

During the Day

Laugh together at family tournaments and quizzes, challenge friends to sports competitions, catch the latest blockbuster on the giant poolside cinema screen, or enjoy endless outdoor games and activities that kids and adults love equally.

When Night Falls – The Magic Happens

Prepare to be amazed by Carousel Productions at Sea, our exclusive, world-class shows created just for MSC ships. Jaw-dropping acrobatics, stunning dance performances, live musicians and state-of-the-art lights and special effects combine to create immersive spectacles that make you feel part of the story.

The best seats in the house are waiting!

After the curtains close, the night is still young:

Try your luck in the glamorous casino

Race at full speed on the MSC Formula Racer simulator

Feel every explosion in the thrilling 4D cinema

Bowl a perfect game with family and friends

Dance till dawn in the nightclub

With so many incredible choices, the only problem is deciding what to do first!

Explore the full entertainment programme and save with the Fun Pass Package – book online before you sail and enjoy special pre-boarding rates.

The magic is ready. All you have to do is choose your adventure!

Thank You for Sailing with Us from Rotterdam – Until We Meet Again!

As your unforgettable MSC cruise draws to a close and the skyline of Rotterdam appears on the horizon one last time, we hope you’re taking home wonderful memories of sparkling canals, daring architecture, and the warm Dutch spirit.

Whether you glided through Amsterdam’s UNESCO-listed waterways, wandered its charming streets at your own pace, or discovered Rotterdam’s futuristic skyline, iconic Cube Houses, and historic Delfshaven, we’re delighted you let us be part of your journey.

The Euromast, the Erasmus Bridge, the dancing fountains of Planten un Blomen (if you ventured further) – may these images stay with you until the sea calls you back.

From all of us at MSC Cruises:

Hartelijk dank and tot ziens!

Thank you and see you soon – the next adventure is already waiting.

Safe travels home, and may fair winds bring you back to the water very soon!