Sail to the Unique Beat of the Antilles with MSC Musica

Each of these magical moments can be enjoyed during MSC Cruises’ exploration of the Caribbean’s ‘lesser Antilles’ this winter.

From 30 November 2013 to 15 March 2014, MSC Cruises is offering 16 8-day/7-night cruises from Santo Domingo, calling in La Romana (Dominican Republic), St John’s (Antigua & Barbuda), Fort de France (Martinique), Pointe-a-Pitre (Guadalupe), Philipsburg (St Maarten), and Road Town (Virgin Islands).

Santo Domingo is the vibrant beating heart of the Dominican Republic and this soul-filled city, with its friendly locals, busy markets, and relaxed and lively atmosphere, is sure to captivate even the most seasoned traveller. Founded in 1496, it is the oldest city in the Americas and a UNESCO World Heritage Centre boasting over 300 historic buildings, as well as some of the region’s most intriguing folklore and legends.

MSC Cruises’ exclusive shore excursion programme includes tours of the city’s most famous historical sites, a relaxing trip to the popular Boca Chica Beach, a thought-provoking visit to Sabana Grande de Boya, an enchanting town commemorating the fight to abolish slavery, as well as a delicious Chocolate Tour to one of the Caribbean’s largest organic cocoa processing plants and a tasty Dominican Rum Tour, for a special insight into the rum-making process.

Nature soothes the soul on the islands of Antigua and Barbuda, where MSC Musica travellers can choose from an amazing 365 fine sand beaches - one for every day of the year! Nelson's Dockyard, a port built here by Admiral Nelson in the late 18th century, boasts gorgeous views of azure waters and dream yachts, while those looking for a more active day-trip from St John’s can enjoy an exciting aerial walk on the Antigua Canopy Tour, the Antigua Off Road Exploration in 4 by 4s, Snorkelling with Stingrays, Kayaking, and the Horseback Beach Experience.

Unmissable Martinique is a jewel in the crown of Caribbean culture, and capital Fort de France is the perfect starting point from which to explore the island, its historic landmarks and stunning black sandy beaches. Tours from the port include visits to a gorgeous botanical garden, a Getaway Jeep Adventure to the lesser known regions of the island, a spectacular hiking trail through blossoming rainforest and a Nature Kayaking Tour.

Exploring the lush volcanic landscapes of Guadalupe, MSC Musica travellers will discover sugar cane plantations that are the source of the finest rum in the world, dense tropical forests, cascading waterfalls, and an intriguing mix of French and Caribbean culture. From Pointe-a-Pitre, travellers can embark on excursions such as Parc Des Mamelles, for a glimpse into a natural reserve and unusual wild animal species, make their way to the small port of St Rose to drive zodiac boats through mangroves with the Exclusive Eco Zodiac Sail and Snorkel Tour, or even explore the beautiful Carbet Waterfalls and the colourful Hindu temple of Capesterre, testimony to the impressive cultural diversity of people on the island.

The tiny Caribbean island of St Maarten is not only known for its great natural beauty, incredible beaches and exotic wildlife, it’s also home to two nations, and travellers can discover how French and Dutch influences have shaped the island. If sight-seeing, sunbathing and fabulous duty-free shopping sound a little too tame, those seeking something a bit more lively from Philipsburg can enjoy Exploring Philipsburg by Bike, a Fun Escapade on Rhino Riders (zippy little inflatable motor boats), slicing through the waves on a Golden Eagle Catamaran, and even a Harley Davidson Tour.

Finally, the Virgin Islands are famous for having over 100 superb diving and snorkelling attractions, from natural pools to inlets and bays where you can swim with dolphins. Travellers can discover many of these from Road Town with MSC Cruises’ shore excursion programme, including “The Baths” Beach Area On Virgin Gorda, an unusual geological formation consisting of huge, sea-sculpted granite boulders that line the beach and form tidal pools, and the once in a lifetime Dolphin Adventure, where travellers can meet these magnificent creatures in a lagoon featuring a purpose-built interaction platform.

Offering travellers the perfect tropical treat with a cultural and historical twist, MSC Musica’s joyous itinerary and exciting shore excursion programme takes in the best of six tropical islands, their stunning beaches, beguiling blue waters, delicious cuisine, unique cultural heritage and breath-taking landscapes, from volcanic panoramas to sugarcane and banana plantations, steep mountains and spectacular rain forests.