MSC Cruises Northern Europe: 11 nights from Hamburg with MSC Poesia
Feb 8, 2026

Rotterdam

Rotterdam, the second largest city in Netherlands, was destroyed during World War II and it was rebuilt some decades after. Because of the war, classic medieval Dutch architecture was washed away along with the other rubble and debris of war. Despite destruction, as a result of the city's postwar, postmodern philosophy, the city has developed an architectural aesthetic that is unique in Europe.

In fact, Rotterdam is known as a city rich in history and architecture. In the few square kilometers of the city center, you have a comprehensive overview of what the 20th century produced in terms of modern architecture. Thanks to its position, the city has always been a meltingpot of people and it is still known as a multicultarl city.

Zeebrugge

Connected to Bruges by 7.5-kilometer canal, Zeebrugge is a seaside resort that looks to the future.

On the sea front, hotels and cafes offer a warm welcome. Zeebrugge is the most important Belgian fishing port. The Zeebrugge wholesale fish market, located in a modern complex in the inner port, is one of the largest and sophisticated of its kind in Europe. Zeebrugge also has an attractive tourist port that can contain a maximun number of 100 ships. Furthermore, its geographical position is very convenient, near the beautiful city of Bruges, the trendy seaside resort of Knokke and the picturesque village of Lissewege.

Le Havre

Le Havre is worth a visit, not only as a stopover on the way to Paris or other inland destinations, but also as one of the great examples of post-war planning. It is a strange and strangely fascinating city, listed by
Unesco as a World Heritage Site.
Wandering through the streets of the seaside town of Le Havre, one might think one had stumbled upon a forgotten outpost of the Eastern Bloc. Obliterated by World War II bombings, the city was completely rebuilt by the Belgian architect Auguste Perret and, what emerged from the ashes of old Le Havre, is a kind of love letter to concrete: endless rows of blocks of buildings, straight avenues stretching out from the central square, dominated by the 100 m high 'Stalinist Baroque' style cathedral, looks like something straight out of the pages of '1984'.

Southampton

Southampton is a city positioned in the South of Great Britain and its port is one of the main ports in Europe. From the port of Southamptos it is possible to set sail for a Cunard transatlantic cruise and reach New York, or visit Amsterdam and Belgium with an MSC cruise. The city offers, further to the New Forest National Park, a wide natural park with its suggestive woods, also many museums and art galleries and remarkable architectural works. Noteworthy is King John’s Palace, of Norman origins as well as the old walls with 7 entrances to the city. An evidence of the Victorian Age is Tudor House, collecting objects dated back to that period. For the art lovers, Southampton City Art Gallery offers exhibitions of any kind of art, from drawing to photography with shows that attract many visitors.

Lisbon

Perched on steep slopes overlooking the Rio Tejo, Lisbon offers all the pleasures one would expect from Portugal's main attraction. The capital of Portugal, Lisbon (Lisboa in Portuguese) has experienced a great development in recent years, with a thriving contemporary culture. Perched on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, Lisbon is one of the rare European cities that faces the ocean and uses water as a defining element of the city. Lisbon enchants travellers with its white limestone buildings, intimate alleys and an old-world charm that makes it a popular year-round destination.

Cadiz

Cadiz is a port city with wide boulevards, squares and gardens with an atmosphere rich in history

Cadiz is an elegant city offering buildings dated back to XVIII and XIX Centuries. The City has a long and charming history: discover its monuments, the museums and all the amazing places where you can taste good food and have a drink. What makes Cadiz special it’s the people that are open, have a great culture and are independent. The majority of them enjoy life and the company of their friends in the many bars and squares of the city.

Barcelona

Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, is a jewel enclosed between sea and mountains, an en plein air museum to be discovered. Catalonia is an autonomous region whose indipendence has long been a subject of debate and is still a topic that divides opinion in the country. The region has its own language, culture and history, most visible in its Roman ruins, Gothic cathedral and modernist buildings. The city of Barcelona is the emblem of this unique culture. Barcelona is the most cosmopolitan city in Spain and one of the most busiest port in the Mediterranean. In summer, the beautiful beaches of this city are a magnet for beach lovers. Beautiful beaches are not the only the reason why Barcelon is one of the most loved destionations for tourists. 

The city is a symbol of the the artistic, culinary and cultural avant-garde: visit the Sagrada Familia and the other visionary architectural works of Antoni Gaudi, La Pedrera, Casa Batlllò or Park Guell. For sports lovers, a visit to Camp Nou is not to be missed, while for art lovers here is the Picasso Museum, the Caixa Forum, the MNAC or the Miró Museum. If you want to taste the local cuisine, restaurants and bars are the right choice. They are always crowded as the sea in summer. An holiday aboard a cruise offers the opportunity to visit this beautiful city and immerse yourself in this unique atmosphere.