Austrian Christmas Markets & MSC Seaside Maiden Voyage

26 days
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Group Tour
The MSC Seaside, first ship of a new generation, invites you to a unique cruise experience combining her maiden voyage with the nostalgic glory of an ocean crossing. MSC Cruises started in 1988 and has become one of the fastest growing cruise companies in the world, with a fleet of soon to be 14 ships. Join us on this unique experience and sail on the newest ...
From$3,998
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Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Get into the Christmas spirit visiting three of Austria's most beautiful Christmas Markets
    • Visit four European countries and three Caribbean Islands on this Caribbean and Mediterranean cruise combination
    • Cross the Atlantic Ocean aboard the world's newest cruise ship with great onboard amenities

What's this trip about?

    The MSC Seaside, first ship of a new generation, invites you to a unique cruise experience combining her maiden voyage with the nostalgic glory of an ocean crossing. MSC Cruises started in 1988 and has become one of the fastest growing cruise companies in the world, with a fleet of soon to be 14 ships. Join us on this unique experience and sail on the newest ship in the world, and largest cruise ship ever constructed by its builder, Fincantieri of Italy. The ship breaks from established industry designs and leads the way into a new generation of cruise ships featuring unique outdoor catwalks with all glass railings and a glass floor, a 360° open air promenade and panoramic elevators. MSC Seaside offers you choices of specially designed indoor and outdoor restaurants at sea, featuring cuisines from around the world and 20 distinct bars each with their own individual character. We give you the option to choose your pre-cruise land program: Want to get into the Christmas spirit? Then this cruise tour is the perfect match: Join our magical 6-day Austria tour including visits of 3 of the most beautiful Christmas Markets. After the land program, you are off to embark in Venice on the exciting maiden voyage of the MSC Seaside, visiting European ports including Messina, the Spanish cities Barcelona and Cadiz and the Island Mallorca as well as Portuguese Madeira Island. Leaving Europe, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Atlantic Ocean behind, sail through the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, enjoying stops at St. Maarten, St. Thomas of the Virgin Islands and San Juan in Puerto Rico. The newest ship of the world and exciting itineraries await you!

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityVienna
End CityMiami

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural
  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

Activities

  • Culture
  • History
  • Nature
  • Short Cruise

Trip includes

    • 20-night Caribbean, Mediterranean, and transatlantic cruise: Aboard MSC Seaside
    • 4-Nights Hotel Accommodations: Based on twin/double accommodations in moderate hotels.
    • Sightseeing: Special events as listed on the land portion.
    • Meals: All meals onboard the ship plus daily continental breakfast and three dinners on the land portion
    • Baggage Handling: To and from your hotel room and cruise ship cabin throughout your tour for one piece of checked baggage per person.

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Itinerary

Day 1 & 2

Arrive in Vienna, Austria

Welcome to elegant Vienna, the capital of Austria. If you purchased airline tickets from YMT Vacations, a YMT representative will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. (D)

✦ Leonardo Hotel Vienna or similar

Day 3

Vienna, Austria

This morning see the highlights of this cultural metropolis. We tour the massive Schoenbrunn Palace complex and visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral. In the afternoon visit one of Vienna’s magical Christmas markets. Step into the joy of Christmas with the beautiful streets o...

Day 4

Salzburg, Austria

Today the tour continues to Salzburg, birthplace of famed composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Upon arrival enjoy a walking tour through old town Salzburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with picturesque Baroque architecture. Visit the St. Michael’s Church – which y...

Day 5

Mestre (Venice), Italy

Today we leave Austria and cross into neighbouring Italy. We drive south through the Trentino- Alto Adige region, transitioning us from the Alpine Austrian culture to the Mediterranean Italian as we traverse through the majestic Dolomite Mountains. After visiting one ...

Day 6

Venice, Italy & Embarkation

This morning enjoy a sightseeing tour of this amazing city built on a lagoon. Visit St. Mark’s Square, see the lavish Doges Palace, and the fabled Bridge of Sighs. In the afternoon you will be transferred to the MSC Seaside. Be prepared to be pampered as we board the world's newest cruise ship. (B)

Day 7

At Sea

Sailing from the Adriatic Sea into the Mediterranean Sea the Seaside begins it's maiden voyage to Miami. She will be the first ship in the MSC Cruises' fleet to be christened in the United States.

Day 8

Messina, Italy (12:00pm-8:00pm)

Welcome to Messina in Sicily – a glittering town spread up the hillside beyond its sickle-shaped Mediterranean harbor. There is plenty to do - discover Messina’s most important monument, the Duomo, or the charming hill town of Taormina, spectacularly located on a rock...

Day 9

At Sea

Today, relax, unwind, and rejuvenate at sea on the "ship that follows the sun" as she sails through the Mediterranean Sea.

Day 10

Palma de Mallorca, Spain (9:00 AM–11:55 PM)

The island’s large number of beaches and warm weather contribute to Mallorca’s recognition as one of Europe’s most popular summer vacation resorts. The island is also known as a favorite summer residence and retirement place of choice for Europe’s rich and famous including Spain’s royal family who spend their annual summer holidays on Mallorca.

Day 11

Barcelona, Spain (10:00 AM–6:00 PM)

The capital of the Catalonia region, Barcelona is Spain’s second largest city. It is a modern, sophisticated urban center with a cultural heart dating back to the Middle Ages. The city offers a plethora of sites to explore – art museums, the spectacular Cathedral buil...

Day 12

At Sea

Enjoy the mild climate as the Seaside cruises through the Mediterranean Sea entering the Strait of Gibraltar.

Day 13

Cadiz, Spain (8:00 AM–6:00 PM)

The oldest continuously-inhabited city in the Iberian Peninsula and thought to be one of the oldest cities in all of Europe, Cadiz’ founding is dated to 1104 BC. The city and its seaport have been of great historical importance to the various cultures which ruled and ...

Day 14

At Sea

Today the Seaside leaves Continental Europe behind and begins her journey through the Atlantic Ocean.

Day 15

Funchal/Madeira Island, Portugal (8:00 AM–5:00 PM)

The mountainous isle of Madeira, also coined “The Flower Isle,” has been a popular European destination for years. It is considered the first territorial discovery of the Portuguese, who settled in Madeira in 1420. We arrive in the island’s capital and port, Funchal w...

Day 16 - 20

Transatlantic Crossing

As we leave Europe the Seaside sails westbound across the Atlantic Ocean toward the Caribbean.

Day 21

Philipsburg, St. Maarten (8:00 AM–6:00 PM)

Located in the Caribbean Sea, today’s port of call is a real treat on your cruise itinerary. The island is divided between two nations, Sint Maarten, the Dutch speaking part with its capital and port city Philipsburg and Saint Martin, where French is the official lang...

Day 22

Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas - Virgin Islands (8:00 AM–6:00 PM)

St. Thomas is home to the capital of the U.S. Virgin Islands, the town of Charlotte Amalie. It has been the heart of St. Thomas’ activities from colonial times to present. The island was first sighted in 1493 by Christopher Columbus on his second voyage to the new wor...

Day 23-24

San Juan, Puerto Rico (8:00 AM–2:00 PM)

Explore San Juan, with its steep, narrow streets distinctively cobbled with smooth, iridescent bricks known as adoquines with bright pastel facades and wrought-iron balconies abloom with plants and flowers. Old San Juan is considered one of the best-kept troves of Spanish colonial architecture.

Day 25

At Sea

One last full day at sea to relax before it's time to say goodbye to your vacation. Spend some time enjoying the entertainment and activity options that the Seaside has to offer.

Day 26

Miami and Depart for Home

Today, bid farewell to the Seaside, taking home a suitcase full of memories and stories to share from your YMT Transatlantic Cruise vacation!

Please note that this is a proposed itinerary; the actual itinerary may vary due to season, special events, or weather....

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,998
Price per day$154
Single supplement (single occupancy)$1,301
Last Updated: 7/16/2018

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with YMT Vacations.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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We started in 1967 in Michigan as “Your Man Tours” arranging tours to Hawaii for Veterans of Foreign Wars. The “Your Man” was reference to our Polynesian guides who greeted guests at the Honolulu airport with beautiful and fragrant flower leis. Our guides created a warm and engaging atmosphere as they introduced YMT guests to their beautiful island paradise.

Today we are known as YMT Vacations to reflect worldwide expertise in Alaska, Europe, and the domestic United States. Our staff have decades of experience as tour operators and take pride in making your vacation memorable and rewarding.

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Most of our travelers are either repeat guests looking for another vacation adventure, or first-time YMT travelers referred by a satisfied YMT guest. We’ll do our very best to ensure that your first vacation with YMT will be one of many more to come!

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