Cruising the Med: MSC announces summer cruises changes

In this stunning region, everything is brighter: the whitewashed cube-shaped houses, the Lapis Lazuli sea and the dramatic sunsets. With the addition of the lovely medieval town of Dubrovnik, MSC Fantasia's new itinerary looks set to dazzle even the most demanding travellers.

MSC Fantasia and MSC Splendida.

From 24 March to 27 October 2013 MSC Fantasia will depart every Sunday from Venice, Italy, taking guests on an eastern Mediterranean adventure through Bari, Italy, Katakolon, Santorini, Athens and Corfu in Greece, with a call in Dubrovnik, Croatia, before setting sail back to Venice.

Sounds splendid

MSC Splendida's 8-day/7-night summer cruise has also been updated, with a call in Tunis, Tunisia, replacing the previously planned call in Palermo, Italy and enhancing an already culturally and historically impressive tour of the west Mediterranean. The Tunisian capital's eclectic mix of modernity and tradition, with its modern wide streets and busy sidewalk cafes, its Arabic Medina boasting secret alleyways, stalls, huge mosques and palaces, and its ancient city of Carthage can now be enjoyed alongside the colours and flavours of France's Provence, the architectural and creative splendours of Barcelona and Valencia - a stop which allows guests to visit Madrid too - and the ancient sites of Rome.

From 23 March to 9 November 2013 MSC Splendida will depart every Saturday from Genoa, Italy, calling in Marseille, France, Barcelona and Valencia, Spain, Tunis, Tunisia and Civitavecchia, Italy, before setting sail back to Genoa.

Palermo.

Last but not least, in summer 2013, MSC Orchestra's 8-day/7-night itinerary will now include a call in Palermo, Italy, replacing the previously planned call in Catania, Italy. As well as discovering the beautiful treasure-trove of palaces, castles and churches that is Palermo, MSC travellers will also be able to take a day trip to discover Monreale, where the cathedral and its cloister represent the largest concentration of Norman, Arab and Byzantine art in one place.

Take in Ibiza

Another highlight of this varied itinerary - which spans from the charming French coast to the white and blue Arab village of Sidi Bou Said - is an overnight stop in the Balearic island of Ibiza. The Spanish island has earned a reputation for being a Mecca for partygoers and young holidaymakers, but this historic island also has another side - popular with hippies and artists during the '70s, Ibiza has long been a chic retreat for worldly and artistic travellers. MSC Orchestra's itinerary will enable MSC travellers to experience Ibiza's dual personality to the full, discovering this pleasant, historical and typical Spanish seaside resort by day, and watching it transform into a clubbing haven by night.

From 29 March to 18 October 2013 MSC Orchestra will depart every Friday from Genoa, Italy, and call at Civitavecchia and Palermo, Italy, Tunis, Tunisia, Ibiza, Spain and Villefrance sur Mer, France, before setting sail back to Genoa.