GENEVA — MSC Cruises has opened sales for its 2023 World Cruise featuring 53 destinations in 33 countries across six continents.

The 119-day voyage onboard MSC Poesia will focus on aspirational locations in Asia. It will commence on Jan. 5, 2023 from Genoa, Italy and will undertake a 30,000 nautical mile journey that will eventually cross 24 separate time zones with other embarkation ports in Civitavecchia/Rome, Marseille and Barcelona.

Crossing the Atlantic Ocean from Europe, MSC Poesia will visit the tropical islands of the Caribbean and then sail through the Panama Canal. Next on the voyage will be the west coast of Central America featuring calls in Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Guatemala and Mexico before heading to San Francisco.

The Pacific leg will feature visits to Maui, Hawaii, Samoa, Fiji, Auckland in New Zealand, Sydney, the Australian Gold Coast, Cairns and the incredible Great Barrier Reef, Papua New Guinea and the Philippines. The ship will then arrive in Japan during the beautiful cherry blossom season with calls at Kyoto and Tokyo.

Guests will further discover the sights and sounds of Asia with visits to Shanghai, Vietnam, Singapore and Malaysia. Crossing the Indian Ocean to the Gulf region of the Middle East, MSC Poesia will then head home to the Mediterranean via the Suez Canal, yet another unforgettable experience to behold.

Additional highlights include:

Puerto Limon, Costa Rica: The stunning beaches and lush rainforest are a haven for any nature lover. Here guests will have the unique experience of interacting with native sloth species or discovering the rich history of the second largest city in Costa Rica.

San Francisco, USA: Guests will not want to miss a chance to get a look at the iconic Golden Gate bridge, visit the famous penitentiary-turned-prison Alcatraz, or taste the local California wines in one of the United States’ most famous cities.

Honolulu, USA: Hawaii is renowned for its sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and looming volcanoes, and the island of Oahu is home to all three of these treasures. Guests can partake in a luau or simply say ‘aloha’ to a day of sunbathing on the famous Waikiki Beach.

Sydney, Australia: Sailing by the Sydney Opera House and towering Harbour Bridge, guests will have two days to explore the Australian capital. Whether they choose to visit the famous Taronga Zoo for a chance to see real-live kangaroos or learn to surf at Bondi Beach, this is a destination for everyone.

Tokyo, Japan: With a plethora of uniquely Japanese activities to experience, guests may choose between traditional tea ceremonies, observing Sumo wrestlers’ morning practice sessions and discovering the restaurant offerings that make Tokyo the most Michelin-starred city in the world.

Shanghai, China: One of China’s most iconic cities will give guests an opportunity to immerse themselves in the Far East, visiting the Jade Buddha Temple, walking along the Bund waterfront or taking a day trip to the Zhujiajiao water town, where the historic homes and bridges will have guests feeling they’ve stepped back in time.

Da Nang, Vietnam: Vietnam’s fifth largest city is one of the country’s most beautiful. Guests may opt to climb the one-of-a-kind Marble Mountains, bask in the sun on My Khe Beach or discover the many stunning pagodas that the city is known for.

Singapore: Framed by the unmistakable Marina Bay Sands Hotel and the city’s symbol, the Merlion, Singapore is a paradise for shoppers, with breathtaking malls that are as beautiful as they are well-stocked. The historical Raffles Hotel and eye-opening Gardens by the Bay make this small island a taste of the best of both worlds, modern meets classic.

Aqaba, Jordan: This city rests on the Red Sea coast and is a haven for divers and history buffs alike. From snorkelling in the Aqaba Marine Park to Mamluk Castle and the Aqaba Archaeological Museum, this destination has something to satiate everyone’s interests.

MSC Cruises previously announced the cancellation of the 2021 MSC World Cruise in connection with the continued closing of the majority of ports along its itinerary due to the health situation ashore. However, those guests who were booked to sail on this voyage are still able to experience the same itinerary on the 2023 MSC World Cruise or opt for the 2022 MSC World Cruise.