MSC Cruises combines repo voyages with theme sailings

Certain things just go well together, like peanut butter and jelly, rum and Coke, repositioning sailings and theme cruises. Well, that last one may just be my opinion, but I think MSC Cruises has hit on a perfect combination by pairing transatlantic voyages with thematically-linked onboard activities. Instead of spending endless days going through a stack of library books or losing money in bingo, guests can make better use of their time by focusing on a subject of interest while at sea.

Four transatlantic cruises—two from Ft. Lauderdale and two from Rio de Janeiro—will feature themes. Guests can choose from the following sailings.

• The March 10 departure of the MSC Armonia from Rio de Janeiro for Venice will feature a well-being theme. Guests can learn massage and aromatherapy techniques, participate in athletic events and health seminars, and dine from nutritional menus. The voyage lasts 18 nights.
• The March 13 departure of the MSC Sinfonia from Rio de Janeiro for Genoa will feature an art-at-sea theme. Guests can take courses on porcelain and silk painting, oil and acrylic painting, water colors, and other art techniques, as well as bid for items in several art auctions. The voyage lasts 17 nights.
• The April 12 departure of the MSC Opera from Ft. Lauderdale for Funchal will feature a hobby theme. Learn a new hobby or embrace an old one with all kinds of activities including origami paper folding, crêpe-paper decorating, constellation reading, card games, sports tournaments, photography classes, and wine tasting. The voyage lasts 16 nights.
• The April 29 departure of the MSC Lirica from Ft. Lauderdale for Hamburg will feature a culinary theme. Passengers can attend cooking classes, food and wine tastings, and discussions on culinary topics. The voyage lasts 17 nights.

Prices start at $1,350 per person on the MSC Lirica sailing. If you’ve always wanted to devote two weeks to your hobby or passion, while visiting the Caribbean, Brazil, and Europe, a transatlantic theme cruise may be an ideal combination for you. Just make sure that your hobby is something you can do on a rocking ship in the middle of the ocean.