Unforgettable coastal views, favourite Italian flavours and the friendships that made saying goodbye so difficult.
There are moments during a cruise when you realise the journey itself is just as memorable as the destinations. Our Mediterranean voyage aboard MSC Divina had plenty of them. We had explored Malta, enjoyed Mykonos and Rome and discovered a ship that surprised us with its elegance and charm. But one of the most spectacular experiences was still waiting for us, and it didn’t even require leaving the ship. You can also start at Part 1: A Touch of Italian Elegance in the Mediterranean.
Sailing Through the Strait of Messina
One of the things I remember most vividly was sailing through the Strait of Messina, the narrow stretch of water separating mainland Italy from Sicily. During our cruise we had the opportunity to admire the scenery on our route along the Italian coast. As we approached the strait, the captain made an announcement inviting guests outside to enjoy the view. It felt almost ceremonial, as though the ship itself were proudly introducing us to one of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful passages.
On one side was mainland Italy, on the other Sicily – two parts of the same country, each with its own distinct character, history and atmosphere. Standing on deck and watching the coastlines pass by was truly special. These are the moments that remind me why I love cruising. You don’t always need an organised excursion or a famous landmark to experience something extraordinary. Sometimes the best memories happen while watching the world from a ship.
Syracuse: A City I Never Get Tired Of
Our next stop was Syracuse, in Sicily, and I have to admit this is one of my favourite cities. I had visited before, more than once, but whenever I see Syracuse on a cruise itinerary I feel excited all over again. Some places are simply worth returning to. Sicily tells its history in a particular way: architecture, narrow streets, beautiful squares and warm Mediterranean atmosphere make it feel like another open-air gallery. You can wander without a destination and still discover something wonderful around every corner.
And of course, you cannot visit Sicily without enjoying its flavours. A proper Sicilian cannolo is an absolute must, and a refreshing limoncello aperitif feels like a lovely way to celebrate being in Italy. Sometimes the best travel experiences are the simplest ones: a beautiful street, a little café, something delicious and enough time to enjoy the moment.
Looking back, I can understand why this Mediterranean itinerary appealed to so many international passengers, including the Americans and Canadians we met aboard. Malta, Greece and Italy offer an extraordinary combination of history, architecture, culture and scenery. For travellers coming from across the Atlantic, a cruise is a convenient way to experience several European destinations in one holiday. But it wasn’t only the ports that made this voyage memorable. Something equally important was happening aboard MSC Divina, especially for our children.
The Friendships That Made Leaving So Difficult
One of the loveliest things about family cruising is how easily children can make friends. During this voyage, ours spent time in the kids’ and teenagers’ clubs, where they met young passengers from different countries. There were plenty of English-speaking families aboard, particularly from the United States and Canada, and our children quickly found friends they loved spending time with. Cruising can give children a chance to meet different cultures, practise another language and form friendships naturally.
As we approached Valletta and the end of our cruise, the mood changed. The children were genuinely sad about saying goodbye, and we began to understand something about how different embarkation ports can shape the experience. On some Mediterranean itineraries, passengers can join the ship at several ports. We had boarded in Valletta, but many of the English-speaking families our children befriended had boarded in Civitavecchia. Their seven-day holiday did not line up with ours. Just as the friendships were growing stronger, it was time for us to leave.
That taught us an important lesson. For a family cruise, the embarkation port can matter for more than flight connections and convenience. If your children love kids’ clubs and making friends, it can be worth thinking about where most families on your particular sailing might board – although the passenger mix varies from one cruise to another. Our daughter made us promise that next time we would try to board at the main embarkation port, so she could spend more time with her new friends. It was such a small request, but it stayed with us.
Goodbye, Divina – Until Our Next Adventure
The return to Valletta came far too quickly. After days of Mediterranean sunshine, beautiful ports, live music, swimming pools and new friendships, it was hard to believe our holiday was over. MSC Divina had surprised us in the best way. We boarded with mixed expectations after hearing so much about her age, but left with wonderful memories. Would I choose Divina again? For the right itinerary, absolutely. She might not offer every attraction of the newest ships, but she has charm, elegance and an atmosphere that suited our family beautifully.
More importantly, she reminded us that a cruise is never only about the ship. It is about the places you discover, the people you meet and the moments that stay with you long after you return home. And what about that promise to our daughter? Our next adventure aboard MSC Grandiosa brought a whole new set of experiences, surprises and stories. But that is a story for another day. Meanwhile, you can explore another family cruise experience in our MSC Virtuosa series.
