Welcome aboard the MSC Orchestra cruise ship! Get ready for an unforgettable virtual tour as we explore every corner of this magnificent vessel. 

**This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small amount of compensation when you purchase from my links which help to keep this blog running.**

​Join us as we take you through a luxurious cabin, state-of-the-art facilities, and exciting entertainment options that await you on this cruise experience. Whether you're a seasoned cruiser or a first-timer, this video will give you a comprehensive overview of everything the MSC Orchestra has to offer. From its dining options to its thrilling onboard activities, get ready to be amazed by the endless possibilities for relaxation and adventure. So sit back, relax, and let us transport you to a world of luxury and excitement on the MSC Orchestra cruise ship!

I hope you enjoyed this virtual tour of the MSC Orchestra.  Be sure to check out the virtual tour of the MSC Orchestra Cabin Tour.  Or check out other cruises related posts below.

Recommended Posts:

Stay Connected While Traveling with Airlo! 

I recently returned from a 10-day cruise aboard the MSC Orchestra. In this video, I'm sharing with you my balcony cabin tour.

Recommended Posts:

Ingredients Needed

bananas – this is the base of our snickers and what gives it that creamy, ice cream texture once frozen. Use semi-ripe bananas as too ripe bananas will be too soft.

peanut butter – can’t have snickers bars without the peanut butter! Look for a natural creamy peanut butter that’s made with only 1 or 2 ingredients (peanuts and salt). Feel free to swap the peanut butter with another nut or seed butter of choice like almond butter or sunflower seed butter.

chocolate chips with a little coconut oil to thin it out and help the chocolate to drizzle over the bars easier.

How to Make

Slice a banana at an angle (for smaller treats) or you could cut banana in half then slice in half.

Place bananas on a baking tray or plate lined with parchment paper. Spread a layer of  peanut butter on the banana pieces. Sprinkle with chopped peanuts (optional).

Melt chocolate: Melt chocolate chips with 1/2 teaspoon of coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl in 15-second increments until melted. Drizzle melted chocolate over banana slices.

​Place in freezer for 1-2 hours or overnight to harden. Enjoy!

How to Store
Store these frozen banana snickers in an airtight container or a sealed zip-top bag in the freezer. They should last a least 1-2 months in the freezer.

​Take them out the freezer and let them thaw for about 5 minutes before eating.

I just returned from my birthday cruise aboard the MSC Orchestra and I'm sharing some of the entertainment performances on board.

On the night we left Malaga, Roberto Sinogoga performed.  He sang beautifully in different languages. Here's one in Portuguese as scenes of Portugal played in the background.

Here's a montage of the rest of the songs (or at least most of them) that he sang during the show.

I wasn't familiar with him, so I had to look him up when I got home. He's an Italian singer and actor.  He played Gringoire in the Italian version of Notre Dame de Paris between 2004 and 2005.  He also has a YouTube channel in case you want to check out more of his music.

Yesterday, I wrote the first part of the ports of call and cruise recap for my 10-day Mediterranean cruise.  The post was getting a bit long so, I decided to split the post.  Here's the second half of the cruise. 

**This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small amount of compensation when you purchase from my links which help to keep this blog running.**

July 11 - Genoa, Italy

Genoa, Italy's historic port city, offers a captivating blend of maritime heritage, cultural richness, and architectural splendor. Arriving at the Port of Genoa by cruise ship, you're immediately greeted by a bustling waterfront that has been a hub of trade and commerce for centuries. 

With so much to do in this port city, I decided to take the Hop On Hop Off Bus (€20) so I could cover more ground and see everything I want to see.  

It was an easy walk into town from the dock to catch the Hop On Hop Off Bus. ​The bus comes very 20 minutes so I decided to get off at a few stops and stay on the bus for some of the others.

The Old Port (Porto Antico): A revitalized waterfront area. ​

Piazza De Ferrari: Piazza De Ferrari is the main square of Genoa. Situated in the heart of the city between the historical and the modern center, Piazza De Ferrari is renowned for its fountain, which was restored in recent years along with a major restyling of the square.​

Palazzo Ducale (Doge's Palace): Once the residence of the Doges of Genoa, Palazzo Ducale is now a cultural center hosting art exhibitions, events, and performances. Its grand courtyard and ornate rooms reflect Genoa's historical importance as a maritime republic.

Via Garibaldi (UNESCO World Heritage Site): Formerly known as Strada Nuova, Via Garibaldi is lined with magnificent palaces dating from the 16th to 18th centuries. Palaces such as Palazzo Bianco, Palazzo Rosso, and Palazzo Tursi now house important art collections and museums, showcasing works by artists like Caravaggio and Van Dyck.

Palazzi dei Rolli (Rolli Palaces): A group of palaces in Genoa recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These palaces were designated to host visiting dignitaries during the Republic of Genoa era, showcasing Genoa's architectural and artistic wealth.

Cattedrale di San Lorenzo: The basilica of San Lorenzo became a cathedral in the 9th century, replacing the basilica of the Twelve Apostles. Based on archaeological findings, a Christian community was present in Genoa in the mid-3rd century and actually used the San Lorenzo area as a burial place.  

Christopher Columbus House (Casa di Cristoforo Colombo): A museum housed in a medieval building traditionally believed to be the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. It offers insights into the explorer's life and voyages.

Spianata Castelletto: A panoramic terrace located above the city, offering stunning views of Genoa's harbor, rooftops, and the Ligurian Sea. It's a popular spot for sunset views and photography.

San Matteo Square and Church: A charming square in the historic center surrounded by medieval buildings. The San Matteo Church, with its Romanesque facade and Gothic interiors, is a notable landmark showcasing Genoa's religious architecture.

Food souvenirs I purchased were Pesto (Genoa pesto is supposed to be the original - it was delicious) and red peppers.

July 12 - Marseille, France

It was another hot day (32°C) and one of the shortest times that we were in port so I didn't get to do everything I wanted to do (i.e. Chateau d'If, the prison of the Count of Monte Cristo).

The port was 9 km from the city center so we needed to take the bus, walk or taxi.  The bus (€17 RT - I can't believe such a large cruise lines like MSC required you to pay for transportation.  All of the other cruises I've taken in the past provided transportation into the city center if they had to dock elsewhere) dropped us off at Vieux Port (Old Port). The heart of Marseille, Vieux Port is a bustling harbor lined with colorful boats, seafood restaurants, and cafes. It's a great place to start your exploration and soak in the maritime atmosphere.

I decided to take the tourist train, known as the "Petit Train de Marseille," which departs from the Old Port area near the Vieux Port up to the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde.  It was an extremely long line in the heat, but worth the wait.

The train winds its way through the streets of Marseille. As the train climbs higher, you'll be treated to panoramic views of Marseille's Old Port, historic neighborhoods like Le Panier, and the Mediterranean Sea stretching out beyond the city.

Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde: Perched atop a limestone outcrop 149 meters above sea level. The basilica itself is a masterpiece of Byzantine-Romanesque architecture, topped with a monumental statue of the Virgin Mary, known locally as "La Bonne Mère," overlooking the city and harbor.

Upon arrival, you can explore the basilica's interior, which is adorned with colorful mosaics, intricate marble columns, and stunning stained glass windows. The panoramic terrace outside offers unparalleled views of Marseille, making it a favorite spot for photographs and taking in the scenery.

Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde is not only a religious site but also a symbol of Marseille's resilience and devotion. It has been a place of pilgrimage for centuries and holds deep cultural significance for the people of Marseille.

After returning to the port, I wanted to try the famous bouillabaisse until I saw the prices - €39!  What?!  Granted I was in the main touristy area of Vieux Port.  I decided to wander to see if I could find a less expensive option.  I couldn't find bouillabaisse and ended up having a burger, fries and a Coke Zero (for €16). 

Cathédrale La Major: A grand Romanesque-Byzantine cathedral near the Old Port, La Major impresses with its intricate architecture, striped stone facade, and soaring interior. It's one of Marseille's most important religious landmarks.

If I were to come to Marseille again, I would definitely do the Hop-On Hop-Off bus.

Food souvenirs were Tapenade and French Olive Oil (the most expensive one I purchased at €22.50).  I also bought Marseille soap.  Apparently Marseille has been producing these soaps for 6 centuries.

July 13 - Sea Day

July 14 - Malaga, Spain

I took the Hop-On Hop Off Bus (again) which is a fantastic way to get an overview of Malaga's top attractions. The bus typically covers key landmarks such as the Malaga Cathedral, Plaza de la Merced, Gibralfaro Castle, and more. It provides informative commentary in multiple languages, allowing you to learn about the city’s history and culture as you travel. And let's face it with the heat of the last few days, it's the best way to get around. 

​Picasso Museum: Malaga is the birthplace of the renowned artist Pablo Picasso, and the Picasso Museum pays homage to his life and work. Housed in a beautifully restored 16th-century palace in the historic center, the museum showcases a comprehensive collection of Picasso's paintings, drawings, sculptures, and ceramics. It’s a must-visit for art enthusiasts and offers insight into the evolution of Picasso's artistic genius.

Alcazaba of Malaga: The Alcazaba is a Moorish fortress-palace complex located on a hill overlooking Malaga's old town and harbor. Built in the 11th century, it features impressive fortified walls, beautiful gardens with fountains, and intricately decorated archways. Exploring the Alcazaba offers a glimpse into Malaga’s Moorish past and provides stunning panoramic views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea.

Gibralfaro Castle: Adjacent to the Alcazaba, Gibralfaro Castle offers more stunning views of Malaga and the coast. It’s accessible by foot from the Alcazaba or via a short bus ride. The castle dates back to the 14th century and provides a fascinating glimpse into Malaga's military history.

Teatro Romano (Roman Theatre): is a fascinating archaeological site that provides a glimpse into the city's ancient past. 

Historical Significance:
The Roman Theatre dates back to the 1st century BC when Malaga, known as Malaca, was under Roman rule. It was rediscovered in the 1950s and has since been excavated and partially restored, making it one of the city's most important archaeological sites.

Situated at the foot of the Alcazaba hill in Malaga's historic center, the Teatro Romano occupies a picturesque setting overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Its location near the Alcazaba suggests its importance as a cultural and entertainment venue in ancient times.

The theatre retains significant architectural elements, including the orchestra (the semi-circular seating area), the stage area (scaenae frons), and parts of the seating tiers (cavea). These features reflect the typical design of Roman theaters, where performances and gatherings were held for the public.

Adjacent to the theatre is the Centro de Interpretación del Teatro Romano (Interpretation Center of the Roman Theatre), which provides detailed information about the site's history, architecture, and significance. Exhibits include artifacts found during excavations and multimedia presentations that bring the theatre's ancient past to life.

Visitors can explore the Teatro Romano and its surroundings at their own pace, taking in the views of the theatre's remains and enjoying the peaceful ambiance of the archaeological site. Informational panels throughout the site offer insights into its history and the Roman presence in Malaga.

The Teatro Romano is often visited in conjunction with the nearby Alcazaba fortress, as both sites showcase Malaga's layered history from Roman times through Moorish rule and beyond. A combined ticket is available for those interested in exploring both historical landmarks.

July 15 - Cádiz, Spain

Cádiz, located in southwestern Spain on the Costa de la Luz, is a city steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty. Cádiz boasts one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Western Europe, with its historic center featuring narrow winding streets, charming squares, and historic landmarks. ​

I decided to do the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus again (especially since it was 10% off if you show a previous ticket).  The ticket also included entrance into the Cathedral.  Since it was a timed entrance (at 12:30), I decided to ride the bus for a complete loop (about 90 minutes) and then make my way back to the Cathedral.

Cádiz Cathedral (Catedral de Cádiz): This stunning Baroque and Neoclassical cathedral dominates the skyline of Cádiz. Known for its golden dome and intricate chapels, the cathedral offers panoramic views of the city and the Atlantic Ocean from its towers.

This was probably the highlight of Cádiz along with the gelato I had at the shop across from the cathedral.  By far the best gelato I had in any of the ports.

On the way route back to the cruise ship, I got off at the park and walked around a bit.

July 16 - Disembarkation in Lisbon

Ah, back home.  It's a good thing I live close because I went a bit overboard with all of the olive oil I bought (I shouldn't have to buy any for quite awhile) and wouldn't have been able to carry them all on the plane.

Recommended Posts