Our Mediterranean Family Adventure: Exploring the Seas on MSC Lirica

 

This summer, we embarked on a wonderful family vacation aboard the MSC Lirica, departing from Venice (Marghera) on June 8, 2024. With family including a very excited 9 and 14 year old, we were looking forward to exploring the Mediterranean. From the moment we set foot on the ship to our final stop back in Marghera, the trip exceeded all expectations. Here’s a glimpse into our unforgettable journey!

Day 1: Departure from Marghera, Venice
As we sailed away from Venice, we were in awe of the city’s beauty, especially the iconic St. Mark’s Basilica and the maze of canals we could see from the deck. The check-in process at the port of Marghera was seamless, and once aboard, we quickly settled into our cozy family cabin.

The kids immediately wanted to check out the ship’s facilities, so we spent the afternoon exploring the pools, meeting some of the animation team, and joining in on some activities at the kids’ club.

Day 2: Kotor, Montenegro
Our first stop was Kotor, Montenegro—a hidden gem nestled between dramatic mountains and the bay. The old town, with its medieval walls and narrow cobblestone streets, was like something out of a fairytale.

We loved exploring the beautiful cobbled streets and traditional markets. Late embarkation meant we were rewarded with breathtaking views of the bay at sunset. The kids loved seeing the cats that roam freely in the city and learning about the legends of Kotor’s history.

Day 3: at Sea
A chance for us to relax and enjoy the ships wonderful facilities. Packed full of games and entertainment, making use of the two pools on deck, soaking up the suns. The children made the most of the ice cream bars and the adults enjoyed lovely cocktails. Also an opportunity to try the multiple dining options on board.

Days 4 and 5: Mykonos, Greece
The next leg of our journey took us to the Greek island of Mykonos, where we spent two magical days. Our first day was all about relaxation at one of Mykonos’ famous beaches. The water was crystal-clear, and the kids couldn’t get enough of splashing around in the gentle waves.

On our second day, we explored Mykonos Town. The whitewashed buildings and colorful doorways enchanted all of us, and we wandered through the narrow streets, stopping for ice cream and souvenirs. The kids had a great time climbing around the iconic windmills, and we ended the day with a boat tour that allowed us to see the island from the sea.

Day 6: Santorini, Greece
Santorini was everything we’d imagined and more—blue domes, white buildings perched on cliffs, and spectacular views of the caldera. We took a cable car up from the port to the village of Fira, where we had lunch with a panoramic view of the Aegean Sea.
The kids loved the donkey rides down the hillside, though we opted to walk, which turned out to be a fun (and slightly adventurous!) family activity. The sunset that evening was one of the most beautiful we’ve ever seen, painting the sky with colors we’ll never forget.

Day 7: Ancona, Italy
By the time we reached Ancona, Italy, we were ready for some Italian culture and food! We took a walking tour of the city, visiting the stunning Ancona Cathedral perched on a hill overlooking the sea. The kids enjoyed exploring the Roman ruins scattered around the town, and we all indulged in some delicious pizza and gelato.

Day 8: Return to Marghera, Venice
As our cruise came to an end, the kids were sad to leave their new friends from the kids’ club, but we were all excited to share our experiences. Sailing back into Marghera was bittersweet—we didn’t want the trip to end!
Before we disembarked, we spent our final morning enjoying the ship’s pool and soaking in the last bit of relaxation before heading back to reality.

Our Thoughts on MSC Lirica
Traveling on MSC Lirica with kids was such a wonderful experience. The ship had plenty to offer for all ages, and the kids’ clubs gave our children the opportunity to meet others their age while we enjoyed some time to ourselves. The onboard entertainment was varied and engaging, with something for everyone—the kids especially loved the theater shows and poolside games.

MSC Lirica’s staff went out of their way to make the journey special for families, from arranging fun activities to offering children -friendly dining options. Each port was filled with opportunities for adventure, and we found the excursions perfectly suited to the kids’ interests and energy levels.

We would highly recommend this cruise to other families looking for a Mediterranean adventure. Not only did it offer a chance to explore beautiful and diverse destinations, but the balance between fun and relaxation on board made it an ideal vacation for both couples and children alike.

We can’t wait to sail again!