MSC LIRICA Mediterranean Holiday Cruise
Our Cruise Holiday: A Week Aboard MSC Lirica (Jan 10–17, 2025)
Hi, everyone! Andrew here from Loving Life Mallorcs. Back in January, we embarked on our first-ever cruise—a Mediterranean adventure aboard the MSC Lirica from January 10th to 17th, 2025. We set sail from Palma de Mallorca, and what a week it was! If you’ve been following along on our YouTube channel, you’ve seen the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Here’s our full recap—come aboard with us!
Day 1: Boarding in Palma
The excitement kicked off on January 10th as we handed over our cases at Palma’s port. After a short wait in the departure lounge (it was 2:42 PM, with boarding just around the corner), we caught our first glimpse of the MSC Lirica—a sleek beauty docked across the water. Check-in was smooth: we got our cards, snapped a photo, and stepped onto the ship. Our cabin? Compact but cozy, with a partial-view window, a clean little bathroom, and a handy safe. There’s even a mini fridge (drinks extra, but we’d snagged the drinks package—worth it!).
After settling in, we grabbed lunch at one of the restaurants and headed to the top deck. Palma Cathedral glowed in the distance as we explored the ship. Departure wasn’t until 8 PM, so we soaked in the views—streetlights twinkling by 6 PM as dusk settled in. Watching Palma fade into the night was the perfect start to our adventure.
Day 2: A Rocky Sea Day
Monday was our first full day at sea, and wow, did the weather have plans! High winds and choppy waves rocked the ship—side to side, all night long. The outside deck was closed, but inside, the Lirica kept us busy. We joined dance and aerobics sessions (so much fun!), checked out the spa’s massage demos (I treated myself—bliss), and browsed the duty-free shops—sunglasses, jewellery, you name it. With 13 floors, including mini-golf on the top deck and a casino, this “small” ship had everything. By evening, the gala night brought a guitarist to the bar and a theater show—weather or not, we made the most of it!
Day 3: Cagliari, Sardinia
Tuesday morning, we woke up in Cagliari, Sardinia—finally on dry land after that wild sea day! We skipped the ship’s excursions and opted for a €10 hop-on-hop-off bus tour instead. It dropped us near a stunning church with Gothic vibes, then wound through charming squares. One highlight? A little shop famous for hand-painted fans—such a cool find. We explored the market too, the biggest in Spain and second biggest in Europe, bursting with fruit and veggie smells. A hot drink at a café capped our day before we shuttled back to the port. Sardinia, you’re a gem!
Day 4: Pisa, Italy
Wednesday brought a last-minute twist. We docked in Tuscany and planned a trip to “the Baths,” but instead, we hopped a €20 minibus to Pisa. Seeing the Leaning Tower in person? Unreal. Everyone was posing, pretending to hold it up (have you done it? Tell me below!). We wandered the nearby market, sipped hot chocolates with cake, and soaked in the vibe. Two hours flew by before we bussed back to the ship—exhausted but buzzing.
Day 5: Marseille, France
Thursday, we hit Marseille. A €10 “Ting Ting” train took us from the promenade up to Notre-Dame de la Garde, where the views stole the show. Every 20 minutes, it shuttled us back down—perfect timing for lunch at a waterfront café. We strolled the front, grabbed gelato, and watched the boats. Hop-on-hop-off buses were an option, but we loved the laid-back pace. Marseille’s mix of history and chill vibes made it a standout stop.
Day 6: The Last Sunset
By Thursday evening, our final full day, I climbed to the top deck to film our departure. No sunset—this cloudy week saved its drama for Sunday’s storm—but the seagulls swooped as we pulled away. Reflecting on the trip, I realized what I loved most: waking up in a new port each day, moving overnight to fresh adventures. It’s been a blast sharing it all with you.
Day 7: Back to Mallorca
Friday morning, we docked back in Palma, suitcases packed and hearts full. The MSC Lirica gave us a week to remember—great food, cozy cabins, and ports that surprised us at every turn. Sure, Sunday’s weather tested us (some guests didn’t leave their rooms!), but it’s all part of the fun, right?
Highlights & Tips
Favorite Part: New ports daily—breakfast with a new view never got old.
The Ship: Small but mighty—restaurants for every mood, a coffee bar, and that top-deck mini-golf.
Pro Tip: Get the drinks package. Skip overpriced fridge minis and sip stress-free.
Final Thoughts
Our week on the MSC Lirica was a first for me, and I’m hooked. If you missed the journey, watch it all in “Our Cruise Holiday, MSC Lirica, Jan 10 Jan”. Loved it? Give it a thumbs-up, subscribe, and join us on Facebook. Thanks for coming along—this holiday was a blast, and who knows? Another cruise might be in our future. Catch you in the next one—bye for now!