Location: Los Alcázares to Alicante
Summary: Coach trip to Alicante, early cruise check‑in warning, a tiny hotel room, an excellent Indian meal, and a lumpy bed.
Alan Morris
3 minutes read
MSC Lirica: Mediterranean & North Africa Cruise
A winter sailing aboard the MSC Lirica took me from Alicante across Spain, France, Italy, and the northern coast of Africa, a route filled with dramatic coastlines, lively cities, and a few surprises along the way. This wasn’t just a cruise; it became a mix of new friendships, unexpected challenges, memorable excursions, and the usual quirks of life at sea.
In this section, you’ll find my day‑by‑day account of the journey: the places that impressed me, the ones that didn’t, the people I met, the food, the entertainment, and the small moments that made the trip worth documenting. If you’re considering an MSC Lirica itinerary or simply enjoy following real travel experiences, this is an honest look at what the voyage was really like.
Location: Alicante, Spain & Mediterranean Sea
Summary: I joined the MSC Lirica, battled strong winds to reach the terminal, discovered ginseng coffee, met new Spanish tablemates, enjoyed good food and bad entertainment, and settled into cruise life.
Alan Morris
4 minutes read
Location: Mediterranean Sea.
Summary: A calm sea day filled with good food, rough weather, new friends, football, and a much better standard of entertainment than yesterday.
Alan Morris
4 minutes read
Location: Genoa, Italy.
Summary: A panoramic tour of Genoa, a beautiful fishing village, kind guides, rude fellow tourists, good food, dreadful entertainment, and a long, noisy night in a poorly placed cabin.
Alan Morris
5 minutes read
Location: Marseille, France.
Summary: A tired day spent on board: poor sleep, a frustrating wait for a cabin change, good meals, new company, and finally an unexpected upgrade to a huge balcony cabin, ending the night with peace at last.
Alan Morris
4 minutes read
Location: Barcelona, Spain.
Summary: A quiet day on board after a cancelled excursion, marked by reflection on past hardships, simple comforts, good company at dinner, and an easy evening of entertainment and cocktails.
Alan Morris
2 minutes read
Location: Strait of Gibraltar, Mediterranean Sea.
Summary: A slow, quiet day on board with no entertainment, plenty of people‑watching, good company from familiar faces, and an early night set aside to witness the ship’s passage through the Strait of Gibraltar.
Alan Morris
2 minutes read
Location: Tangier, Morocco, Africa.
Summary: A first visit to North Africa filled with surprises: spotless streets, dramatic coastlines, myth‑laden caves, sweet mint tea, an unexpected brush with the local underground economy, and a brilliant Spanish guitarist to end the day.
Alan Morris
4 minutes read
Location: Casablanca, Morocco, Africa.
Summary: A long‑awaited visit to Casablanca fell short of expectations due to a poorly run city tour, limited sightseeing, accessibility challenges, and a general sense that the city lacked the warmth and cleanliness experienced elsewhere in Morocco.
Alan Morris
2 minutes read
Location: Ceuta, Spain
Summary: A surprising and enjoyable day in Ceuta, exploring historic sites, beaches, and the fortress, sharing good food and company, and ending with an unexpected lost‑and‑found moment and a light‑hearted evening onboard.
Alan Morris
2 minutes read
Location: Malaga, Spain.
Summary: A full day exploring Malaga’s historic landmarks, winding streets, markets, and viewpoints, shared with good company and rounded off with dinner, entertainment, and the usual pre‑departure rituals.
Alan Morris
2 minutes read
Location: Alicante to Los Alcázares, Spain.
Summary: Disembarkation day brought smooth luggage collection, a relaxed wander through Alicante with Helen, swollen legs that made travel difficult, and a long bus ride home before finally collapsing into bed after the journey.
Alan Morris
2 minutes read