This summer for once, MSC Cruises will call 9 times in the port of Cherbourg allowing travelers to embark on the MSC Opera for a 9 days cruise with an itinerary alongside the Atlantic coast.

In adding the port of Cherbourg to the French ports and neighbouring already linked by MSC company, MSC wants to get closer to its customers and wants to reinforced its French market.

“We diversify our French embarkation locations because we want our passengers not to have to move too far to start their holidays. In addition with this new call, about 18000 international passengers could debark in Cherbourg and visit the town and surrounding areas during summer 2011. We offer shore excursions to Mont-Saint Michel, Cap de la Hague and Barfleur” explains Erminio Eschena, Head Manager of MSC Cruises.

“Since 2006, Cherbourg is well positioned as a top quality cruise destination in a full expanding market. Being aware of our capacities, we refurbished our prestigious Transatlantic terminal in order to have a modern cruise terminal. We are now able to welcome every type of cruise ship in transit as well as turnaround. We are very proud today to announce our new partnership with MSC Cruises who has trusted us and chosen Cherbourg as a turnaround port” says Gilles Lechevallier, President of Cherbourg Cruise Club.

Located in the Cotentin peninsula, Cherbourg is a logical call for a cruise sailing alongside the Atlantic coast. After its departure, the MSC Opera will reach Southampton (UK), Amsterdam (Netherlands), La Rochelle (France), Bilbao and La Corogne (Spain), before coming back to Cherbourg. The first departure will be on the 13rd of July. The MSC will embark every 8 days with a last return planned on the 15th of September 2011.