MSC Cruises’ 2021 world cruise onboard MSC Poesia goes on sale today. For the first month sales will be available exclusively to MSC Cruises Voyager Club members, who will receive a five per cent discount on the price. On the 10 January 2019 sales will open to the general public.

Prices per person for the trip start from £11,599 for an inside cabin, £17,049 for a balcony cabin and £21,849 for a suite, based on two people sharing a cabin. The 119-day journey around the globe departs on 5 January 2021. With an all-new itinerary featuring a significant focus on unique Asian destinations, the 2021 World Cruise has been designed to allow guests to “really discover some of the region’s most inspiring destinations”, according to the Swiss-based line.

Commenting on the sailing, MSC Cruises CEO Gianni Onorato said: “Each time we bring a new itinerary to our guests we are committed to making that part of a unique and unforgettable holiday experience. Our newest world cruise itinerary for 2021 will offer guests not only an incredible number of different destinations and overnight stays in iconic cities, but a rich array of on-board entertainment and music, enrichment activities as well as dining experiences that are sure to make this a voyage of discovery both while on board and ashore.”

The voyage sails roundtrip from Genoa and Civitavecchia in Italy, Marseille in France and Barcelona in Spain; going westwards, the first leg crosses the Atlantic to the islands of the Caribbean and through the Panama Canal, then on to the west coast of the continent (Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Guatemala and Mexico) before it reaches San Francisco.

The second leg visits the scenic Maui and then volcanic Hawaii, Samoa, Fiji, Auckland in New Zealand, Sydney and the Australian Gold Coast, together with Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef, Papua New Guinea and the Philippines. It then arrives in Japan during the legendary cherry blossom season.

After visiting Kyoto, Tokyo and Shanghai in China, the third leg cruises to Hong Kong, Vietnam, Singapore and Malaysia. Finally, crossing the Indian Ocean to Sri Lanka and Dubai, guests can explore Oman and Jordan and travel through the Suez Canal, back to the Mediterranean.

On board, guests will find there’s plenty to experience, from the spectacular foyer waterfall to the Zen Garden, an authentic Japanese sushi bar and the opulent Aurea Spa wellness centre, offering massages and featuring a steam room and sauna. For the more active, there are courts for basketball and tennis, shuffleboard, a state-of-the-art gym and mini-golf area; this is in addition to three swimming pools, four whirlpools and a giant poolside cinema screen.