Mediterranean Shipping Cruises have a distinguished reputation for providing passengers with a luxurious cruising experience on board some of the most modern ocean liners that any cruise company has to offer. The newest addition to the MSC Crociere fleet is the Splendida, which was named in Barcelona harbour on 12th July 2009. The Italian superstar actress, Sophia Loren, to the backing vocal of the Spanish tenor, Jose Carreras, carried out the naming ceremony. As befits such celebrities, the MSC Splendida boasts the MSC Yacht Club, an exclusive area that contains 99 luxury suites, all with 24-hour butler service, Skydome restaurant and the Top Sail Lounge. These facilities are obviously targeted at the most discerning guests, despite the fact that the rest of the cruise ship just oozes luxury.

Across the MSC fleet, all the ships have a distinctive design and size that is overwhelming. The MSC Fantasia is a regular visitor to Barcelona harbour when its size completely dwarfs the other cruise ships moored alongside. It is a marvel of modern shipbuilding and is currently one of the biggest ships offering cruises in European waters.

As can be expected with an Italian owned cruise line, attention to ensuring a fine dining experience is not overlooked. The menus use only the finest ingredients available, prepared carefully by some of the best chefs working on the high seas. MSC also believe that to appreciate a country, you have to taste it and meals reflect the country being visited by the ship. Considering that MSC provide cruise holidays to every corner of the globe, the chefs really do need to be the best.

French Guiana is a tiny, isolated little area of South America that sees little to no tourism. As a French territory it is included in the EU, and as such you do not need a visa to travel here as a UK citizen, simply your passport.

At first glance there is not a lot to see or do within this tiny South American country. Most of its income is directly funnelled in from France proper to fund the satellite launching station, the Center Spatial Guyanais. If space exploration is your thing, this is a great spot for a bird’s eye view. This is the world’s most active satellite launching centre, and there are guided tours of the facility, as well as a Space Museum.

But there is also the Emerald Jungle Village, which is an amazing eco-tourist destination. This rugged outdoor lodge is run by a biologist and his wife, and is an amazing way to experience the lush, tropical environment.

There are also many old, colonial ruins and run-down prison camps which were used for the penal system within French Guiana back in the day. There are also various animal reserves such as the Reserve Animaliere Macourienne, which includes a 2km nature trail where you can walk among the wild monkeys, or the Tresor and Kaw nature reserves, where you can wander more trails through the rain forest.

You can fly in to Cayenne Rochambeau International Airport and go from here. Accommodation will vary depending your location. As this is not a huge tourist destination, some compromise will likely be necessary.