MSC Cruises is offering $700 return air fares from Australia to Europe for those who book a room in the newly-launched MSC Divina’s MSC Yacht Club, the cruise line’s exclusive upmarket ship-within-a-ship.

The hot deal applies to bookings for MSC Divina’s 11-night return West Mediterranean sailing from Italy’s Genoa, on December 6, 2012.

Flights are aboard Singapore Airlines, departing Australia on December 5, 2012.

“Further good news is that passengers will be able to spend extra time in Europe as return dates are flexible with the airfare,” said Lynne Clarke, managing director of MSC Cruises Australia and New Zealand. “They will be able to choose a return date from Milan up to three months after the cruise,” she said.”That may well mean celebrating a white Christmas and New Year in Europe.”

The MSC Divina 11-night cruise begins in Genoa with calls on Barcelona, Morocco’s famous Casablanca, Tenerife, Funchal in Madeira Island, Malaga and Civitavecchia (Rome) before returning to the Italian port.

The special air fare is only available on bookings for the MSC Yacht Club, which includes 24-hour butler service, drinks and mini bar refreshments, all-day dining, priority check-in and many other privileges.

The cruise-only price in MSC Yacht Club is $2869pp twin share. Add the air fare from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Perth, and the price is $3566pp, including taxes and port charges. Because the offer is only available for the first 30 cabins, passengers are advised to act swiftly.

Details: MSC Cruises, 1300 028 502, or visit www.msccruises.com.au