MSC Cruise Fleet
Not too long ago, the MSC Cruises fleet was a hodgepodge of somewhat older, smaller ships.
Well, things have changed: the European-based cruise company is making big waves with its two new flagships, MSC Fantasia and MSC Splendida.
Ushering in a new era for MSC Cruises, the line introduces the 3,274-passenger MSC Fantasia as its first post-Panamax cruise vessel (one too big to fit through the Panama Canal).
Like other ships her size, MSC Fantasia is chock full of the latest innovations and amenities. Besides the usual bells and whistles - such as a sports bar, jazz bar, shops, casino and disco - she features four swimming pools, 12 hydro-massage pools, a Formula One racing simulator, and a 4D interactive cinema. Dining offers a plethora of options as well: Fantasia boasts two main dining rooms, two alternative restaurants for Tex-Mex fare and French cuisine, and two buffets for pizza and casual dining. Among its most distinguishing features, however, is the exclusive 99-suite MSC Yacht Club - a VIP area with 24-hour butler service and private Jacuzzis, pool and bar - that is appointed in ultra-luxurious furnishings.
MSC is especially proud of the ship's Balinese wellness area, incorporating both spa and gym facilities. Encompassing 1,500 square metres and filled with the newest exercise equipment and offering the latest in therapeutic treatments, the Aurea Spa is divided into four distinct areas: Thalassotherapy room, Thermal area, Gymnasium and Relaxation area.
"Each area has been designed to offer guests the best in wellbeing care," says the line, "all in a soothing setting in which guests are surrounded by precious mosaics in tones of bronze and gold, ornamental plants, and scents of perfumed essential oils."
The itineraries are equally compelling: MSC Fantasia will be christened in Naples on December 18 and will then sail two eight-night holiday cruises. The first, from Genoa to Greece and Egypt, departs on December 20, followed by a cruise to Spain, Portugal and Gibraltar leaving on December 28. Beginning on January 5, 2009 through February 18, MSC Fantasia commences 11-night cruises from Genoa, Barcelona or Civitavecchia to Gibraltar, Madeira and the Canary Islands, followed by seven-night cruises of the Western Mediterranean from March 1 through October 17, departing Genoa or Barcelona.
MSC Splendida sets sail on June 29, 2009, for seven-night cruises of the Mediterranean, roundtrip from Barcelona through November. An identical twin to MSC Fantasia, Splendida will offer the same features as her sister ship, including the restricted-access MSC Yacht Club reserved for passengers staying in these upper-category accommodations.
With the debut of Fantasia and Splendida, MSC Cruise ships will be the most modern cruise fleet in the world, the company says, since most of its ships are less than five years old. Between 2003 and 2009, the company will have spent 5.5 billion Euros to construct 10 new-generation vessels, subdivided into three classes: Lirica (60,000 tons), Musica (93,000 tons) and Fantasia (133,500 tons). Furthermore, its two 'super-flagships', MSC Fantasia and MSC Splendida, are the largest ships ever built for a European shipping company
Words: M.T. Schwartzman - issue 34/summer 08
