Description

Mediterranean Shipping Company, a privately owned company with a longstanding history on the seas headed by captain Gianluigi Aponte, entered the cruise industry in 1988. After acquiring the Starlauro, a prestigious shipping company, and executing a total renewal and re-launch, MSC Cruises was officially born.

MSC Cruises combines a deep heritage at sea with an enthusiastic, young and motivated management team to present a company philosophy of "Innovation = Tradition". MSC Cruises uniquely blends maritime traditions, culture and famous Mediterranean cuisine to deliver the ultimate cruise experience while displaying a real commitment to the finest hospitality afloat. In essence, MSC Cruises has made true Italian service the heart of its business and its key point of differentiation in the cruise industry.

Ships

	MSC Armonia Discover a cruise ship offering a wondrous harmony of space and intimacy: welcome aboard MSC Armonia, a ship that perfectly captures the spirit of her Italian name. If personal space and ‘a room with a view’ are at the top of your cruise priorities, then MSC Armonia offers a selection of marvelous suites with private balconies with panoramic views. A word of warning though: once you’ve cruised in an MSC balcony cabin, you’ll want to do so again and again! MSC Armonia is a very sociable cruise ship, carefully designed with you in mind and made exclusively for good times! Get together with friends and family and enjoy sunbathing at the external spa and swimming pool complex. If you’re tempted to over indulge in the fine Italian and international cuisine on offer, then you can always make redress at the gym, the Armonia Spa or simply dance the night away in the aptly named Starlight Disco! When you’re not discovering another interesting port of call then your time on board MSC Armonia can be as busy or as relaxed as you please. British cruisers will appreciate the White Lion pub where friendly service and an easy-going charm will quickly turn it into your new ‘local’. Later on, as you leave the setting sun and another port of call in your wake it’s time to explore the many bars, lounges and, perhaps, a special evening at the Teatro La Fenice?	Launched: 1st April 2001 Tonnage: 58,625 Length: 824 Feet Total Crew: 700 Occupancy: 1,554 Rating: 4 Stars

	MSC Divina Look out for our new goddess of the seas. MSC Divina, named in honour of screen legend and MSC Cruises “godmother” Sophia Loren, will be christened in Marseille in May 2012. Modelled on her sister-ships, MSC Splendida and MSC Fantasia, she features some remarkable enhancements. The gorgeous Infinity Pool in the aft of the ship, with its “beach zone” adjoining the glass balustrade, offers a unique view of the ship’s wake fading into the sunset. And if you’re travelling in the expanded MSC Yacht Club, you can relax in style in the Top Sail Lounge. Your cruise ship is your first and last destination each day. As well as a hotel, spa, sports club, shopping centre and entertainment complex, it should also be a place where you can enjoy a cosy coffee break, a quiet stroll or a romantic drink beneath the stars. Does that sound too good to be true? Discover MSC Cruises’ pioneering new generation of cruise ships, created together with our award-winning partner, De Jorio Design International. On every vessel in our fleet, you’ll find a unique and carefully crafted environment, a floating holiday destination to rival the best resorts in the world. Experience the glamour of the past with all the comforts of the 21st century, thanks to our unique Italian style.	Launched: 1st May 2012 Tonnage: 139,400 Length: 1,094 Feet Total Crew: 1,410 Occupancy: 3,478 Rating: 4 Stars

	MSC Fantasia The first in an exceptional class of cruise ships, MSC Fantasia is everything a modern cruise ship should be – but with a little extra Italian style added for good measure! She offers her passengers extraordinary levels of comfort, entertainment and safety whilst employing cutting-edge technology to safeguard the environment. Keynote features include the MSC Aurea Spa, 5 restaurants, 4 swimming pools, 12 hydro-massage pools, coffee bars, shops, a children’s area, a Formula 1 simulator and an interactive 4 D cinema. The MSC Aurea Spa features a thermal cave with treatments to enhance both beauty and health: therapeutic mud packs, perfumed vapours, aesthetic massages and much, much more. MSC Fantasia has an exclusive VIP area: the MSC Yacht Club with 99 spacious suites, a bar, solarium, 2 hydro-massage pools, a swimming pool, a reserved observation lounge with bar, Concierge and a forward Observation Lounge where huge glass windows enable guests to make the most of the amazing views. A butler service will operate throughout the VIP area: offering assistance at check-in, overseeing the transport of luggage, unpacking and serving traditional English high tea. In addition the butler will arrange for cigars and wine, liquors and champagne and pre-book tables at the restaurants, spa treatments in the Aurea Spa, ad hoc excursions as chosen by the guest and even arrange a private party in cabins. For the very first time on board a cruise ship guests will walk on a Swarovski crystal floor. A transparent ceiling also permits the guests to experience all the magic of sailing as they gaze at the starlit skies. MSC Fantasia will cruise year-round in the Mediterranean offering fabulous value on her summer and winter cruises. If you’re looking for a really special holiday experience, join MSC Fantasia and see how cruising has evolved.	Launched: 1st December 2008 Tonnage: 137,936 Length: 1,092 Feet Total Crew: 1,332 Occupancy: 3,274 Rating: 4 Stars

	MSC Lirica MSC Lirica was an important cruise ship for MSC. There first completely new build she helped set the tone that helped MSC on the way to becoming arguably the world’s most modern cruise line. And, thanks to the meticulous care that they lavish on all MSC cruise ships, MSC Lirica looks as immaculate today as she did ‘way back’ in 2003! MSC Lirica is a cruise ship for those who remain unmoved by glitzy interiors and the ‘biggest and brashest is best’ school of cruise ship design. Instead she excels in delivering a quality cruise for those looking for comfort and hospitality of the highest order. Expect a friendly, casual atmosphere and a cruise ship that looks and feels like a proper cruise ship complete with rich wood, brass, marble and the restrained use of restful colours. Up on deck you’ll find plenty of space to do just as you please. If traditional cruising games are your thing, how about a game of shuffleboard? Or, if you can’t wait for your next port to play a round of golf, how about putting around the mini golf course? There again, if you can’t put that novel down, then find a sun lounger and settle down for a good read – you can punctuate the chapters with a cold drink, crisply delivered by an attentive steward. If you take your relaxation seriously the Lirica Health Centre has some seriously relaxing treatments on offer. Spend a little time here and you’ll soon leave the stresses and strains of everyday life in your wake. Other ‘low impact’ routes to relaxation can be found in the Beverley Hills bar and the Lord Nelson pub, where a most convivial evening is guaranteed. MSC Lirica offers extraordinary comfort in an elegant setting. If you are looking for a casual easy-going ambience framed by traditional, luxurious decor MSC Lirica is the cruise liner for you! MSC's superb Mediterranean cuisine will put you right at ease and the modern array of amenities will ensure your every wish is catered for!	Launched: 1st March 2003 Tonnage: 59,058 Length: 251 Feet Total Crew: 700 Occupancy: 1,560 Rating: 4 Stars

	MSC Magnifica Opulent and magnificent – MSC Magnifica is the latest ‘Musica-class’ luxury cruise ship from MSC Cruises. After a stunning christening ceremony in Hamburg, the stunning MSC Magnifica cruise ship came into service in March 2010, offering a whole host of exciting travel destinations. A revolutionary and groundbreaking cruise ship, MSC Magnifica marries extraordinary comfort with pioneering design and technology to offer outstanding energy efficiency and environmental performance. The MSC Magnifica ship carries 2,500 passengers and most can enjoy the luxury of a sea-facing cabin with balcony. Lucky guests on MSC Magnifica are expertly looked after by a 1,000-strong crew, enjoying the best of modern Italian style as they embark on their chosen voyage. At the heart of MSC Magnifica is a lush haven of tranquillity, the luxurious MSC AUREA Spa. This sumptuous wellness centre offers a myriad of relaxation options from saunas and Turkish baths to a fitness centre, beauty salon, Thalassotherapy room, relaxation area and massage rooms. Why not give in to the magic of an authentic Balinese massage from professional masseurs? Recreation options onboard MSC Magnifica are endless. Soak up the sun in the solarium or choose from 3 swimming pools, one under the ingenious ‘Magrodome’ retractable roof – perfect for winter cruising. Anyone for tennis… or basketball for that matter, not to mention jogging! MSC Magnifica boasts all the fine dining and entertainment amenities you would expect on a superior luxury liner, and much more besides. With a choice of 5 restaurants, numerous bars, an internet café and cigar lounge - not forgetting the plush 1,200-seat theatre, cinema, casino and disco – the MSC Magnifica truly lives up to her Italian name – magnificent!	Launched: 6th March 2010 Tonnage: 95,128 Length: 0 Feet Total Crew: 1,027 Occupancy: 2,518 Rating: 4 Stars

	MSC Melody These days small, traditional cruise ships are getting harder to find, yet those that know their cruising often prefer to cruise aboard a smaller ship. Therefore, for those looking for a slightly more intimate cruise experience, MSC Melody is just the ticket. Here is positive proof that biggest isn't always best! There's something wonderfully sociable about a cruise on a smaller ship, you'll soon notice how quickly the crew on MSC Melody get to know you, how friendly they are and how attentive the service is. There are 532 cabins on MSC Melody and, with a crew of 530, it's clear that you're going to be the centre of attention.Despite her compact dimensions her smaller size allows her access to many ports larger ships cannot enter - MSC Melody has a full complement of facilities. Traditional outdoor pursuits like jogging and shuffleboard are catered for, there are two larger pools one of which has a retractable magradome; making it useable in almost all weathers, plus a children's pool and a fully equipped fitness and health centre. You can drink and dine al fresco or in the traditional comfort of the Galaxy restaurant. Elsewhere you'll find graceful public areas with high ceilings throughout giving MSC Melody a refreshing sense of space and style. Comfortable lounges, intimate bars and a fine theatre make every evening a sparkling affair whilst night owls can always be found dancing the night away in the Starlight Disco. Like a favourite song, a cruise aboard MSC Melody stays in your mind long after your holiday is over.	Launched: 1st April 1982 Tonnage: 35,143 Length: 671 Feet Total Crew: 530 Occupancy: 1,064 Rating: 3 Stars

	MSC Musica MSC Musica delivers classic summer cruising from her home port of Venice. Every summer Sunday MSC Musica will ease off her berth in the heart of Venice and drift past some of the world’s most famous landmarks on her way to the Adriatic. This is one sailaway party you will not want to miss...make sure you have your camera at the ready! Once underway you'll soon discover that, like her sisters, MSC Musica is a lavishly appointed vessel. Her central foyer sparkles with a three-tier waterfall whilst a piano appears suspended above a pool of luminous water. Elsewhere the La Scala would put many land-locked theatres to shame while the Sushi Bar could hold its head up high in down town Tokyo. Options abound from a la carte dining, cigar bars and wine bars, cafés for food and the internet, plus spa and sporting options that many resorts simply cannot equal. MSC Musica is the first of MSC Cruises’ ‘Musica-class’ vessels. She became the belle of the ball in Venice on 29 June 2006, where a display of lights and colours celebrated her inauguration. You can have too much of a good thing but, when it comes to picturesque Greek Islands, it’s difficult! Mykonos is always a welcome stop, there’s plenty to do, great places to eat and drink and… it’s as pretty as a postcard. Piraeus is your gateway to Athens, the cradle of modern civilization and never anything less than an experience. In Corfu you can relax on the brilliant beaches or head inland to see more of this surprisingly diverse and lovely island. You might be heading home now, but Dubrovnik will lift your mood once again; this wonderfully preserved Medieval port always lives up to her ‘jewel of the Adriatic’ reputation. Give in to the temptation that is MSC Musica and enjoy one of the most relaxing cruise holidays ever!	Launched: 1st January 1950 Tonnage: 89,600 Length: 961 Feet Total Crew: 987 Occupancy: 2,550 Rating: 4 Stars

	MSC Opera On board you’ll find that things have been done properly; MSC Opera features plenty of real wood and marble and rich, traditional fabrics and trimmings abound. Her public areas boast a sweeping marble reception area and lovely open spaces with huge glass walls overlooking the sea. Indeed wherever you go, inside or on deck, you’ll find that a true sense of operatic grandeur and spaciousness prevails. You’ll quickly find that MSC Opera has the all important ingredient that turns a good cruise ship into a great one: She has atmosphere. Sumptuous décor and fine facilities come as standard but above all, a cruise aboard MSC Opera is sociable and fun. All ages are generally represented and the crew, the officers, the entertainers and musicians work together to generate a fantastic atmosphere.	Launched: 1st April 2004 Tonnage: 58,600 Length: 824 Feet Total Crew: 750 Occupancy: 1,756 Rating: 4 Stars

	MSC Orchestra In keeping with the MSC Cruises fleet, MSC Orchestra is a thoroughly modern cruise ship. Launched on 14 May 2007 in Civitavecchia MSC Orchestra is a 'Musica' class cruise ship offering wonderful facilities and cutting edge design. On board MSC Orchestra you’ll discover airy open spaces and first rate entertainment. Like all MSC Cruises, a cruise aboard MSC Orchestra revolves around you and, given the facilities on offer, can be pretty much what you want it to be. If relaxation and a quiet life are your cruise goals then you’ll have no trouble achieving them! Alternatively if you want to stay in shape or get fit then feel free to hit the jogging track, the Sports Centre and the Body and Mind Spa. For those who prefer a more leisurely approach to fitness may find a Turkish bath, sauna or a programme of massage will help take the effort out of feeling good – and few things in life compare to the simple pleasure of watching the world literally pass by from the jacuzzi! Of course sea air and activity always work up an appetite and fortunately MSC Orchestra is well equipped to take you on a culinary adventure. For something a little special why not try the Shanghai Chinese restaurant or the Four Seasons for an a la carte experience? Elsewhere you’ll find that every meal in the L’Ibiscus and Villa Borghese restaurants are occasions in themselves. For snacks - and the best pizza outside Naples - try La Piazzetta! When you’re out and about you’ll find the décor aboard MSC Orchestra is simply thrilling. Drink in the ambience in the leopard-style Savannah Bar, try your luck at the Palm Beach Casino or catch a spectacular show at the Covent Garden Theatre. You can sample fine wine in La Cantinella, enjoy a fine cigar in La Cubana, visit the art gallery or dance until dawn in the disco. Naturally, as an Italian family company, MSC not only welcome children, they make sure that they make a fuss of them too! Kids have their own outdoor pool and games area as well as the Jungle Adventure playroom. Best of all, the dedicated team make sure the kids always have something fun to do, which means you have fun too.	Launched: 14th May 2007 Tonnage: 89,000 Length: 964 Feet Total Crew: 987 Occupancy: 3,013 Rating: 4 Stars

	MSC Poesia Christened in Dover in April 2008 by MSC Cruises (UK), MSC Poesia is a poem to the sea. She is such a lovely ship that it's easy to wax lyrical about a cruise aboard MSC Poesia, just as it's easy to imagine yourself on a private balcony - there are 809 cabins with balcony to choose from - overlooking the ocean under a star-filled sky. During the summer months MSC Poesia cruises European waters taking in the majesty of the Norwegian fjords and the history and culture of the Baltic states. As summertime packs its bags and leaves Europe, MSC Poesia follows the sunshine for a season of blissful Caribbean cruises. If you're lucky enough to enjoy a cruise aboard MSC Poesia you'll discover luxury cruising at its best. Like her sisters, MSC Poesia is designed with an eye for the spectacular. On board you'll find a waterfall with bridges in the foyer, a zen garden in the sushi bar and a serene 13,000 square foot spa. And as well as looking after you, MSC Poesia, the third Musica class ship, also looks after the environment with the latest eco-technology.Suites and staterooms are spacious and elegant and most have private balconies. When you're out and about you can enjoy a glass of something with a certain vintage from the well stocked cellars of Il Grappolo d'Oro, or perhaps you'd prefer the casual ambience of the outdoor Mojito Bar? From casino to theatre and spa to cigar room, MSC Poesia has something for everyone. Naturally MSC look after the kids too, with all manner of activities and a delightful Stone Age dinosaur-themed play area!	Launched: 1st April 2008 Tonnage: 93,300 Length: 964 Feet Total Crew: 987 Occupancy: 2,550 Rating: 4 Stars

	MSC Sinfonia As her name suggests, MSC Sinfonia is a cruise ship inspired by the works of Europe's great classical composers and, like the thrilling symphonies they produced, she is something of a masterpiece herself, capable of capturing and enhancing your every mood! If you’re looking for peace, quiet and relaxation, head for Le Terme on Debussy deck where sauna, massage, a gym and fitness centre will help sooth away the stresses of modern life. For a shot of Mediterranean or South African sunshine head for the solarium up on Schubert deck. Be careful not to overdo the tanning though; cruise ships create their own gentle breeze that makes it easy to think the sun isn’t half as strong as it really is - although the medical centre is excellent, it’s one facility MSC hope you never use! An MSC Cruise is a great way to find a new hobby – where better to take up Italian? – or, if you’re already into golf then, chances are, you’ll return a much better player thanks to a state-of-the-art Virtual Golf Simulator that’s perfect for beginners and seasoned professional alike. If this is all too serious for you, why not enjoy a spot of mini-golf or traditional deck games? Traditional cruising pleasures abound too from the fine cuisine available in the restaurants, the café and the outdoor buffet, to a plethora of bars – the Irish Pub, Shelagh’s House, will make British cruisers feel at home – and elegant lounges where you’ll find music, dancing and the lost art of conversation much in evidence.	Launched: 3rd March 2005 Tonnage: 58,625 Length: 824 Feet Total Crew: 700 Occupancy: 1,554 Rating: 4 Stars

	MSC Splendida MSC Cruises UK continues to astound with its cutting-edge ‘Fantasia’ class of cruise ships. After the success of MSC Fantasia, MSC were immensely proud to introduce her sister, MSC Splendida, a cruise ship where technology and comfort are spectacularly combined. Futuristic, yet retaining its classic simplicity and elegance. There cruise ship promises the ultimate cruise experience. MSC Yacht Club, a VIP area complete with 99 spacious suites and 24 hour butler service epitomises the quality on offer to the discerning cruiser aboard MSC Splendida. In the MSC AUREA Spa highly-trained staff combine the magic of Balinese massage with the most modern and exclusive treatments. Specialities include: traditional water treatments (a legacy from Roman times), saunas, Turkish bath, solarium, relaxation room, thalassotherapy, massage room and whirlpool baths. For those seeking more 'high impact' activities, there is an exercise room filled with the latest equipment. MSC Splendida also features 4 swimming pools, a squash court, a Formula 1 simulator and much, much more... MSC Cruises has always been sensitive to environmental issues and MSC Splendida is at the cutting edge ecologically. She is equipped with the most innovative technological systems to guarantee energy savings and to protect the environment.	Launched: 1st June 2009 Tonnage: 137,936 Length: 1,016 Feet Total Crew: 1,332 Occupancy: 3,274 Rating: 4 Stars

Further Information

Cruise the Mediterranean

The Mediterranean gave birth to the Renaissance, the great cultural, intellectual, artistic, scientific and spiritual explosion whose energy lit all Europe and ended a thousand years of dark ages.
Whether you are dreaming of unwinding on sun-baked beaches or contemplating art in Museums, our Mediterranean itineraries will transport you to the hidden corners of history, culture and nature. Sprawling beaches, rustic villages, ancient ruins and sophisticated cities are just some of the infinite possibilities revealed.
MSC cruises offers a choice of excursions to satisfy both your Body & Mind. Optional half day and full day trips may include a walking tour through Capri, a cable car ride over Funchal, shopping in Barcelona, catamarans in Palma de Mallarco or a theatrical show in Odessa. Remote beaches and opulent palaces, modest fishing towns and glamorous international jetsetters are just some of the possibilities available to you during an MSC cruise.

Dining

From breakfast in the morning to the midnight buffet, there are several dining options available on board. Have brunch delivered to the privacy of your stateroom, enjoy a casual outdoor lunch by the pool from the grill or pizzeria and sample a variety of snacks during the afternoon and evening.

Dinner is always a special occasion, the Italian meal itself is an art form! Traditional Italian cuisine is home cooking, la cucina casalinga, amateur cooking, from amare, cooking with love. Like our warm service, the spirit of our cuisine is always hospitable.

During our renowned seven-course dinner menu, experience the zest of flavours and gaiety of colours from an authentic Mediterranean cucina garlic, olives, basil, red pepper and tomatoes in our traditional family recipes. Our well-trained dining staff serves regional specialties creatively prepared from scratch by our chefs as well as classic favourites.

Wine connoisseurs will savour the selections or cap dinner off with a cappuccino or espresso. Afterwards, dessert! From Italian treats of tiramisu and cannolis to your favourite cakes, pastries and tarts! If you are celebrating a special occasion like a birthday, retirement, honeymoon or anniversary, do it with classic operatic drama: a cake, some bubbly and an Italian serenade.

Leisure & Entertainment

What to do, what to do? Each day brings different activities. Sleep in or wake up early. Stroll around the deck or run on the jogging track. Get refreshed with a swim or relaxed in the whirlpool. Work out at the gym or try out one of the aerobic and step classes offered on board. Join in a game of cards, table tennis or shuffleboard or play a game of tennis or volleyball. The library is stocked with books for your perusal. Our cinema features recently released and classic movies. There is the Internet Cafe to email friends and family with updates throughout your journey, duty-free shopping boutiques, a video arcade and a card room or you can enjoy the simple pleasure of lounging on a deck chair under the warmth of the sun sipping tropical drinks.

After dinner, let MSC Cruises entertain you. The lounges have bands playing music for all tastes from pianists and string quartets to pop, rock and oldies. Many of our nightly shows have an accent of the Mediterranean, vivid Flamenco dancers from Spain or historical glances back to Old Europe.

Next, it's time for Vegas. We'll keep your glass filled as you test your luck with poker, roulette or blackjack in the casino. After a visit to the midnight buffet for a late-night snack, have one more dance or slip away to the privacy of your stateroom with the promise of another perfect day ahead.

Life on Board - Pampering

Pampering is all about choices. Have a healthy or hearty breakfast. Lounge around the deck leisurely or hit the courts competitively. Take advantage of our spa services to get completely revitalized, restored and refreshed.

For the body...
Maintain your regular fitness program. Our fitness coordinators will gladly show you around the jogging track, the swimming pools and guide you through the workout room’s free weights, treadmills, stationary bikes and other strength and endurance equipment. Our fitness programs, led by certified instructors, have a daily schedule of classes such as aerobics, stretch and yoga as well as toning classes that zone in on specific spots including the mind.

Get the full beauty treatment with a haircut or manicure & pedicure from our salon. Dig a little deeper with muscle and mind-melting massages to relax from top to bottom. Purify and balance your skin with intensive complexion-cleansing facials that exfoliate, extract and hydrate. Sink into the jacuzzi or slip into the sauna or step into the steam room for a few minutes to help dissolve any tension that remains.

For the mind.
Stimulate your intellect with our enrichment-at-sea programs. You do not need to be on land to make discoveries and learn something new on a cruise. From Italian language lessons to guest lectures on a variety of topics, computer program or Internet lessons to cooking classes, we offer a host of educational and informational seminars and classes. We have guest lecturers on board every cruise, experts in various industries, respected historians, academics, artists, writers and musicians. The discussion might be on foreign films, art history, architecture, design, literature, health, current events or food and wine. Our educational programs are challenging, instructive and take place in any student's dream classroom setting.

Cruises