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 MSC Armonia makes your dreams come true, with extraordinary settings designed for one purpose only - so you can enjoy your holiday to the utmost! The ship has been completely restored, to create an elegant atmosphere that is carefully finished in every detail. MSC Armonia offers a great number of marvellous suites with private balconies, as well as large spaces in which guests can enjoy themselves and relax at all times of day: external swimming pools, a wellness centre, a SPA, a beauty salon, bars, restaurants, a discotheque, a theatre and a casino.	Launched: 1st April 2001 Tonnage: 58,600 Length: 824 Feet Total Crew: 760 Occupancy: 1,500 Rating: 4 Stars

	MSC Fantasia MSC Fantasia is the largest cruise ship ever built for a European ship owner. The new flagship from MSC cruise lines is a masterpiece of Italian style: a perfect mix of advanced technology, elegance and exclusive services. MSC Fantasia is not only a voyage of pleasure, but one of discovery. For the very first time on a ship, guests will walk on a Swarovski crystal stairs. A transparent ceiling allows passengers to experience all the magic of sailing as they gaze at the starlit skies. With 27,000 m2 of public space, including the luxury 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, you can truly rediscover your self as you relax into your holiday. The MSC Aurea Spa offers ultra-modern treatments such as therapeutic mud packs, perfumed vapours, aesthetic massages and much more. MSC Fantasia is the first cruise ship to boast an exclusive area: privileged passengers can sojourn in the MSC Yacht Club with 99 suites, a bar, solarium, 2 hydro-massage pools, 1 skydome swimming pool, concierge and glass-walled Observation Lounge where guests can enjoy amazing ocean views. A butler service will offer assistance at check-in, transport luggage, unpack, serve traditional English afternoon tea as well as arranging cigars and beverages, booking tables at restaurants, treatments in the MSC Aurea Spa, ad hoc excursions and even arranging a private party!	Launched: 1st December 2008 Tonnage: 130,000 Length: 1,092 Feet Total Crew: 1,300 Occupancy: 3,887 Rating: 4 Stars

	MSC Lirica Built at one of the most prestigious shipyards worldwide, the emphasis on the MSC Lirica is Italian design. With an atmosphere and service comparable to the best of Italian hotels, the MSC Lirica features the highest quality materials and luxurious amenities available to fully immerse our guests in an elegant environment that is clearly Italian style. On board the magnificent MSC Lirica you'll find our longstanding dedication to hospitality while enjoying the ultimate in passenger amenities.	Launched: 1st March 2003 Tonnage: 58,600 Length: 251 Feet Total Crew: 760 Occupancy: 2,183 Rating: 4 Stars

	MSC Magnifica MSC Magnifica will carry 2,500 passengers, most of them enjoying the luxury of a sea-facing cabin with private balcony. Lucky guests on MSC Magnifica will be expertly looked after by a crew of over 1,000. Behind the impressive statistics MSC Magnifica delivers state-of-the-art cruising comfort. The MSC Aurea SPA blends the magic of Balinese massage with the benefits of the latest technology, this sumptuous wellness centre offers a plethora of options for unwinding, from saunas and Turkish baths to a fitness centre, beauty salon, Thalassotherapy room, relaxation area and massage rooms. Here, in the heart of MSC Magnifica, highly trained personnel offer traditional Balinese massages and a wide variety of beauty treatments. MSC Magnifica gives guests the perfect opportunity to relax and restore their natural balance, emerging refreshed and reinvigorated. MSC Magnifica is a cruise ship with endless options: guests can soak up the sun in the solarium or choose from 3 swimming pools, including one with the ingenious ‘Magrodome’ retractable roof – perfect for winter cruising. Feel like playing a game of tennis or basketball, keeping fit on the jogging track, or having fun on the mini-golf course? It’s all there to be enjoyed on MSC Magnifica. Combining elegance and excitement, MSC Magnifica boasts all the dining and entertainment amenities you would expect on a luxury cruise ship, and much more besides. With a choice of 5 restaurants, numerous bars, an internet café and a cigar lounge - not forgetting the plush 1,200-seat theatre, cinema, casino and disco – there’s never a dull moment on MSC Magnifica!	Launched: 6th March 2010 Tonnage: Unknown Length: 0 Feet Total Crew: 1,000 Occupancy: 2,500 Rating: 4 Stars

	MSC Melody MSC Melody is the largest ship of MSC Cruises' classic fleet. She is subtle, rather than glitzy, and has tons of charm. This special ship is extremely spacious, and offers advantageous viewing spots from its external decks. What's more there is a very striking feature: the transparent, retractable Magradome roof covers and uncovers the pool according to the sun's whims!	Launched: 1st April 1982 Tonnage: 36,500 Length: 671 Feet Total Crew: 535 Occupancy: 1,600 Rating: 3 Stars

	MSC Musica MSC Musica is the magnificent and very modern MSC Cruises newbuild. Discover this big cruise ship, which offers the very best in relaxing and in cruising comfort: steaming sauna, bubbling whirlpools, well-equipped gym as well as the elegant wine-tasting room, the original sushi bar and the tone is set on the welcoming atmosphere.Most of the staterooms have balconies, ideal for relaxing and enjoying your memorable holiday.	Launched: 1st January 1950 Tonnage: 89,600 Length: 961 Feet Total Crew: 987 Occupancy: 2,550 Rating: 4 Stars

	MSC Opera An elegant ship offering every conceivable comfort, and a personality that has you instantly hooked - this is MSC Opera, a ship representing the culmination of MSC Cruises' experience in navigation and life onboard. The 856 cabins, many with private balconies, are large and roomy. The communal areas include the reception area, with its beautiful marble flooring, and vast windows facing straight onto the sea. Its geometrical shapes and the delicacy of its colours, which draw their inspiration from Art Deco, offer guests an elegant and unique setting.	Launched: 1st April 2004 Tonnage: 58,600 Length: 824 Feet Total Crew: 750 Occupancy: 1,756 Rating: 4 Stars

	MSC Orchestra MSC Orchestra offers a perfect and unique blend of design, comfort and safety. With its airy open spaces, it is easily the most congenial cruise ship in Italy. Features 18 decks, a fitness/relaxation area, a jogging track, a sauna, Turkish bath, swimming pools, jacuzzis, restaurants, pizzerias, theatres, nightclubs, shopping areas and a mini club. An abundance of space and services, meeting your every need and desire. The hallmark Italian style and panache make the MSC Orchestra the stylistic forerunner of future ship projects and designs. You'll be overwhelmed by the ship's wide spectrum of entertainment facilities, ranging from well-being, sport, relaxation, and shopping. Each of them is marked by impeccable service, always in tune with your wishes. A truly exceptional ship that is both modern and full of character.	Launched: 14th May 2007 Tonnage: 89,000 Length: 964 Feet Total Crew: 987 Occupancy: 3,013 Rating: 4 Stars

	MSC Poesia Poetry is like the sea, lulling us with gentle swells and stirring the emotions. As poetry brings us pleasure the MSC Poesia will introduce a new dimension of enjoyment to a holiday on a magnificent and innovative ship. From a balcony overlooking the ocean and a star-filled sky accompanied by the sounds of a Verdi aria, mingling with the samba rhythms from the poolside party … an abundance of emotions will flow. Feelings that will turn into pleasurable memories, to be replayed, like a poet's images, time and time again.	Launched: 1st April 2008 Tonnage: 90,000 Length: 964 Feet Total Crew: 987 Occupancy: 2,550 Rating: 4 Stars

	MSC Sinfonia Msc Sinfonia is a shining light in design and confort, more confortably with her italian crew, as our shipping tradition wants!l A gorgeous emotion ready to give you a fantastic dream. MSC Sinfonia has been taken inspiration from the musical notes of the greatest sinfonies of our classical european composers. A voyager from the romantic sinfonies of Beethoven trought the moody notes of Mozart untill the contempraney Debussy's music, to the Tchaikovsky's opera and Brahms.	Launched: 3rd March 2005 Tonnage: 58,600 Length: 824 Feet Total Crew: 760 Occupancy: 1,566 Rating: 4 Stars

	MSC Splendida MSC Cruises continues to astound with its ‘Fantasia’ class of cruise ships. After the launch of MSC Fantasia we're proud to introduce MSC Splendida, a cruise ship where cutting-edge technology and comfort are spectacularly combined. Futuristic, yet retaining its classic simplicity and elegance. A cruise ship that 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 Aurea Spa highly-trained staff combine the magic of Balinese massage with the most modern and exclusive treatments. Specialties 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, a bowling alley 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