MSC CRUISES

Whether new ship or old, MSC Cruises emphasizes a strongly Italian-influenced ambience. For the most part, its ships traverse the Mediterranean (winter and summer) and are geared to European travelers. But, the line has made a major commitment to not only sail elsewhere (South America, Canada/New England, the Caribbean, South Africa, the Gulf), but also to expand its passenger base to include English-speaking travelers. In fact, the line is so committed to expansion, it deployed one of its newest ships, MSC Divina, to sail full-time from Miami, which started in November 2013. However, after a number of years basing a ship -- MSC Opera -- in the UK, it is pulling out completely in 2015 to concentrate on its core business of fly-cruise Mediterranean sailings.

Because of the international passenger base, announcements generally are read in Italian, French, Spanish, German and English.

Life onboard, particularly when it comes to mealtime, follows a more traditional cruise schedule -- set dining times and seatmates, and a handful of optional eateries that include sushi, a buffet and an Italian restaurant.

The ships offer a standout range of evening entertainment offerings, from smoochy dance music to classical concerts, Cirque du Soleil-esque aerobatic shows to jazz.

While MSC cruises are typically priced at very value-oriented levels (i.e. pretty cheap cruise fares), the ships offer a fairly unprecedented range of services and amenities that cost extra, such as a la carte menus, fees for port shuttles and more.

About MSC Cruises

Geneva-based firm Mediterranean Shipping Company, whose cruise arm was formed in 1987, is one of the world's biggest players in international shipping.

MSC Cruises, based in Naples and Sorrento, was conceived on the premise of offering Europeans affordable cruise vacations -- a concept that was fairly revolutionary in 1990. Today, it competes (in Europe) primarily against Genoa-based Costa Cruises (as well as smaller, more regional lines such as Spain's Pullmantur).

The big difference between MSC and Costa is that the latter is owned by Carnival Corporation and has begun to sport ships that more closely reflect the Carnival Cruise Lines ambience. (Indeed, Costa's newest ships are built on the same platform as Carnival's Conquest-class of ships and are designed by Joe Farcus, Carnival's longtime interiors maestro.) MSC, which shows an equal commitment to not only building new ships but also expanding its passenger demographics, is privately owned and, as such, the designs of its vessels are unique to the line.

MSC offers all the quality and comfort of a 5-star hotel, and much more, offering great cruise deals.

Here are just some of the highlights that set MSC Cruises apart:

• Elegant, modern cruise ships with comfortable, well-equipped staterooms
• Expertise and experience on the sea: discover the world with the Masters of the Sea
• Wide choice of restaurants serving high-quality cuisine prepared with fresh ingredients, as well as partnerships with market leaders like Eataly
• Broadway-style entertainment in stylish theaters seating up to 1,600 people
• Friendly, well-trained personnel dedicated to providing the highest levels of service
• A special focus on families, with family staterooms, kids’ entertainment programs, and kids under 12 cruising for free when sharing a stateroom with two adults (only taxes and port dues, flights and transfers (where applicable applies) *
• Lavish onboard spa offering a wide variety of relaxation and treatments

OUR CRUISE ACCOMMODATIONS

You’ll enjoy a stylish home-away-from-home on our designer cruise ships, whether you opt for an Interior stateroom, an Ocean View stateroom with panoramic window or Balcony, a spacious
Suite or the exclusive luxury of our MSC Yacht Club with its real wood and marble furnishings, private facilities and 24-hour butler service. Whatever your choice, you’ll love the spacious designer décor, superior comfort, widescreen satellite TV with interactive home entertainment system, capacious wardrobe, powerful shower and well-stocked mini bar.

DINING

Ensuring an exceptional experience, the dining arrangements are designed for leisurely pleasure with a choice of two sittings each evening. So you can savor every course in comfort and relaxed company. Simply state your preference when booking and we’ll allocate a table that’s reserved for you for the entire duration of the cruise. Aurea Experience travelers enjoy even more flexibility with our My Choice dining option. Everything has been designed to offer you the widest possible choice, so you can live every moment to the full, savoring fine food in close company.

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ENTERTAINMENT & LEISURE

Daytime Activities on board

Every moment of an MSC voyage offers something different, from sports tournaments and trivia games to arts and crafts classes. Events and activities include:

Sailaway Party
A start-of-the-cruise event celebrating the ship's departure, led by the Entertainment Team and Dancers in a spectacular Costume Flag Parade.

Sea Party
Team game fun including Water Games, Group Dances and a final Sea Toast to wish everyone a magnificent cruise.

SuperChef
A culinary challenge where you have to create a dish from the menu of one of the specialty restaurants. Judged by the restaurant's chef.

Low & High Impact Fitness
Slim down, tone up and stay in shape with a wide variety of fun fitness activities every day:
Low impact: Stretching, Muscular Relaxation and Pilates
High impact: Aerobics and Fit Dancing
Sports Tournaments and Much More

Nightime Activities

With a full spectrum of activities throughout the evening, in addition to our lounge, bar and theater programs, you’ll smile all night!

MUSIC

The heart and soul of a perfect evening

As the sun sinks low over the horizon and the day’s activities come to a close, your ship’s public venues come to life with almost every kind of music. We pride ourselves on offering the widest possible choice to suit all tastes and moods. Our onboard musicians will help create the soundtrack to your evening!

THEATER & SHOWS

The Thrill of World-Class Live Shows

Every night of your cruise with MSC Cruises can transport you into another world. A world that moves and entertains. A world of glamour and imagination, music and spectacle. The world ofMSC Show Time!

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