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.
Launched: Tonnage: Length: Total Crew: Occupancy: Rating:
1st April 2001
58,600
760
1,500
4 Stars
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: Tonnage: Length: Total Crew: Occupancy: Rating:
1st December 2008
130,000
1,300
3,887
4 Stars
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: Tonnage: Length: Total Crew: Occupancy: Rating:
1st March 2003
58,600
760
2,183
4 Stars
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: Tonnage: Length: Total Crew: Occupancy: Rating:
26th December 2009
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
4 Stars
We are extremely excited to be able to offer our guests this wonderful opportunity.
The new MSC Magnifica – which will surely live up to her name – arrived December 26th, 2009 in Fort Lauderdale directly from her christening to begin her inaugural season as a part of the MSC Cruises' fleet, joining the equally beautiful MSC Poesia, which was introduced earlier this year.
MSC Magnifica features 1,275 staterooms, of which 80% ARE OUTSIDE STATEROOMS AND 65% have a balcony. There will be 236,000 square feet of public spaces, 7 themed areas, 2 pools and 4 hot tubs, plus a 13,000-square-foot spa. Guests can select from four restaurants, including speciality dining restaurant.
Like her sister ships MSC Musica, MSC Orchestra, and MSC Poesia, the MSC Magnifica features sophisticated and elegant decor, attention to detail, the finest in international entertainment and Italian hospitality that will ensure guests enjoy a truly ‘Beautiful. Passionate. Italian.' experience as only MSC Cruises can present.
Be sure not to miss this marvelous magic experience at sea!
Launched: Tonnage: Length: Total Crew: Occupancy: Rating:
1st April 1982
36,500
535
1,600
3 Stars
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: Tonnage: Length: Total Crew: Occupancy: Rating:
1st January 1950
89,600
987
2,550
4 Stars
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: Tonnage: Length: Total Crew: Occupancy: Rating:
1st April 2004
58,600
750
1,756
4 Stars
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: Tonnage: Length: Total Crew: Occupancy: Rating:
14th May 2007
89,000
987
3,013
4 Stars
It is with great pride and pleasure that MSC present the MSC Orchestra - MSC Cruise's new flagship, offering 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.
A new jewel rides the seas: 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: Tonnage: Length: Total Crew: Occupancy: Rating:
1st April 2008
90,000
987
2,550
4 Stars
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: Tonnage: Length: Total Crew: Occupancy: Rating:
3rd March 2005
58,600
760
1,566
4 Stars
Msc Sinfonia is the latest new star added to our MSC fleet. A shining light in design and confort, more confortably with her italian crew, as our shipping tradition wants!l A new, 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: Tonnage: Length: Total Crew: Occupancy: Rating:
1st June 2009
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
4 Stars
MSC Cruises continues to astound with its 'Fantasia' class of vessels. After the launch of MSC Fantasia, 'the most beautiful ship in the world', christened on 18th December 2008 in Naples, the stage is set for its sister ship MSC Splendida. MSC Splendida's christening will take place in summer 2009 from gorgeous Barcelona.
MSC Splendida is a ship where cutting-edge technology and luxurious comfort are splendidly combined. Futuristic, yet retaining its classic simplicity and elegance. A cruise ship that promises a blissful haven for her guests.
For those who want only the best out of a cruise, MSC Cruises has created for you a special 6-star cruising concept: the MSC Yacht Club. MSC Yacht Club offers guests 99 spacious suites, including a special VIP area as well as a 24 hour butler service! The perks don't just end there. For instance, in the Top Sail Lounge, guests can dine under the Skydome, enjoying their food while admiring the starry sky.
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.
Life on Board - Spa & Health
On board the MSC Opera and MSC Lirica, you'll find fluffy towels and plush robes for the steam room and sauna, delicate flower petals and warm lighting in your massage room and all new, state-of-the-art fitness equipment in the gym. Right near the luxurious private spa treatment rooms, there is a relaxation and meditation area surrounded by glass overlooking the open ocean. Furnished with small teak beds and located on the top deck of the ship, it is the perfect place for some quiet time to rest and rejuvenate.
Our beauty treatments blend the best of ancient and modern practices incorporating elements of natural minerals, healing salts and aromatherapy to modern methods such as electronic stimulation. Our health centre offers specialized treatments targeted for various purposes including anti-wrinkle facial treatments, firming and exfoliating all-over body treatments and several types of massage incorporating shiatsu, reflexology and sports therapy. Our salon offers the full range of services from cuts and colouring to make-up application and waxing.
The Pleasure of Leisure
Sleep in or wake up early. Stroll around the deck or run the jogging track. Get refreshed with a swim or relax in a whirlpool. Work out in the gym or stretch out underneath the warm Mediterranean sun whilst sipping a tropical drink overlooking the sea - the choice is yours.
Experience the Italian meal, an art form in itself. A zest of flavours and gaiety of colours from around the Mediterranean will have you coming back for more. From pasta dishes and fresh fish to filet mignon and prime rib we pride ourselves on our warm hospitable service.
After dinner let MSC entertain you. The lounges have bands playing music for all tastes and ages, from pianists and string quartets to pop, rock and oldies. Many of our nightly shows have a Mediterranean accent, vivid flamenco dancing from Spain or historical glances back to 'Old Europe'. On other nights you may be transported back to glimpses of a New York Broadway show. If live shows are not your thing then perhaps catch up with a movie, chance your luck in the casino playing poker, roulette or blackjack or just relax in one of the many bars.
Visit the midnight buffet for a late snack, dance the night away in one of the after hours clubs or perhaps retire early with the promise of another perfect day ahead.
Fantasia
