http://www.msccruises.co.uk/uk_en/About-MSC-Cruises/News/Overview.aspx MSC Cruises UK Website News Tue, 09 Mar 2010 10:19:00 GMT /uk_en/About-MSC-Cruises/News/MSC-CRUISES-UNVEILS-MAIDEN-ITINERARIES-IN-THE-RED-SEA.aspx On the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula where the Gulf of Aqaba meets the Straits of Tiran, the sheltered waters are crystal clear, inviting visitors to dive straight in from the golden dunes of its pristine, sandy beaches. This is why MSC Cruises has created a unique opportunity for guests to experience the very best of this rich, historical region, introducing the Red Sea as a new destination for the 2012-2013 winter season. On 2 November 2012 MSC Armonia will depart from Venice, Italy for an nine-day/eight-night cruise, arriving at her new homeport in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt just over one week later. MSC Armonia’s course will take her from the Mediterranean Sea through the Suez transit canal to the Red Sea, with scheduled stops in Ancona, Italy, Heraklion, Greece, and Marmaris, Turkey arriving in Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt on 10 November 2012. From 10 November 2012 through to 6 April 2013, MSC Armonia has a full schedule of 21 8- day/7- night cruises, departing every Saturday from Sharm El Sheikh, with scheduled stops in Safaga, Egypt, Elat, Israel, Aqaba, Jordan and Sokhna Port, Egypt. Guests will even have the opportunity to combine the positioning cruises to and from Sharm El Sheikh with the first and last cruises of the Red Sea season for the perfect mix of days at sea and calls at port in this stunning region. The Red Sea will say farewell to MSC Armonia on 6 April 2013, when she starts her 10-day/9-night return cruise from Sharm El Sheikh to Venice in Italy. Scheduled stops are Sokhna Port, Egypt, Limassol, Cyprus, Antalya, Turkey, Rhodes, Greece, Heraklion, Greece and Kotor, Montenegro. During the Red Sea experience, guests on board MSC Armonia can enjoy the region's most fascinating attractions and discover not only the breathtaking beauty but also the rich history and culture of the region, with itineraries offering the perfect balance of relaxation, historical discovery and adventure through a diverse choice of shore excursions. Magical worlds of sea and sand The golden sands and crystal clear waters of the region’s beaches are an ideal haven for sunbathing and taking in stunning views, or setting off on a discovery of the amazing underwater world at your fingertips. Snorkeling excursions and trips on a submarine with panoramic windows or a glass-bottomed boat give birds’ eye views of the magical universe of beautiful coral reefs, rainbow-coloured fish, giant turtles, and other aquatic wildlife unique to the region. A tour of the Dead Sea will leave guests deeply relaxed as they enjoy the therapeutic effect of floating in its high-saline waters or taking an invigorating clay bath, while the more adventurous can jump in jeeps or on camels for excursions along rocky trails in the desert. Guests will be swept away by the romance of the Arabian desert on various tours offering stunning views of shimmering mirages, strangely formed rocky outcrops and glorious sunsets, while visits to Bedouin settlements will offer the opportunity to sample local aromatic sweet tea and discover the secret of baking unleven bread. Ancient wonders come to life Learning about the region’s rich past is also easy and enjoyable with the many historical excursions on offer. A visit to the timeless and beautiful Wadi Rum valley, inhabited since prehistoric periods, will reveal exactly why geologists love the area so much, with inscriptions in early Tahamudic writings etched throughout the valley. Guests can visit the foot of Mount Sinai and explore St. Catherine’s Monastery – the earliest surviving bastion of Christianity - including the Chapel of the Burning Bush, the Icon Gallery and Jethro’s Well. Aqaba leads visitors to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Petra, the rose-red city that remained lost for over one thousand years. The tour begins with the exploration of a stunning natural canyon. Emerging from the canyon, bright daylight reveals Petra in all its rose-hued glory, and visits to the large amphitheatre and Royal Tombs follow. Rugged wilderness and endangered wildlife The Yotvata Hai-Bar Nature Reserve which lies in the Arava Valley is the perfect place to witness a variety of rare and endangered animals, all of which are mentioned in the Old Testament. Timna Park, one of the oldest Mediterranean mining centres at the heart of the Red Canyon area, offers spectacular scenery, including some unusual rock formations called Solomon’s Pillars and the ancient mines whose copper reserves began to be mined by the Egyptian pharaohs in the 15th century BC. Egyptian legends and the Holy City Ideal tours for first time visitors to the region take in all of the main Egyptian sites, including Saladin's Citadel, Mohamed Ali's Alabaster Mosque, the Pyramids, the Sphinx, and the River Nile. Bus tours to Cairo offer magnificent views of pyramids in Gizah including Cheops, Chefren and Mykerino, the Valley Temple and ancient pyramid of Sakkara. An unforgettable drive and fly tour to Jerusalem through the wildly beautiful landscape of the Negev desert allows guests to soak up the Holy City’s unique atmosphere. An extended tour will take guests to see all the city’s major sights including a section of the Via Dolorosa and the Wailing Wall, with a stop at Mount of Olives for superb views of the city below. By providing such imaginative options, MSC Cruises is confident of offering guests an unforgettable Red Sea adventure. The MSC Armonia features 777 cabins, a sophisticated and elegant decor, superb attention to detail in all areas, the finest Mediterranean and international cuisine and a dazzling selection of entertainment. The luxury cruise ship boasts 4 restaurants, bars and lounges, the MSC Aurea Spa, a mini golf course, numerous boutiques, a casino, a theatre, a nightclub, and a children’s club. MSC Cruises is the world’s leading cruise company in the Mediterranean, South African and Brazilian markets and operates across the globe. Its modern fleet comprises eleven ships: MSC Splendida and MSC Fantasia, MSC Poesia, MSC Orchestra, MSC Musica, MSC Sinfonia, MSC Armonia, MSC Opera, MSC Lirica, MSC Melody and MSC Magnifica, launched in March 2010. The fleet will increase in size with the addition of the MSC Divina which will be christened on May 26th in Marseille in 2012, France. The fleet cruises year-round in the Mediterranean and seasonally in Northern Europe, the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean, North America and Canada, South America, the Indian Ocean, South and West Africa, Red Sea. MSC Cruises is the only company in the world to receive the "6 Golden Pearls" award from the Bureau Veritas in recognition of its high level of quality management and environmental responsibility. MSC has also achieved ISO 9001 and ISO 22000 certification for the quality and food safety of all aspects of its catering, both on shore and on board. MSC Cruises cares about the welfare of children, and as a responsible market leader believes in making a positive impact in the regions where it operates. To this end, the company recently forged a partnership with UNICEF to fund a community project aimed at providing disadvantaged children in Brazil with a quality education. Fri, 30 Mar 2012 10:00:00 GMT /uk_en/About-MSC-Cruises/News/1_Pound_Offer.aspx MSC Cruises’ unbelievably popular £1 promotion is back – and this time it’s available on the company’s 2012 Mediterranean summer sailings. The mechanic couldn’t be simpler: when one adult books a selected 2012 Mediterranean summer cruise and pays full brochure price, the second passenger pays just £1! The offer is based on two sharing a cabin and bookings must be made between 24th March and 30th April 2012. Flights are excluded from the deal but can be booked through MSC Cruises’ flight centre for just £230 per person return. Departures are to and from Genoa, Venice and Livorno with flights departing from London Gatwick and London Heathrow. Prices start from £759 (cruise only) for the first passenger and just £1 for the second. As if that deal wasn’t enough, MSC Cruises is also offering upgrades on selected sailings! Any customer booking an inside cabin will automatically receive a free upgrade to an outside cabin with a window on category 4. When they book an outside cabin with a window, they will receive an upgrade to a balcony cabin category 6, 7 or 8. Over 200 departures and 14 itineraries are available, for seven, eight and eleven night cruises. Terms and conditions apply. For further information or to book an MSC cruise visit www.msccruises.co.uk or call MSC Cruises on 0844 561 1955. MSC Cruises UK and Ireland PR and Media isabellas@msccruises.co.uk Tel: +44 (0)20 7092 8184 Mobile: +44 (0) 78 2469 7557 For direct access to downloadable high-res images and all press releases, go on our press area: http://www.mscpressarea.com MSC Cruises is the world’s leading cruise company in the Mediterranean, South African and Brazilian markets and operates across the globe. Its modern fleet comprises eleven ships: MSC Splendida and MSC Fantasia, MSC Poesia, MSC Orchestra, MSC Musica, MSC Sinfonia, MSC Armonia, MSC Opera, MSC Lirica, MSC Melody and MSC Magnifica, launched in March 2010. The fleet will increase in size with the addition of the MSC Divina which will be christened on May 26th in Marseille in 2012, France. The fleet cruises year-round in the Mediterranean and seasonally in Northern Europe, the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean, North America and Canada, South America, the Indian Ocean, South and West Africa, Abu Dhabi and the Emirates. MSC Cruises is the only company in the world to receive the "6 Golden Pearls" award from the Bureau Veritas in recognition of its high level of quality management and environmental responsibility. MSC has also achieved ISO 9001 and ISO 22000 certification for the quality and food safety of all aspects of its catering, both on shore and on board. MSC Cruises cares about the welfare of children, and as a responsible market leader believes in making a positive impact in the regions where it operates. To this end, the company recently forged a partnership with UNICEF to fund a community project aimed at providing disadvantaged children in Brazil with a quality education. Mon, 26 Mar 2012 10:00:00 GMT /uk_en/About-MSC-Cruises/News/MSC_CRUISES_REVAMPS_KIDS_CLUB.aspx Programmes packed with sports, crafts, theatre, Xbox, Wii and more! MSC Cruises is delighted to announce that its Kids’ Club programmes have been revamped and updated to satisfy different age groups, meaning that children and teens can now have even more fun on board an MSC cruise. Family values lie firmly at the heart of MSC Cruises and the company is constantly looking for new ways to enhance the family experience on board. Since mid-January 2012 programme enhancements have been rolled out across the MSC fleet, with a focus on popular sporting activities, arts and crafts, theatre and technology. Programmes also feature a broader choice of family events, ranging from parades to scavenger hunts. “Just under 15% of our guests during the year are children, with this percentage rising to 30% during the summer season. It’s our job to ensure that they have an unforgettable experience, which means keeping them entertained all day,” said Daniela Picco, MSC Cruises On Board Marketing Manager. “As 22% of the almost 200,000 under 18s who cruise with MSC every year are between 12 and 14, and 24% are between 15 and 17, it’s also a priority to keep programmes up to date for teens and make sure that ships contain the latest technology.” Four age groups and nanny’s hour Four separate Kids’ Club programmes are available, each tailored to a specific age group. • The Mini Club sends three to six year old sailors on a magical voyage of discovery and amazing adventures through enchanted oceans. • Seven to 11 year olds are invited to join the pirate crew of the Junior Club and set off in search of buried treasure on an action-packed adventure towards uncharted islands. • The Y-Team is the perfect choice for 12 to 14 year olds. Why? Because they’ll meet new friends, do exciting new things and have a great time every day! That’s why! • MSC Generation teen club makes it easy for 15 to 17 year olds to get connected with the coolest crew on board and spend time with other people their age. Every morning from 09.00 to 10.00 MSC have introduced nanny’s hour, a special programme for babies and toddlers aged 10 to 36 months. Our staff are there to organize dedicated games and activities aimed specifically at our youngest guests and their parents, including playing with bricks, baby disco, puzzle games, and drawing. Opening hours On both days in port and days at sea the Mini Club and Junior clubs opening times have now been extended. From 09:00- 23:00, parents can leave their children in the safe hands of mini club staff while they enjoy shore excursions or simply relax on board. For kids with bags of energy Basketball and soccer tournaments, table soccer, carnival parades, volley ball, crazy ping pong, karaoke, treasure hunts, dance competitions, SMS parties, and Miss and Mr Teen are just some of the dynamic activities on offer for kids and teens with bags of energy. For budding artists Kids can channel their creativity into drawing, playing with plasticine, making mosaics, painting self-portraits, designing masks, carnival costumes and t-shirts, face-painting and much, much more. Future journalists and cartoonists will be proud to see their work published in the new kids’ newspaper, and the Mini Club library has been enriched with books and comics for all those bookworms on board. More activities, more space Space on board dedicated to these programmes has also expanded and kids can now make better use of other areas of the ship, including the disco, the theatre and the sports courts. On Musica and Lirica class ships, a special dance floor has even been dedicated to kids and teens so they can show off their moves. Expanded gaming with Microsoft Xbox Kinetic and Nintendo Wii The choice of games has also been enhanced, and the teen area on board every ship in the MSC fleet, excluding MSC Melody, is now equipped with a Microsoft XBox Kinetic, a Nintendo Wii, and the following selection of games: Kinect Sport, Kinect Dance Central, Kinect Yoostar 2: in the movies, Wii Sport, Super Mario Galaxy and Animal Crossing. The teen area really is the place to be: in addition to the play corner with X Box and Wii, a musical docking station for iPods, iPhones, iPads and USB readers, and a social corner connected to Net TV and with Bluetooth keyboards are also available. MSC Fantasia, MSC Splendida and MSC Divina have expanded gaming even further. Each cabin in the exclusive MSC Yacht club is equipped with a Nintendo Wii and the game Wii Sport. The following games can also be requested through the concierge service: Wii Mario Kart, Wii Party, Wii Mario Sport Mix, Wii Fit Plus+ BB, Wii Mario Power Tennis, Wii Fifa 11, Wii Super Mario Galaxy 2, Wii New Super Mario Bros. The sports bars and maxi screen by one of pools will also be equipped with Nintendo Wiis. It’s show time! On each ship, on one special afternoon during every cruise, Tarzan, Cinderella, Aladdin, Snow White and Pinocchio will dance and sing especially for children under 12 years and their families, in a dedicated performance in the theatre. It’s show time!, a special performance made by children, will also be put on in the theatre for kids to show off their theatrical skills to a large audience. Peace of mind MSC is also investing in its Kids’ Programmes by increasing the ratio of staff to children and establishing new criteria for the hiring of counsellors. This includes the requirement of a college degree in recreation or child care, or the equivalent experience. New dedicated welcome desks for the handover of security bracelets have been set up, and pagers and beepers will be available for rent for the parents/supervising adults of children who are three to five years old, children with special medical conditions and children with special needs. So sit back and relax, safe in the knowledge that your children are in great hands and having a great time. For further information or to book an MSC cruise visit www.msccruises.co.uk or call MSC Cruises on 0844 561 1955. Tue, 20 Mar 2012 10:00:00 GMT /uk_en/About-MSC-Cruises/News/MSC-CRUISES-WELCOMES-MSC-PREZIOSA.aspx MSC Preziosa to offer perfect mix of technology, elegance and exclusivity MSC Cruises continues its rapid expansion with the announcement that the company has finalized negotiations with STX France and signed a contract to take over a 140,000 ton cruise ship following the termination of the agreement with the original owner. The new ship is named MSC Preziosa and will become the 13th addition to the MSC Cruises’ fleet, as well as the precious fourth ship in the series of fantasia-class ships, which include MSC Fantasia, MSC Splendida and the long-awaited MSC Divina. MSC Preziosa is in fact the sister ship of MSC Divina, who is currently having her final touches applied in the STX ship yard in St Nazaire, France, before her christening in May 2012. “The new ship represents an investment of 550 million euros and will be delivered at the end of March 2013. Negotiations with STX France have lasted over nine months; a significant but understandable period of time considering the importance of the investment and the unexpected nature of the takeover,” said Mr Pierfrancesco Vago, CEO MSC Cruises. “When MSC Preziosa is delivered we will have four ships of every class, giving us a total capacity of over 40,000 berths and the strength to sail in all seas. MSC Preziosa herself will sail the Mediterranean, exploring the beauty of Greek Islands, which represents the highlight of European cruising.” “STX France is delighted with this successful outcome after months of negotiations. The length of time necessary to settle them is the perfect illustration of the challenges faced by the cruise industry in terms of financing, which impact our industry directly. It’s the new Achilles’ heel, after competitiveness, on which our efforts are now focused,” said Laurent Castaing, STX France General Manager. “In this context, the integration of X32 into the prestigious MSC Cruise’s fleet is a relief and a real pleasure for STX.” MSC Preziosa will boast 1,751 cabins, 26 lifts, and 18 decks, 14 of them for passengers. Guests will be able to enjoy four main restaurants, two speciality restaurants, 21 bars, a casino, four swimming pools, including an infinity pool, 12 whirlpools, a bowling alley, a sports area with playing fields, a fitness centre, a children’s area and the superb MSC Aurea Spa. An exclusive feature of MSC Preziosa - and of all fantasia-class ships in the MSC fleet - is the MSC Yacht Club. Privileged passengers staying in the 69 exclusive MSC Yacht Club suites will be able to take advantage of the private bar, solarium, hydro-massage pools, and the spectacular glass-walled observation lounge with 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 arrange private parties. MSC Preziosa’s total construction is 45% complete, and her mechanical zones are 70% complete. The best, however, is yet to come! MSC Cruises will soon begin the fitting and furnishing of the 333 metre long, 38 metre wide ship and work its unique Mediterranean magic on turning MSC Preziosa into a stylish masterpiece and a perfect mix of advanced technology, elegance and exclusive services. Cruise guests who want to play their part in reducing carbon emissions can also relax in the knowledge that MSC Preziosa’s green features, including an advanced waste water treatment system (AWT) and advanced energy saving systems, with a focus on air-conditioning, will gain the same impressive industry-leading ecoship and cleanship credentials as her sister ship MSC Divina. For further information or to book an MSC cruise visit www.msccruises.co.uk or call MSC Cruises on 0844 561 1955. Tue, 13 Mar 2012 09:00:00 GMT /uk_en/About-MSC-Cruises/News/CHEF_PAUL_RANKIN_COOKS_UP_A_STORM_ONBOARD_MSC_SPLENDIDA.aspx A series of culinary showcases presented by Michelin award winning chef Paul Rankin on board MSC Splendida last week proved a huge hit. It was standing room only as guests flocked to see the Irish culinary maestro prepare some of his best loved dishes – and a selection unique to MSC. On Paul’s fabulous menu were such delicacies as Escalope of salmon with soy mustard vinaigrette and Asian coleslaw; Duck steak au poivre with wild mushrooms; Crispy and almond crusted hake with lentils, vinegar and tartare sauce and Apple tarte tatin. Aside from demonstrating his considerable prowess, Paul also ensured that there was plenty of audience participation. Several guests assumed the role of sous chef, whilst others took part in competitions that saw them rewarded with special commemorative merchandise. Commented Paul: “I had the most wonderful time on board MSC Splendida. I was not only impressed by the ship and its facilities, I was blown away. “I was delighted at how well received the demonstrations were and would jump at the chance to repeat the exercise one day.” Added Alessandra Pierleoni, MSC Cruises’ UK Marketing Director: “The feedback we have received from guests about Paul Rankin’s presence on board MSC Splendida has been overwhelming. Many had booked specifically to attend the showcases, whilst for others it was an unexpected treat. Paul was actually one of five Michelin starred chefs from all over Europe who have been carrying out demonstrations on board our ships over the last few months. All were equally as successful and we will definitely look at holding similar events in the future.” One of the UK’s most popular chefs, Paul Rankin won Northern Ireland’s first Michelin Star, whilst his trailblazing Cayenne in Belfast is among the country’s top restaurants. A regular on TV shows such as Ready Steady Cook and Ten Mile Menu and the writer of numerous best-selling books, Paul is also a passionate supporter of local produce, so much so that in 2002 he launched The Rankin Selection, a range of traditional foods now stocked in supermarkets throughout the UK. For further information or to book an MSC cruise visit www.msccruises.co.uk or call MSC Cruises on 0844 561 1955. Thu, 16 Feb 2012 10:20:00 GMT http://www.msccruises.co.uk/uk_en/About-MSC-Cruises/News/MICHELIN_AWARD_WINNING_CHEF_PAUL_RANKIN_SETSAIL_WITH_MSC_CRUISES.aspx It is with regret that MSC Cruises announces that Antony Worrall Thompson will no longer be performing a series of culinary demonstrations on board MSC Splendida next month. The company is however delighted to inform its guests that Michelin award winning chef Paul Rankin will be joining MSC Splendida in Barcelona on Sunday 5th February 2012. A series of appearances at sea on Monday 6th February will then see him showcase some of his best loved dishes – and a selection unique to MSC. One of the UK’s most popular chefs, Paul Rankin won Northern Ireland’s first Michelin Star, whilst his trailblazing Cayenne in Belfast is among the country’s top restaurants. A regular on TV shows such as Ready Steady Cook and Ten Mile Menu and the writer of numerous best-selling books, Paul is also a passionate supporter of local produce, so much so that in 2002 he launched The Rankin Selection, a range of traditional foods now stocked in supermarkets throughout the UK. Paul will be joining MSC Splendida on her 8 day, 7 night cruise departing 4th February 2012 (Genoa, Barcelona, Valletta, La Goulette (Tunisia), Civitavecchia (Rome), Marseille, Genoa). For further information or to book an MSC cruise visit www.msccruises.co.uk or call MSC Cruises on 0844 561 1955. Wed, 25 Jan 2012 10:04:00 GMT http://www.msccruises.co.uk/uk_en/About-MSC-Cruises/News/MSC-Cruises-celebrates-Valentine-day.aspx Whisk your loved one away for a Valentine’s break in the Arabian Gulf this February and enjoy not only sun-kissed days, starlit nights and romantic ports of call, but a special gift courtesy of MSC Cruises. Anyone travelling on board MSC Lirica from 12th to 19th February on her 8 day-7 night cruise will receive a free Rose Petal Package comprising a bottle of Il Vino dell'Amore, a delicious Moscato Spumante made with juicy grapes grown in the Euganean Hills, presented in deluxe packaging. This most romantic of offerings will also include two MSC souvenir flutes and a tray of delicious petit fours. This complimentary package is available on all bookings made between 13th and 19th January. Departing 12th February, Valentine’s Day itself will find MSC Lirica in the port of Muscat in Oman. Here the romantically inclined can book a private dhow cruise experience along the route of old Muscat. The voyage will also see MSC Lirica call at the ports of Khasab in the Sultanate of Oman and Al Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates. She will also spend two nights in Abu Dhabi and two nights in Dubai. Prices for the cruise (excluding flights) start from just £249 per person. MSC Cruises and Valentine’s Day – a match made in heaven. For further information or to book an MSC cruise visit www.msccruises.co.uk or call MSC Cruises on 0844 561 1955 Mon, 16 Jan 2012 10:16:00 GMT http://www.msccruises.co.uk/uk_en/About-MSC-Cruises/News/MSC-NOW-CRUISING-TO-THE-EMERALD-ISLE.aspx MSC Cruises is delighted to announce that for the first time it will be adding Cork and Dublin to four new itineraries next August and September. With no fly cruising becoming increasingly popular, Irish passengers will now be able to enjoy a cruise on board the luxurious MSC Lirica without the hassle and additional expense of having to fly to their embarkation port. Customers can embark and disembark in Cork. They will also be able to visit Dublin for excursions, while ship visits will be available for local residents and visitors alike. Commented Lorenzo Diamantini, MSC Cruises Director of Sales for Ireland and Northern Ireland, “ The company is featuring the two ports due to the incredible growth it has experienced in the Irish market over the last three years. By positioning one of our ships in Cork , we can give many more local passengers the opportunity to experience the superb itineraries on offer.” The new itineraries that will sail to Northern Europe are as follows: (please note passengers can embark/disembark in Cork only, with day excursions and ship visits on offer in Dublin): 7-15 August 2012: Hamburg, Helgoland, South Queensferry, Invergordon, Stornoway, Kirkwall, Oban, Dublin, Cork 15-26 August 2012: Cork, Amsterdam, Hamburg, Helgoland, South Queensferry, Invergordon, Stornoway, Kirkwall, Oban, Dublin, Cork 26 August – 5 September 2012: Cork, Amsterdam, Hamburg, Helgoland, South Queensferry, Invergordon, Stornoway, Kirkwall, Oban, Dublin, Cork 5 September – 8 September 2012: Cork, Amsterdam, Hamburg The luxurious 59,000-ton MSC Lirica has capacity for a total of 2069 guests in 780 cabins. The ship boasts shops, a casino, a card room and the 713-seat Broadway theatre. Guests can dine in a choice of four different restaurants, soak up the atmosphere in the Lord Nelson Pub, enjoy the chilled out musical offering in The Beverly Hills bar or dance the night away in the Blue Club Disco. For further information or to book an MSC cruise visit www.msccruises.co.uk or call MSC Cruises on 0844 561 1955 Fri, 16 Dec 2011 10:30:00 GMT /uk_en/About-MSC-Cruises/News/MSC-Sinfonia-Cruises-Summer-South-Africa-2012.aspx Onboard function hosted in aid of Building Blocks homes in Cape Town The magnificent MSC Sinfonia is back in South Africa with her first port of call in Cape Town on Tuesday 8 November marking the opening of a new summer cruise season in the region. The 58 600 ton ship, with capacity for 2100 guests, departed from Livorno, Italy on 22nd October on her southbound repositioning voyage back to Southern Africa for what is set to be another record breaking cruise season. She docked in the Mother City’s Table Bay harbour at around 1pm. “The return of MSC Sinfonia is always a treat for Capetonians. She is a beautiful sight with her 9 storeys gracing the Eastern Mole Dock and can easily be seen from the city’s freeways and the harbour area,” said Allan Foggitt, Marketing Director of MSC Starlight Cruises. MSC Cruises celebrated the ship’s arrival by hosting an onboard fund raiser cocktail party in support of the Building Blocks Children’s Homes for abused and abandoned babies in Cape Town. The organisation, which has homes in Pinelands and Observatory, works in conjunction with local authorities and serves as a refuge for the children by keeping them safe and providing a loving home environment. The initiative is part of MSC Cruises’ long term international commitment to support community projects for less advantaged youth and all funds raised at the event go to Building Blocks. MSC Sinfonia is by far the finest floating hotel ever to operate locally in South Africa. The ship departed Cape Town at 10pm on Tuesday for Durban , in KwaZulu Natal, where she will be based until the end of March 2012. She has set a new standard for South African cruising by offering an extensive range of top class facilities in an elegant, contemporary environment. The ship features 777 cabins, of which 134 are suites with private balconies and 503 are outside cabins, 3 restaurants and a buffet out on deck, 7 bars , a cigar lounge, disco, casino, business and conference centre. There is also the MSC Aurea Spa - a wellness centre which features a full spectrum of dedicated areas, including a fitness centre, a spa bar, massage rooms, thalassotherapy rooms, a yoga room, an indoor and outdoor solarium and a beauty salon - 2 swimming pools, a sports centre, golf simulator, library, card room, children’s playroom, teenagers club, a shopping area with duty free shops and boutiques, and an internet cafe. MSC Sinfonia will once again operate a full schedule of the popular three and four-night cruises to Mozambique with stops in the bustling capital city of Maputo and the trendy water sport resorts of Barra Lodge, Inhambane , and Portuguese Island . The ship will also offer three four-night cruises to the idyllic tropical island dream destination of Bazaruto after an absence of 2 years. About MSC Cruises: MSC Cruises is the world's leading cruise company in the Mediterranean, South African and Brazilian markets and operates across the globe. It's modern fleet comprises eleven ships: MSC Splendida and MSC Fantasia, MSC Poesia, MSC Orchestra, MSC Musica, MSC Sinfonia, MSC Armonia, MSC Opera, MSC Lirica and MSC Melody. MSC Magnifica, launched in March 2010. The fleet will increase in size with the addition of the MSC Divina which will be christened on May 26th in Marseille in 2012, France. The fleet cruises year-round in the Mediterranean and seasonally in Northern Europe, the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean, North America and Canada, South America, the Indian Ocean, South and West Africa, Abu Dhabi and the Emirates. MSC Cruises is the only company in the world to receive the "6 Golden Pearls" award from the Bureau Veritas in recognition of its high level of quality management and environmental responsibility. MSC has also achieved ISO 9001 and ISO 22000 certification for the quality and food safety of all aspects of its catering, both onshore and onboard. MSC Cruises cares about the welfare of children, and as a responsible market leader believes in making a positive impact in the regions where it operates. To this end, the company recently forged a partnership with UNICEF to fund a community project aimed at providing disadvantaged children in Brazil with a quality education. Fri, 11 Nov 2011 10:23:00 GMT /uk_en/About-MSC-Cruises/News/MSC-Lirica-Abu-Dhabi.aspx UAE capital reaches cruise tourism milestone as luxury vessel home ports for 2011/2012 season October 30, 2011 - Abu Dhabi has reached a new milestone in its cruise tourism development with the arrival at Mina Zayed’s new temporary cruise terminal of the luxury MSC Lirica cruise ship – the first to home port in the UAE capital. The 59,000 ton MSC Lirica arrived last night from Genoa, Italy. The liner, her passengers and crew, were given a warm Abu Dhabi welcome with a spectacular fireworks display before disembarking to the cruise terminal where displays of henna design, falconry and calligraphy as well as traditional Yolla and Ayallah dancing awaited. MSC Lirica will set sail tomorrow on the first of 19, eight night/seven day itineraries for the 2011/2012 season cruising around Abu Dhabi and the Emirates and calling at Muscat, Al Fujairah, Khasab in Oman and Dubai with 95 calls and rotations. Onboard for her maiden Gulf sailing, passengers will be staying in the liner’s 780 cabins. Today a special ceremony was staged at the cruise terminal to officially welcome MSC Lirica ‘home.’ The ceremony was attended by HH Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), His Excellency Mubarak Al Muhairi, Director General, ADTA, Pierfrancesco Vago, Chief Executive Officer, MSC Cruises, with world championship star and former Captain of the Italy National Football team Fabio Cannavaro attending as MSC Cruises’ guest of honour. Sheikh Sultan told guests at the ceremony that MSC Lirica would be remembered for breaking new ground in Abu Dhabi. “We hope she has set a course that many others will follow,” he said. “Many of the guests MSC Lirica has brought here – and many more she will in the future – will see the UAE capital for the first time. We hope it will not be their last. Our studies show that 30% of cruise passengers return to the home port for longer stay and we look forward to welcoming these new arrivals back time and again. Investment in this temporary cruise terminal will prove worthwhile with ADTA coming together with Abu Dhabi Ports Company, Abu Dhabi Terminals and Tourism Development and Investment Company to ensure our valued cruise visitors receive an appropriate welcome.” The home porting of MSC Lirica follows the signing, a year ago, of alandmark agreement between ADTA and MSC Cruises, one of the world’s fastest-growing cruise operators and a market leader in the Mediterranean, South Africa and Brazil, to deploy one of its top vessels on a home port basis in Abu Dhabi. Since then the two partners have jointly participated in trade exhibitions, marketing and advertising campaigns globally and brought their combined influence, channels and brands to bear in promoting the emirate. At today’s Mina Zayed welcoming ceremony, Pierfrancesco Vago, Chief Executive Officer, MSC Cruises, commented: “I am proud of what we’ve achieved so far and confident that this is just the beginning of a great new era for cruise tourism in the United Arab Emirates. I look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship between us, the port and tourism authorities and one that will ensure visitors from around the world an exciting new dimension to travel in the region. It is a future we can all look forward to.” “Signalling our firm faith in Abu Dhabi as an innovative and highly desirable new holiday destination, we plan to bring a further ultra-modern ship – MSC Opera – to Abu Dhabi in 2012/2013. This ship, which has a larger capacity than MSC Lirica with 867 cabins, will sail 25 cruises with 125 calls and bring a further 54,000 passengers per year to the area.” ADTA has estimated the MSC’s decision to home port the ship in Abu Dhabi will generate up to US $ 22million per season in direct economic impact on the tourism, airline, accommodation, retail, transport, food and beverage and attractions sectors. Cruise tourism has been prioritized as a core pillar in Abu Dhabi’s tourism targets which aim to achieve 2.3 million hotel guests by the end of next year. Abu Dhabi anticipates receiving around 170,000 cruise visitors before the 2011/2012 season ends next April. The new temporary cruise terminal at Mina Zayed is capable of simultaneously accommodating 1,300 passengers and has been designed to cater for the 2011/2012 and 2012/2013 cruise seasons. The terminal spans some 2,000 square metres and comprises two dedicated halls – one a luggage-handling facility, the other a passenger centre complete with a waiting lounge, security section, prayer rooms, offices, visitor information centre, currency exchange as well as customs and immigration facilities. In line with its long-term cruise ambitions, ADTA is championing for the development of a permanent, purpose-built cruise terminal at Mina Zayed. “Ultimately our capacity to build the cruise tourism business will rely on a combination of good planning, first-class infrastructure, strong marketing and stakeholders,” explained HE Mubarak Al Muhairi, Director General, ADTA. “We have strong hopes of the cruise business continuing to grow into the future with longer term projections for 300 calls and 600,000 passengers by 2030.” About MSC Cruises: MSC Cruises is the world's leading cruise company in the Mediterranean, South African and Brazilian markets and operates across the globe. It's modern fleet comprises eleven ships: MSC Splendida and MSC Fantasia, MSC Poesia, MSC Orchestra, MSC Musica, MSC Sinfonia, MSC Armonia, MSC Opera, MSC Lirica and MSC Melody. MSC Magnifica, launched in March 2010. The fleet will increase in size with the addition of the MSC Divina which will be christened on May 26th in Marseille in 2012, France. The fleet cruises year-round in the Mediterranean and seasonally in Northern Europe, the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean, North America and Canada, South America, the Indian Ocean, South and West Africa, Abu Dhabi and the Emirates. MSC Cruises is the only company in the world to receive the "6 Golden Pearls" award from the Bureau Veritas in recognition of its high level of quality management and environmental responsibility. MSC has also achieved ISO 9001 and ISO 22000 certification for the quality and food safety of all aspects of its catering, both onshore and onboard. MSC Cruises cares about the welfare of children, and as a responsible market leader believes in making a positive impact in the regions where it operates. To this end, the company recently forged a partnership with UNICEF to fund a community project aimed at providing disadvantaged children in Brazil with a quality education. Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) has wide ranging responsibilities for managing and assisting the development of the emirate's tourism industry and the marketing and promotion of the emirate as a world-class destination of distinction. Its responsibilities include; destination marketing; infrastructure and product development and regulation and classification. A key role is to create synergy in the international promotion of Abu Dhabi through close co-ordination with the emirate's hotels, destination management companies, airlines and other public and private sector travel-related organisations. Fri, 28 Oct 2011 12:00:00 GMT http://www.msccruises.co.uk/uk_en/About-MSC-Cruises/News/AN_UNBEATABLE_CHRISTMAS_PRESENT_FROM_MSC_CRUISES!.aspx Christmas is a time for giving and MSC Cruises is definitely feeling generous this year as it announces a truly amazing package to celebrate the launch of its new UAE route. The company is offering an unbeatable lead-in price of just £779 per person for its 8 day UAE itinerary (18th-24th December) on board MSC Lirica. This amazing price is inclusive of return flights, two night’s hotel accommodation in Abu Dhabi and a choice of either £150 onboard credit per person, two excursions (City tour in Dubai and Ferrari World) or a Cheers Drinks Package (wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner in the main restaurants and self-service buffet). So, why not put a trip to the Arabian Gulf with MSC Cruises at the top of your wish list this festive season and enjoy guaranteed sunshine, unbeatable shopping, spectacular scenery and the deluxe surroundings, cuisine and hospitality that are MSC standards? For further information or to book an MSC Cruise visit www.msccruises.co.uk or call MSC Cruises on 0844 561 1955. Fri, 28 Oct 2011 10:40:00 GMT /uk_en/About-MSC-Cruises/News/NEW-MSC-AUREA-SUITES.aspx MSC Cruises’ acclaimed spa and wellbeing offering is to be further enhanced by the launch of its stunning new Aurea Suites. This deluxe accommodation will be available on board MSC Fantasia from 5th November and on MSC Splendida from 13th November. Aurea Suites will also be found on MSC Divina, the company’s newest flagship that will join the fleet from next May. Named after the ships’ state-of-the-art Aurea Spa and located on the prestigious upper decks, the Aurea Suites comprise 28 luxuriously appointed cabins, each formerly part of the deluxe MSC Yacht Club offering. Guests who book an Aurea Suite will receive a superb wellness and spa package which includes a welcome cocktail at the spa bar, unlimited access to the Thermal Suite (Turkish bath, spa bath, sauna and relaxation room), a personal appointment with an Aurea Spa doctor, a 30 minute relaxing facial treatment and last but not least, a solarium session. A stay in an MSC Cruises’ Aurea Suite will be a one-of-a-kind experience. Passengers can relax their mind and revitalise their body whilst discovering some of the jewels the Mediterranean has to offer. MSC Cruises’ groundbreaking spa and fitness facilities have already made the company a market leader, so much so that at the recent Cruise International Awards, MSC Splendida’s Aurea Spa beat off stiff competition to win Best for Well-Being. Now the company raises the bar still further with the launch of this initiative. Aurea Suite prices start from £1779 per person on MSC Fantasia for an 11-night cruise including flights and from £1229 per person on MSC Splendida for an 11-night cruise including flights. For further information or to book an MSC Cruise visit www.msccruises.co.uk or call MSC Cruises on 0844 561 1955. Wed, 12 Oct 2011 18:00:00 GMT http://www.msccruises.co.uk/uk_en/About-MSC-Cruises/News/Mamma_Mia.aspx With all children under 18 sailing free as standard*, MSC Cruises has already established itself as a firm favourite with families. Now thanks to its brilliant new MAMMA MIA promotion, that reputation will be well and truly enhanced! Any child travelling on an MSC Mediterranean summer 2012 cruise (Musica and Fantasia Classes) and staying in a family cabin (triple and quadruple) will receive an amazing £100 on board credit per child. They will be able to use this to purchase a whole host of on board treats, be they one of MSC Cruises’ famous homemade ice creams or entry to facilities such as the 4D Cinema and F1 Simulator. So, not only can parents and carers rest easy whilst their children are entertained, but they can do so in the knowledge that it is not costing them a penny! MSC Cruises is also helping passengers to budget more easily. The company will only require a £50 per person deposit to secure a 2012 Mediterranean Summer Cruise. The remaining amount of the deposit – £200pp (fly/cruise) or £50pp (cruise only) – would then need to be paid by 31st October. Both these amazing offers are valid for bookings made from 23rd July until 31st August 2011. This promotion is valid on MSC Fantasia, MSC Splendida, MSC Divina and on MSC Magnifica, MSC Musica and MSC Orchestra. All the above means that a fabulous seven night family cruise starts from £1208 cruise only. Demand is expected to be huge, so MSC Cruises is advising passengers to book early to avoid disappointment. This incredibly offer is perfect for families as it is valid during Half Term, Easter Break, Summer Holidays and Christmas Holidays. *Children under the age of 18 sail free when travelling with two full fare paying adults (children only pay port taxes, flights or bookable extras). For further visit www.msccruises.co.uk or call MSC Cruises on 0844 561 1955. Thu, 28 Jul 2011 18:38:00 GMT http://www.msccruises.co.uk/uk_en/About-MSC-Cruises/News/MSC-CRUISES-RETURNS-TO-TUNISIA.aspx MSC Cruises announced today that its cruises will be calling at the Tunis port of La Goulette on a regular basis again starting from July. “The country is back to normal, security is now stable and we are glad to offer our guests one of their favourite destinations again for this summer’s 7-night cruises in the Mediterranean. Tourism represents one of the biggest resources for this country’s economic revival and we are proud to be making our contribution” declared MSC Cruises CEO Pierfrancesco Vago. MSC Fantasia and MSC Lirica are scheduled to return to La Goulette on July 5th, with MSC Splendida and MSC Sinfonia calling at the port the day after. The 4 cruise ships will offer 7-night cruises exploring the most breathtakingly beautiful areas of the Western Mediterranean, with MSC Lirica calling at Genoa (Italy), Ajaccio (France), Civitavecchia (Italy), Salerno (Italy), La Goulette (Tunisia), Palma de Mallorca (Majorca, Spain), Marseille (France) and Genoa (Italy), MSC Fantasia calling at Genoa (Italy), Marseille (France), Barcelona (Spain), La Goulette (Tunisia), La Valletta (Malta), Messina (Italy), Civitavecchia (Italy) and Genoa (Italy), MSC Splendida calling at Genoa (Italy), Naples (Italy), Palermo (Italy), La Goulette (Tunisia), Palma, Barcelona (Spain), Marseille (France) and Genoa (Italy), and MSC Sinfonia calling at Livorno (Italy), Villefranche (France), Valencia (Spain), Ibiza (Spain), La Goulette (Tunisia), Catania (Italy), Naples (Italy) and Livorno (Italy). MSC Cruises will also be offering Tunis as a winter destination on MSC Splendida’s six 7-night cruises sailing between December 2011 and March 2012, departing from Genoa. Guests visiting Tunis can enjoy its renowned North African hospitality on a varied array of excursions offered by MSC Cruises. The city welcomes MSC guests and never fails to enchant with its famous archeological site at Carthage, typical spice market in the Medina, traditional fishing village Sidi Bou Said and much, much more - including, of course, La Goulette itself. Mon, 13 Jun 2011 10:34:00 GMT http://www.msccruises.co.uk/uk_en/About-MSC-Cruises/News/MSC_OPERA_UPDATE.aspx SOUTHAMPTON, May 27th 2011 MSC Cruises is delighted to announce that MSC Opera left Southampton today to begin her 8 night cruise to the Norwegian Fjords, calling at Amsterdam (The Netherland) and Bergen, Flaam, Stavanger, Oslo (Norway), and back to Southampton (UK). Docked at the port of Southampton since May 25th MSC Opera was visited, as per standard procedure, by Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) staff and released as fully compliant with International maritime safety regulations. MSC Opera will call at Southampton port throughout the season for a total of 5 cruises to the Norwegian Fjords, and 9 cruises along the Atlantic coast, calling at Amsterdam (The Netherland), La Rochelle (France), Bilbao, La Coruna (Spain), and Cherbourg (France). MSC Opera will depart from Southampton on September 16th for a leisurely 11 night coastal cruise along Spain and Italy and will arrive in Venice on September 27th. Fri, 27 May 2011 18:00:00 GMT http://www.msccruises.co.uk/uk_en/About-MSC-Cruises/News/MSC-Cruises-Gives-Diners-More-Choice.aspx Italian family-owned company MSC Cruises is rolling out some exciting new additions to its dining options. Available from the end of April its entire fleet, these are designed to make an MSC cruise more exciting, varied and flexible than ever before. Complementing the elegant dining experience afforded by MSC’s waiter service and specialty restaurants, guests can now enjoy a more casual dining experience, with the buffet restaurants introducing an evening service with no fixed sitting times. Thus passengers are now free to dine at a time to suit them, whether they fancy a spontaneous, early evening dining solution before or after a Spa treatment or a late night feast prior to enjoying some of the outstanding leisure facilities on board. Younger guests will particularly welcome the idea of short, informal feeds – particularly when they discover that MSC’s buffet restaurants will be extending the wide choice available to include the company’s legendary fresh pizza and, on many of the ships, a delicious range of kebabs as well! In addition, MSC Cruises will now be offering complimentary American coffee and a range of teas not just during breakfast and buffet dining, but 24 hours a day. These thoughtful innovations are typical of MSC Cruises, a company which has become a byword for industry-leading choice, convenience and flexibility. Thu, 05 May 2011 14:41:00 GMT http://www.msccruises.co.uk/uk_en/About-MSC-Cruises/News/MSC-Favolosa-2012.aspx MSC Favolosa delivered in June 2012 Fri, 01 Oct 2010 18:17:00 GMT http://www.msccruises.co.uk/uk_en/About-MSC-Cruises/News/Abu-Dhabi-New-Winter-Routes-2011-2012.aspx MSC Cruises is pleased to announce the United Arab Emirates as a new destination for its 2011-12 winter collection. The elegant MSC Lirica will be based in Abu Dhabi and Dubai for her busy 2011-2012 winter season. The itinerary includes a full schedule of nineteen 8 day-7 night cruises from Abu Dhabi, with departures every Sunday from October 30th through to March 4th 2012 and from Dubai, with departures every Friday, from October 28th to March 9th 2012. The luxurious 59,000-ton MSC Lirica, which has capacity for a total of 2069 guests in 780 cabins will call at the port of Muscat in the Sultanate of Oman, Al Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates, the island Kingdom of Bahrain and include two unforgettable nights in Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. MSC Cruises UK and Ireland Managing Director, Giulio Libutti comments, “MSC Cruises is experiencing an unprecedented growth in the UK and Irish markets at present and we welcome the expansion of being able to offer more choice to our passengers by cruising to the United Arab Emirates. We see this as an exciting cruise destination and predict a high demand of sales.” October 14th 2011 MSC Lirica will depart from Genoa, Italy, for a 17 day-16 night maiden cruise to Abu Dhabi, to start her first ever cruise season in the United Arab Emirates. Her southbound course will take her from the Mediterranean Sea with calls in Naples, Italy, and Port Said, Egypt, through the Suez Canal to Aqaba in Jordan, Salalah and Muscat in Oman and finally to Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. Arabia will say farewell to MSC Lirica five months later, on March 9th from Dubai, or on March 11th 2012 from Abu Dhabi, when she starts her northbound return cruise to Genoa in Italy. Scheduled stops are Al Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates, Muscat and Salalah in Oman, Safaga in Egypt, Aqaba in Jordan, Port Sokhna in Egypt, through the Suez Canal to Port Said and finally to Naples and Genoa. Ports of call during the Arabian itinerary include: • Abu Dhabi is a cosmopolitan metropolis rich in splendours, from the magnificent Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the largest in the world with its 800 domes and 1,000 columns, to the Heritage Village, Emirates Palace and Al Ain archaeological site with its palace museum. Guests can head into the desert to enjoy the thrill of a roller coaster ride through sand dunes or stay in the city for some of the finest, most sophisticated shopping on the planet. • Dubai defies definition as an ultramodern city steeped in tradition, flanking the coast with a natural creek on the edge of the Arabian Desert. Guests will delight in its worlds within worlds, discovering Ajman’s famous museum and souk, taking a leisurely tour of the city in a traditional Dhow after dinner, traversing the desert’s golden dunes in a 4x4 or bathing in the natural pools at Hatta. • Bahrain means “two seas” in Arabic, referring to the freshwater springs of this magically unique archipelago of 32 islands, famed for its pearls since the Persian Empire. Guests can prepare themselves to be inspired by the prehistoric Royal Tombs and pottery at A’ali, alongside modern achievements that include the International Motor Racing Circuit and the 15-mile King Fahd Causeway to Saudi Arabia. • Al Fujairah is a jewel of history and nature, set in majestic hillsides and wadis inhabited since the Iron Age. Visitors marvel at its atmospheric old city and 17th century fortress, Al Bithna Oasis with its prehistoric tomb, and the exquisite village of Masafi in the Hajar Mountains. Sun-seekers will find their own paradise in its scenic secluded beaches. • Muscat has been renowned as one of the world’s greatest ports since Ancient Rome. Guests can journey through time in the breathtaking Al Jalali and Al Mirani forts, the bustling souk, the magnificent Sultan Qaboos Mosque and the Beit Al Zubair museum. Then they can treat themselves to the timeless natural fragrances of the exclusive Amouage perfumery. Fri, 01 Oct 2010 17:44:00 GMT http://www.msccruises.co.uk/uk_en/About-MSC-Cruises/News/MSCcruiseslaunchesnewwebsite.aspx MSC Cruises is delighted to announce that its brand new website will be live from 1st October 2010, www.msccruises.co.uk. Completely redesigned and restructured, the new site has a slick look-and-feel driven by more powerful technology, providing a faster and more dynamic user experience. Packed with interactive web 2.0 content such as video streams, multimedia tours and quick search tools, visitors can immerse themselves into a wonderful online universe, perfect for planning their next cruise holiday. The new site, composed of over 700 static pages, 1300 dynamic pages and over 5,000 glorious images as well as videos and virtual tours is an exciting, more user-friendly version of the previous website. Fully optimized for search engines, the crisp new-look site boasts a more intuitive and user-friendly navigation and layout. Visitors will notice a significant difference and immediate ease of use compared to the old site. Enhanced content Visitors will find extensive information about the MSC Cruises fleet and in-depth content on all MSC cruise destinations, comprehensive overviews of each destination city through to the finer details of the cruise excursions including what to wear and weather. A new section on the MSC Club will prove informative to existing and new members, as will another brand new section about what to expect from an MSC cruise holiday. Born from research Rather than simply being a smart marketing exercise, the decision to re-launch www.msccruises.co.uk was born out of intense research and the understanding that crisp design and intuitive navigation enhances the online experience. Great attention was paid to researching the most frequently-used keywords by MSC’s target traveller audience, as well as the quality of content, making searches more pertinent. MSC Cruises is delighted with the new website, a fitting online environment that truly reflects the luxurious environment onboard! Key features of the re-look website: • Original web content • More visitor interaction, such as social bookmarking, RSS feeds, web 2.0 video streaming • Brand-new multimedia area • New and revised destinations section (macro-destinations, countries and ports) • A dynamic cruise search tool, including departure dates and calendar • Features live prices and availability • Optimised to render well on new generation phones Wed, 29 Sep 2010 17:39:00 GMT http://www.msccruises.co.uk/uk_en/About-MSC-Cruises/News/MSC-Cruise-Deals-For-National-Cruise-Week.aspx MSC Cruises is offering a welcome gift of champagne, tray of strawberries coated in chocolate and two MSC souvenir flutes to customers who book an MSC cruise during National Cruise week, taking place from the 19 – 26 September 2010. Passengers wishing to take advantage of this gift should quote ‘MSC welcome gift’ when calling the MSC reservations number on 0844 561 1955 or their local travel agent during National Cruise Week. In addition, MSC Cruises is offering free flights on MSC Yacht Club bookings taken between 15 September and 15 October 2010 on select departures. The early booking price starts from £1,799pp (based on double occupancy) and is available for 2011 departures on the MSC Splendida and MSC Fantasia on 11 night cruises in January, February and March 2011 and 7 night cruises taken in May, June, September, October and November 2011 (excluding Easter). The MSC Yacht Club offers the best in luxury and privacy, located on the most desirable foredecks, passengers are treated to twenty-four hour butler service and exclusive areas onboard. During National Cruise Week, MSC Cruises along with Passenger Shipping Association (PSA) are giving passengers who book an Ex-UK 2011 cruise on MSC Opera a chance to take their cruise for free. All MSC Opera Ex-UK bookings will be entered into a draw with one lucky winner being drawn at random. For further information or to book an MSC cruise visit www.msccruises.co.uk or call MSC Cruises reservation line on 0844 561 1955 Mon, 20 Sep 2010 13:57:00 GMT http://www.msccruises.co.uk/uk_en/About-MSC-Cruises/News/Southampton-port-2011.aspx MSC Poesia sailed to Southampton on a maiden port of call during its Ocean Voyage Cruise earlier this week, on 7 September 2010. This was the first time MSC Poesia has called to Southampton Port. MSC Cruises marked the event by inviting travel agents, consumers, press and MSC Club members onboard for the day, where they enjoyed a ship tour and lunch onboard. Prior to having lunch in the Ii Palladio restaurant, guests were presented with a food demonstration on how to make an Italian classic, gnocchi. Other highlights of the day included a presentation by Agustin Garcia from the Spanish Tourist Board and Susana Roel Cabal of La Coruna Port Authority, who were invited onboard following a recently formed collaboration between MSC Cruises and the Spanish Tourist Board to promote Mediterranean sailings and Spain as a destination. MSC Poesia is currently cruising to the United States where it will tour North America and Canada before positioning in the Caribbean for the winter cruiser season. Tue, 07 Sep 2010 16:41:00 GMT http://www.msccruises.co.uk/uk_en/About-MSC-Cruises/News/Senior-Special-Saving-Offers.aspx MSC Cruises has extended its fantastic senior special rate offer to run throughout the month of September. The decision was made to extend the offer following the huge response MSC Cruises has had so far, with more than 2,000 cabins booked. Over 55 year olds can benefit on all bookings made for Ex-UK cruise rotations, sailing from Southampton in 2011 on MSC Opera. Passengers can chose to cruise on itineraries to Northern and Western Europe from as little as £599 per person. Tue, 31 Aug 2010 17:06:00 GMT http://www.msccruises.co.uk/uk_en/About-MSC-Cruises/News/MSC-Magnifica-guest-in-a-shell.aspx This is the story of Isabel, the green sea turtle, and a heart-warming story it is - especially considering 2010 is the International Year of Biodiversity. Rescued by the famous oceanographer Jacques Cousteau forty years ago, Isabel lived in captivity at the Stuttgart Aquarium for thirty years before being transferred to the Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn in Naples. She could have lived to the end of her long life in either of the marine centres, but that would have been a blow both for Isabel and for biodiversity, since she would have been without a male companion and unable to follow her instincts and return to the few remaining nesting areas of her species, Chelonia mydas - an endangered species on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List™. So, after years of preparation to make sure Isabel was ready, a rescue team was formed to give the 1-metre turtle a chance to breed in her natural habitat. That’s when MSC Cruises became involved, enthusiastically responding to the call for help. Which is how Isabel became MSC’s first guest in a shell on Sunday 27th June, cruising on MSC Magnifica from Bari in Italy to Izmir in Turkey, where she disembarked on Tuesday 29th June. During her 2-day cruise on the newest ship in the MSC fleet, Isabel was cared for by two Italian zoologists, who introduced her to delighted guests, explaining the challenges and risks involved in conserving biodiversity. On Tuesday morning, the scientists left Isabel in the hands of their colleagues at the University of Pamukkale, who will soon release her on the world-famous Iztuzu Beach - one of three breeding grounds for sea turtles in Turkey. Isabel has been fitted with a small satellite transmitter so she can continue to be studied, while also enabling animal-lovers to track her movements online at http://www.seaturtle.org. MSC Cruises immediate involvement in the project provides further testimony to its very real commitment to the environment. MSC considers itself a Guardian of the Seas and treats the oceans of the world with the utmost respect, believing that by acting green, we can all help keep the waters blue. The Italian family-owned company translates these policies into concrete action, with internationally-acclaimed plastics, glass, metal and even cooking oil recycling programmes on its ships, which keep its ecological footprint to a minimum. In 2009, for example, 48 tons of aluminium were recycled and 75 tons of used cooking oil were converted to biofuel. MSC Cruises’ substantial investments in advanced ecological technology also include monitoring systems that cut climate conditioning energy consumption in public areas and cabins by up to 30%, while Advanced Waste Water Treatment plants on board process liquid waste as effectively as any modern land-based facilities. All of which of course helps Isabel and her future offspring enjoy a more promising future - and our younger generations along Mon, 05 Jul 2010 18:16:00 GMT http://www.msccruises.co.uk/uk_en/About-MSC-Cruises/News/Iceland-Volcanic.aspx The recent ash cloud from the volcanic eruption in Iceland has closed numerous airports and grounded flights in Europe. At MSC Crociere we’re actively monitoring the situation and working with passengers who’ve been impacted. Guests are encouraged to check flight arrivals and departures with their air carrier in order to obtain up-to-the-minute information regarding their flight schedules. MSC Crociere is maintaining its current sailing schedule with no impact or cancellations to its future cruise schedule. We are working with passengers who’ve booked their cruise and airfare through MSC Cruises on a case-by-case basis to ensure debarking guests safe passage home and embarking guests passage on their scheduled cruise or on a future cruise. Guests booking a cruise-only with MSC Crociere and purchased their airfare either on their own or through a travel agent, should contact their air travel insurance provider and/or travel agent. A MSC Crociere’ 24-hour hotline was set up. Austria tel. 0043 6644352155 Belgium tel. 0032 495522184 France tel. 0033 148047620 Germany Monday to Friday from 09.00 am till 7.00 pm Saturday from 09.00 am till 2.00 pm Tel. 0049 89 8563550 Rest of the time tel. 0049 172 381 3617 Netherlands tel. 0031 6463063110 Sweden tel. 0046 86672120 Switzerland tel. 0041 79 204 9709 UK tel. 0044 7917830153 Tue, 20 Apr 2010 16:18:00 GMT http://www.msccruises.co.uk/uk_en/About-MSC-Cruises/News/Poesia-100-points.aspx MSC Poesia received the top score of 100 points by the US public Health Service (USPHS) Thu, 25 Mar 2010 10:46:00 GMT http://www.msccruises.co.uk/uk_en/About-MSC-Cruises/News/South-African-cruise-season.aspx MSC Cruises to bring both MSC Sinfonia and MSC Melody for the 2010/11 South African cruise season Wed, 24 Mar 2010 10:46:00 GMT http://www.msccruises.co.uk/uk_en/About-MSC-Cruises/News/Information-Magnifica-Dubrovnik.aspx Important information fo MSC Magnifica cruises calling to Dubrovnik Thu, 11 Mar 2010 10:46:00 GMT http://www.msccruises.co.uk/uk_en/About-MSC-Cruises/News/Hamburg-Magnifica-celebration.aspx Hamburg celebrates the newest jewel in the MSC Cruises fleet Mon, 08 Mar 2010 10:46:00 GMT http://www.msccruises.co.uk/uk_en/About-MSC-Cruises/News/MSC-UNICEF-MSC-Magnifica.aspx MSC Magnifica continues MSC Cruises’ commitment to Unicef Tue, 02 Mar 2010 10:47:00 GMT http://www.msccruises.co.uk/uk_en/About-MSC-Cruises/News/MSC-Favolosa-2012.aspx MSC Favolosa delivered in June 2012 Mon, 01 Mar 2010 10:47:00 GMT http://www.msccruises.co.uk/uk_en/About-MSC-Cruises/News/Magnifica-Flag-Ceremony.aspx MSC Magnifica flag Ceremony. The most modern fleet in the world continues to grow Thu, 25 Feb 2010 10:47:00 GMT http://www.msccruises.co.uk/uk_en/About-MSC-Cruises/News/msc-rated-berlitz-guide.aspx MSC Cruises highly rated by prestigious Berlitz Guide Tue, 16 Feb 2010 10:47:00 GMT http://www.msccruises.co.uk/uk_en/About-MSC-Cruises/News/MSC-Best-Wines.aspx MSC Cruises offers guests some of 2010’s best wines Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:47:00 GMT