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Family owned and privately operated MSC Cruises has enjoyed a longstanding history on the seas since 1988 and is headed by Captain Gianluigi Aponte. Combining a deep heritage at sea with an enthusiastic, young and motivated management team MSC Cruises epitomises both innovation and tradition, blending maritime traditions, culture and famous Mediterranean cuisine to deliver the ultimate cruise experience. In essence, MSC Cruises has made true Italian service the heart of its business and its key point of differentiation in the cruise industry. MSC Cruises is known for bringing a touch of the Mediterranean to passengers on its classic ships. From the warm Italian staff to Italian language lessons and delicious Italian cuisine, MSC Cruises offers a unique on-board experience.
There are many passengers that still enjoy the smaller, more intimate classic vessels such as MSC's Rhapsody, whereas others prefer the "new builds" with balconies, such as Opera, Lirica, Armonia and Sinfonia and the even newer Magnifica, Fantasia and Splendida. Whichever vessel you choose you can be assured that MSC has taken a personal interest in every aspect of your cruise, from the designing of the ship to the layout, itineraries, food, procedures, ethics and values of the company and it is this differentiation that has proved to be a mark of MSC Cruises' success. All of the fleet offer the same high level of standard that is driving a continued expansion of MSC's worldwide business.
In 2010 MSC was once again honoured with high ratings in the 25th anniversary edition of the internationally acclaimed Berlitz Complete Guide to Cruising and Cruise ships, authored by world shipping guru, Douglas Ward. All nine of MSC Cruises’ luxury cruise liners listed in the “large resort ship” category were given an excellent rating of four out of a possible five, while the 10th ship in the company’s fleet, MSC Melody, rated an above average three in the “Mid-size ship” category. Highlights included the rating of MSC Cruises ships as the “cleanest” of all major cruise liners and praise for the company’s recycling efforts. Other accolades included the short-listing of the renowned MSC Aurea Spa aboard MSC Fantasia, as one of the 10 excellent shipboard spas of the world.
Tastes
Close your eyes and think of Italy. One of the first images that comes to mind is the cuccina for which Italy is known. On an MSC Italian Cruise you will experience the flavors and aromas of authentic Italian cuisine equal to those of fine restaurants. Try an appetizer of melon and prosciutto crudo, a pineapple gondola or true Italian salami. Enjoy our signature pasta dishes ranging from Dumplings Sorrento and Fettucine Alfredo to Linguini with Clams or Pesto. Experience the rich flavors of garlic, basil, olives, spicy red pepper and tomatoes in our traditional family-recipe sauces. Dont overlook the popular seafaring favorites--appetizers of shrimp cocktail and smoked salmon and entrees of lobster and fresh fish. Or, if you prefer, try our filet mignon or prime rib, grilled to perfection. Afterwards, youll have difficulty choosing from the large array of desserts--classic Italian treats of tiramisu and cannolis to your favorite cakes, cookies, pies and tarts della mama!
Wine connoisseurs will savour the selections presented or you might prefer to cap dinner off with a cappuccino or espresso. If youre celebrating a honeymoon, birthday or anniversary do it in style with a cake, some bubbly and an Italian serenade. Just let the MaitreD know beforehand and hell take care of the rest. Throughout your voyage you can dine al fresco at the informal on-deck buffets, choose to dress up or stay casual for evening dinner and then stop by the midnight buffet for a late night snack.
Leisure & Entertainment
After dinner and dessert, let MSC Italian Cruises entertain you. The evenings entertainment features top class bands providing listening music for all tastes and ages. Many of the nightly shows have an accent of the Mediterranean, such as vivid Flamenco dancers from Spain, or a show with historical glances back into Old Europe. On other nights you will be transported to New York City as you sit in the audience watching famous Broadway shows you either know and love or haven't had the chance to see. If you didn't catch a movie during the afternoon, see whats playing at the cinema.
Afterwards, if you're feeling lucky, swing by the Casino for some poker, roulette or blackjack and then stop by the midnight buffet for a late-night snack. Finally, dance the night away in one of the many nightspots that stay alive into the wee hours. You can always slip away for a quiet drink on deck to enjoy the tranquility of the clear, star-studded nighttime sky over the water, but with so many choices, the entertainment on deck sparkles like city nightlife and will definitely tempt you.
Pampering
Time is the greatest luxury and on-board an MSC ship, life goes at your pace. Whatever your definition of relaxation, an MSC Cruise is your getaway to bliss. Sleep in or wake up early. Stroll around the deck or run on the jogging track. Get refreshed with a swim in one of the pools or relax your body and mind in the jacuzzi. Workout at the gym or sweat it out to one of the many aerobic and step classes offered on board. Treat yourself to a visit to the spa for a massage or a sauna.
Join in a game of cards, table tennis or shuffleboard or, if you-re up for it, play a game of tennis or volleyball. Stretch out underneath the warm Mediterranean sun with a good book from the ships library or catch up on the news from home with the daily Satellite News Review. Sip tropical drinks and lounge on a deck chair with new friends or browse through the duty free shops. If youre feeling tired, take an afternoon nap; a siesta is the Mediterranean way to restore your energy for the night ahead.
Whatever you chose, there-s always plenty to do on deck, even if you prefer to do absolutely nothing.
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