MSC Cruises aims to be in the lead in the Mediterranean, thanks to an expansion plan which will see its fleet grow to 11 ships by 2009, offering more than one million berths, to further strengthen its position as the European market leader.
Just 12 years ago, in 1995, the company started with a fleet of only two ships: the MSC Monterey and the MSC Rhapsody, which were joined in 1997 by the MSC Melody. All three ships are unique in class and style, able to offer guests the comfort and intimate atmosphere of exclusive yachts. 2003 saw the launch of the era of the four sister ships: first to arrive was the MSC Lirica, joined in 2004 by the MSC Opera, and by the MSC Armonia and the MSC Sinfonia in 2005. These same-sized ships were all built by Chantiers de l’Atlantique, presently known as Aker Yards France. In 2006, the arrival of the MSC Musica, launched in Venice on 29 June, saw the beginnings of a new generation of MSC Cruises vessels – the Musica will be followed by the MSC Orchestra, which will be launched in Civitavecchia on 14 May and the MSC Poesia in 2008.
The MSC Musica class of ships have 1,275 cabins, 80 per cent of which have ocean view accommodation, including 65 per cent with private balconies and public areas for a total of 22,000 square metres.
MSC Cruises has also recently confirmed another order for Aker Yards: the building of MSC Fantasia and MSC Serenata. These are the biggest ships commissioned by a European ship owner, representing a total investment of over one billion euros.
These two ships will each be rated at 133,500 gross registered tons, a length of 333 metres and a width of 38 metres. Each will be able to accommodate up to 3,900 passengers and 1,313 crew.
The designs and concepts used for the building of MSC Cruises ships follow the standards of elegance and sophistication expressed in MSC Lirica, MSC Opera and MSC Musica.
MSC Cruises has sustained a huge development programme quite unique in the world of international cruises. In seven years, from 2003 till 2009, the fleet will have increased in size by nine units which, together with the other ships, will bring the fleet to a total of 11 ships: always maintaining the high standards of excellence of the on-board services, Italian cuisine, hospitality, design and sophisticated interiors – all aimed at giving guests personalised and impeccable service.
Hamilton Travel of 4 St Publius Street, Floriana, are the exclusive Malta general sales agents for MSC Cruises.