MSC Crociere’s extraordinary reputation for creating ships that are as spectacularly beautiful as they are lavish was enriched in December 2008 with the launch of MSC Fantasia, the largest ship ever commissioned by a European cruise company and without a question the most luxurious. Curiosity was intense regarding its architecture and creative design, the work of the renowned De Jorio Design Studio. MSC Fantasia comfortably astonished expectations with its creative variety, elegance, sumptuous materials and sheer scale, while at the same time, however, never being overwhelming, thanks to the many niche ambients carefully designed into every area so that guests can always enjoy close moments with family and friends.
What many were not aware of, however, is that they were not looking at a single achievement but in fact two, with MSC Crociere working on twin ships simultaneously to launch its Fantasia class. That second ship, MSC Splendida, is now nearing completion, looking forward to a separate launch and christening of its own in Barcelona on 12 July 2009.
This second most beautiful ship in the world, the MSC Splendida will call at Malta for the first time on her maiden voyage 3 days after being launched – on 15 July – and will continue to enter Malta every Wednesday up to 11 November.
Twin sisters the new ships may be, boasting the same advanced technology and ecological credentials, but identical twins they are not, with MSC Splendida astounding even the staff of MSC Crociere with the extent to which it outshines its sister. Each ship is completed separately as individual creations, with different themed lounges, bars and entertainment venues, sports facilities and speciality restaurants. The only shared features are the hallmark sweeping Swarovski crystal staircases, the Aqua Park main pool with its 150 fountains and water jets, and the North Pole children’s play centre, which is similar on both ships so young fans can feel at home in their own special paradise cruise after cruise.
The keynote is variety and it’s a tremendous achievement, with the sister ships together offering over 54,000 square metres of public space encircling a total of 10 pools, 24 whirlpool baths, eight restaurants, four buffets, 36 bars and lounges, eight independent sports facilities, two theatres seating 3,206 people between them and 38 leisure and entertainment venues, each with their own unique design and style.
Yet it’s more than the sheer size of these ships which takes one’s breath away, although each is four metres taller than the Tower of Pisa and features its own traditional Italian piazza with original stonework (in Genoan style on the MSC Fantasia and Neapolitan style on the MSC Splendida).
Equally impressive is the uncompromising quality of the materials used, including 16,000 square metres of marble and 76,000 square metres of pile carpet in a total of 43 different colours for the cabins and corridors. Cruising the heart of the Mediterranean and the adjacent European Atlantic seaboard, MSC Splendida will be embarking on a series of itineraries to many of history’s famous sites, including Alexandria, Ashdod, Athens, Barcelona, Casablanca, Crete, Genoa, Madeira, Malta, Malaga, Naples, Olympia, Rhodes, Rome, Taormina, Tenerife and Tunis. Hamilton Travel of 4, St Publius Street, Floriana, Tel No 2124-1292 are the exclusive General Sales Agents of all MSC Crociere’s cruise liners and will be embarking 4,000 Maltese and Gozitan passengers on the MSC Splendida this summer.