ABOUT MSC CRUISES

  MSC Seascape, MSC Cruises’ latest fun-filled flagship, today reached New York City ahead of her glamorous Naming Ceremony. The event will take place on Wednesday 7^th December at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal, and will be the Line’s first ship to be named in New York City, in recognition of the addition of New York as a new homeport in April 2023 bringing even more choice of North American embarkation ports and itineraries for MSC Cruises guests from both North America and the rest of the world.   MSC Seascape will offer an immersive experience truly connecting guests with the sea through and the beautiful design and her impressive outdoor spaces that can be enjoyed for relaxation, dining, and entertainment. Some of the key highlights include:  

• Technologically advanced onboard entertainment options, including the new ROBOTRON – a thrilling amusement ride that offers the breath-taking thrill of a rollercoaster at sea combined with a personalised DJ music experience
• Awe-inspiring entertainment, with six fantastical new productions and 98 hours of exclusive onboard entertainment featuring interactive elements
• 700 square metres of dedicated kids’ space and cutting-edge amusement options, with newly designed spaces for ages 0 to 17
• 2,270 cabins, featuring 12 different kinds of suites and staterooms with balconies (including the iconic aft suites featured on all Seaside class ships)
• 11 dining venues, 19 bars and lounges, with many options for ‘Al Fresco’ dining and drinking
• Six swimming pools, including a stunning aft infinity pool with incredible ocean views
• The largest and most luxurious MSC Yacht Club in MSC Cruises’ fleet, with approximately 32,000 square feet of space featuring sweeping ocean views from the front of the ship
• An expansive 1,772-foot-long waterfront promenade that puts guests closer to the ocean
• A spectacular glass-floored Bridge of Sighs at deck 16 with a unique view of the sea

  MSC Seascape will offer two different 7-night itineraries from Miami, in the sun-soaked Caribbean:  

• Eastern Caribbean: Calling at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve and Nassau in The Bahamas, San Juan in Puerto Rico, and Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic
• Western Caribbean: Calling at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, Cozumel in Mexico, George Town in the Cayman Islands and Ocho Rios in Jamaica

  MSC Cruises is the world’s fastest growing cruise line and the third largest cruise brand in the world. With a truly global footprint, the line is continuing to expand and grow with two new ships coming into service in 2022 – MSC World Europa and MSC Seascape – and MSC Euribia hot on their heels in summer 2023.   To find out more about MSC Seascape visit here.

 

Step into a winter wonderland on board MSC Virtuosa this Christmas

  MSC Cruises is bringing Christmas to the seas this year with a host of festivities on board MSC Virtuosa from 21^st November. From dazzling decorations to the famous twinkling Christmas Light Chain, the ship will shimmer and shine with the magic of the season.   Guests can experience all the joy of a Christmas at home, complete with magical markets, traditional carol singing, and festive-themed parties, while exploring winter wonderland sceneries in Le Harve, Amsterdam and Bruges. And the cherry on top of the (Christmas) cake? Sailings depart from Southampton, which makes this the ultimate hassle-free holiday.   Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a market and MSC Virtuosa will have its very own, decorated with wooden Alpine chalets and tempting market stalls. Guests can discover festive delights like Glühwein, Lumumba cocktail or hot chocolate, and traditional tasty treats like baked apples, hot dogs and Bratwursts.   There will be themed events with ice-cool music, including a Sunshine Party, a White Party and even a Snow Party, complete with a snow cannon. Guests can enjoy t-shirt painting, Christmas card and decoration workshops and gift-wrapping masterclasses, to name a few. Join the MSC Crew’s Got Talent show or sing along to seasonal favourites with Christmas Karaoke and carol singing. Guests can take part in the world’s most famous cooking talent show, MasterChef Christmas Edition, where the lucky winner will have the opportunity to take part in the casting of the TV show. There’s even an onboard curling track for sports fans to try out. Plus, there’s a packed onshore excursion programme, with visits to some of the best Christmas markets in the world including Amsterdam’s Christmas Market held at the Ice Village on Museumplein.   Those looking for the ultimate VIP experience while onboard celebrating the festive season should look no further than MSC Yacht Club. Guests can indulge in the luxury of a private club while enjoying access to a myriad of recreation and entertainment possibilities that the ship has to offer. Lavishly appointed suites, an exclusive 24-hour butler service and a dedicated concierge are just the beginning of these exclusive cruise experiences. Yacht Club guests can enjoy a traditional English High Tea with three courses and a selection of teas or champagne, prosecco and champagne cocktails.   Experience the charm of the ‘Northern Pearls’ on the MSC Northern Europe winter cruise, sailing from Southampton to Hamburg, Amsterdam, Zeebrugge, Bruges and Le Havre from £399 per person. The itineraries are available to view and purchase here. To find out more about MSC Virtuosa click here.

MSC Cruises will deploy MSC Opera as a floating hotel in Doha during the 2022 World Cup. It is working with Qatar's Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, and the ship will be berthed ready to welcome fans in the port from 19 November through 19 December It joins MSC World Europa and MSC Poesia during the tournament. The ship can be booked for a minimum of two nights through MSC Cruises: https://www.msccruises.co.uk/cruise-deals/msc-opera-cruise-ship-hotel or through a travel agent.  MSC Opera offers a variety of lounges and entertainment venues including the La Cabala Piano Lounge, the Teatro dell 'Opera theatre for evening entertainment, a range of restaurants, a spa, gym, swimming pools and whirlpools located throughout the ship's nine decks. It will offer 1,075 passenger cabins.

MSC Cruises today announced will offer a Red Sea seven-night itinerary with MSC Splendida for the winter 2022/2023 season It comprises 33 shore excursions available including the addition of Cairo, and three embarkation ports in Sokhna Port and Safaga in Egypt plus Jeddah in Saudi Arabia. MSC Splendida's seven-night sailings call at Sokhna Port, Safaga for Hurghada and Luxor, Egypt; Aqaba for Petra, Jordan; Jeddah for AlUla, Saudi Arabia and Yanbu, Saudi Arabia. The line also revealed a nine-night holiday option under its 'Fly&Cruise' programme with a two-night pre-stay in Cairo before the seven-night voyage. An extended 13 hour stay in Sokhna Port, Egypt allows for trips to the Great Pyramid of Giza. A programme of shore excursions is available at each port. It includes Sokhna Port for Cairo, Aqaba for Petra, Jordan and Safaga for Hurghada and Luxor.

MSC Cruises has updated its Covid-19 protocols and guidelines for UK departures. From 1 October 2022 the requirement to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 has changed from ‘required’ to ‘recommended’. MSC Cruises has also updated it's Covid-19 testing requirements for anyone departing from the UK. From 1 October 2022, all fully vaccinated guests presenting a valid vaccination certificate are recommended but not required to test before embarking. For any unvaccinated guests (five years and older), a RT-PCR or Antigen test within 48 hours prior to the ship's departure remains mandatory. MSC Cruises is also reminding customers that Covid-19 insurance is not mandatory but is strongly recommended. Changes to Covid-19 travel requirements have also been applied to other embarkation ports including those in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Caribbean and others.

MSC Cruises is offering a new booking incentive for UK travel agents, as part of CLIA Cruise Week to help drive bookings for sailings on board MSC Virtuosa.  Customer bookings made until 2 October 2022 will receive up to £200 in on board credit for their trip on MSC Virtuosa. The onboard credit will be based on the length of the sailing booked and will be valid on MSC Virtuosa sailings departing Southampton between October 2022 to October 2023. Bookings can be made through travel agents or directly online. Steve Williams, Director of Sales, UK & Ireland, MSC Cruises commented, "Agents in our network are benefitting from some of the opportunities we're offering. Our mission at MSC Cruises is to make cruise holidays the best value in the industry, thanks to our dedicated team of travel advisors." Clients who book a balcony cabin or higher will receive onboard credit based on the duration of their trip with 10 nights and above gaining £200 per cabin (£100.00 solo occupancy). Clients can redeem the offer by booking through a travel agent who can complete their booking at www.mscbook.com or directly online at www.msccruises.co.uk.

  Today marks the launch of the brand new 2023 itineraries for MSC Virtuosa. It was announced recently that MSC Virtuosa will be based in the UK for the 22/23 season after roaring success during previous years. MSC Virtuosa was the first ship in the UK to restart cruising following the relaxing of covid restrictions last year and has been a firm British favourite due to its wide variety of destinations and exceptional on board offering. We have collated 4 of the best sailings which have recently launched covering a selection of destinations and trip lengths – everything from new to cruise to a once in a lifetime trip for seasoned cruisers.   Perfect for… escaping the January blues Escape the January blues with a 21 day cruise taking you across Europe from Southampton to Hamburg, Lisbon, Casablanca and many more. This sailing offers passengers the chance to explore a number of popular European destinations within a single holiday and is the perfect sailing for experienced cruisers who are looking for a big trip or those who just want a longer break. Excursions like Segway Tours in Lisbon and a tour of the city and Hassan II’s Mosque in Casablanca will allow you to see the best of the destinations from a new perspective. Sailing departs from Southampton on 6^th January and ports in Hamburg, Zeebrugge, Rotterdam, Le Havre, Lisbon, Cadiz, Casablanca, Funchal, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Arrecife de Lanzarote, La Coruna before returning to Southampton. Prices start from £1,899.   Perfect for…. Bank holiday escapes   A fantastic option for those looking for a break this Bank Holiday May, a 5 day mini cruise visiting Rotterdam, Ringaskiddy in Ireland and for the first time, Falmouth in Cornwall. The perfect escape for anyone looking to dip their toe into the world of cruising, start the trip by enjoying the buzzing nightlight and impressive architecture in Rotterdam and end it by sampling delicious Cornish pasties on the beautiful Cornish coast. Sailing departs from Southampton on 29^th May and ports in Rotterdam, Ringaskiddy and Falmouth before returning to Southampton on 3^rd June. Prices start from £669.   Perfect for…. discovering the best of the Fjords and Iceland   Amongst some of the most beautiful, remote and unspoiled landscapes on Earth, the Fjords are an absolute must see at least once in a lifetime and one of the best ways to see them is by cruise ship – which offers unbeatable panoramic views. This itinerary, departing from Southampton, explores many of Norway’s Fjords, and also visits Reykjavik, Iceland for the first time and Stornoway, Scotland for even more beautiful scenery. Enjoy stand-up paddle boarding in Alesund, and whale watching or a horseback nature trek in Iceland to really make the most of the beautiful landscapes. Sailing departs from Southampton on 3^rd June and ports in Greenock, Stornoway, Isafjordur, Reykjavik, Alesund, Maloy and the beautiful Flaam before returning to Southampton on 17^th June. Prices start from £1,599.   Perfect for…. getting to know Norway   Alongside the Fjords, Norway has many other beautiful towns and villages which are well worth a visit. Haugesund and Kristiansund are two picturesque locations with classic Norwegian architecture and beautiful views, showcasing Norway’s reputation as one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Enjoy excursions like a tour of the village of Høllen for a glimpse into old Norway or a visit to Setesdal Mineral Park to discover the origins of precious stones such as amethyst and topaz and get a more unusual experience of the country. Sailing departs from Southampton on 2^nd September and ports in Haugesund, Olden, Flaam, Kristiansund before returning to Southampton on 9^th September. Prices start from £749.   All of the new itineraries are available to view and purchase here. To find out more about MSC Virtuosa click here.

 

• MSC Cruises’ first World Class ship to offer guests of all ages an abundance of exciting entertainment options including new shows, immersive experiences, surprises and more
• Guests can enjoy five new themed parties, two new interactive big screen game shows, multiple state-of-the-art attractions and more in high-tech venues across the ship

  MSC World Europa, MSC Cruises’ most innovative and environmentally advanced flagship, is set to feature new and exciting next-level entertainment options that complement the ship’s innovative design and cutting-edge technology and will bring the onboard guest experience to a whole new level.   Guests of all ages will be able to enjoy awe-inspiring entertainment from morning to night, including three new concert-style shows in the multipurpose Luna Park Arena; five new full-scale theatre productions in the World Theatre; four themed experiences in the Panorama Lounge; and surprise, pop-up live exhibits throughout the ship.   Steve Leatham, MSC Cruises Global Head of Entertainment, said: “The brand-new interactive entertainment featured on board MSC World Europa will be unlike anything that our guests have ever experienced, combining futuristic technology and unique specially designed venues. From surprise moments that will take place during the entirety of the cruise to spectacular shows and state-of the-art venues, our guests will be blown away by the abundance of fantastic entertainment options on board as they find themselves at the heart of productions and immerse themselves in incredible performances and activities.”   The rich assortment of entertainment on board includes:   LUNA PARK ARENA WITH THREE INTERACTIVE SHOWS   The new Luna Park Arena is a 300-seat multifunctional entertainment venue that will host films, game shows, kids’ activities and different themed parties. During the day, the venue will host a variety of activities for all ages including a new VR Drone Academy, a Digital Dance Academy with three bespoke Dance with Flavia classes with Strictly Come Dancing champion Flavia Cacace-Mistry, Doremi’s Wake Up Rave for the ship’s youngest guests and two new large scale interactive gameshows. Throughout the cruise, guests will also have the opportunity to participate in a series of challenges aimed at breaking Guinness World Record titles through daytime events and an evening large scale show in the arena.   At night the venue comes to life once again with three interactive concerts bringing together technology and stunning visuals to create unique experiences for guests. Three new interactive shows include:  

• Symphonic Ibiza: Guests can enjoy a night of music and mystique with a big screen orchestra, modern Euro dance music, three specialty artists, dancers, a DJ, two vocalists, and an after-party club night.
• Supershow: This unique K POP party will allow guests to let loose as they learn dance routines and sing along with big songs. The show will feature specialist street dancers, acrobats, dancers, and vocalists. Participants will also be able to see themselves in a Boogie Cam on screen as they follow along with the dances.
• Crimson Club: This all-out action adventure for the whole family features a movie-themed stunt show with pop-up surprise moments in the auditorium. The audience will get to pick a side and interact via movie spy cams and actors mingling in the crowd.

  FIVE NEW FULL-SCALE THEATRE SHOWS   The main stage on board, the World Theatre, will feature five new original large-scale theatre shows focused on exploration, travel, the sea, theatre and sustainability. The shows will have exciting new features that will leave the audience astounded including amazing talent, LED visuals and incredible scenery and props, as well as 350 spectacular custom-made costumes. Shows include Eko with costumes made from recycled material, the original Amelia Earhart show with an E-Bike Stunt Wheel, A Night on Broadway featuring classic theatre show tunes that the audience will know and love, Cadmo The Landwalker focusing on exploration and Yellow Submarine which will feature amazing circus and magical elements based on Beatles songs.   PANORAMA LOUNGE   Located at the aft of the ship, the stunning Panorama Lounge will have music-themed experiences to enjoy over pre-show drinks, an interactive floor featuring unique designs that will transform the space and changing screens that reflect the theme of the night.   During the day, guests can tap into their creativity in the lounge with the help of interactive screens that will project their drawings onto the lounge’s floor as GIFs or watch as the floor turns into a giant colouring book for all ages to fill in unique designs.  At night, guests can enjoy four immersive 90-minute music experiences that showcase styles of dance from over the decades and across the globe including samba, tango, waltz, disco, lindy hop and many more. With live bands, dancers, singers, aerialists and acrobats, each experience will follow different themes, such as Let’s Get Loud with fiesta themed music like “Despacito” and “Bailamos,” Ultimate Disco featuring bright colours and classics including “Boogie Wonderland” and “Turn the Beat Around,” Bandstand Boogie taking guests back with old-school tunes and Rock Evolution – a rock and roll dance party featuring the iconic hits like “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” that will get guests up and out of their seats. Then stay for a little longer as the venue transitions into a themed nightclub-style after party.   STREET THEATRE   Not only can shows and interactive activities be enjoyed in the dedicated venues on MSC World Europa, but there will also be a variety of surprise moments that pop up throughout different areas of the ship during the entirety of the cruise. The two different living exhibitions focus on Instagrammable content that centre on the themes of Earth and Ocean. Artists, actors, musicians and inflatables will contribute to these surprise experiences on the ship that will stop guests in their tracks as they move their way through MSC World Europa.   UNBEATABLE ATTRACTIONS FOR ALL   The ship is also outfitted with unique attractions and activities that will provide even more options for entertainment. The first of its kind, The Venom Drop @ The Spiral is the longest at sea dry slide that spans 11 decks with sleek curves that will not only be popular with those who love adventure but will also act as an impressive architectural centrepiece. In addition, the ship will feature the fleet’s largest waterpark with VR technology. Throughout the cruise, guests can also participate in a variety of activities during their days at sea, from roller disco and rock & roll bingo to bumper cars and a football-themed challenge. Completing MSC World Europa’s high-tech entertainment offering, a Sundowner DJ party that will take place each evening with a holographic DJ experience – a truly unforgettable way to enjoy a sunset at sea.  

MSC Cruises new flagship, MSC World Europa will be named in Doha, Qatar on 13 November. The naming ceremony will officially inaugurate the city's new Grand Cruise Terminal. It also supports Qatar's Vision 2030 to triple the number of international tourists visiting the country. Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman, Cruise Division of MSC Group, said: "Qatar will continue to play an important role in our strategy to expand our presence in the broader Gulf region. I would like to thank Qatar Airways for its collaborative partnership and strong support." The ship naming ceremony will be a star-studded event with live entertainment and performances as well as the traditional maritime bottle breaking moment. Further details will be revealed in due course. Akbar Al Baker, Chairman of Qatar Tourism and Qatar Airways Group CEO, said: "Qatar has taken important steps to position itself as a world class destination for cruise passengers and the naming ceremony of MSC World Europa in Doha is another landmark event as we grow this important tourism sector."  The ship makes her maiden voyage on December 20, offering seven-night cruises to Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sir Bani Yas Island, plus Dammam, Saudi Arabia. For the winter season MSC Opera will also offer seven-night itineraries in the Gulf region. MSC World Europa will then move to the Mediterranean from March 2023  sailing seven-night cruises to Genoa, Naples and Messina, as well as Valletta, Barcelona and Marseille.