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MSC Cruises teased details of the s line-up of activities designed for kids and families on upcoming ship MSC World Europa. The line’s most environmentally advanced flagship set enters service in December 2022. MSC World Europa will feature the largest kids’ area in MSC Cruises’ fleet, offering seven distinct spaces dedicated to different age groups. It comprises Baby Club for toddlers up to 3 years, Mini Club and Juniors Club (3 – 11 years)and Young Club and Teen Club (12 – 17 years) . “We have invested heavily in the entertainment offering for our younger guests, and we know they value the latest technology, trends and experiences," said Matteo Mancini, Kids’ Entertainment Manager. Brand-new activities on the ship include LEGO Celebration Room, 3,2,1 Knock gameshow for the whole family, and Beat The Music a family-friendly interactive game show dedicated to music. Z Active is a brand new sports program for kids and teens including football, basketball, zorb ball and and hoverboards. The Drone Academy 2.0: is a high-tech drone relay race featuring glowing drones with POV cameras and a VR experience.

 

• Award-winning family offering further enriched with brand-new activities and facilities, specially designed for children of all ages
• MSC Cruises’ largest ever kids’ area spans over 766m² across seven distinct spaces
• More than 100 hours of live entertainment on offer, including high-tech games, LEGO® adventures and much more

  MSC Cruises today revealed details of the spectacular line-up of dedicated facilities and activities designed especially for kids and families on board MSC World Europa, the line’s most innovative, most environmentally advanced and most exciting new flagship set to come into service in December 2022.   As a family-owned company, MSC Cruises is known for its award-winning family offering, delivering an unforgettable cruise experience for kids of all ages and their families, and MSC World Europa is set to take this to the next level with a whole host of brand-new features.   “We have invested heavily in the entertainment offering for our younger guests, and we know they value the latest technology, trends and experiences. We have worked to introduce real innovations in both the design of the facilities as well as the development of an incredible programme of activities, all carefully planned to ensure that the differing needs of all age groups are met - from our youngest guests through to teenagers. More than 350,000 young people who have travelled with us over the years and we have listened to their feedback. MSC World Europa reflects these learnings and we have been inspired to create experiences that blend technology and social media with activity and sport to create fresh and new entertainment for the kids who sail with us." said Matteo Mancini, Kids’ Entertainment Manager.   Spanning 766m2, MSC World Europa will feature the largest, most action-packed kids’ area in MSC Cruises’ fleet, offering seven distinct spaces dedicated to different age groups from 0 to 17 years old.   The Kids’ Clubs are available from the youngest guests through to teens and activities are organised according to age group:

• Specially for babies: Baby Club for toddlers up to 3 years, with qualified crew members
• For the younger kids: Mini Club and Juniors Club (3 – 11 years)
• For the older kids: Young Club and Teen Club (12 – 17 years) including the brand-new TEENS LAB, a totally immersive, tech-filled, modern room just for teens

  MSC Cruises offers, a range of services for babies and young children including the Mini-Club for children under 3 as well as a dedicated childcare service giving parents the freedom to enjoy the ship, safe in the knowledge that their children are being cared for by dedicated and highly trained staff. Many of these services are offered in collaboration with Chicco® – the leading global baby brand and a long-term MSC Cruises partner.   Brand-new activities waiting to be discovered include:  

• LEGO® CELEBRATION ROOM: The long-standing partnership between LEGO Group and MSC Cruises continues to surprise fans with a never-seen-before room celebrating LEGO® “90 years of Play”, designed to thrill kids of all ages
• HIGH-TECH ACTIVITIES: Pushing the boundaries of kids’ entertainment, MSC Cruises has developed exciting new activities blending games with high-tech features to create moments pure pleasure. Within Juniors, Young & Teens clubs, guests will have access to over 21 of the latest consoles, 7 VR stations and over 50 different videogames
• 3,2,1 KNOCK: This never-seen before gameshow for the whole family is inspired by the challenges and colours of Asian entertainment: K-pop, Japanese games and tests that will leave the audience breathless
• BEAT THE MUSIC: The whole family will be the star of an unmissable interactive and digital game show dedicated to music and suitable for all ages. For the first time on an MSC Cruises ship guests will be able to play the game through a dedicated app. In this battle parents work to identify the latest music their kids are listening to, while kids work to name the classics their parents love the most
• Z ACTIVE: A brand new and exciting sports program for kids & teens including football, basketball, zorb ball and, for the first time on board, pickleball and hoverboards
• DRONE ACADEMY 2.0: This high-tech and high-energy drone relay race comes to life at night thanks to fluo effects and glowing drones. New POV cameras and VR bring the experience to life while navigating 15 obstacles in the quickest time possible

  Popular favourites will also be returning to MSC World Europa:  

• CABIN 12006-THE EXPERIENCE: More than a cabin, Cabin 12006 a live entertainment experience, with seven different activities including a family game show and a casting session with performances. The web series, with over four million views and two million interactions on the web, has been written and shot in collaboration with Viacom, the media group behind kids’ channel Nickelodeon, to develop an original, authentic and high-quality web content for kids.
• MSC DANCE CREW: Developed in partnership with Fremantle, the production company behind the globally successful TV talent shows including Idols, The X Factor and Got Talent series, this competition experience sees teams of 10-17 years battling it out to win the title of dance crew of the year.
• LEGO® EXPERIENCE ON BOARD: With a wide range of LEGO ® bricks and toys on board, kids have the opportunity to express their creativity whenever and wherever they want! At the end of the LEGO® EXPERIENCE ON BOARD, each child will receive a diploma, certifying that he/she is now a Junior LEGO® Master Builder.
• MSC FOUNDATION JUNIOR AMBASSADORS: Thanks to the MSC Foundation, the MSC Group is committed to providing our young guests on board with tools for understanding projects (such as Environment (marine conservation), Education, Community Support) making them centre of dedicated activities, Junior Ambassadors of the Foundation and voices of the right of a new generation to live in a better world.

With the entire fleet now returning to sea, MSC Cruises is relaunching its Gala Night. Gala Night will feature a programme of events including elevated dining experiences, special spa offerings and photo opportunities. Highlights include special shopping events, upscale dining and •theatre show. In addition to Gala Night, other MSC-themed evenings return including White Party, Sunshine Party, Retro Party and more. Steve Leatham, Global Head of Entertainment, MSC Cruises, said, “Gala Night has always been one of the most anticipated events of the MSC Cruise experience, and we are excited to bring it back.” The Kids’ Clubs have extended their opening times, allowing young guests to enjoy lunch with the Youth/Kids Teams and parents to leave kids in the clubs to get off the ship again. In addition, dancing is back with the re-opening of the disco and a full live music programme.

MSC Group marked two key milestones for MSC Cruises’ first two liquefied natural gas (LNG) ships. MSC World Europa, the first LNG vessel to join the cruise line’s fleet completed the first set of sea trials in the Atlantic. Meanwhile, MSC Euribia was floated out and has now been moved to a wet dock for work to continue on the ship World Europa joins MSC Cruises’ fleet in June 2023. MSC invested €3 billion in three LNG-powered cruise ships with the construction of the third ship ‘World Class II’ due to start early next year. “We made an important pledge last year to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050,. MSC World Europa and MSC Euribia will play a fundamental role in this journey,” Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman, Cruise Division of MSC Group, said. MSC World Europa is the first in the MSC World Class, a brand new class of ships that will accommodate up to 6,762 passengers.  MSC World Europa will debut in the Arabian Sea in winter 2022/23 with MSC Cruises set to deploy its largest ever capacity in the Middle East for the season. The ship will offer seven-night voyages between December 2022 and March 2023 from Dubai to Abu Dhabi and Sir Bani Yas Island in the United Arab Emirates, Dammam in Saudi Arabia and Doha in Qatar before returning to Dubai. From June 2023 MSC Euribia  will spend her inaugural season in Northern Europe from the German port of Kiel with seven-night itineraries to the Norwegian fjords with calls including Copenhagen, Hellesylt, Norway as well as Alesund and Flam.

MSC has unveiled the culinary concepts coming to newest ship MSC World Europa. The ship presents more than 30 different international food and beverage options. World Europa welcomes her first guests in December 2022. Jacques Van Staden, Vice President of Food & Beverage, MSC Cruises, said: “We have pulled out all the stops to offer a varied and unabridged dining offering for the next generation cruiser. MSC World Europa’s offers 20 bars and lounges, and 13 dining venues, f from fine dining to casual. New venues include modern coffee house, the Coffee Emporium, Raj Polo Tea House, Masters of the Sea: signature British pub and Elixir Mixology Bar. Other new venues include a healthy green Zest - Juice Bar, the Malt Lounge for fine cigars with a wide selection of whisky and cognac, and Sweet Temptations a gelato and frozen yoghurt bar.

MSC Cruises is adding MSC Bellissima to its Mediterranean line-up this summer. To meet demand, MSC Bellissima will offer seven-night sailings from Valencia and Barcelona/Tarragona, and the Italian ports of Genoa, Livorno and Naples starting from 9 July. The itinerary is designed for longer stays in port in Valencia, to enable guests to visit Madrid as well as in Barcelona/Tarragona and Genoa. This summer and into autumn, MSC Cruises will have a record-breaking 15 ships deployed in the East and West Mediterranean - the most ships the line has ever had in the region. Sales for these MSC Bellissima departures will open in the coming days. MSC Bellissima is a Meraviglia class ship that launched in 2019 and features 12 dining venues and more than 20 bars, a dedicated family deck area and a LED Sky Screen at Sea measuring 80 metres long.

MSC Cruises’ entire fleet of 19 ships is now back at sea It follows MSC Musica’s return this week with a summer season from Monfalcone/Venice in Italy. MSC Musica set sail for the first of 23 seven-night summer 2022 voyages to Katakolon in Greece, Crete and Santorini, plus Bari in Italy. Antonio Paradiso, Managing Director UK and Ireland said, “It has been a challenge given the pandemic ashore but our health and safety protocols have put us in a position of strength and MSC Grandiosa became the first ship of any major cruise line to return to sea in August 2020. In 2021 it introduced two new vessels to its fleet, MSC Virtuosa and MSC Seashore.  MSC will welcome two more ships at the end of 2022 – MSC Seascape and its first liquefied natural gas-powered vessel, MSC World Europa. MSC Cruises’ full fleet deployment for summer 2022 is: West Mediterranean:  MSC Meraviglia - homeport Barcelona; MSC Opera - homeport Genoa; MSC Orchestra - homeport Genoa; MSC Seaside - homeport Genoa; MSC Seaview - homeport Genoa; MSC Splendida - homeport Genoa. East Mediterranean:  MSC Armonia - homeport Venice/Marghera; MSC Fantasia - homeport Trieste;  MSC Lirica - homeport Piraeus; MSC Musica - homeport Monfalcone/Venice; MSC Sinfonia – Venice/Marghera. Northern Europe: MSC Grandiosa - homeport Kiel; MSC Magnifica - homeport Hamburg; MSC Poesia - homeport Warnemünde; MSC Preziosa - homeport Kiel; MSC Virtuosa - homeport Southampton. North America: MSC Divina - homeport Port Canaveral; MSC Seashore - homeport Miami. Middle East and from July, Far East: MSC Bellissima - homeports Dubai.

 

• MSC World Europa to feature enlarged and most luxurious Yacht Club to date with futuristic design and enhanced public spaces
• Ship to offer brand-new ultra-spacious ‘Owners Suites’ – not seen anywhere else in the MSC Cruises fleet
• 1,700m2 of private outdoor space with an extensive two-storey sun deck

  This year MSC Cruises is introducing the highly anticipated MSC World Europa to its fleet - the first in the trailblazing ‘World Class’ ships. The new ship will introduce a completely new cruising platform that boasts future-proof marine and onboard hospitality technologies as well as ground-breaking and ultramodern design. One of the highlights of the ship will be an enhanced MSC Yacht Club. The innovative “ship within a ship” concept is an all-inclusive cruise experience that set a new standard of premium cruising when it was introduced in 2008 by offering guests privacy and exclusivity as well as being able to enjoy all the facilities a larger ship can offer.   With the design of each and every new ship, MSC Cruises seeks to enrich and enhance the experience therefore the MSC Yacht Club on MSC World Europa will offer unparalleled levels of comfort, with more public space, expanded outdoor areas, new stylish suites and a futuristic design.   Key Highlights of the MSC Yacht Club on MSC World Europa include:   A totally reimagined sundeck –spanning two decks, guests have plenty of space to enjoy the ultimate sea views from the front of the ship. The lower deck allows guests to unwind and sip a glass of champagne from the bar or a bite to eat from the grill whilst the upper deck is home to a private pool and whirlpool where guests can take in the sun on comfortable loungers or one of the stylish private cabanas.   Two brand-new ultra-spacious Owner-Suites exclusive to World Class ships, these luxurious multi-room suites total over 150m2 between indoor areas and private balcony. The plush suites consist of a double bedroom, with walk-in wardrobe and bathroom complete with full-size imperial bathtub which connect to a separate living-dining area bathed in light thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows. For the ultimate VIP experience, guests step onto their own spacious balcony with al fresco dining area and whirlpool bath.   Double-balcony Duplex Suites - These two-deck suites offer a whole floor dedicated to luxurious relaxation with dining area, lounge and guest washroom. Heading upstairs, the main bedroom has its own bathroom, complete with bathtub. These special duplex suites offer two private sundecks, the lower deck offers a private whirlpool bath, seating and lounge area, and an upper deck for sunbathing with comfortable loungers.   Dedicated massage rooms - guests staying in the MSC Yacht club will have access to exclusive massage rooms in the cutting-edge MSC Aurea Spa, as well as unlimited use of the thermal area to pamper the days away.   The MSC Yacht Club experience   Key-card access exclusively grants those staying in the MSC Yacht Club access to the private lounge, serving unlimited complimentary drinks and gourmet canapés, and private fine-dining restaurant, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner with an a la carte menu with chef’s specials, with a wide choice of gourmet dishes complemented by an extensive wine list.   These elegant spaces, designed with the future in mind, offer uninterrupted panoramic views from the very front of the ship, and after relaxing with a glass of champagne to live music, a traditional afternoon tea or after a day exploring ashore, guests can retire to their spacious and beautifully designed suite.   Fully personalised service comes as standard, with access to a 24-hour butler who will quickly get to know each guest’s personal preferences with warm, friendly and unobtrusive service, and a dedicated concierge is on-hand to facilitate any request from dinner and spa reservations to a daily newspaper delivery, no request is too big or too small.   Completing the exclusive feeling is a private sundeck, with pool, comfortable sun loungers, shady cabanas and whirlpool, with nearby bar and grill for a well-deserved cocktail, glass of bubble or light bite.   MSC Yacht Club on MSC Seascape   MSC Cruises will also be launching MSC Seascape in December this year, with a 3,000m2 MSC Yacht Club set across four decks, features include:  

• A glamourous entrance featuring a three-deck 46 sqm back-lit Onyx wall and signature Swarovski staircases
• The private pool area and sun deck of 2,000 sqm, offering a private pool and panoramic whirlpool with eight seats and individual jets plus a standard whirlpool
• 131 suites (five different types), including the traditional interior, deluxe and royal suites as well as 41 deluxe grand suites, with extra space and a walk-in closet, plus two Owner’s Suites with 98 sqm of space, extended private balcony with whirlpool and outdoor living area
• From December 2022, MSC Seascape will call at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in The Bahamas and MSC Yacht Club guests will also benefit from privileges ashore including a private beach and Ocean House, serving all-inclusive drinks and food.

  The MSC Yacht Club is available on all Fantasia, Meraviglia, Seaside and World class ships.

MSC Cruises unveiled its summer 2022 program of shore excursions with strongest ever focus on sustainability. More electric and hybrid shuttle buses will be used for guests to and from ports in Denmark, Finland, Norway, Spain and Sweden. Low carbon footprint excursions will include 150 bicycle tours in 21 countries and more sustainable shore excursions called ‘Protectours’ that MSC Cruises first introduced in 2020. Up to 70% of Protectours will have a lower environmental impact due to an increase in walking, hiking, bicycling, canoeing and kayaking options. ‘Protectours’ will be available at 20 ports which is set to grow to up to 90 destinations by the season’s end. Marialuisa Iaccarino, Head of Shore Excursions, MSC Cruises said: “We need to demonstrate leadership by ensuring that we meet the expectation of travellers who are more aware and engaged in sustainability matters. “At MSC Cruises we are determined to prove that the industry is a positive and engaged player in driving sustainable tourism.” MSC Cruises’ summer 2022 program will havenearly 1,400 tours, its largest offering to date. Northern Europe will host 640 different excursions, the Mediterranean 550 and the Caribbean 200. Guests who book any MSC Cruises’ summer 2022 shore excursions will benefit from a price reduction of up to 20% if booked in advance.

 

• More low carbon tours in Europe and the Caribbean

• Hybrid and electric buses to shuttle guests in Denmark, Finland, Norway, Spain and Sweden

• More ‘Protectours’ to be available at up to 90 destinations

  MSC Cruises’ summer 2022 programme of shore excursions will have its strongest ever focus on minimising the environmental impact of land-based tours and supporting nature-positive activities.   More electric and hybrid shuttle buses will be used for guests to shuttle from ports to places of interest in Denmark, Finland, Norway, Spain and Sweden with MSC Cruises aiming to increase the utilisation of green ground transportation in the future.   Low carbon footprint excursions will include 150 bicycle tours available in 21 countries - which are growing in popularity among the line’s guests - and more sustainable shore excursions called ‘Protectours’ that MSC Cruises first introduced in 2020 will be available.   Up to 70 per cent of Protectours will have a low environmental impact thanks to an increase in the number of walking, hiking, bicycling, canoeing and kayaking excursions ashore with many tours set to make a direct contribution to the environment by helping the protection of habitats and species.   MSC Cruises worked extensively in 2021 to provide tour operators with responsible and sustainable tourism training and ‘Protectours’ will be available at the start of summer 2022 at 20 ports which is set to grow to up to 90 destinations by the season’s end.   Examples of ‘Protectours’ available include planting trees to replenish lost forests in the Greek island of Rhodes, collecting plastic waste from the beaches of the Adriatic sea, nature walking tours in the Bahamas, making eco-friendly jewellery in Helsinki, Finland, urban farming and beekeeping in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, organic rooftop farming in Copenhagen, Denmark and stone cleaning in Scotland.   Marialuisa Iaccarino, Head of Shore Excursions, MSC Cruises said, “Travel and tourism has a very significant role to play in global decarbonisation and we need to demonstrate leadership by ensuring that we meet the expectation of travellers who are more aware and engaged in sustainability matters and the protection and enhancement of the natural environment.   “At MSC Cruises we are determined to prove that the industry is a positive and engaged player in driving sustainable tourism.”   MSC Cruises’ summer 2022 shore excursion programme will total nearly 1,400 tours, the line’s largest offering to date.  Northern Europe will host 640 different excursions, the Mediterranean 550 and the Caribbean 200 with every MSC Cruises sailing set to offer something for every type of  holidaymaker, irrespective of their age and interests.   Guests who book any of MSC Cruises’ summer 2022 shore excursions will benefit from a price reduction of up to 20 per cent if booked in advance.  Pre-booking guarantees a space on the most popular tours and also guarantees entry to some of the world’s most popular attractions which may not have walk-up ticket availability on the day of a proposed visit.   MSC Cruises has also waived its ‘safe bubble’ shore excursions it pioneered for the cruise industry in 2020 as a result of the pandemic ashore and guests can make their own sightseeing arrangements subject to the regulations stipulated by local authorities.   The Swiss-based line has a long-term goal to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions for its operations by 2050. This will be achieved by investing and supporting the accelerated development and implementation of innovative, cutting-edge technologies to be deployed across the Company’s fleet of ships.

MSC Cruises is revamping its MSC Voyagers Club loyalty program, adding new guest benefits. Voyagers Exclusives replaces Voyages Selection with incentives for members, all of whom will automatically benefit from a minimum 5% discount for any cruise booked. Previously, Voyages Selection was available for only a select number of MSC Cruises’ global sailing schedule. Any sailing booked at least six months prior to departure will enjoy a further 5% discount. For all cruises booked at least nine months ahead, Silver, Gold and Diamond tier members receive the 5%+5% discount, plus €50 shipboard credit. Additionally, members who book any MSC sailing 12 months before departure will receive double rewards points. Achille Staiano, VP – Global Sales, MSC Cruises, said, “The new Voyagers Exclusives scheme is set to reward each and every member of our loyalty program with every booking made.” “Voyagers Exclusives has benefits for everyone who joins up when they book with MSC Cruises.” Members of loyalty programs run by other cruise lines, hotels and tour operators can also transfer to the MSC Voyages Club with its MSC Status Match.

MSC Cruises has hired Neal Hussey as new Regional Sales Manager. Hussey joins on 16 May and is responsible for the South West & South Wales region. He replaces Carrie Jordan Dodd who has been recently promoted to National Account Manager South. He previously worked as roles Business Manager for Carnival UK and at NCL Cruises as a Business Development Manager. ‘We are thrilled Neal is joining MSC Cruises as he has a proven track record in the cruise industry and I’m sure Neal will be a valuable asset,” Steve Williams, Director of Sales MSC Cruises UK & Ireland said.