Save up to 60% on MSC Cruises’ Transatlantic Cruises

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SAVE UP TO 60% ON MSC CRUISES’ TRANSATLANTIC CRUISES

Fares from $56 Per Person, Per Night

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (February 20, 2009) – MSC Cruises is offering special savings of up to 60 percent off retail prices on eastbound transatlantic cruises of MSC Lirica and MSC Orchestra this spring.

MSC Orchestra departs Fort Lauderdale on May 2 on an 18-night cruise to Copenhagen. Its first stop, after two days at sea, will be the cruise line’s first call in New York City, overnighting from May 5 to 6. The cruise ship will then resume its itinerary, calling at Ponta Delgada, Portugal; Lisbon, Portugal; Vigo, Spain; La Coruna, Spain; and Dover, England, with seven more days in the Atlantic and a day cruising the North Sea before arriving in Denmark.

Cruise-only per person, per night rates begin at $56 for an interior stateroom, $73 for an oceanview, $84 for a balcony and $144 for a balcony suite. Rates are based on double occupancy; government fees and taxes are additional.

MSC Lirica departs Fort Lauderdale on April 23 on a 16-night voyage to Dover. The ship will call at San Juan, Puerto Rico; Fort de France, Martinique; Funchal, Portugal; Lisbon, Portugal; Vigo, Spain; and Le Havre, France. Guests will be able to enjoy MSC Cruises’ European-style experience, during nine days at sea.

Cruise-only per person, per night rates for MSC Lirica’s transatlantic crossing begin at $44 for an inside stateroom, $60 for an oceanview, and $125 for a balcony suite. Rates are based on double occupancy; government fees and taxes are additional.

As always, children 17 and younger sail free when traveling in same stateroom with two full-fare-paying guests.

These special cruise transcontinental cruise deals expire on March 15.

During each sailing, guests can enjoy MSC Cruises’ elegant European ambiance, acclaimed international entertainment, nightly regional Italian specialties on the menus, superb spa facilities and much more.

For more information about MSC Cruises and its special eastbound transatlantic cruise rates, visit www.MSCCruisesUSA.com.

MSC Orchestra to Host Finals of ‘Miss Italia USA 2009′

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (February 23, 2009) – MSC Cruises’ beautiful MSC Orchestra will welcome a bevy of beautiful women as it hosts the “Miss Italia USA 2009” finals of the Miss Italia del Mondo contest on its March 21 sailing.

Pageant finalists sailing on the cruise were selected during competitions held in Washington, Missouri, Pennsylvania, New York, Long Island, New Jersey, Ohio, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois and California.

The winner, who will be crowned onboard MSC Orchestra, will travel to Italy in June to compete against the 49 other winners from around the world for the title of Miss Italia nel Mondo 2009.

The ship’s March 21 roundtrip sailing from Fort Lauderdale will visit the Western Caribbean ports of Key West, Florida; Cozumel, Mexico; Georgetown, Grand Cayman; and Cayo Levantado, Dominican Republic.

For more information, visit http://www.msccruisesusa.com/ or a local travel professional.

MSC Cruises Review

MSC Cruises currently has the most modern fleet in the world with nine ships: MSC Fantasia (the largest ship ever built for a European ship owner), MSC Poesia, MSC Orchestra, MSC Musica, MSC Sinfonia, MSC Armonia MSC Opera, MSC Lirica, MSC Melody, cruising in the Mediterranean year round and seasonally in Northern Europe, the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean, North and South America, the Indian Ocean and South Africa. MSC Splendida and MSC Magnifica will be launched, respectively, in 2009 and 2010. MSC Cruises is the only company to receive the "6 Golden Pearls" award from the Bureau Veritas in recognition of its high level of quality management and environmental protection.

Green Light From the European Commission

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION GIVES THE GREEN LIGHT TO THE CONSORTIUM COMPRISING OF COSTA CRUISES, MSC CRUISES AND LOUIS CRUISES FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF THE “MARSEILLES-PROVENCE CRUISE TERMINAL”
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (February 12, 2009) -- The European Commission gave on February 9th 2009 its green light for the launch of the “Marseilles-Provence Cruise Terminal”. The new cruise terminal in Marseille will be jointly managed by a consortium comprising of Costa Crociere, MSC Crociere and Louis Cruises.

The “Grand Port Maritime de Marseille” (GPMM) decided on April 4th 2008 to award to the consortium comprising of Costa Crociere, MSC Crociere and Louis Cruises, management control of the Leon-Gourret pier, the cruise terminal of the Marseilles Port that is now to be renamed as “Marseilles-Provence Cruise Terminal”. Having now gained the European Commission’s agreement, the materialization of this project is expected to begin soon. This is the first time, in the history of French ports that the State, via GPMM, and private companies collaborate, in order to develop Marseille into a major cruise hub in the Mediterranean. The agreement is valid for twenty-five years.

Costa Crociere, MSC Crociere and Louis Cruises chose to join their efforts to pursue the redevelopment of the port. More specifically, the three cruise operators will invest 8 million Euros and the port authorities an additional 4 million so as to extend the port to the North and widen the quay in order to increase capacity. A new parking area will be constructed while the cruise passenger reception areas will be revamped. The “Marseilles Provence Cruise Terminal” logo embodies this renewal and reflects the design and the colours of the new terminal.
Particular attention will be paid to the improvement of the quality of services offered at the new terminal, as well as to issues relating to social and environmental responsibility. The specifications of this agreement contain several requirements that the three signatory companies must abide by for the benefit of the Marseille community and the tourists who disembark there on a daily basis.

Finally, several hundred jobs will be created from this initiative, which aims to increase the number of annual passengers passing through Marseilles from 530.000 to 1 million by 2011.
Gianni Onorato, President of Costa Crociere – "The objective of this partnership is to guarantee excellent service to all passengers disembarking at Marseille, while supporting the growth of the cruise industry at a local and national level. The direct management of the Marseille cruise terminal will help us sustain the growth plan that we have defined for the next few years, guaranteeing further development of our activities in Marseille, our main French port and port of call for our ships since the 1980’s, where we christened our latest flagship, Costa Serena, in 2007. Furthermore, this agreement is fully in line with our direct management policy for cruise terminals, a policy we were the first to develop in Europe, and that has already yielded extremely good results in Savona, Barcelona, Civitavecchia and Naples."

Giacomo Costa, President of the joint-venture and CFO of MSC Crociere – "We are very proud that the three major cruise companies have been united in Marseille to guarantee the success of the joint plan for the development of the Léon-Gourret pier, improving passenger services and achieving the ambitious goal of one million passengers per year in 2011 at this new terminal. Our company aspires to use all of its know-how to support this new consortium and to share our sense of hospitality and unique style with the citizens of Marseille and our partners. Therefore, this year three of our nine ships, renovated or built at Saint-Nazaire, will drop anchor at Marseille: MSC Fantasia from March, MSC Splendida in July and MSC Lirica in September.”

Stelios Kiliaris – CEO Louis Cruises “Marseille has been one of Europe’s most important ports since 600 BC when Ancient Greeks founded the old port of the city. It is therefore a great pleasure for us to cooperate with two of the largest cruise operators as part of the consortium that will work closely with the local authorities in placing Marseille at the position it deserves in the world cruise market, the top! Being at the very heart of Europe and the Mediterranean, Marseille is an ideal cruise terminal for both Western and Eastern Mediterranean cruise destinations. Its long and important history; its strategic location and above all the involvement of the main European cruise operators will undoubtedly lead to the establishment of Marseille’s cruise terminal as a major cruise hub. That is a commitment we have all gladly undertaken and will most certainly honor”.

The partnership created by MSC Crociere, Costa Crociere and Louis Cruises accounts for 85% of the Marseilles cruise market.

MSC Cruises is Proud to Introduce the European Virtual Brochure

We invite you to VIRTUALLY sail with us along the azure seas and color-drenched shores of the Mediterranean and the Greek Isles. Explore the exotic in Egypt, Turkey and Morocco. Or discover the breathtaking fjords of Scandinavia, the treasures of Russia and so much more. For more information call 1.800.666.9333 or visit us at www.msccruisesagent.com

MSC Orchestra - MSC Cruises Reviews the Inauguration of a New Cruise Ship

THE ORCHESTRA IS HERE!
MSC Orchestra - MSC Cruises Reviews the Inauguration of a New Cruise Ship

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (JANUARY 2, 2009) – With tug boats spraying a watery welcome, MSC Orchestra arrived in Port Everglades today to begin her inaugural season of Caribbean sailings.

“We are very excited to introduce MSC Orchestra to North America,” says Richard E. Sasso, president and CEO of MSC Cruises (USA), Inc., as he reviews his experience aboard the ship he says, “It is an elegant ship in every respect – spectacular public areas, and a wealth of choices for dining, entertainment and activities, all with a style that epitomizes MSC Cruises.”

MSC Orchestra is the largest of the line’s ships to sail in North American waters. At 92,400 gross tons, the MSC Orchestra can carry 2,550 passengers and the majority of staterooms have private balconies.

With more than 236,800 square feet of public areas and 5 restaurants (L’Ibiscus, Villa Borghese, La Piazzetta, Four Seasons, the Shanghai Chinese Restaurant – the only dedicated Chinese restaurant at sea), 10 bars (two of which are open air), 3 meeting and conference rooms, a 21-foot by 12-foot outdoor LED screen, and the 16,146 square-foot Body and Mind Spa, MSC Orchestra is expected to receive great reviews, as she represents the perfect combination of grace and style.

MSC Orchestra will sail alternating 7-night roundtrip itineraries from Jan. 10-April 18, 2009:

• Eastern Caribbean Cruises, calling at Cayo Levantado, Dominican Republic; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; St. John, Antigua; and Nassau, Bahamas, as well as two days at sea.

• Western Caribbean Cruises, calling at Key West, Florida; Cozumel, Mexico; Georgetown, Grand Cayman; Cayo Levantado, Dominican Republic, and two days at sea.

A special 7-night roundtrip Bermuda sailing departs Fort Lauderdale April 25. This itinerary includes three days in King’s Wharf, Bermuda and a day in Nassau, Bahamas, as well as two sea days.

During her inaugural season, MSC Orchestra will host baseball greats cruise, a memorable MSC Cruises review of baseball’s iconic players aboard its Jan. 24 Western Caribbean itinerary, and its Feb. 28, March 28 and April 11 Eastern Caribbean itineraries. On each of these special sailings, unique insight into the world of Major League Baseball as reviewed through the eyes of some of the greats of the game.

MSC Orchestra is scheduled to depart Fort Lauderdale May 2, 2009 on an 18-night voyage that will include a two-day review of New York before heading eastbound to Copenhagen. The itinerary includes calls at Ponta Delgado, Azores; Lisbon, Portugal; Vigo, Spain; La Coruna, Spain; and Dover, England before arriving in Copenhagen.

On each sailing, guests will enjoy the line’s highly acclaimed entertainment, European-style ambiance, dishes from “La Cucina Italiana,” and top-of-the-line pampering.

For more information on how you can celebrate MSC Orchestra’s arrival, visit www.msccruisesusa.com or review your options aboard MSC cruises with a local travel professional.

MSC Cruises currently has the most modern fleet in the world with 10 ships: MSC Fantasia (the largest ship ever built for a European ship owner), MSC Poesia, MSC Orchestra, MSC Musica, MSC Sinfonia, MSC Armonia MSC Opera, MSC Lirica, MSC Melody, MSC Rhapsody, cruising in the Mediterranean year round and seasonally in Northern Europe, Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean, North and South America, the Indian Ocean and South Africa. MSC Splendida and MSC Magnifica will be launched, respectively, in 2009 and 2010. MSC Cruises is the only company to receive the "6 Golden Pearls" award from the Bureau Veritas in recognition of its high level of quality management and environmental protection.

MSC Cruises is Proud to Introduce the MSC Fantasia Virtual Brochure

The MSC FANTASIA virtual brochure, provides an easily accessible way to view all of the amazing features and amenities onboard. The interactive cruise brochure also allows guests to view the ship's expansive public areas, including the 16,000 square foot Aurea Spa, the Aqua Park, children's play area (Il Polo Nord), optional dining experiences (including El Sombrero Tex-Mex restaurant and L'Etoile French restaurant), and the Teen Disco. In addition, the virtual cruise brochure will feature a new concept in cruise ships for MSC Cruises, the MSC YACHT CLUB. A dedicated VIP area with 99 beautiful, spacious suites fitted out to the highest standards, special restricted-access areas and exclusive, personalized butler service and concierge. Experience the MSC Fantasia virtual brochure today, and find out why she is called the most beautiful ship in the world. Truly a fantasy cruise ship. For more information call1.800.666.9333or visit us at www.msccruisesagent.com

MSC Cruises and Nintendo | Cruise on a New Era with On-board Entertainment

Nintendo cruises now available.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (January 28, 2009) -- MSC Cruises the fastest-growing cruise company with the most modern fleet on the seas has teamed up with gaming leader Nintendo to bring cutting-edge interactive play to its world-class entertainment programs and facilities.

The new partnership can already be seen in the incredible flagship MSC Fantasia, christened by Sophia Loren on Dec. 19, 2008. The largest ship to be commissioned by a European ship owner, MSC Fantasia is equipped with 114 Wii consoles, including 9 Wii Sport consoles in the Sport Bar, 4 Wii fit stations with balance board in the Fitness Center, a competition console on the Sport Deck and a further console in the main pool area that's connected to a massive 23X9-foot screen for public competitions and activities. Other consoles form part of the sumptuous fittings in the elegant suites of MSC Fantasia's exclusive MSC Yacht Club complex. And, of course, guests can buy their own Wii console and accessories in the Tax & Duty Free shops.

MSC Cruises' uncompromising dedication to its guests is nowhere more evident than the unrivalled entertainment programs and facilities offered on board MSC Fantasia, with its interactive 4D cinema, state-of-the-art 1,603-seat theater, 18 themed bars, futuristic Liquid Disco and Casino delle Palme with more than 1,000 square feet of casino gaming. The sports amenities are equally extensive, with tennis, squash and basketball courts, shuffleboard, a jogging track and four swimming pools, including the amazing Acqua Park with its 150 fountains which provide endless fun during the day and an astonishing spectacle when lit up to music at night. The MSC Aurea Spa wellness and spa center with solarium completes the picture, for total relaxation after every exertion.

It was only natural for a leading innovator like MSC Cruises to partner with Nintendo, the leader in interactive gaming innovation. Whereas others have responded to videogame demand with increasing and some would say excessive complexity, Nintendo has totally rethought the experience, adding a physical dimension that takes player involvement to completely new levels. But MSC Cruises was also attracted to Nintendo and the Wii because it provides so much in addition to gaming, offering passengers full access to Wii Channels for surfing the net, editing photos, catching up on the news or weather forecasts and much, much more.

MSC Cruises Review

MSC Cruises, the world's leading private cruise company with offices in 36 countries, and Nintendo, which has sold 2.4 billion video games and over 420 million consoles, plan to consolidate their partnership by organizing special events, games and tournaments for video game fans worldwide.

New Cruise Vacation Upgrades on MSC Lirica

Caribbean Cruise Vacation Upgrades Now Available

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (FEBRUARY 3, 2009) – MSC Cruises is offering special bonus upgrades of up to seven stateroom categories on select 10 night Caribbean cruises on MSC Lirica.

Cruise-only rates begin at $699 on MSC Lirica’s 10 night Caribbean cruise itineraries sailing roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale on March 4 and March 24. Rates begin at $799 on the 10 night Caribbean cruise Featuring Panama itinerary departing from Fort Lauderdale March 14. All rates quoted are per person, double occupancy; government fees and taxes are additional.

Guests who book by Feb. 28 and pay at the time of booking are eligible for an up to seven-category upgrade (depending on availability), resulting in an upgrade from an inside to an outside stateroom.

Also, guests who book a Category 8 balcony stateroom are eligible for an upgrade to a suite.

The Deep Caribbean cruise itineraries take guests to San Juan, Puerto Rico; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Port Castries, St. Lucia; St. John’s, Antigua; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; and Cayo Levantado, Dominican Republic. Guests also have three days at sea to enjoy the Italian ambiance and many activities available onboard MSC Lirica.

On the Caribbean Featuring Panama cruise, the ship calls at Costa Maya, Mexico; Puerto Limon, Costa Rica; Cristobal, Panama; Cartagena, Colombia; and Cayo Levantado, and has two sea days.

Both itineraries include calls at the line’s private paradise experience at Cayo Levantado.

For more information about MSC Cruises, visit www.MSCCruisesUSA.com.

MSC Cruises currently has the most modern fleet in the world with nine ships: MSC Fantasia (the largest ship ever built for a European ship owner), MSC Poesia, MSC Orchestra, MSC Musica, MSC Sinfonia, MSC Armonia MSC Opera, MSC Lirica, MSC Melody, cruising in the Mediterranean year round and seasonally in Northern Europe, the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean, North and South America, the Indian Ocean and South Africa. MSC Splendida and MSC Magnifica will be launched, respectively, in 2009 and 2010. MSC Cruises is the only company to receive the "6 Golden Pearls" award from the Bureau Veritas in recognition of its high level of quality management and environmental protection.