Friday, May 29, 2009
Suzanne Somers to Welcome MSC Poesia to U.S.
During a unique Welcoming Ceremony, Somers will present a special plaque to MSC Cruises (USA), Inc. President and CEO, Richard Sasso, and the Master of the MSC Poesia commemorating the special day. The plaque, inscribed “On behalf of the diverse inhabitants of the New World, I wish the MSC Poesia and all who sail with her safe passage and fair seas on the occasion of her inaugural visit to our shores…Suzanne Somers,” will be displayed in the lobby of the MSC Poesia during her Caribbean sailings.
Somers will also offer a champagne toast to the MSC Poesia, her crew and MSC Cruises before she sails on the ship’s inaugural five-night Caribbean cruise.
“The introduction of the MSC Poesia to our Caribbean cruise programs is an important milestone in MSC’s continued commitment to the U.S. market,” said Sasso.. “Suzanne Somers is an iconic figure who captures the ‘American Spirit’, and we are delighted to have her act as an official ambassador welcoming MSC Poesia.”
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
July 4 MSC Splendida Pre-Christening Voyage: 7 Night Mediterranean Cruise from $549
Cruise-only rates begin at $549 per person, double occupancy, for residents of the U.S. and Canada. As with all MSC Cruises’ sailings, kids 17 and younger sail free when sharing a stateroom with two full-fare-paying adults.
This once-in-a-lifetime, 7 night Mediterranean cruise experience on board MSC Splendida departs on July 4, 2009 from St. Nazaire, France visiting Vigo, Spain; Lisbon, Portugal; Malaga, Spain; Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands/Spain; Marseille, France; and Barcelona, Spain.
Like her sister ship MSC Fantasia, MSC Splendida will feature the MSC Yacht Club, offering private suites and luxurious facilities. With MSC Yacht Club accommodations, guests indulge in comfort and convenience; from their own personal Butler trained to the rigorous standards of the International Butler Academy to complimentary beverages available any time of the day in the MSC Yacht Club’s exclusive lounges and pool area.
Also, MSC Splendida will feature an “Aurea Spa” well-being center, 4 restaurants, and 2 buffets, including a speciality Mexican restaurant; numerous bars (including a sports bar, wine bar, coffee bar, and Jazz bar), shops, casino, disco, mini-bowling lanes, Formula 1™ simulator and a 4D cinema. Kids can enjoy a water slide that straddles two decks within the amazing scenic views and an Aqua Park with 150 fountains and water jets that will light up at night to the rhythm of music. There will also be a fun area for Mini-Club, Junior Club, and Teenager Club guests.
For more information about MSC Cruises’ pre-christening voyage on MSC Splendida, visit www.MSCCruisesUSA.com or a local travel professional.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Singles Supplement Reduced to 50 Percent for Caribbean 2009-10 Sailings on MSC Cruises
Guests who book an interior, oceanview, or balcony stateroom for one on select MSC Cruises’ 2009-10 Caribbean itineraries by May 31, 2009 can save 30 percent off the single supplement rate of 80 percent.
This special single supplement offer is applicable for Categories 1-11 on the following MSC Poesia cruises departing from Fort Lauderdale:
• 5 night Caribbean Cruise –“Caribbean Escape” on Nov. 10 and 15 to Ocho Rios, Jamaica and Georgetown, Grand Cayman; single rate was $718 and is now $599, for a savings of $119;
• 10 night Caribbean Cruise —“Dazzling Dutch Caribbean & The Panama” on Nov. 20 to Willemstad, Curacao; Oranjestad, Aruba; Cartagena, Colombia; Cristobal, Panama; and Playa Del Carmen, Mexico; single rate was $1,438 and is now $1,199, for a savings of $239;
• 10 night European Cruise —“Tropical Splendors, European Charm” on Nov. 30 to San Juan, Puerto Rico; Basseterre, St. Kitts; Bridgetown, Barbados; Fort de France, Martinique; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; and Nassau, Bahamas; was $1,348 is now $1,124 for a savings of $224; 10-night—“Remarkable Rainforests & the Panama Canal” on Dec. 10 to Georgetown, Grand Cayman; Cartagena, Colombia; Cristobal, Panama; Puerto Limon, Costa Rica; and Playa Del Carmen, Mexico; single rate was $1,348 and is now $1,124, for a savings of $224.
Rates are per person, cruise only and subject to availability; government fees and taxes are additional.
For more information, visit www.MSCCruisesUSA.com or a local travel professional.
About MSC Cruises
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.
Monday, May 18, 2009
MSC Fantasia Calls at New Wharf in Tunis
The first stretch of a new quayside is currently 1,050 feet, but will be extended to reach 2,165 feet by 2010, allowing two of the MSC Fantasia’s class vessels to moor there simultaneously.
When completed, the new quayside and terminal will also include a tourism and recreation complex designed in the style of a traditional Tunis neighborhood, creating one of the most beautiful terminals in the world.
According to Ferdinando Ponti, captain of MSC Fantasia, the operations were successful due to the collaborative efforts of many.
“Our operations at the new wharf went extremely smoothly, once again demonstrating the successful collaboration between the Tunisian authorities and MSC’s local agency, La Goulette Shipping Services. This wonderful new quay is the result of an outstanding team effort by Franco Ronzi, managing director of Marinvest, and our port master, Luigi Pastena. On behalf of my crew, I would like to thank all those involved,” said Ponti.
Eight of the ships in the MSC Cruises fleet will utilize the new wharf in 2009, including MSC Fantasia, MSC Splendida, MSC Sinfonia, and MSC Melody, all of whom will call at Tunis weekly during the summer season.
About MSC Cruises
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.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Families Save On Adjoining Balcony Staterooms With MSC Cruises’ European Family Plan This Summer
Guests who book a balcony stateroom on select MSC Mediterranean cruises and Northern European cruises by May 31, 2009 can save up to 60 percent off a connecting balcony stateroom.
This special family cruise deal is applicable on adjoining Category 10 or 11 Balcony Superior staterooms (accommodating up to four guests) on the following 7-night sailings:
• MSC Splendida – “The Splendid Mediterranean” in July or August; rates begin at $5,349
• MSC Fantasia – “Mediterranean Fantasy” in June, July or August; rates begin at $4,999
• MSC Poesia – “Turkish Treasures and Croatian Coasts” in June, July or August; rates begin at $4,799
• MSC Musica – “Greek Islands in the Sun” in June, July or August; rates begin at $5,099
• MSC Orchestra – “Fascinating Fjords” in June, July or August; rates begin at $5,349
• MSC Orchestra – “Baltic Capitals and Russian Palaces” in June, July or August; rates begin at $5,349
Rates are cruise only and subject to availability.
For more information, visit www.MSCCruisesUSA.com or a local travel professional.
About MSC Cruises
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.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Stretch Your Vacation & Stretch Your Dollars with Big Savings on Back-To-Back Europe Cruises From MSC Cruises
Cruise-only Back-to-Back rates begin at $1,299 per person, double occupancy and include transfers from the Venice pier to the Genoa pier. Rates are available on select cruises; certain restrictions apply. Bookings for cruises must be made by May 31, 2009.
For that unique back-to-back experience, guests can combine MSC Armonia’s Eastern Mediterranean itineraries (departing Sept. 7, 14 and 21) from Venice with MSC Lirica’s Western Mediterranean cruises from Genoa (departing Sept.14, 21 and 28).
Also available are back-to back cruises on MSC Musica Eastern Mediterranean cruises departing from Venice (Aug. 30; Sept. 6, 13, 20 and 27; Oct. 4, 11, 18 and 25) and MSC Fantasia (Western Mediterranean) cruises departing from Genoa, Sept. 6, 13, 20 and 27; Oct. 4, 11, 18 and 25; and Nov. 1.
As with all MSC Cruises’ sailings, kids cruise free under the age of 17 when sharing a stateroom with two full-fare-paying adults.
For more information about MSC Cruises’ Back-to-Back Europe Cruises, visit www.MSCCruisesUSA.com or a local travel professional.
About MSC Cruises
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.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
MSC Cruises Announces Partnership with Olympus
The IPLEX-FX features a 6.5” anti-glare, transreflective LCD monitor, a highly portable control unit housed in a magnesium chassis which is water/dust/shock proof and a flexible probe that can be used to inspect engines, hull bulkheads and auxiliary equipment and installations. By using Remote Visual Inspection, MSC Cruises technicians will quickly be able to check the remote, hard-to-access areas without having to perform expensive disassembly. It is particularly useful for identifying occlusion of tubes and filters, cracks, and corrosion due to rust.
The probe is resistant to harsh environments, can be immersed in fluids and features an articulating tip controlled by joystick, which can be rotated through 360 degrees. The head of the instrument features interchangeable optical tip adaptors, incorporating a high-intensity LED illumination system and a CCD sensor to capture high-resolution images and movies that can be viewed on the monitor and stored in the control unit.
According to Emilio La Scala, General Manager MSC Cruisetech, MSC’s target is to maintain high standards of efficiency, reliability and security for the entire fleet.
“Thanks to the video-scope we can guarantee smooth routine and ad hoc maintenance of our ships, achieving substantial financial benefits by avoiding unnecessary delays and intervening in a targeted, planned and timely way,” said La Scala.
Innovation and quality are fundamental, unwavering principles for the Olympus Group, according to Gianpietro Rebughini, Managing Director of Olympus Italia.
“The vast experience and continuous evolution of medical endoscopy has contributed to the development of a technology for high performance industrial applications, now perfected in the new IPLEX FX range,” said Rebughini.
About MSC Cruises
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.
About Olympus
Olympus is a well-known global manufacturer of high quality optical products. Olympus provides innovative monitoring instruments used in industrial applications and research, ranging from the aerospace, energy production, petrochemical, automotive, civil infrastructure and naval to consumer products. Olympus instruments contribute to product quality and enhance the security of infrastructure and facilities. Our cutting-edge technologies include systems for remote visual inspection, high-speed video cameras, ultrasound, ultrasound phased array, eddy current and microscopes.
Friday, May 8, 2009
MSC Cruises Introduces European Cruises Departing From NYC
NEW YORK, NY– Start spreading the news – MSC Cruise Lines introduces its brand of sophisticated European-style cruising to New York City - NYC and will be returning in the Fall of 2010 with a series of Canada/New England cruise itineraries.
MSC Orchestra arrived in New York City – NYC Tuesday morning to a warm welcome from city officials. Her historic arrival marks the first time one of the Italian-owned cruise line’s ships has called in the “Big Apple.” The cruise ship docked overnight at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal before departing today on an eastbound transatlantic crossing to Copenhagen, where she will cruise Northern Europe itineraries during the summer months.On Sept. 22, 2010, the line’s newest ship MSC Magnifica (currently under construction in France) arrives in New York for the line’s inaugural season of Canada/New England itineraries, roundtrip cruise departing from New York City and Quebec City. It is estimated that the ship’s calls in NYC can potentially have an indirect revenue impact on the city valued at more than $2.7 million.
“It has been decades since vacationers have been able to cruise from New York on a European-owned cruise line with the classic style and elegance that only the Italians know how to deliver,” says Richard E. Sasso, president and CEO of MSC Cruises (USA), Inc. “We are excited to make this memorable experience readily accessible to the residents of the Northeast.”He adds, “With the most modern and fastest growing fleet in the cruise industry, MSC Cruise Lines feels right at home in this, the crossroads of the world. We look forward to strengthening our position in New York City in future years.”
MSC Cruises offers itineraries in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, South America and the Caribbean, as well as transatlantic sailings. Each itinerary features the out-of-the-ordinary port calls for which MSC Cruise Lines has become known.No matter what the cruiseing region, MSC Cruises offers guests an authentic Italian/European cruise experience, from the superb cuisine featuring regional Italian specialties (as well as perennial, All-American favorites) to the warmth and generosity of the Italian officers and international crew and the European-style entertainment that is suitable for the entire family.
MSC Cruises is no stranger to New York City- NYC. The U.S. headquarters of the cruise line’s parent company, Mediterranean Shipping Company, have been based in New York City for nearly 25 years.For more information about MSC Cruises, visit www.MSCCruisesUSA.com or a local travel professional.
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 Cruise Lines 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.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
MSC Cruises - Fleet Tour - Virtual Tour of Cruise Ships
MSC Cruises proudly invites you to embark on an amazing tour of their magnificent fleet of cruise ships. From the fine cuisine to the amazing cruise destinations, you'll be introduced to the MSC Cruises fleet in a unique way with the cruise ship virtual tours.
The incredible destinations of MSC span the world. Their cruise ships travel to the tropical islands of the Caribbean and tour the historic architecture of the Mediterranean. No matter your desires, they are a possibility aboard a cruise vacation with MSC Cruises.
Visit MSCCruisesUSA.com for more information after you experience their virtual tour of cruise ships.
