MSC Fantasia Calls at New Wharf in Tunis

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (May 14, 2009)-- MSC Fantasia recently made her maiden call at the new wharf in the port of 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.