Flickr: MSC Cruises (USA)

THE COMPANY
MSC Cruises is a leader in the Mediterranean Cruise market, sailing in the region throughout the year, as well as offering a wide range of seasonal itineraries in Northern Europe, the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean, Canada and New England, South America, the Indian Ocean, South and West Africa. Following several years of unprecedented growth, MSC Cruises boasts the most modern cruise fleet in the world, with 10 ships currently in operation and another scheduled for delivery in 2010.

THE FLEET
MSC Cruises’ two Fantasia Class flagships, MSC Splendida (launched in 2009) and MSC Fantasia (2008) are the largest ships ever ordered by a European ship owner. Each weighs 138,000 gross tonnage, is 1,093ft long and 124ft wide and can accommodate up to 3,959 guests. They were built at the STX Europe shipyard (formerly known as “Aker Yards”) in Saint-Nazaire, France. Complementing them are the three vessels in the Musica Class - MSC Poesia (2008), MSC Orchestra (2007) and MSC Musica (2006) - each weighing 90,000 gross tonnage and carrying up to 3,000 guests. They will be joined in 2010 by a fourth ship in the same class, MSC Magnifica. The fleet is completed by the four liners of the Lirica Class, with a gross tonnage of 60,000 tons and a capacity of up to 2,000 guests each - MSC Sinfonia (2005), MSC Armonia (2004), MSC Opera (2004) and MSC Lirica (2003) - and finally MSC Melody.

RESPECTING PEOPLE AND THE PLANET
MSC Cruises believes that global leadership brings increased responsibility towards the physical and human environments in which the company operates. Its commitment to safeguarding the marine ecosystem, as well as protecting the health and safety of its passengers and staff, has earned numerous awards and certifications. International certification body Bureau Veritas awarded MSC Cruises the honor of being the first company to receive “6 Golden Pearls” for environmental care. This unique award comprises Cleanship 2 Class notation for advanced air, water and waste treatment systems, as well as ISO 14001 certification (for environmental management), ISO 22000 (for food safety) and OHSAS 18001 (for occupational health and safety). Other official recognitions include the Green Planet Award (for eco-friendly facilities), the CIAL award (for aluminum recycling) and ISO 9001:2000 certification (for quality management). MSC Cruises was one of the first signatories of the Venice Blue Flag agreement to reduce emissions in the Venice Lagoon.
Embracing the philosophy of Corporate Social Responsibility, MSC Cruises has launched an important humanitarian partnership with UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s Fund. Announced in July 2009, the project will benefit disadvantaged children and adolescents in 127 vulnerable urban communities in Brazil by helping to ensure they receive a proper education. As well as being the sole provider of the project’s budget, MSC Cruises will be actively involved in awareness-raising activities on board its cruise ships.

THE MSC CRUISES EXPERIENCE
MSC Cruises is proud of its Italian heritage, which is reflected in the sophisticated design and outstanding hospitality onboard it’s ships. Innovations in both exterior and interior designs for the MSC Cruises fleet have earned prestigious awards for naval architects De Jorio Design International. The gourmet dining experience on board combines Italian regional specialties with the best of Mediterranean and international cuisine. In the fields of service and comfort, MSC Cruises is committed to setting new standards in luxury cruising. Groundbreaking initiatives include the MSC Aurea Spa, a lavish Balinese wellness centre, and the MSC Yacht Club, an exclusive zone on the company’s two flagships offering elegant suites with lavish butler service and numerous other privileges.

To find out more about MSC Cruises (USA):

* Call your travel professional

* Visit the MSC Cruises (USA) website

* Call MSC Reservations ( 877) 665- 4655

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