MSC Cruises

Fun for adults

On an MSC cruise, there's a fantastic range of activities for adults. If you're the energetic type you can work out in the gym where qualified instructors are always on hand. Or sign up for the beach volley-ball, five-a-side football and tennis tournaments.

You can also learn to salsa at a daytime dance class, take a cookery lesson or enjoy a therapeutic massage in the wellbeing spa. If you really don't want to do anything at all, just grab a cool drink and lounge on deck or down by the pool.

Activities for kids

On an MSC cruise you can relax knowing the children are having fun and meeting new friends. They have their own dedicated playroom on board with everything from games and arts and crafts for youngsters, to a video games room for teens.

Trained staff also run daily kids' clubs where the children can get involved in all sorts of exciting activities such as treasure hunts, sports tournaments and shows.

Night time entertainment

Evenings on an MSC cruise give you the option to kick off your shoes and dance the night away.

Spend another evening taking in a show, playing a little roulette or just relaxing with a drink in the elegant piano bar. One thing's for sure, you won't be stuck for pleasurable things to do.

MSC cruise cuisine

Just as you'd expect, you'll be treated to wonderful world cuisine including delicious Italian food on your MSC cruise ship. There's also a wealth of restaurants serving international dishes, including menus that reflect the typical cuisine of the countries you're visiting.

No matter where you choose to eat onboard, you'll also find tasty and nutritious kids menus - serving all of your children's favourite foods.

Every effort has been made to ensure that the details of this page are correct at the time of publication. However, you should always check prior to booking that any essential information is accurate with either Virgin Holidays Cruises or MSC Cruises.

Which MSC Cruises cruise ship is right for you?

• MSC Armonia
• MSC Divina
• MSC Fantasia
• MSC Lirica
• MSC Magnifica
• MSC Melody
• MSC Musica
• MSC Opera
• MSC Orchestra
• MSC Poesia
• MSC Sinfonia
• MSC Splendida

MSC Cruises Destinations

With a fleet of 11 ships, MSC Cruises is one of the world's leading cruise lines!

The company is famed for its warm, Italian hospitality and recently claimed that the Fantasia is the most beautiful vessel in the world.

Blast from the past

Compared to the likes of P&O and Cunard Line, MSC Cruises is a relatively young cruise line.

Established in 1987, the founders of MSC Cruises were committed to offering affordable holidays at sea and began to compete against fellow Italian cruise line Costa Cruises.

It was started when the owner of the Mediterranean Shipping Company purchased Starlauro - a one ship cruise line established in the 1960's.

More ships were soon added to the MSC Cruises fleet, including MSC Melody and MSC Rhapsody; MSC Melody is actually still operated by the cruise line today, sailing attractive Mediterranean & Transatlantic itineraries.

However, the last ten years have been a time of great expansion for the company, with MSC Cruises placing an order for two new vessels in the year 2000.

MSC Lirica and MSC Opera were delivered in record time, the ships entering service in 2003 and 2004 respectively.

According to MSC Cruises, the delivery of these two ships marked the first phase in development towards achieving its objective: 'to position itself as a leader in the European cruising sector'.

MSC Armonia was added to the fleet in 2004, MSC Sinfonia making her debut in 2008.

MSC Cruises continued with its rapid expansion too, placing orders for several more new generation ships and introducing its Musica Class.

MSC Musica was delivered in 2006, MSC Orchestra and MSC Poesia following in 2007 and 2008.

MSC Cruises fourth Musica Class ship, MSC Magnifica, was christened in March 2010 and is capable of accommodating 3,000 guests.

A cruise line which can never be criticised for slowing down, MSC Cruises has also begun to establish its Fantasia Class.

MSC Fantasia was delivered in December 2008 and was hailed by the company as 'the most beautiful vessel on earth'!

The largest ship ever constructed for a European ship owner, MSC Fantasia is described as a 'masterpiece of Italian style; a perfect mix of advanced technology, elegance and exclusive services'.

An elegant and tasteful vessel, MSC Fantasia is home to 5 restaurants, 4 swimming pools, 12 hydro-massage pools, several coffee bars, a 4D cinema and even a Formula One simulator!

Always keen to stay one step ahead of the crowd, MSC Fantasia also boasts a floor encrusted with Swarovski crystals and even has a transparent ceiling in places, enabling passengers to enjoy the night sky as well as the ocean.

Cruising into the future

Today the cruise line continues to go from strength to strength, with a new ship currently under construction, MSC Davina.

MSC Davina is due to be christened in May 2012 during a glittering ceremony in Marseille, France.

According to MSC Cruises, 'MSC Davina will reflect the qualities of her sister ships MSC Splendida and MSC Fantasia, while enhancing them in ways that will surely delight its guests; for example, she will have 100 additional cabins and innovative new features, such as a gorgeous infinity pool at its aft'.

MSC Davina will also boast an exclusive Yacht Club, where guests can unwind in sumptuous surroundings and enjoy 24-hour butler service, as well as dinner under the stars.

Moreover, MSC Cruises has introduced a number of all-inclusive drinks packages as well, in a bid to offer passengers extra value for money during these difficult economic times.

Clearly a cruise line that is capable of moving with the times, MSC Cruises said it was 'eager to meet the needs of its passengers and reassure them about the full cost of their holiday in advance'.