A History Of MSC Cruises

With a fleet of nine ships, including the MSC Fantasia, which was christened in December 2008, 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 the Cunard Line, MSC Cruises is a relatively young cruise line.

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

It was founded when the owner of the Mediterranean Shipping Company purchased Starlauro - a one ship cruise line.

The first ship to sail under the company's flag was the Achille Lauro which, by anyone's standards, was an extremely unlucky ship. In 1986 it was attacked by Palestinian militants, before catching fire ten years later off the coast of Africa and sinking.

Some of the other early additions to MSC's fleet include the MSC Melody and MSC Rhapsody - both of which are still operated by the cruise line.

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

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

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

The MSC Armonia was added to the fleet in 2004, with the MSC Sinfonia making her debut just a year later.

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

The MSC Music was delivered in 2006, with the MSC Orchestra and Poesia following in 2007 and 2008.

MSC's fourth Musica Class ship, the MSC Magnifica, is due to be delivered in 2010 and will be capable of accommodating 3,000 guests.

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

The MSC Fantasia was delivered in December 2008 and was hailed by the company as the most beautiful ship on earth. The largest ship ever constructed for a European ship owner, the Fantasia is described as a "masterpiece of Italian style: a perfect mix of advanced technology, elegance and exclusive services".

An elegant and tasteful vessel, the MSC Fantasia is home to five restaurants, four 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's Fantasia ship 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 sea.

Cruising into the future

Today the cruise line continues to go from strength to strength, with two ships currently under construction: the MSC Splendida and MSC Magnifica.

The MSC Splendida is due to be christened this summer during a glittering ceremony in Barcelona.

According to MSC, the Splendida is "a ship where cutting-edge technology and luxurious comfort are splendidly combined. Futuristic, yet retaining its classic simplicity and elegance. A cruise ship that promises a blissful haven for her guests".

The Splendida 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 recently announced plans to introduce a number of all-inclusive drinks packages, in a bid to offer passengers extra value for money during the credit crunch.

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

Which MSC Cruises cruise ship is right for you?

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

1. Where would you like to cruise? Anywhere Europe (All)     Mediterranean North America (All)     East Canada
2. Which departure port? Any port Barcelona, Spain Genoa, Italy New York, New York Venice, Italy
3. When? Anytime 2010 (All)     April 2010     May 2010     June 2010     July 2010     August 2010     September 2010     October 2010
4. For how long? Any Duration 7 - 9 Nights 10 - 13 Nights 17 - 40 Nights
5. Which ship do you prefer? I Don't Mind MSC Cruises (All)      MSC Armonia     MSC Fantasia      MSC Lirica     MSC Poesia      MSC Sinfonia     MSC Splendida
6. Cruise type? Any Fly & Cruise
7.   Reset

Itineraries

MSC Cruises Itineraries

• Europe

• Med

• N.America

• East Canada

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