PortholeTV, the newly launched video channel by Porthole Cruise Magazine, has kicked off a new online video series that will count down to the highly anticipated December 2016 launch of Seabourn Encore, the line’s first new ship in five years. Produced by PPI Group, the parent company of Porthole Cruise Magazine, the world’s leading consumer cruise magazine, PortholeTV’s eight-episode series will inform cruise enthusiasts about Seabourn Encore’s unique features and luxury amenities.
“Consumers love the behind-the-scenes footage that provides insight and exclusivity into their favorite lifestyle activities, and this type of countdown is an effective way to build anticipation and awareness for Seabourn as it’s such an important launch for the cruise line,” said Bill Panoff president and CEO of PPI Group. “How exciting for a cruise line to showcase a ship’s creation from start to finish.”
PortholeTV’s Countdown to Seabourn Encore series will highlight various topics including design, cuisine, entertainment, spa, and suites — with the final episode dedicated to the ship’s momentous christening and inaugural cruise. The episodes will also include interviews and insights from Seabourn president, Richard Meadows; the ship’s preeminent hospitality designer, Adam D. Tihany; celebrity chef partner, Thomas Keller; and other cruise line partners and executives.
“We’re excited about partnering with PPI Group on this video series surrounding the construction, design, and launch of Seabourn Encore,” said Stacie Woods, Seabourn’s Director of Marketing Communication. “She will be a magnificent ship and PPI is doing a fantastic job bringing her to life through video storytelling. We are excited for guests to get a glimpse of the enhanced Seabourn experience as they await the ship’s upcoming debut.”
PPI Group’s broadcast operations department also produces programming for various cruise lines’ in-cabin TV channels, including shopping, highlights, and excursions in ports of call. With its team of experts and state-of-the-art video equipment, the company has been able to push the envelope with new creative video marketing tactics that connect brands to their consumers by telling visual stories, just like the Seabourn Encore series. The first episode, which highlights construction through initial float out, as well as other PortholeTV features, can be viewed at Porthole.com/videos.
New 3,934-Passenger Vessel Scheduled to Enter Service in Spring 2018
Carnival Cruise Line recently announced that Carnival Horizon will be the name of its new 133,500-ton ship scheduled to be delivered in March 2018.
Currently under construction at Fincantieri’s shipyard inMarghera, Italy, Carnival Horizon will be the line’s second Vista-class ship, with the namesake vessel in the series, Carnival Vista, having entered service in May 2016.
Carnival Horizon will offer many of the hugely popular indoor and outdoor dining, bar, entertainment and activity options available on Carnival Vista including SkyRide, the IMAX Theatre, WaterWorks aqua park, Seuss at Sea program in partnership with Dr. Seuss Enterprises and Alchemy Bar. There will also be a number of new innovations unique to this vessel.
In addition, Carnival Horizon will offer a wide range of accommodation categories, including the popular Havana staterooms and extra-roomy Family Harbor cabins. Homeport and itinerary details for Carnival Horizon will be announced at a later date.
With Carnival Horizon’s name and layout designed to inspire guests to discover extraordinary views, new perspectives and amazing experiences, Carnival is hosting a fun social media contest on Instagram that will award a stateroom for up to four people when the ship debuts in 2018. To enter, post your favorite photo of a horizon and tag @Carnival and use the hashtag #CarnivalHorizonSweepstakes to enter to win the cruise giveaway. The contest will begin July 29, and run through July 31, at 11:59 p.m.
A Statement from Aqua Expeditions Founder and CEO, Francesco Galli Zugaro
Following the tragic incident involving the Aqua Amazon on Saturday, July 16, all of our efforts at Aqua Expeditions have been focused on finding the members of our crew who were on board at the time of the accident and were reported missing after the explosion that caused the vessel to capsize.
It was first thought that four crew were unaccounted for; however, this figure rose to five on Sunday night when another crew member could not be located. In addition, there are two external suppliers who are also victims, bringing the total missing to seven people. As of 17:00 EST Monday, July 18, two of the victims have been identified and recovered. Five more remain to be found and recovered.
There are an additional eight crew members in recovery in the hospital following the explosion. Three are in intensive care and the remaining five are receiving the necessary medical attention. We are assuring them the best medical treatment possible.
We have been in close contact with their families and have been keeping them fully informed of news of their loved ones during this difficult time. Many of the crew have been with me from 2007 when we started. I considered them dear friends, not just employees.
The source of the fire and explosion is yet to be determined as preliminary investigations are still underway. We are supporting all efforts by the authorities and will continue to do so throughout the process.
Our industry partners, guests, families and friends have given me and everyone at Aqua Expeditions the strength and commitment to stay united and face this tragedy together. We are overwhelmed with the show of support that is continuing to pour in from all over the world and we will be eternally thankful.
I, along with our media and marketing teams, will be keeping the industry informed of further developments.
Everyone likes a new ship with new features and that new ship smell. This year there has been no lack of new ships too, with most major cruise lines launching their best ships ever. It’s been a few years since Holland America Line rolled out a new ship but the wait seems to be worth it. New ms Koningsdam has her own set of features, some new, some expanded versions of time-tested Holland America favorites.
Koningsdam Features
It’s a nice blend of thoughtful spaces, culinary venues and well-appointed staterooms we’re quite impressed with. Let’s take a look at why Koningsdam features will make for good sailing, anywhere in the world.
The World Stage
Photo- Holland America Line
The world stage, in reality, turned out to be a much better space than I thought possible based on renderings released by Holland America in advance of the launch of Koningsdam. The notion of a 270 degree LED screen was interesting in paper but quite exciting in person. There is a lot that can be done with this space. Wired and lit for anything from a solo artist to a rock concert it’s not too big and has plenty of good stadium style seating.
Art Worth A Look
Photo – Holland America Line
In probably one of the biggest departures from the past, hallway art on new ms Koningsdam is far more contemporary and features works from a variety of artists.
The Billboard Show
Photo- Holland America Line
Held on the same World Stage noted above. the Billboard Show is far more than the dueling piano bar version of Holland America Line’s association with Billboard Magazine. Still part of the Billboard Onboard partnership, “Our guests love music that spans all genres, and Billboard Onboard is the perfect way to showcase a wide range of popular hits under one roof,” said Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line. “We’re thrilled to partner with Billboard to debut a venue that will cater to all ages and nationalities.”
BLEND
Photo- Holland America Line
Wine lovers can experience the art of winemaking at BLEND aboard ms Koningsdam. In collaboration with Chateau Ste. Michelle, Washington State’s oldest and most acclaimed winery, the intimate venue will enable guests to blend their own wine and enjoy it at dinner or in the privacy of their stateroom. This venue is a first for Holland America Line and one we bet they roll out to other ships in the future. Have you done a wine blending? It’s quite a lot of fun and highly recommended.
The Culinary Arts Center
Photo – Holland America Line
The Culinary Arts Center has been a Holland America Line fan favorite for quite some time. Guests gather at various times of the day for cooking demonstrations, wine tastings and more. Taking that venue a step further, ms Koningsdam guests can have dinner there as well with a reconfigured layout complete with dining areas within view of the action.
New York Deli & Pizza
New York Deli & Pizza – Deck 10 Midship Portside Koningsdam – Holland America Line
One of numerous included dining options, the New York Deli & Pizza is a popular place for lunch on Koningsdam.
Stateroom Layout And Design
Ocean-view Stateroom Cat. C – Room #1095 Deck 1 Midship Starboard Koningsdam – Holland America Line
Typical of all standard staterooms, each comes wired with multiple USB ports, plenty of electric outlets, inventive storage space, roomy shower and more. In staterooms with balconies, even the smallest are double the depth of some other major cruise lines.
The Retreat
The Retreat – Deck 12 Forward Koningsdam – Holland America Line
A serene area high up on the ship, this is about as relaxed as it gets. On other ships with similar facilities, they are located comparatively close to noisy, high traffic areas. This is an oasis in and of itself.
The Dining Room
The Dining Room – Deck 2 & 3 Aft Koningsdam – Holland America Line
The multi-level dining room has an interesting design with a surprising result. Tables are spaced far enough apart to encourage candid conversation without being overheard by others. Taking a wide look at the space, it is easy to see where design elements have broken up what might have been a typically cavernous dining space, bringing a more intimate setting.
10 Wonderful Things You Might Not Have Noticed On Your Carnival Cruise
Not long ago, I sailed with Carnival Cruise Line aboard newly refurbished Carnival Magic in the Caribbean. It had been a while since our last regular Carnival sailing. I’m on Carnival quite a bit for this blog but those are really more of a media circus, cruise industry style. Here, we were not part of a group, no one knew who we were and we had no schedule. Along the way, I noticed some interesting and wonderful things you might not have noticed or had occasion to use on your Carnival Cruise.
Forget Third-Party Tour Operators – Carnival Cruise Line’s Best Price Guarantee on shore excursions refocuses our attention on what matters: what we will see on location. They also ask a very good question on day one of any sailing. Right on page one of Carnival’s Fun Ashore excursions list for a particular sailing, Carnival ponders “How will you remember your vacation?” A good question most travelers give little or any attention to.
FunHub App – Free to download, the Carnival FunHub app comes alive when you board a Carnival FunShip. Find your way around the ship on deck plans that are now in your phone. See the daily schedule, text other passengers on the ship (free), plan excursions, see menus and more. Not available on all ships, I missed the Carnival FunHub App that worked so wonderfully on Carnival Vista when on board Carnival Magic last week.
Very Digital, Or Not, Your Choice –While the Carnival fleet of Funships is becoming more digital all the time, they still have the analog versions of helpful things like hand held deck plans. All around deck you will see fellow passengers with tablets reading the books that would have occupied a lot of space in luggage. Funny related story: I’m sitting on the promenade deck of Carnival Magic when kid after kid walks up to a backlit sign, swiping it to move along on the content then giving the device the same puzzled look when nothing new appears.
Oh, Did They Loosen Up The Slots? – I never win anything in the casino but like to play slot machines. I don’t expect to win big but it seems that cruise lines with casinos have been getting a bit stingy with their payouts. On two different FunShips in as many months, I was able to play longer and enjoy it more because they let me win a little bit. Perhaps gamblers should signal their intentions before sitting down, promise not to walk away with any of their money but would just like to play for an hour or two.
There Is Something To Be Said For Port Canaveral – always on the move, Florida’s Space Coast cruise port is expanding. A new multi-level parking garage makes quick and easy access to the ship in terminals designed to handle the crowds. Accustomed to flying to the embarkation port then flying back home, the 90-minute drive that included picking up the dog at the vet’s office was a breeze and a half. If you haven’t noticed, Carnival has more ships homeported at North American embarkation ports than any other cruise line.
The Daily Routine, Done Well – Periodic announcements are just part of the deal at Carnival and a good reason to get your Carnival head on before boarding. This is about as informal and relaxed as it gets. While I firmly do not believe a company can be everything to everyone, this one takes a good stab at it, chasing away land-based cares and concerns for those who buy into it all.
Blue Or Red – The rivalry continues between the Thirsty Frog Red fans on one side of the Lido deck and the Blue Iguana’s on the other side. Themed events and scheduled live performances specific to the Blue/Red rivalry are interspersed with live and recorded popular music…for the most part. Hard to believe that MMMBop is still hanging in there. Happy deck though, that’s what counts.
Lord Have Mercy! Entertainment Is Back –Aptly curated live entertainment runs from violin concertos to current hits, big band sounds, pop, rock and you name it. I don’t know that it was really ever gone but compared to the past, there is a concentrated effort being made to nail the programming on every sailing.
Take Another Look At That CHEERS Package. Do the math, you will need to drink x number of whateveritisyoudrink to come out even on the Carnival CHEERS Beverage Package. Where I believe one mistake made by those who decline it is in their estimated consumption. Most people estimate low compared with what they will actually drink at sea. We just found this out on Carnival Magic and ended up paying $8.39 more than if we had been on the unlimited CHEERS Beverage Package.
Book On Board While You Can – Like other cruise lines, Carnival has future cruise booking onboard and available but about all you’ll hear of it is in a flyer with the ship’s daily mail. While the Carnival plan is a bit tricky when compared to, say, sister line Princess Cruises, there can be some real stand alone value there. Just be sure to know what you are signing up for.
There are a whole lot more interesting little and wonderful things Carnival Cruise Line is doing, all very well documented on their website and in our Cruise Addicts news.
Captain Inger Klein Thorhauge, who helms Cunard ships, is among women with prominent roles at Carnival Corporation. Photo courtesy of Cunard. (PRNewsFoto/Carnival Corporation & plc)
Next time you go on a cruise ship, there may be a woman at the helm.
When she left her home in the remote Faroe Islands and took a temporary job as a stewardess on a cargo ship, Inger Klein Thorhauge wanted most to become a wife and mother. But life at sea held such an attraction that she worked her way up through the ranks to become a cruise ship captain for Cunard.
Thorhauge is part of a sea of change at the top of the cruise industry, as women are smashing through the glass ceiling, bringing a new energy and new ways of thinking.
In days of yore, women actually were considered bad luck in the maritime world.
“The opportunities for women in the industry are the same as they are for men,” said Thorhauge, who has been a Cunard captain since 2010, starting on the Queen Victoria. “As long as you work hard and are dedicated, anyone can achieve anything.”
Next time you go on a cruise ship, there may be a woman at the helm.
People often are surprised when they meet her, said British Captain Sarah Breton, who was named the first female captain for P&O Cruises in 2010. Currently, she captains Fathom’s 704-passenger Adonia.
“Particularly the women passengers often comment on how proud they are to have a female captain,” Breton said.
Other maritime women are also getting noticed, and applauded.
A young Italian woman, Francesca Dandriccio, a 3rd engineer, recently was recognized as Carnival Cruise Line’s Leader of the Year. She’s the first person from the engine department to ever receive the honor.
In nominating her, Dandriccio’s male bosses noted both her “brilliant technical abilities” and her ease in interacting with crew and passengers.
“We are so proud of her,” said Christine Duffy, who herself broke barriers becoming the first-ever female president of Carnival Cruise Line, the flagship brand for Carnival Corporation. “There haven’t been a lot of women in these roles and today you look at Carnival Corporation and there are.”
Duffy said women bring a new dimension to the leadership table.
“As women we do tend to have a different way of engaging. Studies have shown we tend to be more empathetic, more in touch with the human side,” Duffy said.
Women have risen through the ranks in other positions within Carnival Corporation, including in the traditionally male role of heading hotel operations.
“I was constantly looking for new challenges and obstacles to overcome in order to prove my abilities,” Cybuliak said.
Among her mentors were two women hotel general managers and her father.
“My father also had a big influence in the commitment and dedication that drives me,” Cybuliak said. “He had a strong work ethic and sense of responsibility, which has continued to strengthen my character as I have developed my career.”
Jan Swartz, president of Princess Cruises since 2013, said increasing the role of women in leadership in the cruise industry makes particular sense when you consider that women typically drive travel purchases.
“Women are into travel as an experience that creates family memories,” Swartz said. “Most women want to create these experiences for their families, friends and loved ones and take great pride in planning trips – and more and more that includes cruises.”
Being part of a company where women lead brands and also serve around the world in leadership roles is “fun, exciting and encouraging,” said Tara Russell, president of the Fathom brand, which is pioneering the concept of social impact on a large scale.
[pullquote]”I think there’s only more opportunity ahead as I look across the family of brands and the growth and vision of where we are headed corporately,” said Russell, who also heads global impact efforts for Carnival Corporation. “It’s one of Carnival Corporation CEO Arnold Donald’s beliefs that when you bring different perspectives to the table, you ultimately get a better outcome. I think we’re seeing that every day.”[/pullquote]
The women heading the four brands have a sisterhood of sorts, Russell added.
Ann Sherry, executive chairman of Carnival Australia since 2007, and one of Australia’s most influential businesswomen, has taken on the role of mentor. “I think it is incredibly helpful especially at the senior level to have a touch point for any questions that come up,” Sherry said.
“Women in leadership juggle many of the same things. Many of us have children, many of us have the same conflict factors any man does in addition to some others,” said Russell, who has turned to Sherry for advice. “I think it’s been great and refreshing to have other women brand leaders to relate to and who empathize.”
Among other women executives at Carnival Corporation are Julia Brown who heads global procurement, andMarie McKenzie, who leads global destination services and sourcing.
A woman’s touch applies at Carnival Corporation even in the male-dominated shipbuilding realm.
Alison Clixby, director of hotel design and projects for Carnival UK, which includes P&O Cruises UK and Cunard, has worked on shipbuilding for 25 years – most recently overseeing the “remastering” of Cunard’s flagship Queen Mary 2.
She said she lucked into the job out of design school and quickly was hooked.
“I think it’s about opportunity,” she said. “I was really lucky. I didn’t know about it when I got my first job. But being in a building environment, a very sort of rough and ready dirty environment and creating is fascinating. I am now trying to mentor people to give them that opportunity.”
“It’s about recognizing and developing talent and I see women as well as men very willing to do that for women,” Duffy said. “Remember, a lot of guys have daughters and wives.”
(Photo By Nick Argires, Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism)
With handmade seats and exquisite design, the esthetic of the amphitheater is second to none. It has a seating capacity of 4,000 seats and 2,000 lawn seats. (Photo By Nick Argires, Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism)
Cruise passengers visiting the Amber Cove cruise port will now have a place for outdoor music and entertainement with the grand opening of the Tourism and Landscape Park of La Puntilla and Puerto Plata Amphitheatre.
Located adjacent to the historic Fort San Filipein, and offering stunning views of the ocean and the North Coast of the Dominican Republic, the Amphitheater will provide seats for 4,000 people, with an additional 2,000 lawn seats. Described by many as “the most current and advanced throughout Central and Latin America” and the amphitheater offers a platform for music, theater, dance performances and movies.
Puerto Plata Amphitheater (Photo By Nick Argires, Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism)
With handmade seats and exquisite design, the esthetic of the amphitheater is second to none. The dark teak color of the amphitheater blends into the hillside very naturally with the Atlantic Ocean providing a
The works will generate 150 direct jobs and 600 indirect jobs, in addition to increase the arrival of tourists to Puerto Plata, offering an additional draw of live entertainment.
President of the Republic, Danilo Medina, accompanied by the Minister of Tourism, Francisco Javier García, lead the opening ceremonies during the park’s inaugural event Thursday, July 14.
Delivering the keynote speech, Minister of Tourism, stressed the importance of the work and stating the additional attraction to Puerto Plata and will enrich and strengthen the already growing tourism offerings of the area.
“This project and modern amphitheater were designed to incorporate new elements into tourism in the north coast, and Dominican Republic in general,” said García. “Distinct projects such as this help attract a wider range of tourists and enrich their experience while they are in country, encouraging return visits.”
In addition to García, architect Maribel Villalona addressed the audience to explain the details, design and Puerto Plata has increased in popularity over the past few years. According to officials from the Dominican Republic’s Puerto Plata Tourism Cluster (CTDPP), tourist arrivals surged in 2015 as visitors to the city on the country’s northwest coast increased 11.5 percent year-over year.
Beautiful views, as seen from the Landscape Park of La Puntilla and Amphitheater. (Photo By credit Nick Argires, Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism)
This leap is due in large part to the October 2015 opening of Carnival Corp.’s $85 million Amber Cove cruise port, which is on track to bring 400,000 cruise passengers this year according to CTDPP officials. The operations at Amber Cove, which refers to the region’s historically rich mineral wealth and generous amber reserves, bring an average of 5,000 visitors to Puerto Plata each week. The addition of the amphitheater is yet another reason Puerto Plata will soon be on the top of traveler’s destination lists.
No passengers onboard at the time of accident, crew have been hurt and up to four are declared missing
It is with much regret and sadness that Francesco Galli Zugaro, Founder and CEO of Aqua Expeditions, announced that on Saturday, July 16th, the Aqua Amazon suffered a very serious accident, and sank.
During the regular Saturday supplying and turn-around hours for re-stocking of the vessel, an accident occurred that caused an explosion and resulted in the sinking of the ship. The investigation is ongoing and more information will be shared as it becomes available.
Aqua Amazon
No passengers were onboard but some of the crew have been hurt and up to four are declared missing. All efforts are being made to get a better understanding of the status of the missing crew. The entire operations team is on the ground providing logistical support with local emergency services.
Passengers scheduled to depart Saturday on the Aqua Amazon have been reassigned to the Aria Amazon and other river cruisers.
For any further sales and reservations issues regarding passengers’ queries, the Lima and Singapore offices will be open on Sunday regarding future bookings on the Aqua Amazon.
French America Line, has annouced that is has been accepted as a member of the French Heritage Society, a non-profit American organization created in 1982 to preserve, restore and promote French heritage throughout the United States and France.
“French America Line brings a redefined and fresh approach to cruising the waterways of America, providing a whole new level of service and amenities currently not offered in the marketplace. Our elegant flagship Louisiane will also celebrate the diverse cultural, historical and epicurean influences engrained in these regions during the early French colonization once known as Lousiane. There is no better a partnership to support our dedication to the preservation of this rich culture and heritage than our newly formed relationship with The French Heritage Society.
A portion of proceeds from the sale of all French America Line’s Curator Collection shore excursions that incorporate a focus on French heritage will be donated to the Society to support their many cultural and preservation initiatives here in the U.S., many along the waterways we operate” said Tom Markwell, President, French America Line.
“With 10 chapters in the U.S. and one in France, the central mission of French Heritage Society is to ensure that the treasures of our shared French architectural and cultural heritage survive to inspire future generations to build, dream and create. We do this by raising funds for restoration, preservation and cultural grants as well as creating transatlantic educational programs for students, architects, artisans, art connoisseurs and collectors,” said Elizabeth Stribling, Chairman of French Heritage Society.
French America Line’s optional Curator Collection shore excursions will dive into the heart of each destination to uncover the spirit and personality that make each place unique. For an additional charge, guests receive an exclusive, in-depth experience that could include an after-hours museum tour and dinner, behind-the-scenes previews of historic architectural preservation and restoration projects, private tours of celebrated art collections, exclusive musical performances, intimate wine tastings, or regionally inspired cooking lessons.
Guests will gain unique insights into life along the Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee, Cumberland and Red rivers. Pricing is virtually all-inclusive, with one-night pre-embarkation deluxe hotel stay in some of America’s most legendary hotels, all meals designed by Chef de Cuisine Regina Charboneau, free-flowing hand-selected beverages, wines, beer and spirits, nightly live entertainment, informative cultural and historical talks by onboard Illuminators, and memorable Traveler Collection shore excursions in every port of call included in the tariff. Onboard amenities include Hermès bath amenities in the Richelieu Suites and L’Occitaine en Provence bath amenities in all staterooms; fresh macarons from the House of Ladurée upon embarkation and nightly gourmet Haut Vosges chocolates at turndown.
MSC Cruises reveals further details of the first of its features-packed next generation smart ship launching in June 2017
With just twelve months to go until the first guests set sail on-board MSC Meraviglia, MSC Cruises has revealed further details of its first next-generation smart ship. Designed around meeting every need of its guests,MSC Meraviglia will introduce new, cutting edge ways to connect Cruise Addicts seamlessly with the experiences that matter to them, whether at sea or on land.
With the first cruise scheduled for June 4, 2017, MSC Meraviglia will feature the ultimate in entertainment, alongside a broad range of dining options and luxurious wellness choices. In addition to the on-board experience, the ship will spend her inaugural summer season sailing the western Mediterranean—calling at beautiful, historic destinations with a unique, highly-tailored program of discovery excursions, to immerse guests in local culture and tastes.
Exclusive, world-class entertainment from Cirque du Soleil
Cirque du Soleil at Sea
The highlight of on-board entertainment will be represented by the world leader in artistic performance, Cirque du Soleil, thanks to the exclusive Cirque du Soleil at Sea partnership with MSC Cruises.
Two unique Cirque du Soleil shows will be performed on-board in the evenings, 6 nights per week, at the purpose-built Carousel Lounge. In addition, MSC Cruises will offer an exclusive on-site dinner service for up to 100 of the 450 guests booked for the show, elevating MSC Cruises’ exquisite dining and award-winning entertainment to yet another level. In fact, this is a unique experience that cannot be had anywhere else at sea — or in the world, for that matter.
MSC Cruises designed a custom-made entertainment venue, the Carousel Lounge, for MSC Meraviglia and its three Meraviglia and Meraviglia-Plus sister smart cruise ships. Featuring the latest technology, this ground-breaking venue, which has been designed to meet the needs of Cirque du Soleil and its performers, will be a stunning circular performance space with a 180° circular glass wall. Constructed with the most cutting edge equipment and special rigging, the Carousel Lounge will enable Cirque du Soleil performers to deliver their world-renowned performances for the exclusive enjoyment of MSC Cruises guests.
With MSC Meraviglia, MSC Cruises continues to evolve and enrich the family options that have historically been at the core of its offering. The facilities and services for families on every MSC Cruises vacation, are designed to ensure that it is engaging for all members of the family, both together and individually.
For the first time on any MSC Cruises ship, all of the facilities for families, kids and teens are all together in a super amusement park and children’s area. This means families have a dedicated area specially designed for their needs, providing a safe place for children, and an opportunity to also meet and get to know other families. This area includes the DOREMI Studio Lounge, a dedicated lounge for all family activities, DOREMI Tech Lab, a must visit destination for kids who love technology, as well as facilities designed in partnership with family experts including the LEGO Group and Chicco.
Amongst other features, the on-board Aqua Park will include four action-packed water slides, a splash pool and champagne bowl. And the Himalayan Bridge will thrill adventure seekers, who can attach themselves to a rope and cross the ship, nearly 200 feet above the water.
Comfortable accommodations to meet every need
MSC Yacht Club lounge as seen aboard MSC Meraviglia
The innovative accommodations on MSC Meraviglia demonstrate the way that MSC Cruises puts the guest at the heart of its designs and ship building — the way in which only a family-owned business can. With 10 different types of staterooms to choose from, there really is something for everyone.
MSC Meraviglia features an enhanced MSC Yacht Club with luxurious accommodation, now spanning three decks with 78 suites, 15 inside staterooms and two apartments. The two coveted apartment suites are designed with a large living room and two balconies, one of which is a large outdoor space that has a dining table for eating al fresco and a private whirlpool.
This unique “ship within a ship” concept is specially designed for guests seeking exclusivity and privacy in a world full of choice. MSC Yacht Club guests can thus enjoy the world-class entertainment, specialty restaurants and boutiques before returning to their own private, luxurious sanctuary.
With unparalleled luxury comparable to that of a private yacht, it also provides key benefits including the Top Sail Lounge, an entirely self-contained private club, offering panoramic sea views, and the One Pool Deck, featuring a private pool, whirlpool baths and solarium. A private elevator will transport guests discreetly to the MSC Aurea Spa to experience the delights of an authentic Balinese spa, with an exclusive MSC Yacht Club massage and treatment room.
Modular staterooms designed with the needs of families in mind
The trend for multi-generational vacations is further met on this ship with a clever modular staterooms system, which is unique to MSC Cruises. Up to three staterooms can be combined together to accommodate up to 10 guests.
In addition to the modular staterooms, quadruple staterooms can accommodate a family of up to four people each, with a living space in the daytime, and a sofa that turns into a comfortable bed by night – making the most effective use of space in the stateroom.
A truly unprecedented choice of both fine and casual dining options
In addition, fine dining options examples include the award-winning Kaito Sushi Bar, the new Kaito Teppanyaki Restaurant and an American-style steakhouse with specialty meats from around the world (details of additional fine dining options will be revealed over time).
The 315 foot long Mediterranean-style promenade
Mediterranean-style indoor promenade, featuring a 262 foot LED sky that creates an awe-inspiring atmosphere 24 hours a day.
Another outstanding feature of MSC Meraviglia is her impressive Mediterranean-style indoor promenade, featuring a 262 foot LED sky that creates an awe-inspiring atmosphere 24 hours a day. With stunning visuals and effects, the Promenade will be the social center of the ship and a focal point for a broad range of leisure activities. Amongst others, guests can stroll up and down, sit back and take in the atmosphere, shop until their hearts’ content, or snack on delicious ice cream or crepes from Jean Philippe Maury, the award-winning French chocolatier and pastry chef.
Elegant pools for daytime relaxation and night-time entertainment
The main pool, located on deck 15 is inspired by the cool vibes of Miami’s South Beach. At approximately 82 feet long, it has the most generous poolside space at sea. By night, the pool becomes a visual spectacle, illuminated with special lighting. There is also a buffet nearby with inside and outdoor dining options, providing guests with more convenience and optimal relaxation time.
As MSC Meraviglia is the ship for all seasons, there is a 33 foot indoor pool with a magrodome that can be opened when the ship is in port or the weather simply allows for it.
Finally, the Aft Pool on deck 16 offers spectacular views from the front of the ship, while by night is transformed into a space where guests can dance the night away under the stars.
Additionally, the private One Deck Pool, exclusively for the use of MSC Yacht Club guests, is in a coveted position at the top of the ship on deck 19 providing a quiet hideaway for relaxation.
These are just some of the special features of the incredible MSC Meraviglia and more will be revealed soon. Seeing really will be believing – sales for summer 2017 are open so to find out more visit: http://mscmeraviglia.com/us/en
Additionally, to help guests find out more about the unique experience that awaits them on board, watch this comprehensive guide to all of the key features to understand why MSC Meraviglia will soon become the must-visit destination in the Mediterranean next summer:
PortholeTV, the newly launched video channel by Porthole Cruise Magazine, has kicked off a new online video series that will count down to the highly anticipated December 2016 launch of Seabourn Encore, the line’s first new ship in five years. Produced by PPI Group, the parent company of Porthole Cruise Magazine, the world’s leading consumer cruise magazine, PortholeTV’s eight-episode series will inform cruise enthusiasts about Seabourn Encore’s unique features and luxury amenities.
