MSC Cruises News
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MSC Cruises Has Just Posted the Following:
Mallorca will be witnessing a phenomenon on 9 July that can only be compared to an astronomical marvel: the meeting of the most modern twin stars of the sea, MSC Cruises' incredible new Fantasia class cruise ships MSC Fantasia and MSC Splendida.
The largest ships ever commissioned by a European owner, each an extraordinary one third of a kilometre long, weighing 137,936 tons and capable of carrying 3,959 guests in exceptional comfort, the sister ships were built alongside one another in the STX Europe shipyard (previously Aker Yard) in Saint Nazaire, France, but this will be the first time they meet in all their splendour.
There could be no finer meeting place than Palma de Mallorca, the beautiful historic town combining Byzantine, Moorish, Italian and Spanish influences, set in the exquisite natural beauty of Majorca. These attractions have made Palma an increasingly popular port of call for MSC Cruises, not least of all thanks to the wonderful variety of excursions possible, from the historic Bellver Castle and Gothic La Seu Cathedral to the Dragon's caves with their incredible underground lakes, and the dolphinarium, aquarium and tropical birds at Marineland. Indeed, from just 38 calls and 146,449 MSC guests in 2009, the numbers are expected to rise to an astonishing 73 calls and 209,614 guests in 2010.
Joining these sights to delight MSC's guests on 9 July will be the phenomenon of seeing the beautiful new twin ships together, silhouetted in all their glory against the beautiful Majorcan sky.
MSC Fantasia, was launched on 18 December 2009 with a spectacular ceremony in Naples, where she was christened by the screen legend Sophia Loren. She will be arriving as part of her established summer Mediterranean itinerary at 12.30 pm. MSC Splendida, nearing the end of her pre-christening cruise from Saint Nazaire, will arrive some four and a half hours later, berthing alongside the same quay.
Each ship is an unforgettable experience, with design standards that have revolutionised expectations of what a cruise ship can be. More than anything else they are like floating cities, each with 4 different restaurants serving superb food from around the world, an immense variety of entertainment venues - including a sumptuous theatre, innovative discotheque, 18 astonishing themed bars and a virtual reality centre with 4D Cinema - high-class shops, a sports centre, fully-appointed gym, massage and wellness spa and even their own city squares in authentic stonework.
The wonder of seeing these twins together against the horizon will be an unforgettable experience.
Then, the following midnight, the two will part. Leaving the port together, each escorted by two tugboats, MSC Fantasia will set a course for Barcelona, then Marseille and Genoa. MSC Splendida will sail for Marseille en route to Barcelona for her christening ceremony, a dazzling occasion that will be every bit as awe-inspiring as the ship herself, attended by godmother Sophia Loren in the company of the immortal Maestro José Carreras and a host of other stars of screen and stage, together with dignitaries and friends.
What's more the spectacular christening will be streamed live on www.mscwebtv.com so that everyone can share in the splendour.
Click here to view the article.
Mallorca will be witnessing a phenomenon on 9 July that can only be compared to an astronomical marvel: the meeting of the most modern twin stars of the sea, MSC Cruises' incredible new Fantasia class cruise ships MSC Fantasia and MSC Splendida.
The largest ships ever commissioned by a European owner, each an extraordinary one third of a kilometre long, weighing 137,936 tons and capable of carrying 3,959 guests in exceptional comfort, the sister ships were built alongside one another in the STX Europe shipyard (previously Aker Yard) in Saint Nazaire, France, but this will be the first time they meet in all their splendour.
There could be no finer meeting place than Palma de Mallorca, the beautiful historic town combining Byzantine, Moorish, Italian and Spanish influences, set in the exquisite natural beauty of Majorca. These attractions have made Palma an increasingly popular port of call for MSC Cruises, not least of all thanks to the wonderful variety of excursions possible, from the historic Bellver Castle and Gothic La Seu Cathedral to the Dragon's caves with their incredible underground lakes, and the dolphinarium, aquarium and tropical birds at Marineland. Indeed, from just 38 calls and 146,449 MSC guests in 2009, the numbers are expected to rise to an astonishing 73 calls and 209,614 guests in 2010.
Joining these sights to delight MSC's guests on 9 July will be the phenomenon of seeing the beautiful new twin ships together, silhouetted in all their glory against the beautiful Majorcan sky.
MSC Fantasia, was launched on 18 December 2009 with a spectacular ceremony in Naples, where she was christened by the screen legend Sophia Loren. She will be arriving as part of her established summer Mediterranean itinerary at 12.30 pm. MSC Splendida, nearing the end of her pre-christening cruise from Saint Nazaire, will arrive some four and a half hours later, berthing alongside the same quay.
Each ship is an unforgettable experience, with design standards that have revolutionised expectations of what a cruise ship can be. More than anything else they are like floating cities, each with 4 different restaurants serving superb food from around the world, an immense variety of entertainment venues - including a sumptuous theatre, innovative discotheque, 18 astonishing themed bars and a virtual reality centre with 4D Cinema - high-class shops, a sports centre, fully-appointed gym, massage and wellness spa and even their own city squares in authentic stonework.
The wonder of seeing these twins together against the horizon will be an unforgettable experience.
Then, the following midnight, the two will part. Leaving the port together, each escorted by two tugboats, MSC Fantasia will set a course for Barcelona, then Marseille and Genoa. MSC Splendida will sail for Marseille en route to Barcelona for her christening ceremony, a dazzling occasion that will be every bit as awe-inspiring as the ship herself, attended by godmother Sophia Loren in the company of the immortal Maestro José Carreras and a host of other stars of screen and stage, together with dignitaries and friends.
What's more the spectacular christening will be streamed live on www.mscwebtv.com so that everyone can share in the splendour.
Click here to view the article.
