MSC Cruise Lines founded in 1987, is a global cruise line based in Geneva, Switzerland. It was founded in Naples, Italy, in 1989 and is a part of the Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A. (MSC), the world’s second-biggest container shipping operator. Lauro Lines was founded in Naples, Italy by Achille Lauro in 1960. The company entered the cruise business operating two ships, MS Angelina Lauro and MS Achille Lauro. Angelina Lauro burnt in the port of St. Thomas and Achille Lauro was hijacked by members of the Palestine Liberation Front, which put the company in financial difficulties. In 1988, the MSC entered the cruise business by buying the liner Monterey. In 1989, MSC bought Lauro Lines. The new company was named StarLauro Cruises and had 2 ships, Monterey and Achille Lauro. In 1995, StarLauro Cruises was renamed MSC Cruises. MSC Cruises is also the world’s largest privately held cruise company, employing about 23,500 people with a 7.2% share of all passengers carried in 2017.
Swiss-based MSC Cruises sets itself apart from other cruise lines with its refined onboard experiences and eclectic selection of facilities which seamlessly combines European-style service and Italian beauty to offer you a marvelous cruise vacation. The line’s 17 ships cater to a variety of nationalities sailing from destinations like the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, South America, and northern Europe, with voyages lasting between one and 116 nights. MSC’s ships carry between 1,984 to 6,300 passengers at full capacity, with approximately one crew member for every three passengers.
Although MSC’s ships differ in size, the whole fleet has received praise for its sophisticated ambiance and the value of its itineraries. The staterooms comprise MSC Yacht Club Royal Suite, MSC Yacht Club Executive & Family Suite, MSC Yacht Club Deluxe Suite, Aurea Suite, Balcony Suite, Balcony Stateroom, Ocean View, and Interior which come with amenities like LCD TVs, minibars, and sitting areas.
Meanwhile, MSC entertainment includes evening concerts, live shows, parties, and contests, while shore excursions cover everything from tours of the Acropolis in Athens, Greece, to exploring Dunn’s River Falls in Ocho Rios, Jamaica.
Top 4 MSC Cruises are:
MSC Bellissima
With a 5,100-square-foot LED screen in the ceiling of its promenade and accommodations for more than 5,600 guests, the MSC Bellissima aims to impress. Each room is equipped with Zoe, a voice-enabled virtual assistant capable of making restaurant reservations, answering questions about the ship, and more. Outside of their rooms, passengers can try the ship’s bowling alley, a waterslide at the Arizona Aquapark, or play games in the TV Studio & Bar. At night, cruisers can grab a drink at one of the ship’s 20 bars and dine at one of 12 restaurants, which offer sushi, tapas, and more. Passengers can also catch one of two Cirque du Soleil at Sea shows (exclusive to Bellissima) in the state-of-the-art, 1,700-square-foot Carousel Lounge. Bellissima boasts separate spaces for infants and toddlers, kids and teens to hang out all day.
MSC Seaside
MSC Seaside, which debuted in December 2017, carries up to 5,179 passengers and 1,413 crew members. The ship’s staterooms offer between 151 and 1,022 square feet of indoor and, when applicable, outdoor space. Additionally, more than 70 percent of rooms include private balconies, and some upgraded suites feature whirlpool tubs or connected cabins designed to accommodate up to 10 people. On top of offering kids and teens clubs, MSC Seaside houses a multistory water park, a bowling alley, and two of the longest zip lines at sea. Meanwhile, adults can enjoy theater for Broadway-style performances, sip cocktails while listening to comedy acts or live piano music or savor gourmet chocolates at the Venchi Cioccogelateria & Coffee Bar.
MSC Meraviglia
Launched in June 2017, the 4,500-passenger MSC Meraviglia is the largest in the fleet. In fact, it is among the largest cruise ships floating on the seas today. Some of the ship’s most impressive features include a promenade equipped with a 5,200-square-foot LED screen dome, a 108-square-foot main pool, and two Formula One virtual reality racing simulators. Thanks to an exclusive partnership with Cirque du Soleil, the ship offers twice-nightly performances six nights a week. MSC Meraviglia also features 12 dining venues, ranging from a buffet open 20 hours a day. Those who splurge on Yacht Club category cabins receive additional perks, like 24-hour butler service, access to exclusive venues like the One Pool Deck (a secluded pool and sun deck), and a private restaurant, plus unlimited access to the spa’s Thermal Area.
MSC Seaview
The 1,413-crew member, 5,179-passenger MSC Seaview is one of the newest ships in the MSC Cruises fleet. No matter which accommodation is chosen, options of 10 dining venues are available, including a buffet-style eatery, multiple main dining rooms, and several specialty restaurants that dish up everything from fresh seafood to a French bistro. MSC Seaview also offers various recreational activities like, for kids, there are age-appropriate clubs, a two-lane bowling alley, two zip lines, and a water park with five different slides, among other facilities. Meanwhile, for adults, Broadway-style shows in Odeon Theatre, drinks in one of 19 bars and lounges, and treatment at the MSC Aurea Spa.
MSC fleet consists of MSC Armonia, MSC Sinfonia, MSC Lirica, MSC Opera, MSC Musica, MSC Orchestra, MSC Poesia, MSC Magnifica, MSC Fantasia, MSC Splendida, MSC Divina, MSC Preziosa, MSC Grandiosa, MSC Virtuosa, and MSC Seashore
Future ships will include MSC Seascape, MSC World Europa, Explora I, MSC Euribia Explora II, MSC World America, Explora III, World-class III, Explora IV, and World-class IV.
