MSC Roadshows A Success

MSC Cruises hosted six roadshows last month, in the UK and Ireland, to showcase the tenth ship to join its fleet, MSC Fantasia, launching in Naples, Italy on 18 December.

All the roadshows received record attendance, by travel agents wanting to learn more about the ship. The events were held in London, Southampton, Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester and Dublin, and included a presentation, a three-course dinner and the opportunity to win spot prizes and a cruise for two.

At the London event, Natalie Ford, Business Development Manager for the south-east, MSC Cruises UK and Ireland office, presented a detailed preview of MSC Fantasia, including the fabulous new MSC Yacht Club, with 99 butler-serviced suites and exclusive guest areas.

Agents also had the opportunity to mingle with the MSC Cruises UK and Ireland team, including Managing Director Giulio Libutti, providing the ideal opportunity to learn more about the cruise line.

Feedback from the roadshows was fantastic. “We didn’t know much about MSC Cruises at the start of the year, but we’ve seen so much good stuff from them that we had to come along to find out more,” said Teresa Cornell, Thomsons.

“With MSC Cruises, the product for the price really is the best value for money. I see a lot of repeat customers and MSC Musica seems to be a best seller for us. I went to the MSC Poesia launch and loved it, so I really wanted to know more about MSC Fantasia,” remarked Simon Leening, Cosmos. “It looks fantastic - when can I get on it?” he added.

Sue Harding from Going Places stated: “It looks like a truly spectacular way of cruising”.

Sylvia Feldman from Travel Counsellors was the lucky prize winner at the London roadshow of a fabulous cruise for two on board the new ship. On receiving her prize, she said: “I can’t believe I have won a trip on MSC Fantasia - I am in shock! It was a wonderful evening and I’m really looking forward to my cruise. All the others are jealous and want to come along too!”

Official Press Release MSC Cruises dated 3rd October 2008.

MSC Two New Ships

At a press conference today in Milan, Italy, Pierfrancesco Vago, CEO of MSC Cruises announced a further
expansion of the MSC Cruises fleet with the order of two new ships from the Aker Yards France in St Nazaire.

Mr Vago was accompanied by Domenico Pellegrino, General Manager of MSC Cruises and Jacques Hardelay,
General Manager of Aker Yards France.

Named MSC Meraviglia and MSC Favolosa, the new ships are due for delivery in 2011 and 2012 respectively.
They will be the fifth and sixth sister ships in the Musica class, with 93,000 tons of gross tonnage, 1,275 cabins and a maximum occupancy of 3,013 passengers each.

Speaking at the press conference, Mr Vago stated: “I can say with pride that MSC Cruises has the most modern fleet in the world.

“The arrival of MSC Meraviglia and MSC Favolosa carries us forward to 2012, when we will be able to
accommodate more than 1.4 million guests on board, to whom we can offer a product that has been designed, engineered and presented as only MSC Cruises knows how. We now play a key role in the global market, successfully acting as an ambassador for Italian style worldwide”.

The arrival of MSC Meraviglia and MSC Favolosa will bring the MSC Cruises fleet to a total of 14 ships,
completing the company’s development plan and achieving a number of records:

• the most modern fleet in the world - most of the ships are less than five years old

• an investment of 5.5 billion Euros between 2003 and 2009 for the construction of 10 new generation units, subdivided into three classes: Lirica class (60,000 tons), Musica class (93,000 tons), Fantasia class (133,500 tons)

• the largest cruise company with entirely European capital

• two super-flagships MSC Fantasia and MSC Splendida – at 133.500 tons they will be the largest ships ever
built for a European shipping company

• the first company to receive the ‘Six Golden Pearls’ from the Bureau Veritas in recognition of its high level
of quality management and environmental protection.

Mr Pellegrino said: “The new orders are the result of a careful evaluation of trends in the cruise industry in
recent years. Over the first months of 2008, the cruise market grew by 13% and in the same period our
company recorded an increase equal to 32% in terms of passengers.

“This result was also achieved thanks to the confidence the sales channel has been showing us year after year. Based on these figures, we foresee a rosy future for both the cruise sector and MSC Cruises”.

Construction will start on MSC Meraviglia and MSC Favolosa under the guidance of the Korean STX Shipbuilding at the Aker Yards France.

“The strong relationship which already exists between MSC Cruises and Aker Yards has been reinforced by this contract,” said Mr Hardelay. “We look forward to continuing our innovative co-operation with MSC Cruises in order to offer unique cruise experiences to its passengers. We are ready and willing to take up this new challenge.”

Official Press Release MSC Cruises dated 10th September 2008.

MSC Opera at Harwich

MSC Opera called into Harwich International Port for the first time on 26th August. The occasion was celebrated by the traditional exchange of crests by the ship and the Port of Harwich to commemorate the event.

Travel agents from around the region were invited to experience firsthand MSC Cruises’ warm Mediterranean hospitality and find out about the cruise line’s extensive plans and new offerings for the 2008/09 season. Hosted by Peter Pate, Chairman, MSC Cruises, agents were given the opportunity to take a guided ship tour to look at MSC Opera’s extensive facilities before dining in one of her restaurants.

It is the only the second time an MSC Cruises’ ship has called into the Essex port, following the successful call of MSC Lirica last year. Onboard the ship, 1,869 passengers were in transit and there were tours available for guests to visit the surrounding area. An additional 146 passengers embarked at Harwich.

“It was great to have the opportunity to see one of MSC Cruises’ ships – it’s the first time I’ve been onboard one and I was impressed. MSC Opera is a bright, cosmopolitan ship with good public areas. I would recommend her to my clients.” Said Paul Bennett, Colchester Travel

Peter Pate, Chairman of MSC Cruises UK and Ireland, said: “MSC Cruises sees the UK as a key market and we were delighted that MSC Opera was able to call into Harwich – in fact, it is the second time in a year one of our ships has called into the port.

“Harwich offers a choice of fascinating excursions for guests, superb facilities, and is able to handle a big liner such as the 251-metre-long MSC Opera, so we will certainly be looking at Harwich for future calls.

“It was fantastic that agents were able to join us on board for a taste of what their clients can expect on an MSC Cruise.”

Official Press Release MSC Cruises dated 5th September 2008.

MSC Launch 2009 Brochure

MSC Cruises has released its 2008/2009 brochure, including fabulous new itineraries and introducing its two latest ships, MSC Fantasia and MSC Splendida.

Launching this December and taking pride of place on the brochure front cover, MSC Fantasia is the first cruise ship in the world to have a dedicated VIP area of 5,000 square metres. MSC Yacht Club offers 99 spacious suites with 24-hour butler service, to give a six-star cruising experience.

This VIP zone has reserved areas including a swimming pool, hydro-massage pool and solarium, panoramic lounge and foredecks, direct private access to the Aurea Spa, and private lifts and reception with concierge service. Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages are also included.

Along with its sister ship, MSC Splendida, MSC Fantasia is the largest cruise ship ever to be built for a European ship owner, with a total passenger capacity of 3,959.

New sections in the brochure include dedicated pages to:

The eco-ship – outlining technological innovations on the ships aimed at safeguarding the environment

MSC Express – passengers can now check in online before their cruise to ensure smoother, faster embarkation

Teen card – a personalised prepaid card that acts like a credit card, allowing teenagers freedom of movement to spend small sums on board.

Repeat guests can apply to become a member of the MSC Club – for free – by completing the comment form delivered to their cabin at the end of their cruise, or online at the MSC Club section at  www.msccruises.co.uk. Every member receives an MSC Club card, either classic, silver or gold, depending on the number of points accumulated – points are earned for every night spent onboard ship.

Member benefits include special cruise offers, discounts on excursions and some spa services, free chips for the casino and a dedicated check-in area.

The new brochure contains more than 125 itineraries with many new additions. The flagship MSC Fantasia will cruise the Mediterranean, kicking off with its eight-night maiden voyage for Christmas, followed by a special New Year cruise, the first to Greece and Egypt and the second to explore Spain, Portugal and Gibraltar. The ship then will sail from/to Genoa on 12-day itineraries in the Mediterranean.

MSC Splendida is launching in June 200. It will offer eight-day cruises during the summer season in the western Mediterranean and 12-days in the autumn season in the eastern Mediterranean.

UK passengers can take advantage of sailings from Dover on MSC Lirica from May to August 2009. Teh ship offers three different itineraries – to the Baltic captials, Norwegian fjords and North Cape.

All passengers sailing on MSC Lirica benefit from free parking at Dover, or free transfers from London Heathrow and Gatwick airports. Regional flights are available from only £50.00 return, from Aberdeen, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Newcastle and Manchester.

For those who prefer neither to fly nor drive to Dover, they can take advantage of our fabulous ongoing offer of free return coach transfers from any National Express scheduled point in the UK.

MSC Cruises offers a wide range of themed cruises to add to the holiday experience. Passengers can choose from: dance, well being, sapor bio – promoting well-being with bioecological influences – food and wine, golf, fitness, baseball, art, hobbies, astral, bridge, chess and music.

The brochure also highlights special offers, such as Prima Price, available for early bookers, and MSC Sail Flight for fly and cruise holidays. As always, children under 18 sail free if staying in their parents’ cabin. Family fares are also available if parents prefer their children to have their own cabin. On selected ships we offer family accommodation in adjacent, category 10 cabins, with a connecting door.

MSC Cruises remains committed to supporting travel agents. Agents can further boost their commission by upselling shore excursions, special packages or spa treatments at the time of booking. Customers who book any spa package through their travel agent receive a 30% discount.

Agents can order the new brochure online at www.msccruises.co.uk, or by ringing our reservations team on 0844-561-1955.

Official Press Release MSC Cruises dated 1st September 2008.

MSC Cruises Eco Ships

MSC Fantasia and MSC Splendida, currently under construction in St Nazaire are to be fitted with the most modern equipment to conserve energy and safeguard the environment. Both weighing 133,500 tonnes, they are the largest ships ever to be commissioned by a European ship owner.

Further to having been awarded Comfort Class certificates (reflecting passengers’ comfort and environmental protection), both ships are also fitted with cutting-edge environmentally friendly technology:

AWT-Advanced Water Treatment: the system treats black and grey water against stringent guidelines. The water can be used for many purposes including cleaning the decks – thereby avoiding the harmful water being pumped into the sea and limiting the overall use of fresh water. The black and grey water is treated over a two day period in storage tanks, the size of which means that the ship can cruise for longer distances, without having to stop off at a port.

Energy saving: in all passengers cabins there is a system to conserve energy and reduce fuel consumption: lights switch off when the cabin is not in use, resulting in an energy saving of 30%. In addition, an advanced Energy Saving system will also be installed in the public lounges with a reduction of up to 25% electricity consumption.

Cabin Monitoring System: this climate control system, installed for the first time on a cruise ship of this size, reduces energy consumption. As a result of this technology, passengers can digitally alter the temperature in their cabins. This technology enables passengers to connect to the Energy Saving system, which adjusts the temperature when the balcony doors are opened or closed. The airconditioning will automatically switch to stand-by, altering the temperature depending on whether or not the windows or doors are open.

Intersleek® 900 – MSC Fantasia and MCS Splendida, as for MSC Poesia, will have their hull painted with the new revolutionary paint ‘foul release’ with fluor-polymers, a non toxic substance which helps reduce CO² emissions through the reduction of fuel.

MSC Cruises has received many awards and certificates for its commitment to safeguarding the environment from the BUREAU VERITAS. These include:

- CLEAN-SEA2 and CLEAN-AIR, which recognises companies that control the funnel emissions of their ships and those that treat these emissions in order to achieve as close to zero impact as possible.

- ISO 14001, a voluntary international standard which applies to any public or private organisation, which specifies the requirements for an environmentally friendly system. Before arriving at a system that will comply with ISO 14001 standards, companies have to analyse the environment in relation to the framework that the company operates in.

- ISO 22000, an international standard which measures quality in Food Safety procedures. The ISO 22000 certificate requires the company to use methods to monitor daily the entire process of the food chain and eliminate any eventual risks.

- OHSAS 18001 was awarded to both offices and ships. OHSAS (Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Series) is an international standard that safeguards the health and safety of all the crew.

RINA has awarded to the Company the ISO 9001:2000 certificate, which represents a global recognition of quality management in all various sectors of a company.

GREEN PLANET AWARD - launched in 2000 for hotels with eco-friendly facilities, this award has become widely recognised by the industry and subsequently has also been extended to cruise ships.

CIAL AWARD “COMUNI RICICLONI 2008” – awarded by CIAL (National consortium for the recovery and recycling of aluminum packaging) for an aluminium recycling project started in 2007 on board our fleet.

VENICE BLUE FLAG - MSC Cruises was the first company to adhere to the agreement, which governs the ships transiting the canal of Venice using diesel oil and reducing their sulphur emissions.

MSC Crociere currently has a fleet of nine ships: MSC Poesia third flagship of the Musica” class, MSC Orchestra, MSC Musica, MSC Sinfonia, MSC Opera, MSC Armonia, MSC Lirica, MSC Melody, MSC Rhapsody, cruising in the Mediterranean all year round, Northern Europe, Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean, South America, Indian Ocean and South Africa. In the fall of 2008 and spring of 2009, MSC Fantasia and MSC Splendida will be respectively launched. These will be the largest ships ever built by a European ship owner. Then in the fall of 2009, MSC Magnifica, the fourth ship in the “Musica class”, will enter service. By end of 2009, MSC Cruises will have the most modern fleet in the world with a total of 12 vessels.

Official Press Release MSC Cruises dated 31st July 2008.

MSC Cruises Launch Online Check-In

MSC Cruises, the world’s fastest growing cruise line, has launched MSC Express, a new and innovative check-in service, available at all major ports in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.

This new system will allow passengers to significantly reduce the time it takes to get on board the ship by
utilising a simple, fast track system.
The first port of call for passengers is the new www.mscexpress.net website, which for extra convenience
is also accessible via the www.msccruises.co.uk website.
Once logged on, passengers simply enter their booking information - reservation number, passenger
name and surname, together with the ship name and departure date.
After inputting these brief details, a second screen is displayed where passengers’ personal details
need to be entered in order to complete online check-in. This then produces a printout which allows
passengers to be fast tracked through check-in at the port, thanks to the new addition of dedicated
MSC Express desks. Passengers simply present their printout and tickets at the desk on the day of
embarkation, vastly reducing waiting times and queues.
“MSC Cruises has a commitment to providing innovative solutions that help our passengers have the
most enjoyable trip possible. The addition of online check-in and dedicated MSC Express desks is an
extra convenience that cuts queues and waiting times at the port, meeting the growing demands of
busy clients.
“We hope that this new service will help our passengers to start their trip sooner and ultimately get
their holiday off to the most relaxing start possible,” said Guilio Libutti, MD, MSC Cruises UK and
Ireland.
The MSC Express service is currently available to passengers departing from the ports of Genoa,
Civitavecchia, Naples, Palermo, Bari, Venice, Marseille, Barcelona, Valencia, Kiel, Copenhagen and
Amsterdam.

Official Press Release MSC Cruises dated 28th July 2008.

MSC Cruises Splendida’s Floating Out Ceremony

A momentous floating out ceremony took place yesterday at the Aker Yards in St. Nazaire, France. At 06:45,
accompanied by a fleet of eight tugboats in line with tradition, MSC Splendida, the newest addition to the
MSC Cruises fleet, was floated out. At the end of the floating out ceremony (which lasted about 1 hour), this
giant of the sea reached the dock approximately half a mile away, where she will remain until her construction has been completed.
MSC Splendida and sister ship MSC Fantasia are the two largest ships to be built by a European ship owner. Both will be 133,500 tonnes, six times as tall as the Tower of Pisa and equivalent to a 23 floor building. Each will have 1.637 cabins able to accommodate 3,274 passengers (on double basis) and 27,000 square metres of public areas including a theatre with seating for 1,649 plus the wellbeing centre - AUREA SPA, measuring 1,615 square metres. Additionally these ships will have four restaurants and two buffet areas, four pools,
12 hydro massage pools, Sports Bar, Jazz Bar, shops, casino, disco, FORMULA 1 simulator, 4D
interactive cinema, Squash Court and a Children and Teenager’s Area of 400 square metres with a
pool, waterslide and dedicated disco.
These two ships will herald a new era for cruises by introducing MSC Yacht Club, a VIP area with 99
elegant suites, dedicated butlers and communal spaces furnished to the highest standards. Whilst the
countdown to MSC Fantasia’s launch has already started (christening in Naples, December 18th,
2008), MSC Splendida will be christened in Barcelona during the summer of 2009.
“The floating out ceremony for MSC Splendida confirms our commitment to increasing our fleet, and
this is the fourth time we have visited Saint Nazaire in 2008”, said Pierfrancesco Vago, CEO for
MSC Cruises. MSC Splendida is the sister ship to MSC Fantasia which is joining the fleet in six months
time. Then six months later her twin, MSC Splendida will also join the fleet. These two ships will be
the most beautiful in the world. They are the first in the fleet to offer an exclusive VIP area, the MSC
Yacht Club, plus an elegant wellbeing centre - the AUREA SPA. Both will be at the forefront of
environmental protection, including an innovative water treatment process and energy efficient
technology. MSC Splendida, just like her twin represents the fulfilment of a product that has a year
round appeal, for example both ships will be equipped with an advanced system that allows the pool
area to be used during the winter season too.”
“Three MSC Crociere ships are currently under construction at Aker Yards, Saint-Nazaire. These
vessels are the concrete expression of about 10 years of partnership between both our companiesadded
Jacques Hardelay, Managing Director of Aker Yards France. MSC Fantasia and
MSC Splendida gather the state-of-the-art equipment in terms of technologies, aestheticism and
environmental concerns. The men and women of Aker Yards are proud to build these ships which will
fly the MSC Crociere flag aloft on the world’s oceans”.

Official Press Release MSC Cruises dated 21st July 2008.

MSC Cruises Helps Out With Recycling

MSC Cruises has been presented with an award by the CiAl (National Consortium for the Recovery and Recycling of Aluminium Packaging) in Italy, in recognition of the recycling the company has undertaken and their promotion and support of environmental issues. Traditionally given to City Councils, MSC Cruises is one of the few cruise liners to ever receive this award – in acknowledgement of the fact that each and every
ship is a floating town on the sea.
For the past year in agreement with CiAl, MSC Cruises has been collecting and storing large quantities
of aluminium for recycling, with 10,000 kg collected between May and December 2007 alone. Drink
cans, other cans, aluminium foil, boxes and aluminium packaging were all collected and given to CiAl
who recycled the aluminium to be reused in new items such as household goods, furnishings, building
materials and lots more.
MSC Cruises has always implemented sustainability programmes to safeguard the environment. The newest addition to the fleet MSC Fantasia and sister ship MSC Splendida will be the greenest in the fleet. Launching in December 2008 and June 2009 respectively, both ships will feature the latest and most innovative technology, as well as energy saving systems and environmentally friendly programmes, including the treatment of black and grey water.
This is the latest in a series of green accolades for one of the world’s fastest growing cruise lines. MSC Cruises was one of the first cruise companies to adhere to the VENICE BLUE FLAG agreement which governs ships travelling through the Venice Canal using diesel oils and attempts to reduce their sulphur emissions. The company has also received a number of prestigious environmental certificates from recognised bodies – both national and international for their work in preserving the environment.

Official Press Release MSC Cruises dated 16th July 2008.

Seven New Ships due in 2007

Estimated Inaugural: February, 2007
Cruise Line: Carnival Ship Name: Carnival Freedom
Size: GRT: 110,000 Capacity: 2974 (double occupancy)
Builder: Fincantieri - Sestri, Italy
This is an additional Conquest class vessel ordered as part of a four-ship deal with Fincantieri, two of which ended up going to the Carnival brand. As a Conquest-class, it will not fit through the Panama Canal. Given that there is an almost two-year lag between this ship and the previous one of this class delivered (Carnival Liberty), there will likely be some progressions in the design.

Estimated Inaugural: April, 2007
Cruise Line: MSC Ship Name: MSC Orchestra
Size: GRT: 89,600 Capacity: 2,550 lower berths - 3,000 total & 1,000 crew
Builder: Aker France - St. Nazaire, France
This will be the second of the Musica class.

Estimated Inaugural: May 19, 2007

Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean Ship Name: Liberty of the Seas
Size: GRT: 160,000 Capacity: 3600 lower berths
Builder: Aker Finnyards - Finland
This will be the second of the “Ultra Voyager-class” When it is delivered the class will still have bragging rights to being the largest passenger ships in the world.

Estimated Inaugural: Spring, 2007
Cruise Line: Princess Ship Name: Emerald Princess
Size: GRT: 116,000 Capacity: 3100
Builder: Fincantieri - Monfalcone, Italy
This is an additional Caribbean-class vessel ordered as part of the four-ship order with Fincantieri, the only one in the order designated for Princess. It will be the third in the series. It has not necessarily been designated for the Caribbean as the previous two were, but it will likely have a long life in whichever ocean it starts since it will not fit through the Panama Canal.

Estimated Inaugural: May, 2007
Cruise Line: Costa Ship Name: Costa Serena
Size: GRT: 112,000 Capacity: 3000 (double occupancy), total capacity 3,780
Builder: Fincantieri - Sestri, Italy
This will be the second of Costa’s Concordia class. Deployment is thought to be year round in the Mediterranean.

Estimated Inaugural: October, 2007
Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line Ship Name: Norwegian Gem
Size: GRT: 92,000 Capacity: 2,384 lower berths
Builder: Meyer Werft (Papenburg Germany yard)
This will be the third in the Norwegian Jewel series with 540 staterooms and suites with private balconies.

Estimated Inaugural: December 11, 2007
Cruise Line: Cunard Ship Name: Queen Victoria
Size: GRT: 90,000 Capacity: 2000
Builder: Fincantieri - Marghera, Italy
This ship will be similar to HAL’s line of Vista-class vessels, but with Cunard’s own twists in the design and slightly larger. It will be built to Panamax standards, so it can be used in both the Atlantic and Pacific. 86% of the cabins will be outside, 71% of those with private verandahs. In September 2004 the design was enlarged as part of an order of four other ships from Fincantieri. It was originally slated for 88,000 tons and a capacity of 1968. Eleven meters were added to the length raising the tonnage to 90,000 and increasing the capacity to 2000, but the ship will still be able to transit the Panama Canal.
Initial Deployment: The first two voyages will be round trips from Southampton. Cunard says it will be used for a mix of cruises, ocean crossings and world cruises.