MSC: Countdown Begins for Miami-to-Cuba Cruises

MSC Cruises is getting ready to launch its Cuba service from Miami aboard the MSC Armonia, starting Dec.10, 2018. The Armonia will depart on Mondays sailing seven days, calling at Montego Bay, Georgetown and Cozumel, before arriving in Havana on Saturday and staying overnight to Sunday.

“Not only will we offer our guests a new itinerary, but also a variety of enhancements to make the Armonia experience that much more memorable,” said Roberto Fusaro, president of MSC Cruises USA. “On board, guests will be able to enjoy fresh entertainment and new culinary choices, while on shore, an overnight in Havana will allow guests to fully experience the culturally vibrant city.”

The Armonia will introduce a new speciality restaurant to the culinary line-up. The 38-seat Surf & Turf will serve a menu for $35, where guests can select an appetizer, main course and dessert from an assortment of options.

The White Lion Pub will introduce a new and complimentary menu featuring handhelds like the Cuban sandwich, a Mojo Chicken Quesadilla, an Avocado and Tuna Salad Wrap, and Spinach and Artichoke Dip to share. The pub will also continue serving a wide selection of beers, including four new additions — Heineken, Newcastle Brown Ale, Murphy’s Irish Stout, and Lagunitas IPA.

The main dining room will serve cold water lobster as part of a special seafood dish at no additional cost. Guests will have the option to dine al fresco, with a reserved outdoor area.

Bringing the Cuban experience on board, one of the bars will be transformed into a “Havana haven,” with a wide range of Mojito cocktails to choose from.

A highlight of the entertainment offering will be the addition of local Cuban music while in port in Havana. Local musicians will join guests on board to play Cuban music during the Saturday evening of the ship’s overnight stay.

The evening theatre entertainment will also undergo a complete review, with a new line-up of performances.

New Cruise Terminal at PortMiami for MSC Cruises

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MSC Divina in her Homeport of Miami.
MSC Cruises has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the construction of a new Cruise Terminal AAA at PortMiami. The expected completion date is 2022.

The new terminal will accommodate the line’s World Class of ships, which will carry up to 7,000 passengers. MSC Cruises will operate four ships in total from Miami, including MSC Seaside. That ship debuted in late 2017. It currently sails year-round from Miami to the Caribbean.

MSC Armonia will begin homeporting in Miami in December 2018. She’ll offer the line’s first cruises to Cuba from the US. Additionally, MSC Divina will return seasonally to PortMiami. She sails to the Caribbean from October through March. And, MSC Meraviglia will make her North American debut at PortMiami in November 2019. The line’s largest ship, Meraviglia carries 5,714 passengers.

“The new agreement and expanded partnership with PortMiami and Miami-Dade County is another key step forward in the business growth of MSC Cruises, as we continue to strengthen our global footprint, with a strategic focus on North America,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of MSC Cruises.

Rick Sasso, chairman of MSC Cruises USA emphasized the mutual economic benefit of the new terminal.

“PortMiami is committed to providing a world-class experience to its guests and thanks to a long-standing collaborative relationship with Miami-Dade County we are thrilled that in less than 18 months MSC Cruises will have four ships sailing from the Port. This will also allow us to make a significant additional contribution to the economy of Miami and the county in its role as the Capital of the Cruise World, especially thanks to the large percentage of international guests travelling to Miami and South Florida to embark and disembark from MSC Cruises ships calling PortMiami,” said Sasso.

MSC Cruises currently operates 15 ships. The line plans to expand to expand to 25 mega-cruise ships by 2026.

New MSC Armonia cruise countdown promotion

New MSC Armonia cruise countdown promotion

MCS Cruises now has a page dedicated to the New MSC Armonia cruise countdown, which has the number of days, hours and minutes left. There are currently 42 days, 9 hours and 30 minutes as of writing this. That’s not all, as the company is also showing off a countdown promotion for the newly refitted Armonia.

If you manage to book on the inagural MSC Armonia cruise it will be an all-inclusive one, and so comes with a free drinks package, 3 MSC excursions, and a 30 percent discount off all laundry services. That is not all, as this first cruise following the MSC Armonia’s refurbishment will be packed with a number of celebrations while heading to the Canary Islands.

Remember, this is a one-off and so you really do need to get on this cruise, as you will be one of the first to try out the new facilities. Such as the refitted staterooms, improved restaurants, revitalized shows and tasty food during the Special Gala Dinner.

MSC has said the Armonia changes have been made with the passengers in mind, as everything onboard will suit your needs.

WHAT’S NEW ON MSC ARMONIA

 

CABINS TAILORED TO YOU
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There are few cruise experiences that compare to stepping onto your own private balcony and gazing out at the ocean.

MSC Armonia will have 94 beautifully appointed balcony cabins, each redesigned to bring our guests total comfort and style with a wealth of wonderful features.

Quality pillows and mattresses created by leading Italian bedding designer Dorelan mean always waking up refreshed and primed for a new day of discoveries.

And our en suite bathrooms are fitted with stylish contemporary units that optimise space without compromising on comfort.

 

DINING TAILORED TO YOU
We believe food is a key ingredient that can turn a good holiday into a great one.

With choice’ the watchword, MSC Armonia has exciting new restaurants and bars so that you can experience the authentic pleasure of an Italian ice cream parlour, savour timeless Italian favourites and world cuisine influenced by the itinerary’s ports of call.

La Pergola
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Aurea experience and balcony cabin guests can enjoy exclusive service at La Pergola, a smart panoramic restaurant offering diverse delicacies from around the globe three times a day.

Enjoy a beautifully presented international breakfast in the morning and discover our Pronto Bistro menu featuring sought after  dishes from around the world at lunchtime – including lunch specials by MSC corporate chef Paolo Tarantino – and an atmospheric, upscale dinner when the mood takes you, thanks to the completely time flexible “My Choice Diningoption.

Marco Polo Restaurant
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For attentive service in a relaxing setting at breakfast or lunch head for the Marco Polo Restaurant. Our new breakfast options offer a fantastic choice, from granolas and fresh fruit to cakes and cold cuts. At lunch, treat your palate with the fashionable selection from the Pronto Bistromenu, a daily special chef’s salad or a variety of vegetarian options, and top off your meal with a dessert or something from the fruit bar.
La Brasserie and Lido Buffet
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La Brasserie buffet will be open for 20 hours a day – an ideal solution for those who live life at their own pace. La Brasserie offers hot and cold breakfast selections, a lunch choice including delicious burgers and handmade pasta and pizza, and a range of casual dinner options. Anything from La Brasserie can be enjoyed in the open air before a stunning, unhindered view of the ocean.
Bars and lounges
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MSC Armonia’s distinct bars and lounges have each been designed to have individual personality and soul, although one service is common to all of them: good food available non-stop.
Bar del Duomo
Aperitif and wine corner; Non-stop snacks and bar bites.

Red Bar – Martini & Alchemist Experience
Discover the Fusion List combining the classic soul of Martini and the innovative spirit of the Alchemist’s cocktail with creative recipes like Jelly and Molecular Cocktails.

The White Lion
An authentic English pub at sea! Relax at the Beer Bar or find a quiet corner to enjoy a whisky or choose from a full list of premium spirits. There’s a complimentary selection of ‘pub grub’ including roast beef, club sandwiches, English cheese and pickle platter; or hot sausages and pies.

The Coffee Bar
A special place to enjoy a selection of hot and frozen coffee delights from around the world. We will surprise you with the amazing Milk Art. Enjoy a selection of sweet treats available throughout the day.

The Gelateria
An authentic Gelateria Italiana offering a range of quality ice creams

Vitamin Bar
Fresh fruit smoothies and cocktails made to order

AREAS FOR KIDS AND TEENS
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MSC Cruises puts a lot of thought into younger travellers’ needs, which can be very different from those of their adult counterparts. Many Renaissance enhancements are being made with this in mind, not least of which a new Youth Centre housing separate clubs for the Baby (0-3), Mini (3-6), Juniors (7-11), Young (12-14) and Teens (15-17) age groups.

MSC Armonia will be the first ship in our fleet to offer dedicated areas and activities for 12-14 and 15-17 year olds, including a well- equipped state-of-the-art NAMCO® virtual arcade. In addition, any guests from 7 to 17 can sharpen their gaming skills on Wii, PlayStation or Xbox consoles.
BABY CLUB
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Our new Baby Club, for under threes, has been developed with market-leading childcare company Chicco. Not only will it be the first under 3 MSC area, but it will also be the first baby area at sea to carry the famous Chicco brand.

The whole MSC BabyCare experience has been built with Chicco’s knowledge, expertise and products – from training MSC’s child carers and defining onboard activities, to the strollersbottle warmersbaby bouncers and shore excursion backpacks we offer to parents. With Chicco, MSC Cruises has made cruising totally stress-free for young families.

OUTDOOR SPRAY PARK
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What is more, the renewed ships will each feature a fantastic new outdoor spray park – a fun-filled wet zone packed with interactive water jets, musical fountains and slides.
WELLNESS TAILORED TO YOU
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MSC Cruises has created a range of special pampering spa experiences that will help make your cruise a meaningful journey that leaves you rejuvenated, centred and happy.

Additional room has been devoted to our unique Aurea Spa massage spaces. MSC Armonia now has a massage room for individuals and another for couples, where a menu of select treatments can be enjoyed.

MSC Aurea Spa is unique to MSC Cruises, offering the latest gym, spa treatment and beauty facilities in sumptuous surroundings. You will be served by expert Balinese masseursbeauty therapistsmanicuristspedicuristshair stylistsyoga instructors and personal trainers. A qualified spa doctor will be on hand with a private consultation room available as required.

ENTERTAINMENT TAILORED TO YOU
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An MSC cruise is always packed with entertainment for all ages and tastes. Each day onboard MSC Armonia will offers 20 hours of spectacular shows and activities, many inspired by the fascinating countries and cultures encountered en route.

Music, dance, creative workshops, fitness and wellbeing, kids’ parties and inspiring expert talks are just some of the choices in our extensive programmes.

And our dedicated onboard spaces provide the perfect setting to bring our itineraries on board, be it a full-blooded Flamenco performance, a spicy Moroccan evening or a multi-faceted show inspired by the wonder of nature.

MSC Armonia’s elegant new music lounge, her Fenice Theatre, bars bursting with personality and shimmering dance floors are where firm friendships are made and memorable moments shared.

Why not leave the winter in your wake and enjoy a cruise aboard an elegant ship full of new and innovative features?