Tag Archives: MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises Adds New Accessible Shore Excursions

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MSC Cruises today announced the roll out of its accessible shore excursions program to five more ports this winter and three additional ports for summer 2020. MSC Cruises aims to ensure that guests have the largest variety of shore excursions possible to suit all needs. Hence MSC Cruises is introducing its Accessible Tours Program, extending the availability of tailored shore excursions for those with varied mobility, the company said in a statement. “MSC Cruises is committed to offer an incredible choice of shore excursions designed to suit all tastes, giving guests the freedom to make the most of every moment ashore,” said Jean-Pierre Joubert, Head of Shore Excursions at MSC Cruises. “We have always been sensitive to the needs of our guests, and constantly strive to offer the best possible service, meeting international accessibility standards. This program is unique because for the first time we offer accessible tours available in both popular cruise regions of the Caribbean and the Mediterranean.” The tours and excursions have been created with careful consideration for safety and accessibility, allowing all guests to explore each destination in total comfort: tour routes are completely step-free and accessible to wheelchairs wherever possible; only short distances are covered; timings are run at a slower pace; and accessible restrooms with wide doors are planned along the route. Family members and friends can also join these inclusive tours, with the comfort of small groups led by professional tour guides experienced in working with guests with varied mobility. The Accessible Tours Program includes the San Juan (Puerto Rico) shore excursion that combines the best highlights of San Juan into one accessible tour. Escorted by their own tour guide, guest will enjoy a leisurely stroll in the Old Town, and experience panoramic driving tour of the spectacular old Fort San Cristobal, the breathtaking El Capitolio, the famous Casa Olimpica and other popular landmarks. The Marseilles (France) excursion will bring guests to a hill with views of the city, after which they will travel back in time while exploring historic landmarks including the Old Port and accessible parts of the 17th-century Fort Saint-Jean.

MSC Cruises announced the rollout of its accessible shore excursions program to five more ports this winter and three additional ports for summer 2020.

MSC said it aims to ensure that guests have the largest variety of shore excursions possible to suit all needs. Hence MSC it is introducing its Accessible Tours Program, extending the availability of tailored shore excursions for those with varied mobility, the company said in a statement.

“MSC Cruises is committed to offering an incredible choice of shore excursions designed to suit all tastes, giving guests the freedom to make the most of every moment ashore,” said Jean-Pierre Joubert, Head of Shore Excursions at MSC Cruises. “We have always been sensitive to the needs of our guests, and constantly strive to offer the best possible service, meeting international accessibility standards. This program is unique because for the first time we offer accessible tours available in both popular cruise regions of the Caribbean and the Mediterranean.”

The tours and excursions have been created with careful consideration for safety and accessibility, allowing all guests to explore each destination in total comfort: tour routes are completely step-free and accessible to wheelchairs wherever possible; only short distances are covered; timings are run at a slower pace, and accessible restrooms with wide doors are planned along the route. Family members and friends can also join these inclusive tours, with the comfort of small groups led by professional tour guides experienced in working with guests with varied mobility.

The Accessible Tours Program includes the San Juan (Puerto Rico) shore excursion that combines the best highlights of San Juan into one accessible tour. Escorted by their own tour guide, the guest will enjoy a leisurely stroll in the Old Town, and experience the panoramic driving tour of the spectacular old Fort San Cristobal, the breathtaking El Capitolio, the famous Casa Olimpica and other popular landmarks. The Marseilles (France) excursion will bring guests to a hill with views of the city, after which they will travel back in time while exploring historic landmarks including the Old Port and accessible parts of the 17th-century Fort Saint-Jean.

MSC Grandiosa Is Christened

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From the Grandiosa christening

MSC Cruises has christened the MSC Grandiosa in the city of Hamburg on the fourth and final night of celebrations in the Blue Port as Sophia Loren named her 15th MSC Cruises ship.

Since arriving in Hamburg on Nov. 6, MSC Grandiosa has been the subject and star of an immersive light show. The traditional christening ceremony took place in different locations across the ship, and the proceedings were hosted by talented actress, TV presenter, model and singer, Michelle Hunziker alongside co-host TV host & actor Jochen Schropp, one of Germany’s favourite entertainers.

From the Grandiosa christening

The festivities included a purpose-built “MSC Village” on the banks of the River Elbe will bring the festivities to shore, welcoming 5,000 locals to experience the christening from land with live music and food trucks. Guests be joined by the popular German TV couple Annemarie & Wayne Carpendale who will act as presenters and hosts.

The evening’s main spectacle occurred as MSC Grandiosa passed the Elbphilharmonie just as a special light show illuminated the building and ship. She then took centre stage on the River Elbe as Godmother Sophia Loren officially named the vessel.

From the Grandiosa christening

The MSC Grandiosa starts her seven-night program in the Western Mediterranean on Nov. 26 with six embarkation ports calling Genoa, Civitavecchia, Italy; Palermo, Sicily; Valetta, Malta; Barcelona, Spain and Marseille, France.

Photos: Vallbracht for MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises cancels first four Ocean Cay calls

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A rendering of beaches on Ocean Cay Marine Reserve.

MSC Cruises has cancelled the first four calls that had been scheduled for paying passengers at its MSC Ocean Cay Marine Reserve in the Bahamas.

It said the private island near Bimini is not ready for guests.

MSC cancelled calls planned for Nov. 9 on the MSC Meraviglia, Nov. 15 on the MSC Seaside, Nov. 16 on the Meraviglia and Nov. 17 on the MSC Armonia.

“While we fully anticipated that the island would be ready to receive guests this week, upon further evaluation with our onsite team and learning about last-minute operational issues that could impact the guest experience, we made the decision to cancel scheduled calls,” an MSC statement said.

Port calls elsewhere have been scheduled.

Guests on affected cruises will get a $100 onboard spending credit and a 20% future cruise credit.

Four years ago, MSC signed a 100-year lease on the island, a former industrial sand mining site, and announced plans to transform it into a private destination. Work on the 95-acre island has been ongoing for the past few years.