MSC Cruises Northern Europe ended successful season in 2014

Posted on 9 October, 2014 by Spacejunkie2

The North European season 2014 goes for MSC cruises to the end and the three MSC ships stationed in Germany goodbye. The MSC Magnifica leaves on 12 October 2014 after 22 attempts, the port of Hamburg. It is replaced by the MSC Splendida, which is in the summer season 2015, as the largest passenger ship in the Hanseatic city.

The port of Hamburg says “Goodbye” to the MSC Magnifica. This popular cruise ship brought two summers thousands passengers from Hamburg to the most beautiful coasts of northern Europe. On October 12, they will start from the Hanseatic city from last ports in the Netherlands, Belgium, France and the UK. In November, the MSC Magnifica then takes her three-week Grand Voyage to South America, where it crosses in winter 2014/2015. The two stationed in Kiel and Warnemünde MSC ships, MSC Orchestra and MSC Poesia have left Germany in September and will be stationed in the coming winter in Dubai and South America. The MSC Poesia had a total stored in the last season 18 times of Warnemünde, the MSC Orchestra 19 times of Kiel.

“We look back on an extremely successful season in Germany. Our three ships were booked straight through “ , said Michael Zengerle, CEO of MSC Cruises. “Now we look forward to the summer of 2015, and particularly on the MSC Splendida, with which we will provide three premieres in Hamburg: MSC sends the first time one of its flagships from a German port of departure from the north, our guests can book for the first time the MSC Yacht Club from Germany and the MSC Splendida will also be the largest passenger ship serving of the Hanseatic city of cruises. “

The MSC Splendida is on May 1, 2015 will have their big in Hamburg: The ship of the Fantasia-class of MSC with 330 meters and a gross tonnage of 138,000 will be the largest positioned in the Hanseatic city cruise ship with a capacity of 1,637 cars. The baptized by Sophia Loren in 2009 luxury liner is a total of 12 times set sail and start on eight different routes ports in Great Britain, France, Belgium, Ireland and the Netherlands as well as in Norway and Iceland. These range from a mini-cruise with four nights to two-week trips. With the MSC Splendida MSC Cruises are in the upcoming summer season about 30 percent more capacity on high demand routes from Hamburg. This MSC responds to the continuing boom in Northern Europe cruises. The three MSC ports in northern and eastern Germany are especially popular with German visitors because of their convenient accessibility.

The MSC Splendida is on the North Europe routes from summer 2015 for the first time an exclusive luxury range available: the MSC Yacht Club, a “ship in the ship” concept for guests who want to be pampered on board in a luxurious ambience and a private atmosphere especially. The MSC Yacht Club includes accommodation in spacious suites in a prime location in the bow of the ship and an all-inclusive drinks deal. Guests may also make use of separate areas such as a restaurant and sun deck as well as use of specific services claim, including them is a personal Butler around the clock.

The MSC Splendida offers its guests a cruise experience at the highest level. The varied gastronomic offer, with 21 bars and five restaurants serving Mediterranean and international cuisine ensures guests every day a new taste experience. The five pools and hot tubs 12 aboard guarantee fun for everyone. A special highlight is the covered and heated pool. This bathing is a pleasure even on chilly days in the far north. The generous Aurea Spa features a sauna, fitness center and elegant massage cabins to relax. Also, tennis, basketball, squash and jogging are possible on board. There is every night in the theater seats 1,600 comprehensive high-class Broadway shows. In addition, on board among others include a 4D cinema, a Formula 1 simulator, bowling, casino, Internet cafe and a disco.

Also in Warnemünde will begin in summer 2015 with the newly refurbished and modernized MSC Sinfonia a new ship, the anfährt on 16 runs many attractive ports in the North and Baltic MSC Cruises. From Kiel MSC Orchestra will happen this coming summer from a total of 19 times and visited, among other things, the port cities of Stockholm, Helsinki and St. Petersburg.

When cruise lines went global

Posted on 8 October, 2014 by Spacejunkie2

By Tom Stieghorst

It is easy to forget that the cruise industry was not always the global, or even national business that it is today.

In the early period of modern cruising, the airlines were still regulated and selling cruises was mostly a drive-port business. I was reminded of that in talking with Carnival Corp. COO Alan Buckelew, who began his career in the 1970s at Sitmar.

Buckelew’s latest assignment takes him to China, where he will function as Carnival’s point person in that key emerging market. Buckelew said China in many ways reminds him of the cruise market in North America back in its infancy.

In the mid-1970s, Buckelew recalls, each part of the U.S. had its own cruise players. *TomStieghorst

“There were a couple of brands in Miami, one or two in New York, one in L.A., and they pretty much kept to their own neighborhoods — the Miami guys in the Caribbean, New York in the Caribbean as well, the L.A. guys in Alaska and Mexico.”

With the deregulation of airlines in 1979, flying became more affordable.

“As cruise lines began to create an air package program and began flying, more ships came into the business, and it became more of a national business rather than a regional business,” he said. “And now it’s a global business.”

As it played out, the regional cruise lines consolidated in Miami. Princess Cruises, which merged with Sitmar, and Holland America Line became part of Carnival Corp. As did Cunard Line. Another big player in the New York market, Celebrity Cruises, became part of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

Now the competitive arena has shifted to China, where, Buckelew says, “we’re back in the 1970s.”

“It’s still pretty regional, not that many guests flying to the ships,” he said. Hong Kong, Shanghai and Tianjin all draw passengers from their own geographic areas.

One big difference, however, is the scale. China’s population is four times that of the U.S. There are 24 million people in greater Shanghai alone. “When I go back home to L.A. or Miami, they seem like little villages in contrast to Shanghai,” Buckelew said.

New MSC Armonia cruise countdown promotion

Posted on 7 October, 2014 by Spacejunkie2

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

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

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 Dining”option.

Marco Polo Restaurant

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

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

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

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

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 strollers, bottle warmers, baby 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

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

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 masseurs, beauty therapists, manicurists, pedicurists, hair stylists, yoga instructors and personal trainers. A qualified spa doctor will be on hand with a private consultation room available as required.

ENTERTAINMENT TAILORED TO YOU

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?