MSC CRUISES
WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF ITALIAN CRUISING

Mediterranean Shipping Company, a privately owned company with a longstanding history on the seas headed by captain Gianluigi Aponte, entered the cruise industry in 1988. After acquiring the Starlauro, a prestigious shipping company, and executing a total renewal and re-launch, MSC Cruises was officially born.

MSC Cruises combines a deep heritage at sea with an enthusiastic, young and motivated management team to present a company philosophy of “Innovation = Tradition”. MSC Cruises uniquely blends maritime traditions, culture and famous Mediterranean cuisine to deliver the ultimate cruise experience while displaying a real commitment to the finest hospitality afloat. In essence, MSC Cruises has made true Italian service the heart of its business and its key point of differentiation in the cruise industry.

TASTES
Close your eyes and think of Italy. One of the first images that comes to mind is the cuccina for which Italy is known. On an MSC Italian Cruise you will experience the flavors and aromas of authentic Italian cuisine equal to those of fine restaurants. Try an appetizer of melon and prosciutto crudo, a pineapple “gondola” or true Italian salami. Enjoy our signature pasta dishes ranging from Dumplings “Sorrento” and Fettucine Alfredo to Linguini with Clams or Pesto. Experience the rich flavors of garlic, basil, olives, spicy red pepper and tomatoes in our traditional family-recipe sauces. Don’t overlook the popular seafaring favorites--appetizers of shrimp cocktail and smoked salmon and entrees of lobster and fresh fish. Or, if you prefer, try our filet mignon or prime rib, grilled to perfection. Afterwards, you’ll have difficulty choosing from the large array of desserts--classic Italian treats of tiramisu and cannolis to your favorite cakes, cookies, pies and tarts della mama!

Wine connoisseurs will savor the selections presented or you might prefer to cap dinner off with a cappuccino or espresso. If you’re celebrating a honeymoon, birthday or anniversary do it in style with a cake, some bubbly and an Italian serenade. Just let the Maitre’D know beforehand and he’ll take care of the rest. Throughout your voyage you can dine al fresco at the informal on-deck buffets, choose to dress up or stay casual for evening dinner and then stop by the midnight buffet for a late night snack.

LEISURE & ENTERTAINMENT
After dinner and dessert, let MSC Italian Cruises entertain you. The evening’s entertainment features top class bands in our two major lounges providing listening music for all tastes and ages. Many of our nightly shows have an accent of the Mediterranean such as vivid Flamenco dancers from Spain or a show with historical glances back into “Old Europe.” On other nights you will be transported to New York City as you sit in the audience watching famous Broadway shows you either know and love or haven’t had the chance to see. If you didn’t catch a movie during the afternoon, see what’s playing at the cinema.

Afterwards, if you’re feeling lucky, swing by the Casino for some poker, roulette or blackjack and then stop by the midnight buffet for a late-night snack. Finally, dance the night away in one of the many nightspots that stay alive into the wee hours. You can always slip away for a quiet drink on deck to enjoy the tranquility of the clear, star-studded nighttime sky over the water, but with so many choices, the entertainment on deck sparkles like city nightlife and will definitely tempt you.

PAMPERING
Time is the greatest luxury and onboard an MSC ship, life goes at your pace. Whatever your definition of relaxation, an MSC Italian Cruise is your getaway to bliss. Sleep in or wake up early. Stroll around the deck or run on the jogging track. Get refreshed with a swim in one of the pools or relax your body and mind in the jacuzzi. Workout at the gym or sweat it out to one of the many aerobic and step classes offered on board. Treat yourself to a visit to the spa for a massage or a sauna.

Join in a game of cards, table tennis or shuffleboard or, if you’re up for it, play a game of tennis or volleyball. Stretch out underneath the warm Mediterranean sun with a good book from the ship’s library or catch up on the news from home with our daily Satellite News Review. Sip tropical drinks and lounge on a deck chair with new friends or browse through the duty free shops. If you’re feeling tired, take an afternoon nap--a siesta is the Mediterranean way to restore your energy for the night ahead. Whatever you chose, there’s always plenty to do on deck, even if you prefer to do absolutely nothing.