SIX REASONS WHY MSC MERAVIGLIA WILL BE NEXT YEAR’S ULTIMATE SUMMER DESTINATION IN THE MEDITERRANEAN

Geneva, Switzerland July 1, 2016 – With just twelve months to go until the first guests set sail on board MSC Meraviglia, MSC Cruises - the Swiss-based world’s largest privately-owned cruise line and brand market leader in Europe, South America and South Africa - has today revealed further details of its first next-generation smart ship.  Designed around meeting every need of its guests, MSC Meraviglia will introduce new, cutting edge ways to connect holidaymakers seamlessly with the experiences that matter to them, whether at sea or on land.

With the first cruise scheduled for 4 June 2017 MSC Meraviglia will feature the ultimate in entertainment, a broad range of dining options and luxurious wellness choices. In addition to the onboard experience, the ship will spend the inaugural summer season sailing the western Mediterranean – calling at beautiful, historic destinations with a unique, tailored programme of excursions to immerse guests in local culture and tastes.

1.    Exclusive, world-class entertainment from Cirque du Soleil
The highlight of the onboard entertainment will be represented by the world leader in artistic performance, Cirque du Soleil, thanks to the exclusive Cirque du Soleil at Sea partnership with MSC Cruises.

Two unique Cirque du Soleil shows will be performed 6 nights per week in the purpose-built Carousel Lounge on board. An exclusive on-site dinner service for up to 50 of the 450 guests booked for the show, which elevates MSC Cruises’ exquisite dining and award-winning entertainment to yet another level. This is a unique experience that cannot be had anywhere else at sea – or in the world.

MSC Cruises designed a custom-made entertainment venue, the Carousel Lounge, for MSC Meraviglia and its three Meraviglia and Meraviglia-Plus sister smart cruise ships.  Featuring the latest technology, this ground-breaking venue, which has been designed to meet the needs of Cirque du Soleil and its performers, will be a stunning circular performance space with a 180° circular glass wall.  Kitted out with the most cutting edge equipment and special rigging, the Carousel Lounge will enable Cirque du Soleil performers to deliver their world-renowned performances for the exclusive enjoyment of MSC Cruises guests.


2.    Enriched family offering and cutting-edge entertainment for all ages
With MSC Meraviglia, MSC Cruises continues to evolve and enrich the family options that have historically been at the core of its offering. The facilities and services for families on every MSC Cruises holiday are designed to ensure that it is engaging for all members of the family, both together and individually.

For the first time on any MSC Cruises ship, all the facilities for families, children and teens are in one place in a super amusement park and children’s area.  This means families have a dedicated area especially designed for their needs, providing a safe place for children and an opportunity to meet and get to know other families. This area includes the DOREMI Studio Lounge, a dedicated lounge for all family activities; DOREMI Tech Lab, a must-visit destination for children who love technology, as well as facilities designed in partnership with family experts including the LEGO Group and Chicco.

Amongst other features, the onboard Aqua Park will include four action-packed water slides, a splash pool and champagne bowl. And the Himalayan Bridge will thrill adventure seekers who can attach themselves to a rope and cross the ship, 60 metres above the water.

3.    Comfortable accommodation to meet every need
The innovative accommodation on MSC Meraviglia demonstrates the way that MSC Cruises puts the guest at the heart of its designs and ship building - the way in which only a family-owned business can. With 10 different types of cabin to choose from, there really is something for everyone.

The Yacht Club
MSC Meraviglia features an enhanced Yacht Club with luxurious accommodation, now spanning three decks with 78 suites, 15 inside cabins and two apartments. The two coveted apartment suites are designed with a large living room and two balconies, one of which is a large outdoor space that has a dining table for eating al fresco and a private whirlpool.  

This unique “ship within a ship” concept is especially designed for guests seeking exclusivity and privacy.  MSC Yacht Club guests can enjoy the world-class entertainment, speciality restaurants and boutiques located around the ship before returning to their own private, luxurious haven.

With luxury comparable to that of a private yacht, it also provides key benefits including the Top Sail Lounge, an entirely self-contained private club offering panoramic sea views, and the One Pool Deck, featuring a private pool, whirlpool baths and solarium.  A private lift will transport guests discreetly to the MSC Aurea Spa to experience the delights of an authentic Balinese spa, with an exclusive MSC Yacht Club massage and treatment room.

Modular cabins designed with the needs of families in mind
The trend for multi-generational holidays is further met on this ship with a clever modular cabins system, unique to MSC Cruises.  Up to three cabins can be combined together to accommodate up to 10 guests.  

In addition to the modular cabins, quadruple cabins can accommodate a family of up to four people each. With a living space in the daytime, and a sofa that turns into a comfortable bed by night the set up makes the most effective use of space in the cabin.

4.    A truly unprecedented choice of both fine and casual dining options
An array of both fine and casual dining options are available across 12 venues on board MSC Meraviglia, all of them serving fresh, authentic food. The buffet is open 20-hours a day, which will serve a delicious array of Mediterranean specialities and international cuisines – including world food, “itinerary” and wellness corners plus a multitude of other tastes and dietary needs catered for around-the-clock.
In addition, fine dining options examples include the award-winning Kaito Sushi Bar, the new Kaito Teppanyaki Restaurant and an American-style steakhouse with specialty meats from around the world (details of additional fine dining options will be revealed in due course).
5.    The 96 metre-long Mediterranean-style promenade
Another outstanding feature of MSC Meraviglia is the impressive Mediterranean-style indoor promenade, featuring an 80 metre LED sky that creates an awe-inspiring atmosphere 24 hours a day.  With stunning visuals and effects, the Promenade will be the social centre of the ship and a focal point for a broad range of leisure activities. Guests can stroll up and down, sit back and soak up the atmosphere, shop until their hearts’ content or snack on delicious ice cream or crepes from Jean Philippe Maury, the award-winning French chocolatier and pastry chef.

6.    Elegant pools for daytime relaxation and night-time entertainment
MSC Meraviglia offers guests a choice of three elegantly designed pools:
•    The main pool on deck 15 is inspired by the cool vibes of Miami’s South Beach.  At approximately 25 metres long, it has the most generous poolside space at sea.  By night, the pool becomes a visual spectacle, illuminated with special lighting.  There is also a buffet nearby with inside and outdoor dining options, providing guests with more convenience and optimal relaxation time.
•    As MSC Meraviglia is the ship for all seasons, there is a 10 metre indoor pool with a magrodome that can be opened when the ship is in port or simply when the sun is shining!
•    Finally, the Aft Pool on deck 16 offers spectacular views from the back of the ship, while by night it is transformed into a space where guests can dance the night away under the stars.

Additionally, the private One Deck Pool, exclusively for the use of Yacht Club guests, is in a coveted position at the top of the ship - on deck 19 - providing a quiet haven for relaxation.

These are just some of the special features of the incredible MSC Meraviglia and more will be revealed soon. But seeing really will be believing - sales for summer 2017 are open. A 7-night cruise on board MSC Meraviglia departs Genoa, Italy on June 11 and calls at Naples, Italy; Messina, Italy; Valletta, Malta; Barcelona, Spain; Marseille, France and back to Genoa. Prices start from £799pp including return flights and transfers to/from the ship.
Additionally, to help guests find out more about the unique experience that awaits them on board, watch this comprehensive guide to all of the key features to understand why MSC Meraviglia will soon become the must-visit destination in the Mediterranean next summer.
To book your next cruise experience on MSC Meraviglia visit www.msccruises.ie or call 1800 932 499.

A 7-night cruise on board MSC Meraviglia, departing June 09, 2017 from Barcelona and calling at Marseille, France; Genoa, Italy; Naples, Italy; Messina, Italy; Valletta, Malta;, Spain; and back to Barcelona starts from €1,159pp including return flights and transfers (based on two people sharing).

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE ARRAY OF EXCITING FEATURES ON BOARD MSC MERAVIGLIA

MSC Meraviglia offers a world of choice, with everything that a guest might look for in a holiday, both on board and on shore. The ship features the ultimate in entertainment for the whole family, from grandparents to young babies; a huge range of dining options and luxurious pampering and wellness choices so good that guests won’t want to leave the ship!

•    At 315 metres long and 65 metres tall, with an impressive 19 decks and capacity of 5,700 guests, not only will MSC Meraviglia become one of the biggest cruise ships at sea, but it is poised to naturally become one of the hottest holiday destinations, packed with innovative features to give guests an unforgettable experience.
•    In addition to the exclusive Cirque du Soleil shows, MSC Meraviglia features a second plush, 1,000 sqm theatre venue offering six different shows per cruise.  With three showings per day, guests will be provided with additional options in a variety of world-class, award-winning productions.
•    One of the key highlights on the Promenade will be the pre-dinner parades. Providing a tempting taster of the evening’s entertainment with dancers, singers and performers in their flamboyant costumes designed to dazzle and wow guests -- all overseen by the Cruise Director, leading the entertainment from a bridge over the Promenade. There will be spectacular special "mini-shows" with the LED sky.
•    At the end of the Promenade there will be a versatile bar open 24-hours-a-day, serving coffee, cappuccinos and fresh croissants in the morning and a wide range of cocktails later on in the day before it then transforms itself into a post-dinner ballroom.  There will also be a band for guests to dance to, or simply enjoy the music throughout the evening.
•    The Super Amusement Park houses the latest in entertainment for all the family. Key features include:
o    A multi-purpose amusement arena with sweeping sea views that can be used for sports such as basketball, football and volleyball.  The area can also work as a ballroom or an events space for both large and smaller groups
o    The latest technology including two F1 Simulators, a 5D cinema, a Flight Simulator and fun arcade games
o    A full-length bowling alley with a glass wall that provides amazing views out to sea as families compete against each other
•    The multi-purpose media space on deck 7 will operate as the TV studio from which the Cruise Director will film their “Morning Show”, to be broadcast throughout the ship during the day.  
•    The karaoke bar will also allow guests to order and purchase a copy of their performance as a unique souvenir of their holiday.