MSC MERAVIGLIA MAKES MAIDEN CALL AT PORT OF SAINT PETERSBURG

Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation, 24 September 2018 – Last week, the Port of Saint Petersburg welcomed MSC Meraviglia, one of MSC Cruises’ latest next-generation cruise ships and celebrated the moment with the exchanging of crests to officially mark the ship’s maiden call to the port.

The Maiden Call presented a unique opportunity for the citizens of Saint Petersburg and many tourists to witness MSC Meraviglia in all its marvel. The 315-metre ship is bringing to the sea some of the very latest innovation and technologies and is designed to deliver a unique cruise experience, meeting the needs of guests today and for years to come. One of the most technologically advanced ships at sea, this was the first ship to feature the ground-breaking MSC for Me digital innovation programme, connecting guests to their desired holiday experience through cutting-edge technology that is specially engineered to meet their every need, regardless of how they prefer to use technology when travelling.

Angelo Capurro, Executive Director, MSC Cruises commented: “MSC Meraviglia takes modern cruise holidays to a whole new level. She features the ultimate in entertainment, alongside a broad range of dining options and luxurious wellness choices. The ship calls at beautiful, historic destinations with a unique, highly tailored programme of discovery excursions, to immerse guests in local culture and tastes. Saint Petersburg is definitely a highlight on MSC Meraviglia’s 2018 summer itinerary and we couldn’t have hoped for a more attractive finale.”

Mr Capurro added: “In support of our Company's ongoing global expansion and following a high growth rate in Russia, this market is and will continue to be a key area of attention for our business. Our 2019 Northern Europe programme with four ships (MSC Meraviglia, MSC Preziosa, MSC Orchestra and MSC Poesia) is in fact a first natural step. That is not all. We have started to deliver on some of our core top-priorities to meet the expectations of our Russian guests, namely understanding their cultural preferences and needs in order to offer a tailor-made product.

“To give an example, thanks to our friendly Russian-speaking crew members, our guests will feel at home on board the ship. Our Russian-language kids’ entertainment offering service also ensures the possible best on-board experience for kids and families. As part of our famous dining experience, our menus, which are built on the Mediterranean heritage, are also available in Russian.”

MSC Cruises plans to continue to increase cruise sales in the Russian market with the support of the Company’s trade partner, the PAC Group with the ambition to become Russia’s cruise line of choice.

Constantly seeking to further access to international destinations in an easy way, together with the PAC Group’s General Director, Mr Ilya Itkin, MSC Cruises has developed Fly&Cruise packages to offer a best in class experience from beginning to end of the holiday.

MSC Meraviglia boasts a wealth of features, including the purpose-built Carousel Lounge where two exclusive Cirque du Soleil at Sea shows that are performed on board. There is an enriched family offering and cutting-edge entertainment for all ages with elegant pools for daytime relaxation and night-time entertainment. There are 10 different types of cabin offering truly unprecedented comfort designed with the needs of families in mind.

12 distinct dining venues promise something special for every taste, and guests can choose from casual and fine dining options such as a sushi bar, teppanyaki restaurant and an American-style steakhouse with specialty meats from around the world. Another outstanding feature of MSC Meraviglia is her impressive 96 metre-long Mediterranean-style indoor promenade, featuring 480m2 LED Sky that creates an awe-inspiring atmosphere 24 hours a day.

At 171,598 GT, MSC Meraviglia is the biggest ship ever built by a European-based ship owner. Due to a unique design and uncommon dimensions, which makes her highly manoeuvrable, the ship will be able to dock at any key cruise port around the world, expanding the choice of itineraries and destinations available to guests. The ship was built at the shipyard of STX France (now: Chantiers de l’Atlantique).

• Coming into service: 3 June 2017

• Gross tonnage: 171,598 GT

• Number of passengers: 5,714

• Crew members: 1,536

• Number of cabins: 2,244

• Length/Beam/Height: 315,3 m/43 m/65 m

• Maximum speed: 22,7 knots

• Percentage of ocean view/balcony cabins: 69%

• Award: In the UK, MSC Meraviglia received the accolade of ‘Best New Ship’ in 2017