COUNTDOWN BEGINS TO MSC ARMONIA’S FIRST CRUISE FROM MIAMI TO CUBA

Geneva, Switzerland, October 11, 2018 – In just under two months MSC Cruises, the world’s largest privately-owned cruise line and leading cruise line in Europe and South America, introduces MSC Armonia to Miami for the first time. From December 10th this year, MSC Armonia will offer unique 7-night Caribbean sailings departing from Miami and calling at Montego Bay, Jamaica; Georgetown, Cayman Islands; and Cozumel, Mexico before arriving in Havana, the Cuban capital, on Saturday and staying overnight until Sunday.

MSC Cruises will be the only cruise line regularly offering a 7-night program to Cuba including two days in the bustling city of Havana over the weekend. And, as excitement builds for this company-first, MSC Cruises will also introduce even more distinct culinary and entertainment features on board the ship to further elevate the guest experience, including elements of the Havana experience brought on board, a brand new specialty restaurant, original theatre performances and more.

MSC Armonia will join MSC Seaside and MSC Divina in Miami, further enriching our offer. MSC Cruises’ guests can expect not only a brand new attractive itinerary, but also a variety of enhancements to make the MSC Armonia experience that much more memorable. On board, guests will delight in fresh entertainment and new gourmet culinary choices, while ashore; an overnight stay in Havana will allow guests the full experience of this culturally vibrant city.

Highlights of the Cuba cruise include the following:

MSC Armonia will introduce a brand new specialty restaurant to the culinary line-up. The 38-seat “Surf & Turf” will serve a delectable menu, where guests can select an appetiser, main course and dessert from an assortment of gourmet options.

For main courses, the Surf & Turf offers the best of both worlds, with a delicious filet mignon and tempting cold-water lobster tail. Additional highlights include a Lobster Thermidor, baked in shell with a mushroom cream sauce, and the 18 oz. Certified Angus Beef Bone-in Ribeye. Desserts are as varied as they are divine, with a Guava cheesecake, dressed in a warm Rum sauce, a Red Velvet Cake, and a Seven Layers Mexican Chocolate cake.

Bringing the Cuban experience on board, MSC Armonia will transform one of its bars into a Havana haven, with a wide range of Mojito cocktails to choose from, whether traditional or out-of-the-box. 

MSC Armonia’s White Lion Pub will introduce a new and complimentary menu featuring hand-helds like the befitting Cuban sandwich, a Mojo Chicken Quesadilla, an Avocado and Tuna Salad Wrap, and Spinach and Artichoke Dip to share. The pub will also continue serving a wide selection of beers, including four new additions -- Heineken, Newcastle Brown Ale, Murphy’s Irish Stout, and Lagunitas IPA.

MSC Armonia will also introduce a few items on board that come complimentary with the cruise experience. MSC Cruises is already known for offering some of the best gelato at sea, through a longstanding partnership with fine Italian chocolate maker, Venchi. Now, every creamy bite comes included with the cruise, leaving guests plenty of opportunities to try every flavour on board.

In the main dining room, guests will be able to enjoy cold-water lobster to create their own surf ‘n turf at no additional cost. While dining on these elevated offerings, Aurea Experience guests will also have the option to dine al fresco, with a reserved outdoor area, featuring the open water as the backdrop.

In addition to MSC Cruises fan-favourite parties like the White Party and Silent Disco, a highlight of MSC Armonia’s entertainment offering will be the addition of local Cuban music while in port, in Cuba. Straight from the city of Havana, various musicians will join guests on board to play the best of local Cuban music during the Saturday evening of the ship’s overnight stay in Havana.

MSC Armonia’s evening theatre entertainment will undergo a complete review, with an entire line-up of new performances to be introduced on board. Cruisers will marvel at a new, distinct shows each evening. The shows will include dynamic, virtual sets with the addition of a central upstage LED screen to display a variety of vistas for each show. Shows include:

• ABYSS: A mermaid’s spectacular adventures under the sea.

• THE TIME OF MY LIFE: Inspired by the famous 80s film, Dirty Dancing, the show features songs, dances and a story that still captures audiences to this day.

• THE ADDAMS FAMILY: The quirky family stars in this hilarious show, inspired by the satirical and ironic portrayal of the 20th century American Dream family.

• FRENCH FOLLIES: An all-French variety show, with artists, dancers, singers that come together for an elegant and joyful show.

• THE GREATEST: Featuring the best of Broadway, guests are taken through the most iconic pieces of musical theatre.

• ITALIAN TOUCH: True to MSC Cruises’ Mediterranean heritage, this show will feature Italian music and the most unforgettable Italian songs.

With an overnight stay in the buzzing capital of Cuba, MSC Armonia’s guests will be able to enjoy all that the city has to offer from day to night. After guests participate in a required people-to-people excursion during the day, they are able to take advantage of the colourful Havana evenings and nightlife, with a night to dine on authentic cuisine, hear local Cuban music, and step out in a variety of nightclubs with plenty of Cuban locals. Guests can also opt for an evening excursion for a guided tour of the nightlife.

During their stays in Havana, cruisers will venture on shore to experience a variety of local highlights, from music, art and architecture to classic cigar rolling, rum distilling and much more. Guests can:

• Ride in vintage American cars, a staple of the Havana experience. On this tour, guests will tour the city in classic vehicles down the seafront Malecón boulevards and Wuinta Avenida. Guests will stop for a historic photo opportunity at Plaza de la Revolución, and then head to the famous Christopher Columbus Cemetery. As the drive continues, participants will marvel at some of the city’s key landmarks.

• Sip on local rum and classic Hanabos cigars to learn about a key part of Cuban culture. Guests will visit a cigar factory to watch highly-skilled torcedors as they hand-roll Cuban cigars. Then, cruisers will head to the Havana Club Museum to learn about how freshly cut sugarcane is distilled into rum and then try some of the final product.

• Dance at Havana’s largest nightclub, the renowned Tropicana Club. Founded in 1939 in Havana’s Marianao suburb, the Tropicana Club is an iconic celebration of Cuban culture with tropical surroundings. Visitors will listen to live music and see a variety of performers in vibrant costumes, while sipping on a local cocktail and dancing the night away.

Prior to these current onboard enhancements, MSC Armonia was the first ship in MSC Cruises’ $250 million Renaissance Program, where the ship was stretched in late 2014, adding a variety of new onboard features. The ship has been tailored with a wide range of amenities and services for families, including a brand new splash park for children; exquisite, varied dining offerings; outstanding, all-hours entertainment; a broad choice of relaxation and wellness options, and more - all with the European flair MSC Cruises is known for.

For more information on MSC Cruises’ Cuba program, MSC Armonia and to book, contact a preferred travel agent or visit https://www.msccruises.com/en-gl/Cruise-Destinations/Caribbean-Cuba-Antilles.aspx