Fri Nov 28 2008, written and credited by Travel Trade Staff

MSC Cruises will christen its new ship MSC Fantasia on Dec. 18 in Naples, Italy. Sophia Loren is set to be the godmother. 

The 3,274-passenger MSC Fantasia will have 290,000-square feet of common areas, including five swimming pools — one, “I Tropici,” with a retractable roof; 12 whirlpools and an Acqua Park with 150 fountains; five restaurants — including “La Cantina Toscana” — with Italian wines, “El Sombrero Tex Mex” and an a la carte French restaurant.

 

The MSC Yacht Club, a first for the line, will have 99 suites, between 247- and 570-square feet; a lounge with view of the sea; a Concierge with Swarovski crystal stairs; other reserved spaces; and personal butlers.

 

MSC Fantasia is also “green” with environmentally friendly paint, modern technology for the treatment of black and grey waters and energy saving systems in cabins and common areas.

 

MSC Fantasia is the 10th ship in the MSC Cruises fleet. After the inaugural ceremony, it will call at Genoa from where it will leave on Dec. 20 for its maiden voyage, a 9-day Mediterranean cruise, calling at Rhodes, Alexandria of Egypt, Messina and Naples. Twelve-day Mediterranean and Atlantic Ocean cruises will be available through winter 2009.