Sales now open for MSC Meraviglia

Sales of sought-out cruises on the 315m long ship will at first be open exclusively to MSC Club members, as befits a programme that rewards and best serves loyal guests across MSC Cruises' fleet. Then, on 5 July sales will open to meet the demand from other cruise lovers and experienced travellers.

"The opening of sales marks yet another decisive milestone in MSC Cruises' expansion plan, especially as MSC Meraviglia's inaugural cruise will take place in two years from now," Gianni Onorato, chief executive officer of MSC Cruises, said. "MSC Meraviglia is a true maritime marvel and will be one of the greenest and safest ships in the industry, as well as one of the most technologically advanced."

Comfort and style

"We are thrilled to offer MSC Club members the first pick to book their distinctive holiday experience so far in advance, another way in which we provide best-in-class service. This ship is perfect for cruising year-round in any destination almost everywhere around the world in outstanding comfort and style. The demand we are seeing for our product translates the eagerness with which MSC Meraviglia is awaited," Onorato said.

The cutting-edge 5,700 guest, 167,600 GRT ship - due to be delivered in May 2017 - will spend her first summer sailing the western Mediterranean, and will be the first to have three home-ports: Genoa, Marseille and Barcelona. MSC Meraviglia will be perfectly able to call at any cruise port in the world, meaning travellers from the more than 150 countries from which MSC Cruises sources its guests will be able to explore more of the best destinations.

MSC Meraviglia will feature a range of services ranging from near field communication technology to mobile applications and the use of smart devices throughout the ship, thus enabling guests to interact with the ship and the on-board community or select and plan their activities. This technology will also allow guests to make payments, access their cabins or geo-locate children, friends and on-board locations using their cruise card or smartphone.

Industry first

Another feature, and an industry first, will be a 480m² LED screen, which forms the entire ceiling of the ship's interior promenade. Like a digital sky, this LED image vault will beam out compelling images and vistas day and night - including highly impactful visual events - creating a variety of powerful atmospheres at all times.

With such an innovative ship, the company also introduces new cabins that will enhance the care it takes of its guests, with specially crafted family and super family cabins, duplex cabins and an extended MSC Yacht Club, the wholly self-contained luxury area on the prestigious foredecks, a vast solarium and a private lounge and restaurant.

Entertainment options are also widely available through the day for everyone, without forgetting parents and their little ones - with partnerships with global brands Lego and Chicco.

For more, go to www.msccruises.co.za