MSC CRUISES TO STRENGTHEN NORTH AMERICAN FOCUS BY RETURNING MSC DIVINA TO MIAMI YEAR-ROUND IN SUMMER 2016
24/04/2015
Geneva, Switzerland, 24 April 2015 – MSC Cruises, the world’s largest privately-owned cruise line and fourth largest global player in the industry, announced its intention to strengthen its focus on the North American markets by deploying MSC Divina from Miami year-round in 2016. This decision will allow a global audience to benefit from added itineraries and increased availability of the unique MSC Cruises experience in the Caribbean.
Having proved hugely popular, the stunning 3,500-guest MSC Divina will stay next summer to the USA to sail 26 seven-night itineraries from PortMiami to multiple Caribbean ports. What is more, these itineraries can now be combined into a magnificent 14-night voyage to the Bahamas, the Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and St. Maarten.
The sharpened Caribbean focus comes only a month after MSC Cruises revealed that MSC Seaside, the first of its next generation, under-construction “Seaside” generation of ships will also sail year-round from Miami to the Caribbean, starting November 2017. Moreover, MSC Cruises’ Miami-based operations will benefit from a newly renovated and expanded dedicated berth and terminal at PortMiami.
MSC Divina will be replaced by the same class, 3,274 passenger MSC Fantasia on her Mediterranean itineraries to meet strong demand for the unique MSC Cruises product there as well. She will sail Mediterranean cruises with seven ports in seven days from Genoa. This itinerary includes a visit to one of the French Riviera’s best-known destination – Cannes – followed by a call to Palma de Mallorca and Barcelona, two iconic destinations in the Med. From Barcelona, MSC fantasia will set sail towards one of France’s most beautiful islands and a new destination on this itinerary : Corsica and the city of Ajaccio. The next call will offer MSC Cruises’ guests the chance to visit Pompeii and see Mount Vesuvius for themselves, with a call in Naples, followed by a unique opportunity to see Cinque Terre or Florence and Tuscany through a call in La Spezia, before returning to Genoa.
MSC Fantasia initially scheduled itineraries in Northern Europe will nevertheless be made available to MSC Cruises guests and cruise enthusiasts with the redeployment of MSC Musica. What’s more, with the Grand Tours now MSC Cruises guests will have the incredible opportunity to discover the best of northern Europe in a 14-night cruise that would take them from the breathtaking beauty of the fjords and rugged landscapes of Norway all the way to St Petersburg, in Russia.
Eastern Caribbean
MSC Divina will sail 14 seven-night itineraries in the eastern Caribbean, where guests can discover this paradisiacal region via three ports of call.
Half Dutch, half French, but 100% unforgettable, the island of St Maarten offers a multitude of spectacular sites, from the cobalt waters of Simpson Bay Lagoon to the gingerbread houses and sidewalk bistros of the French capital Marigot. Its Dutch counterpart, Philipsburg, will be MSC Divina’s port of call in summer 2016.
Discover San Juan, Porto Rico’s historic capital with its enchanting 16th century cobbled streets and the imposing fortress of El Morro. Marvel at idyllic waterfalls in El Yunque National Forest, which is teeming with wild orchids, giant ferns and tropical hardwood trees.
Finally, the ship will call Nassau in the Bahamas, a destination that inspires dreams with evocative names like Paradise Island and Atlantis Lagoon. A stay in the Bahamas will create lasting memories and a fabulous time, various activities on offer in the island include cruising around the harbour, touring the island or snorkelling in the clear, blue waters of New Providence Island.
Western Caribbean
MSC Divina will also sail 12 seven-night itineraries in the western Caribbean, again leaving from Miami. The itineraries feature calls in four countries and offer a window into some of the most beautiful landscapes and sceneries in the world.
Dive into Dolphin Cove and admire one of the world’s most beautiful waterfalls: Dunn’s river falls, 180 metres (600 feet) of cool refreshing water as it cascades over natural limestone terraces or play with dolphins in the warm coastal waters. These activities await MSC Cruises travellers in Ocho Rios, Jamaica.
Snorkel in Stingray City, take a catamaran cruise to Cayman’s coral reefs or simply relax on the white sand of the astonishing Seven Miles beach, situated on Grand Cayman’s west shore, its gorgeous clear waters and coral sands will lure travellers from around the world. Visit nearby Cayman capital or the fascinating Cayman Turtle Farm. This enticing programme can be experienced as the ship calls Georgetown in the Cayman Islands.
Visit the spectacular and legendary Mayan ruins of Tulum, snorkel with sea turtles or swim in the cool waters of cavern cenotes, explore the mysterious interior of an ancient Mayan cave or relax on amazing beaches and take in the natural beauty of this island just off the coast of Yucatan. This is the island Cozumel, located on the beautiful Yucatan peninsula in Mexico.
Nassau, Bahamas, will be MSC Divina’s last call. The island will provide an excellent opportunity to enjoy paradise-like beaches and fun activities in a location that resonates in everyone’s mind.
Together, these developments attest to the Company’s growing commitment to the North American market, and to its commitment to provide a best-in-class experience and quality of service across its key markets on Mediterranean and Northern European destinations.
