 | First Glimpse
For MSC Cruises, its 133,500-ton, 3,300-passenger Fantasia, which debuted in December 2008, is not only its biggest ever newbuild. It's also the most innovative ship ever designed by the cruise line and represents an evolution for this young, ambitious cruise line with numerous unique features and amenities. Highlights include: A wide variety of dining options beyond traditional formal restaurant and buffet venues. These include L'Etoile, an intimate and red velvet-romantic French restaurant, the boisterous Sombrero, for Tex-Mex, an evening-only pizzeria, the Sports Bar for snack fare, and La Cantina Toscana for Italian wines and tapas. The delightful Piazza San Marco is intended as a gathering spot, complete with a starry sky ceiling, patisserie and caf?, gelato stand, and a handful of upscale boutiques offering goods ranging from pricey watches to gorgeous cashmeres. At 80 percent, MSC Fantasia's ratio of cabins with private balconies is not only the highest in its own fleet but also ranks quite well among all new ships. The major benefit to a high ratio for verandahs is that the more balconies a ship offers, the more affordable they are. The MSC Aurea Spa complex is vast and includes a spa "bar" (for juices, tisanes and the like), a gym, Turkish bath, relaxation room, treatment areas, and a dedicated spot for yoga classes. Interestingly, fitness classes beyond yoga, like aerobics and stretching, are held in the ship's Liquid Disco. The I Tropici pool, one of two major pool areas onboard, is the first in the MSC fleet to come with a magrodome (a glass roof that encloses the area). This was added so that the ship could sail winter seasons in the Mediterranean, offering passengers a chance to swim even when temperatures are too nippy for outdoor recreation. A games arcade, Formula One simulator and four-dimensional cinema offer thrills and chills. In an effort to reach out to travelers who want luxury amenities along with big ship features and activities, MSC's Yacht Club concept debuts on Fantasia. 99 cabins and suites are clustered around the bow -- and are given access to upscale amenities and services, including a private lounge with meal service and also a pool area, among the many perks. With MSC Fantasia -- and MSC Splendida, now under construction at STX Europe at St. Nazaire, France -- MSC is making a real effort to broaden its international beyond its core passengers. Already popular among travelers from Italy, France, Spain and Germany, not to mention other parts of eastern and western Europe, the expanded range of facilities and the steady inclusion of English in announcements and printed material shows that the line is also reaching out to travelers from the U.K., U.S. and Canada. It's important to note, however, that MSC's onboard ambience and flavor is definitely rooted in its European origins. English speaking travelers who are comfortable with European service and cuisine will find the ship a delight. Those who prefer a more traditional experience -- in service, food and activities -- may find MSC Fantasia to be a bit too exotic, at least in cruise parlance. One noteworthy point to make in this regard is that Europeans are far more accustomed to a'la carte pricing onboard than are Brits and North Americans (who'd call it nickel & diming). Alternative restaurants, for instance, don't charge a service on MSC Fantasia, but you will pay for each menu item you order. Room service is not inclusive; again, passengers are charged per item. MSC Fantasia will spend the year cruising a variety of Mediterranean itineraries. --by Carolyn Spencer Brown, Editor in Chief | |
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