MSC Cruise and UNICEF Reps Take Part in MSC Divina Christening

MSC Divina, Christening in Marseille, France, on May 26, 2012

As a symbol of collaboration between MSC Cruises' and UNICEF, major UNICEF representatives and guests will be involved in the christening ceremony of MSC Divina, which will take place in Marseille, France, on May 26, 2012.

When MSC Divina takes to the seas, her guests will have the opportunity to support MSC Cruises' long-term partnership with UNICEF and their joint “Get on Board for Children” initiative, which funds the UNICEF-supported “Platform of Urban Centers” in Brazil. The platform focuses on combating poverty and inequality by ensuring better quality and more equal education opportunities for the vulnerable children of the favelas using a bottom-up integrated approach in which the community is seen as a vital part of the solution.

Since 2009, guests on board each ship in the MSC Cruises’ fleet have been invited to “get on board for children” and make a difference by offering a small donation in addition to their cruise fare. Thanks to the generous donations of guests, MSC Cruises has raised over $1.3 million to date for the initiative.

On the day of the christening, critically acclaimed classical performer and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Maxim Vengerov will join MSC Cruises’ CEO Pierfrancesco Vago and MSC fleet godmother Sophia Loren for a question-and-answer session with international media directly following a press conference.

Joining an impressive line-up of international stars on stage for the evening’s main events, Vengerov will deliver a speech expected to touch on the importance of his ambassadorial role and the “Get on Board for Children” initiative before releasing hundreds of UNICEF balloons with the help of local children in order to mark the occasion.

Vengerov, one of the world’s most sought-after performers in classical music, will then delight guests with a special performance.

The high-profile christening ceremony is the perfect occasion to highlight the meaningful partnership between UNICEF and MSC Cruises and the tangible results it has already produced for disadvantaged children in Brazil. MSC Cruises looks forward to putting contributions from MSC Divina guests toward the same great cause.

A selection of global results from the UNICEF-supported ‘Platform of Urban Centres’ to date includes:

•     198 youth ambassadors are using communication tools to mobilize their communities
•     6,000 children and adolescents are participating in supporting activities
•     470 educators have been trained in sports and citizenship
•     3 municipalities have committed to the rights of children, with 20 clear goals
•     94 communities are preparing and/or implementing action and communication plans,    representing about 400,000 children and adolescents

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MSC Cruises MSC Divina Dining Options

MSC Cruises MSC Divina Dining Options

The divine dining experience awaiting guests of MSC Cruises’ newest ship will be celebrated in appropriate style at MSC Divina’s christening ceremony in Marseilles, France, on May 26, when renowned French Chef Christian Constant will delight guests with two signature menus created especially for the event.

Chef Constant, who is also a favorite on the European version of the popular Top Chef program, runs three stylish Parisian restaurants, each known for its individual style, ambiance and menu.

A sneak preview of Chef Constant’s christening menus reveals culinary gems such as Medallion of Spiny Lobster accompanied by diced Niçoise vegetables flavored with horseradish, and Crispy Supreme of Mediterranean Sea-Bass with almonds accompanied by caper Ravigote sauce and a salad of spinach sprouts.

An impressive selection of France’s best wines has been carefully chosen to accompany the menu, and for dessert guests will savor the delicious Christian Constant mille-feuille Divina with half-salted butter caramel.

MSC Cruises wholeheartedly believes that delicious, authentic cuisine lies at the heart of a wonderful vacation and that a cruise should always be a gastronomic tour of discovery. MSC Cruises also knows that for guests to make the most of MSC Divina’s fabulous design, innovative new features and breathtakingly beautiful ports of call, they must be nourished with the finest dishes made from the freshest, best quality, ethically sourced, and locally inspired ingredients.

That’s why, when the christening ends and guests board the ship, they will be dazzled by the multiple dining options available and by MSC Divina’s ability to provide something delectable to meet all tastes and moods.

New and unique to MSC Divina and a highlight for many guests will be Galaxy, a fashionable new panoramic restaurant in the disco. Based on the style of famous 1950s Italian nightclubs such as La Capannina and Forte dei Marmi, Galaxy takes La Dolce Vita and the theme of light as its inspiration and appeals to all of the five senses.

Galaxy’s theme of light also means that the overall space has been created around specially designed lamps. Refined, elegant and reflecting modern minimalism, the stylish black, grey and Bordeaux color scheme means that the fabulous cuisine will look, as well as taste, wonderful whatever time of day.

Providing a fabulous brunch menu for late risers, including the delectable eggs Benedict, savory croissants and tasty Parma ham, a selection of fresh juices, and the “bubbles” menu including spumante, champagne and rosé, Galaxy will be the perfect kick-start to a day on board or on shore.

In the evening, diners will indulge in fabulous Mediterranean fusion cuisine such as roasted scallops on a cream of courgette and basil soup with porcini mushrooms and fried leeks, or succulent sea bass tartare with fresh goat cheese, crispy sesame seed wafers and liquorice sensation.

The emphasis is on sampling the food, enjoying the music in red, grey and black surroundings, while watching the stars and sipping a Galaxy cocktail or a high quality wine from the sommelier selection, which can be purchased by the glass.

It could be difficult to come back to earth after tasting one of Galaxy’s delightful meals, but luckily MSC Divina’s six other restaurants, including the exclusive MSC Yacht Club restaurant
Le Muse, the Sacramento Tex Mex and the Sacramento Hamburger House, offer a whole range of exciting and sumptuous dining options to keep guests’ taste buds entertained for the whole length of their cruise.

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MSC Cruises Bases the MSC Divina To Homeport in Miami

MSC Cruises MSC Divina to Sail From Miami

MSC Cruises will be bringing its newest ship, MSC Divina, to its newest departure port – PortMiami – beginning in the fall of 2013.

When MSC Cruises begins its inaugural season homeporting at PortMiami, MSC Divina, which becomes the twelfth ship in the MSC Cruises fleet in May 2012, will sail a series of itineraries featuring Caribbean destinations.

Named in honor of MSC Cruises’ “godmother,” Italian film icon Sophia Loren, MSC Divina features the exclusive MSC Yacht Club ship-within-a-ship concept found on the line’s two other Fantasia-class ships, MSC Fantasia and MSC Splendida.

“We’re very excited to kick off our new relationship with PortMiami with the newest of our Fantasia-class flagships,” said Richard E. Sasso, President and CEO of MSC Cruises (USA), Inc.

“In addition to enjoying the sophisticated design, international entertainment, Mediterranean cuisine, exotic MSC Aurea Spa and international experience that are the hallmarks of MSC Cruises, guests will now have the opportunity to depart from Miami to enjoy the MSC Yacht Club private haven of luxury suites that previously had only been available on European sailings,” Sasso said.

“We look forward to the arrival of the MSC Divina to PortMiami,” said Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez.  “We are honored to have MSC as a new cruise brand at our Port and appreciate the positive economic impact the company will have on our county.”

Miami-Dade County Commissioner Rebeca Sosa, chair of the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners committee overseeing the seaport, joined Commission Chairman Joe A. Martinez in welcoming MSC Cruises and its newest vessel to South Florida.   

"MSC brand is known worldwide for its sophisticated, international service,” Commissioner Sosa said.  “MSC Divina will offer cruise passengers sailing from PortMiami a very special vacation experience.”

Port Director Bill Johnson said the MSC Divina is a great addition to the Port’s fleet.  “What a fantastic way to introduce a new brand to our Port than with its newest vessel.”

With 1,751 staterooms hosting 3,502 guests (double occupancy) on the 139,400-ton ship, MSC Divina will be the largest ship in the MSC Cruises fleet.

Like her sister ships, MSC Divina will feature the exclusive MSC Yacht Club. With 69 suites in this “ship-within-a-ship,” guests indulge in comfort and convenience, from their own personal butler to complimentary wines and spirits available any time of the day in the MSC Yacht Club’s exclusive lounges and pool area. This oasis of tranquility includes several private venues, including Le Muse panoramic restaurant, Top Sail Lounge, pool and relaxation area as well as private access to MSC Aurea Spa.

All MSC Divina guests have access to three restaurants and a Tex-Mex alternative dining restaurant, Aqua Park (with 150 fountains and water jets, whirlpools and pool bar), MSC Aurea Spa with Balinese-inspired treatments, children’s and teen areas, interactive 4-D Cinema, virtual Formula 1 auto racing, acclaimed international entertainment in the 1,603-seat Pantheon Theater and much more.

Among the new features on the ship are The Garden infinity pool and Zen area in the aft, with spectacular views of the ship’s wake, and cutting-edge technical advancements that assure less environmental impact.

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MSC Cruise Countdown to the Arrival of the MSC Divina

When MSC Divina joins the MSC Cruises fleet in May, she will take the line’s flagship Fantasia-class of ships to another level.

Named in honor of MSC Cruises’ “godmother,” Italian film icon Sophia Loren, and with decks named after the Gods of Ancient Greece, MSC Divina will feature several design enhancements that make her truly a “divine goddess,” as MSC Cruises continues its successful partnership with award-winning De Jorio Design International.

Among the differences between MSC Divina and sister ships MSC Fantasia and MSC Splendida are:

Increased capacity, with 1,751 staterooms hosting 3,502 guests (double occupancy) on the 139,400 ton ship, making it the largest ship in the MSC Cruises fleet.
Infinity Garden Pool and “beach zone” in the aft, with spectacular views of the ship’s wake
Cutting-edge technical changes that include more powerful propulsion motors, new alternators and state-of-the-art HVAC chillers
A new fresh water production system requiring 40 percent less power, assuring less environmental impact

Like her sister ships, MSC Divina will feature the exclusive MSC Yacht Club. With 69 suites (verses 72 on sister ships) in this “ship-within-a-ship,” guests indulge in comfort and convenience, from their own personal Butler to complimentary wines and spirits available any time of the day in the MSC Yacht Club’s exclusive lounges and pool area. This oasis of tranquility includes several private venues, including Le Muse panoramic restaurant, Top Sail Lounge, pool and relaxation area.

All MSC Divina guests have access to three restaurants and a Tex-Mex alternative dining restaurant, Acqua Park (with 150 fountains and water jets, whirlpools and pool bar), MSC Aurea Spa with Balinese-inspired treatments, children’s and teen areas, interactive 4-D Cinema, virtual Formula 1 auto racing, acclaimed international entertainment in the 1,603-seat Pantheon Theatre and much more.

Following her May 26 christening in Marseille, France, MSC Divina sails May 27 on a 6-night cruise to Venice, calling at Civitavecchia, Messina, Valetta and Dubrovnik. The ship will then begin a series of 7-night Eastern Mediterranean roundtrip itineraries from Venice and Bari, calling in Katakalon, Izmir, Istanbul and Dubrovnik, through October 2012.

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New Cruise Ships of 2012

Like years from the past, cruise lines will be introducing new ships in 2012. Altogether, the newbuilds will comprise just over 19,000 new lower berths.

In 2012, seven new ships are expected to be introduced. To preview the new ships click here.



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The New MSC Divina Is Floated Out

(September 6, 2011) – MSC Divina, the third and latest addition to the MSC Cruises’ flagship Fantasia class, floated out of dry dock B at the STX Europe ship yard in Saint-Nazaire, France on Saturday, September 3, and transferred to dock C for final fitting and furnishing prior to her christening on May 26, 2012.

Representing a major milestone in this 140,000 ton ship accommodating up to 4,363 guests, a select group gathered to witness the ship slated to become the 12th ship in MSC Cruises’ fleet.

“Today marks the start of the final one-million hours of work required to ensure MSC Divina is ready for her debut on May 26, 2012 in Marseille, France,” said Emilio La Scala, general manager of MSC Cruises’ technical department.

Named in honor of Sophia Loren, Italian film legend and godmother of several MSC ships, MSC Divina will be appropriately themed as a divine goddess.

Also announced during the float out, the ship’s 18 decks (13 of which are for guests’ use) are being named after the gods of ancient Greece; among them Urano, Afrodite, Aurora, Giunone, Artemide, Zeus, Mercurio, Cupido, Iride, Minerva, Apollo, Saturno, and Elios.

Another addition to the ship is the aft Garden Pool purposely designed and decorated as an upscale area for quiet retreat, philosophizing or simply gazing into the sunset.

Construction of MSC Divina began more than a year ago with a total of 74 mega-blocks each consisting of a set of large pre-fabricated hull components used for assembling the ship.

Work on the keel is nearly completed. Already 50 percent of the outfitting has been done including completion of the electrical networking, plumbing, and public areas. Work has also begun on 400 of the 1,751 staterooms, 100 more than her sister ships MSC Fantasia and MSC Splendida.

Cutting-edge technical changes on MSC Divina include more powerful propulsion motors, rated at 21.8 MW each (compared to 20.2 MW on the MSC Splendida); new alternators, and state-of-the-art HVAC chillers. The ship will feature a new reverse osmosis system for fresh water production that requires 40 percent less power, therefore, providing less of an impact on the environment.

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