The international press and representatives of the travel industry join in the celebrations of the start of the inaugural cruise to the Canary Islands.
MSC Armonia, the first of four MSC Cruises ships to be lengthened and renovated as part of the Renaissance Programme, was launched today in a festive atmosphere in Genoa before beginning its inaugural 10-day cruise to the Canary Islands.
Hundreds of journalists and travel industry representatives have boarded the MSC Armonia, moored in Italy's historic port of Genoa, as MSC Cruises CEO Gianni Onorato unveiled its wide range of new facilities and services.
Mr. Onorato commented during the press conference held in the ship's Business Centre: “I am very proud of the achievements of MSC Cruises and our partners at Fincantieri on the new MSC Armonia. The ship is now not only larger and more elegant, but also features new spaces that will appeal equally to cruisers and first-time cruisers. That's why we call it 'the ship made just for you'.”
The Renaissance Program, valued at 200 million euros, is the first link in a fleet expansion project valued at 5 billion euros, which includes the construction of four new ships based on two different state-of-the-art prototypes that will be delivered respectively by STX France and Fincantieri, in Italy, between 2017 and 2019, with an option to build three more until 2022.
In 2004, MSC Cruises carried 80,000 passengers; since then, the company has grown by 800% and now carries 40,000 passengers daily. Plans are underway to double the fleet's capacity by 2022, meaning that 3.4 million passengers will be able to enjoy their holidays aboard MSC Cruises each year.
Among the new features of the refurbished MSC Armonia unveiled today are a greater number of balcony cabins, more spacious public areas, more flexible dining options, and new spaces dedicated to younger passengers of different ages. MSC Armonia also now boasts an impressive open-air water park with interactive jets, slides, and water features.
MSC Armonia is also the world's first cruise ship with dedicated children's play areas designed, equipped and officially promoted by Chicco® and LEGO®.
All these improvements are the perfect complement to the existing attractions of MSC Armonia, such as its two outdoor pools, its exclusive bars and restaurants and the spectacular Fenice Theatre.
The new key elements are:
- 94 exquisitely decorated balcony cabins
- Its renovated restaurants and bars, with a new buffet schedule that will now remain open 20 hours a day.
- 20 hours of entertainment every day
- Separate areas for children and young people segmented by age and called clubs: Baby (0-3 years), Mini (3-6 years), Juniors (7-11 years), Youth (12-14 years), and teenagers (15-17 years).
- The Baby Club, designed and equipped by the leading company in children's products, Chicco®
- A playroom designed and equipped by the world-renowned toy manufacturer LEGO®
The inaugural cruise
MSC Armonia will set sail from Genoa, Italy, tomorrow (November 19) for a 10-day itinerary ending in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, with stops in Marseille, Cartagena, Gibraltar, Cadiz, Funchal, Santa Cruz de La Palma and Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
Passengers were able to choose, according to their preferences, between the three MSC Cruises experiences: “Bella”, which includes basic services; “Fantastica”, which includes some luxuries; and the “Aurea” experience, which, in addition to the services of the previous one, also includes beauty treatments and drinks.
As an exceptional measure, MSC Cruises has also organized special shows in various ports, including performances by dancers and musicians, gifts for passengers, and fireworks displays in Marseille and Tenerife. Onboard celebrations include a special gala dinner and spectacular performances in the theater.
Passengers will also be able to watch a fascinating documentary explaining the impressive engineering feat involved in the transformation of MSC Armonia as part of the Renaissance Program, which will also be carried out on its sister ships MSC Sinfonia, MSC Opera, and MSC Lirica. The Renaissance Program is scheduled for completion in November 2015.
Following the inaugural cruise and during the winter season, the renovated MSC Armonia will offer seven-night cruises visiting must-see places in the Canary Islands and Morocco.
MSC Cruises has designed a comprehensive range of shore excursions so travelers can experience the essence of the places they visit. These include trips to numerous cities such as Aix-en-Provence, Cartagena, and Cádiz, a guided tour of Seville's Gothic cathedral, and another to the wineries of Jerez de la Frontera.
