Madrid, September 5.The Mediterranean, one of Europe's most popular destinations, renowned for its picturesque seascapes, is increasingly sought after as a cruise destination. MSC Cruises, the world's largest privately owned cruise line and a leader in the European cruise industry, has observed a growing demand from its passengers to discover southern Italy. Next summer, MSC Fantasia will feature Naples as a highlight of its itinerary. Not only does Naples itself boast a fascinating history, but its geographical location is ideal for exploring some of southern Italy's most popular tourist destinations.
Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises, commented: “We have enhanced the MSC Fantasia itinerary for next summer in response to the growing popularity of southern Italy. For the first time, we plan to have a ship spend a full day in Naples each week throughout the season. We will arrive in the morning, giving our guests ample time for full-day excursions and allowing them to immerse themselves in the vibrant culture and beauty of this historic region. This will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of this itinerary, for which we expect significant demand.”
A FOOD LOVERS' DREAM
Naples is world-famous for its cuisine and is a food lover's dream. Known for using the freshest and most delicious ingredients, no visit to Naples would be complete without trying the local pizza, savoring what is arguably the best coffee in Italy, and, of course, tasting the seafood caught fresh that very day. Visitors can book a guided city tour tailored to their needs, or simply wander and discover interesting sights around every corner.
The Delicious Naples Tour: Coffee, Pastry and Pizza allows passengers to discover the flavorful cuisine of Naples, starting with a cup of typical Neapolitan coffee at a local café. At the next stop, you'll enjoy a pizza, perfectly folded and eaten standing up, in classic Neapolitan style. Finally, the culinary tour concludes with a tasting of sfogliatella, a Neapolitan puff pastry.
BEHOLD THE MAGNIFICENT VIEWS OF THE SOUTHERN ITALIAN COAST
Famous as a favorite destination for celebrities and boasting incredible sea views, passengers can visit the enchanting island of Capri, enjoy the breathtaking views of the azure waters of Sorrento , or the magnificent archaeological site of Pompeii, Italy's third most popular tourist attraction. Travelers can even experience these three vibrant cities and their panoramic vistas with a shore excursion organized by MSC Cruises.
One of the biggest draws for tourists visiting this region is one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world: the Amalfi Coast. MSC Cruises offers a relaxing day trip to the coastal town of Amalfi and the nearby village of Ravello, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. With breathtaking panoramic views and a beautiful azure sea, the town of Amalfi seems to grow right up the mountainside. The coast itself is a great place to sunbathe or swim, enjoy a tasty aperitif, and sample limoncello, a delicious liqueur made in the region. We will also visit Ravello, a town with unique scenic beauty and a history dating back to the 5th century AD. Passengers will enjoy a delicious lunch at one of Ravello's traditional restaurants, after which they will return to Naples.
MSC Fantasia will depart every Monday from Palma de Mallorca and will also call at two other Italian ports, each offering a unique experience and the chance to immerse yourself in Italian culture. From Livorno, passengers can easily reach Florence, with its artwork and Renaissance architecture, or Pisa, with its iconic leaning tower. Genoa, located on Italy's northwest coast, boasts a long maritime tradition and is another temptation for the taste buds. The next stop is the port of Marseille, the country's most famous and populous metropolitan area after Paris and Lyon, offering excellent shopping and a vibrant urban life. If you'd like a change of pace, the tranquil Balearic Islands of Palma de Mallorca and Ibiza are the perfect places to relax and unwind, completing this perfect blend of Mediterranean experiences.
SAILING ON THE MSC FANTASIA HAS ITS OWN ATTRACTIONS FOR PASSENGERS
MSC Fantasia is designed to cater to the needs of a wide range of cruise passengers, especially families. With a variety of sports and entertainment facilities, including tennis and basketball courts, a jogging , and a gym, as well as a water park, a Formula 1 simulator, and a 4D cinema, there will always be something to do and experience on board. For those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation, the MSC Aurea Spa offers a wide range of treatments and therapies. Finally, the onboard dining options offer a diverse selection of Mediterranean and international cuisines, serving delicious and authentic food in both formal and informal settings.
The MSC Yacht Club offers a luxurious experience for guests traveling on the MSC Fantasia. It is designed for discerning passengers who desire exclusivity and privacy, yet with a wide range of options. The MSC Yacht Club is an innovative "ship within a ship" design concept, offering a completely self-contained area on the ship's forward decks, with sweeping sea views and a variety of private facilities including a swimming pool, sun deck, and a signature restaurant.
