Exciting times for MSC

Exciting times are ahead for MSC Cruises with plans just announced for their first ever world cruise.
The Fantasia will be sailing in January 2019 on a 119 day voyage from Genoa to 49 destinations.
The itinerary will include exotic destinations such as New Zealand, Fiji and the Maldives. They will have extended time ashore with some destination having around 13 hours in port and even extended stays of 4 days in Polynesia, 3 days in Hawaii and San Francisco and 2 days in Los Angeles. MSC have thought this through really well because usually on a world voyage the most additional time you have in port is an overnight call but most places are the standard 6 hours in port. Now with these beautiful destinations you can really make the most of your time there and fully experience them.
MSC have also said they wanted to reduce the number of days at sea so there will be no more than 5 consecutive days at sea.
They will be offering up to 15 free shore excursions and discounts on laundry services. Prices will lead in from £10,099.00pp with an extra 5% discount for MSC past passengers.
So what can you expect from your cruise with MSC ?
They are a European line with beautifully designed ships. The staff are very friendly and the food is of a good quality. I found the atmosphere to be excellent and it was less formal than some of their competitors which I am sure would be appreciated on a 4 month cruise. If you cruise with Cunard and like the formality of Cunard then this may not be for you but if you prefer a more relaxed cruise experience with quality time ashore this is definitely something to consider.
If you don’t have 4 months to spare watch out in the new year for the world cruise sectors that they will be releasing.
Before starting the world voyage the Fantasia will be sailing out of Southampton on 7,11,12,13,14 days cruises from April to November 2018. They will be very popular and I am sure there will be some fantastic deals available. MSC are excellent value for money with very good prices for drinks packages and will make a really good alternative to P&O.
They are also releasing 4 new ships between 2018-2020 which are the Meraviglia, Seaside, Bellissima and Seaview. The Meraviglia will have 2 showcase cruises from Ireland next year and will be the biggest ship to sail from an Irish port.
New features on these ship will be a partnership with Samsung which will enable passengers to access their staterooms with their smart phones or Iwatch and will also have a locator for parents which will have a microchip in their wrist bands, brilliant idea.
Finally something I think the ladies will really enjoy is a virtual mirror which will allow then to try different hairstyles before going to the hairdressers. Wow brilliant idea why can’t we have this at home ? This feature will also apply in the shops allowing you to try on an item before purchasing.
Unfortunately I won’t be able to make the world cruise but I will be looking out for their other deals especially the XUK cruises.