MSC Cruises new MSC Divina debuts May 26 in Marseilles; then Miami 2013

MSC Cruises newest of three Fantasia-class ships, the MSC Divina, is set to out-do her gorgeous two sister ships.

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. If you’ve never experienced the MSC Yacht Club, simply imagine being on a very small luxury cruise ship but with all of the amenities of a mega-ship, should you wish to partake.

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.

But the most exciting bit of news broke today at the Cruise Line International Association conference in Ft.Lauderdale. MSC North America President Rick Sasso announced that the new MSC Divina will reposition to Miami in November, 2013.

That means you won’t have to travel to Europe to experience this “divine” new ship with all that it will have to offer. Once you’ve cruised on the MSC Divina from Miami, you’ll want to cruise aboard the MSC Divina or one of their other gorgeous ships in Europe. My suggestion? Do it right. Book one of the exclusive Yacht Club class staterooms.

Photo credit:  MSC Cruises and Sherry Laskin