MSC Cruises announces new itineraries and ships

MSC Cruises has announced the launch of its 2009-2010 brochure, which, as usual, is available to download from the website msccruises.co.uk. From the headline on the front cover, Magical Sensational Cruise, to the handy cruise calendar at the back, the new brochure is packed with 226 pages of attractively presented information and colourful images that bring the world of MSC Cruises to life.

A new layout makes it concise, easy to read and focused on the most interesting details to holiday planners, from route maps and ship plans, to special offers, services and amenities for guests with disabilities.

The brochure opens with news about MSC Cruises’ most modern fleet in the world, starting with the company’s stunning new flagship MSC Fantasia, christened in December 2008. She will be joined by her sister ship, MSC Splendida, in July 2009 and MSC Magnifica in March 2010. Another chapter details the three different classes of ships that make up the fleet, which will total 11 ships by March 2010.

New destinations in North America and Brazil are also announced. There are brief but informative sections about the high quality of gastronomy, service, design and entertainment on board, as well as a page on the eco-ship concept: the company’s dedication to environmental protection and the many awards it has received in this field.

Exclusive new experiences like the MSC Aurea Spa - the sumptuous Balinese wellness centre on board - and the unprecedented luxury of the MSC Yacht Club are presented in dedicated sections.

A double page highlights promotions such as Prima Price, offering savings for early booking, and free cruising for children up to the age of 18 sharing a cabin with two adults, while another lists further advantages for children like entertainment, clubs and the Teen Card for extra freedom. The benefits available to members of the MSC Club for regular guests are also detailed.

The lion’s share of the brochure is dedicated to the broad range of destinations covered by MSC Cruises: up to 136 different itineraries of between 7 and 21 nights, divided into 11 different sections by region and season. From classic Mediterranean cruises on the company’s beautiful flagships, to fairytale holidays in Northern Europe, discovering New England in the fall on the new MSC Magnifica, or experiencing the passion of Brazil on veteran ship MSC Melody, there’s a dream holiday to suit every guest.

The best excursions available at each destination are outlined, as are options for extending the holiday with a pre- or post-cruise short onshore break. There are also details of mini cruises and a preview of next season’s itineraries. A variety of themed cruises give guests the chance to indulge their favourite activity, sport or hobby while cruising.

Rounding off the brochure is the all-important ‘Useful information’ section, which lists everything the potential holidaymaker needs to know about flights, booking, insurance, etc.

There are already 16 different versions of the brochure, each one adapted to the language and preferences of a different market. In total, nearly 2 million copies have been printed – an indication of the huge level of interest in MSC Cruises from discerning cruise lovers around the world.