The cruise line announced it is exercising its option to build a fourth "Musica" class Panamax ship, MSC Magnifica, increasing the company's fleet to 12 ships within the next three years. The 89,600-ton vessel will join sister ships MSC Musica, MSC Orchestra (debuting in May 2007) and MSC Poesia (scheduled to arrive in 2008). The company will also take delivery of the largest two post-Panamax new vessels ever built by a European ship owner, MSC Fantasia and MSC Serenata, to be delivered in 2008 and 2009, respectively. Like its sister ships, the new build will feature cutting-edge technology and innovative design. The ship will carry 2,500 passengers and have more than 242,000 square feet of public space. A full 85 percent of staterooms will be outside accommodations; 65 percent will have balconies. Visit [www.msccruises.com].
