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MSC Splendida, the 10th MSC Cruises ship, was christened in Barcelona yesterday.
The event included a Flamenco performance by Joaquin Cortes, the Catalan tradition of human towers, and a performance by tenor Jose Carreras— who was accompanied by 60 musicians of the Orquestra Simfonica del Valles.
Godmother of the MSC Cruises fleet, Sophia Loren completed the christening with a traditional ribbon cutting accompanied by a fireworks display.
At 137,936 gross registered tons, MSC Splendida ranks in the top tier of Post Panamax megaships in the world’s cruise fleet and, with a cruising speed of 23 knots, is capable of extensive itineraries.
Splendida offers 1,637 staterooms, 43 accommodate special needs guests, with 80 percent of them, including the ship’s 107 suites, providing an ocean view. The staterooms range from 193 to 571 square feet.
Aboard MSC Splendida, guests can splash around in the Aqua Park main pool with 150 fountains and water jets and kids can enjoy the North Pole-themed children’s play center.
Along with the swimming pools, two-deck-high water slide and children’s
themed center, young cruisers can enjoy the Mini-Club, Junior Club and
Teenager Club programs that embody MSC Cruises’ family-friendly style
as kids 17 and younger sail free.
The ship’s amenities include two mini-bowling alleys in its sports bar
and the signature L’Olivo restaurant, serving Mediterranean cuisine
from couscous to paella.
MSC Splendida features the company’s newest private club concept, MSC Yacht Club. The club offers an exclusive six-star experience at sea unique to MSC Cruises. The 99 suites and private facilities in the club area allow guests to enjoy the comfort and convenience of a personal Butler, 24-hour concierge service, private pool and bar, exclusive retail services, and complimentary beverages. The MSC Yacht Club also features private elevator access to the Aurea Spa and a staircase made with Swarovski crystals.
Features of the cruise ship include, 290,000 square feet of public space, including an expansive theater; the 18,300 square foot “Aurea Spa” well-being center; four restaurants, including a specialty Mexican restaurant, Santa Fe, a restaurant with a panoramic view, Villa Verde, and a restaurant serving specialty Mediterranean cuisine, L’Olivo.
Guests can also find a wine bar, coffee bar, and several special theme bars, including a sports bar and Jazz bar; shops, casino, disco club, mini-bowling alleys, Formula 1 simulator and an interactive 4D cinema.
MSC Splendida is scheduled to embark on a series of itineraries including, Alexandria, Ashdod, Athens, Barcelona, Casablanca, Crete, Genoa, Madeira, Malta, Malaga, Naples, Olympia, Rhodes, Rome, Taormina, Tenerife, and Tunis.