Following several years of unprecedented growth, MSC Crociere boasts the most modern cruise fleet in the world. The 11 ships currently in operation will carry 1.2 million passengers in 2010. MSC Crociere is a leader in the Mediterranean cruise market, sailing in the region throughout the year, as well as offering a wide range of seasonal itineraries in Northern Europe, the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean, North America and Canada, South America, the Indian Ocean, South and West Africa. The company is entirely European-owned. It employs 12,000 staff around the world and has offices in 42 countries.

MSC Crociere’s state-of-the-art fleet is the result of a 5.5 billion euro investment programme started in 2003. The company’s two Fantasia Class flagships, MSC Splendida (July 2009) and MSC Fantasia (December 2008) are the largest ships ever ordered by a European ship owner. Each weighs 138,000 grt, is 333m long and 38m wide and can accommodate 3,959 guests. They were built at the STX Europe shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. Complementing them are the four vessels in the Musica Class – the brand new MSC Magnifica (2010), MSC Poesia (2008), MSC Orchestra (2007) and MSC Musica (2006) – each weighing 90,000 grt and carrying 3,000 guests. The fleet is completed by the four liners of the Lirica Class, with a grt of 60,000 tons and a capacity of 2,000 guests each - MSC Sinfonia (2005), MSC Armonia (2004), MSC Opera (2004) and MSC Lirica (2003) – and finally MSC Melody, weighing 35,000 grt and carrying 1,000 guests.

MSC Crociere believes that global leadership brings increased responsibility towards the physical and human environments in which the company operates. Its commitment to safeguarding the marine ecosystem, as well as protecting the health and safety of its passengers and staff, has earned numerous awards and certifications. International certification body Bureau Veritas granted MSC Crociere the honour of being the first company to receive ‘6 Golden Pearls’ for environmental care. This unique award comprises Cleanship 2 Class notation for advanced air, water and waste treatment systems, as well as ISO 14001 certification (for environmental management), ISO 22000 (for food safety) and OHSAS 18001 (for occupational health and safety). With new flagship MSC Splendida, the company has also successfully met the exacting standards required by Bureau Veritas’ voluntary Energy Efficient Design scheme. Other official recognitions include the Green Planet Award (for ecofriendly facilities) and the CIAL award (for aluminium recycling). The quality and food safety of all aspects of the company’s catering, both onshore and onboard, have been officially recognized through ISO 9001 and ISO 22000 certification. MSC Crociere was one of the first signatories of the Venice Blue Flag agreement to reduce emissions in the Venice Lagoon, and has since signed similar agreements with the Port Authorities of both Civitavecchia and Genoa, limiting sulphur emissions to levels below the legally required minimum. Embracing the philosophy of Corporate Social Responsibility still further, MSC Crociere has launched an important partnership with UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s Fund. Announced in July 2009, the project Get on board for children benefits disadvantaged children and adolescents in 126 vulnerable urban communities in Brazil by helping to ensure they receive a proper education. In its first six months, the partnership raised 200,000 euro for this cause.

MSC Crociere is proud of its Italian heritage, which is reflected in the company’s reputation for sophisticated design and outstanding hospitality. Innovations in both exterior and interior designs for the MSC Crociere fleet have earned prestigious awards for naval architects De Jorio Design International. The gourmet dining experience on board combines Italian regional specialities with the best of Mediterranean and international cuisine. In the fields of service and comfort, MSC Crociere is continuing to set new standards in luxury cruising. Groundbreaking initiatives include the MSC Aurea Spa, a lavish Balinese wellness centre, and the MSC Yacht Club, an exclusive area on the company’s two flagships offering elegant suites with around-theclock butler service and numerous other privileges.