MSC CRUISES’ FIRST 119 DAY WORLD CRUISE DEPARTS AND COMMENCES THE FIRST ROUND-THE-WORLD RELAY RACE AT SEA

08/01/2019

MSC Cruises, the Swiss-based world’s largest privately-owned cruise company has waved ‘bon voyage’ to MSC Magnifica as the final guests embarked today in Barcelona for the Company’s first world cruise. For many, the idea of seeing the world is just a dream, but a world cruise is an easy way to make this dream come true and the only way to circumnavigate the globe without having to unpack a suitcase more than once! MSC Cruises guests will visit 49 different destinations creating unforgettable memories, as they check destinations off their bucket lists. From the Mediterranean, to the Caribbean, through the Panama Canal and over the Pacific, the Indian Ocean, through the Gulf and back to Europe – it is truly the trip of a lifetime.

To capture this incredible journey and to inspire others to consider embarking on an exceptional experience, MSC Cruises has enlisted a team of content creators to take part in the first round-the-world relay race at sea on board MSC Magnifica as she journeys for 119 days across six continents, travelling 32,260 nautical miles and crossing 24 time zones.

The nine social influencers from different parts of the world will each sail a different segment of the cruise and capture their experiences so that their fans can follow this incredible voyage of discovery. They will curate stories inspired by the ‘made by humans’ concept, meeting and interacting with local people ashore in the 32 different countries that the ship will visit, creating a celebration of global culture. They will also step into the shoes of the incredible crew members on board the ship and share this unique experience through their eyes.

The MSC Cruises relay team consists of Benn TK (Australia), Kara and Nate (USA), Izhan (Spain), Life to Go (Germany), Anil B (Switzerland), Human Safari (Italy), Nick Miller (South Africa), Ayumu Yamashita (Japan) and Vitor Liberato (Brazil).

One glance at the inspiring list of destinations explains why this itinerary sold out in such a short time. The many destinations that the ship visits are an opportunity for guests to discover the world, but in as personalised a manner as they wish. With destinations like the tropical paradises of Costa Rica, Honolulu and Bora Bora, cultural hotspots like Barcelona and Rome, and fascinating desert landscapes of the Arab Emirates, Oman and Egypt, there is truly something to entrance every kind of traveller. Guests will really be able to make the most of their time ashore with an average stay of 13 hours in port and a choice of more than 250 shore excursions.

MSC Magnifica will also take guests on a journey of the flavours of the world, thanks to an all-star cast of international chefs, who will bring their savoir faire to the onboard dining experience, creating dishes reflective of the part of the world the ship is sailing through. This includes current as well as former three-, two- and one-star Michelin chefs, chefs of the year, award-winning cookbook authors as well as recipients of other international culinary recognitions. During these uniquely exclusive meals, the chefs will then be on hand to greet and interact with guests in person while they enjoy their delicious dishes. The chefs include:

- Michelin-starred Spanish Chef Ramón Freixa

- Decorated Indian-American Chef Vikas Khanna

- Award-winning Italian Chef Carlo Cracco

- Two-time World Champion in pastry, French Chef Jean-Philippe Maury

- Restauranteur, cookbook author and Chef Roy Yamaguchi

- Expert in all four schools of Chinese cooking, Chef Jereme Leung

- Veteran chef and restauranteur, Brazilian Chef Allan Vila Espejo

- MasterChef Colombia jury member Chef Jorge Rausch

- Sydney Morning Herald’s “Chef of the Year”, French-Canadian Chef Serge Dansereau

Between each of these gastronomic marvels, MSC Cruises’ own chefs will delight guests with an unprecedented 237 different menus for the main restaurants, including thematic dishes that are linked to the itinerary of the ship and will also be served at the Sahara Buffet.

MSC Magnifica will enable guests to travel in true comfort and style featuring an elegant design and relaxed refinement, with all the features that distinguish MSC Cruises ships, including high quality service, a varied choice of dining options including four restaurants and 11 bars, modern and comfortable cabins, as well as a wide range of entertainment and leisure activities. There is never a dull moment as the wide variety of entertainment offerings include a full-size casino, panoramic discotheque, cigar lounge, 4D cinema and much more. And if that is not enough, there will be a cultural enrichment programme including language classes, arts & crafts, dancing plus live music and of course Broadway-style theatre shows and other activities.

To find out more about MSC Cruises 2020 World Cruise and 2021 World Cruise visit www.msccruises.co.uk

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