MSC FANTASIA OFFERS THE ULTIMATE MEDITERRANEAN SUMMER CRUISE WITH NEW ENRICHED ITINERARY

• NEW ITINERARY FEATURES A FULL DAY IN NAPLES TO DISCOVER MORE OF SOUTHERN ITALY  

• GUESTS NOW HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO VISIT THE BREATHTAKING AMALFI COAST, CAPRI, POMPEII

The Mediterranean, known for its picturesque seascapes, is one of Europe’s most popular destinations and continues to grow in popularity as a cruise destination. MSC Cruises, the world’s largest privately-owned cruise line and market leader in Europe, has seen an increased demand from guests to discover Southern Italy, and next summer, MSC Fantasia will answer the call by offering Naples as one of the main highlights of its itinerary in this region. Naples is not only rich in history but also perfectly located for exploring some of Southern Italy’s most popular attractions.

“We have enriched the itinerary for MSC Fantasia for next summer in response to the growing popularity of Southern Italy. This is the first time we have planned for a ship to be in Naples for a full day each week for the whole season” said Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises. “By arriving in the morning, we will give our guests plenty of time to go on full-day excursions and immerse themselves in the vibrant culture and beauty of this historic region. This will certainly be one of the highlights of this itinerary and we expect to see strong demand for this itinerary.”

Naples is a food lover’s dream, offering world famous cuisine using the most delicious and fresh ingredients. No visit to Naples would be complete without tasting the local pizza, sipping arguably the best coffee in Italy and of course, sampling the seafood, freshly caught each day. Guests can book a guided tour of the city or simply set out on foot and stumble upon interesting sights around every corner.

For example, the Delicious Naples Tour: Coffee, Pastry and Pizza offers a flavorful look at the city of Naples taking guests to a local haunt to have a cup of authentic Neapolitan coffee. On the next stop guests enjoy pizza, served neatly folded and eaten standing up in classic Neapolitan style. Finally the culinary tour is completed with a taste of sfogliatella, a traditional shell-shaped Neapolitan pastry.

Guests can add a visit to the charming island of Capri, famed as a destination for chic celebrities and offering the most stunning sea views; relish the breath-taking views of the deep blue waters surrounding the town of Sorrento; or marvel the magnificent archaeological site at Pompeii, the third most popular tourist attraction in Italy. Travelers can also enjoy all three vibrant cities and scenic views with one shore excursion organized through MSC Cruises.

One of the biggest draws for tourists to this region is one of the world’s most beautiful shorelines, the Amalfi Coast. With MSC Cruises, guests can take the stress out of the sightseeing with a full day excursion to the seaside town of Amalfi and the nearby village of Ravello, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. From the jaw-dropping scenic views to the beautiful azure sea, Amalfi appears to be growing straight out of the mountainside. The shore itself is a great place to sunbathe or swim, enjoy a savory appetizer and sip on limoncello, a tasty lemon liqueur made in the region. Then, in Ravello, guests can take in a village of rare scenic beauty, with a history that dates back to the 5th century A.D., and enjoy a delicious lunch in one of Ravello’s traditional restaurants. The tour finishes with a scenic journey back to Naples.

MSC Fantasia also calls at two other Italian ports, each offering a diverse experience and immersion into Italian culture. From Livorno, guests can easily access to Florence to see Renaissance art and architecture, or Pisa with its iconic leaning tower. Genoa, set on the Northwest coast of Italy, is rich in maritime heritage and offers another opportunity to explore new tastes. Next is a stop at the port of Marseille, boasting the most renowned and populated metropolitan area in the country, after Paris and Lyon, offering great shopping and bustling city life. For a change of pace, the laidback Balearic islands of Palma de Mallorca and Ibiza are the ideal places to relax and unwind, completing a perfect blend of Mediterranean experiences.

MSC Fantasia is designed to meet the needs of a wide range of cruise guests, whether traveling as a couple, friends or with family. Boasting a diverse choice of sports and entertainment facilities including tennis and basketball courts, mini-golf, a jogging track and gym to an aqua park complex, Formula 1 simulator and 4D cinema there is plenty to do and experience on board. For those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation, the MSC Aurea Spa offers a wide range of treatments and therapies. Finally, the on board dining offers a range of Mediterranean and internationally-inspired cuisines serving tasty and authentic food with a mix of formal and more casual dining venues.

For those looking for added luxury, MSC Fantasia offers vacationers the unique ship-within-a-ship concept, the MSC Yacht Club. Designed for the most discerning guests, the MSC Yacht Club creates a private and exclusive luxury escape, located in the coveted fore decks of the ship, while still offering all of the benefits of a large ship. Guests can take advantage of heightened amenities including a private lounge, pool and restaurant as well as 24 hour butler and concierge service to cater to every need.