MSC Cruises‘ forthcoming foray into year-round sailings from North America onboard the MSC Divina marks a bold introduction. The second newest vessel in the line’s fleet and sister ship to the recently launched MSC Preziosa will cruise from Miami, Florida beginning November 20, 2013 with a number of enhancements made just for her US arrival.
Eataly
Following the positive guest reviews of MSC Cruises’ partnership with Eataly on the MSC Preziosa, the MSC Divina will newly feature the epicurean culinary chain in time for the cruise ship’s Caribbean itineraries. The former Tex Mex restaurant will give way to two new Eataly restaurants – the upscale Ristorante Italia and Manzo steakhouse, modeled after Eataly’s popular Manhattan restaurant. An Eataly boutique shop will also highlight Italian and artisan products for purchase.
Ristorante Italia as Onboard MSC Preziosa (Copyright © MSC Cruises)
“We are thrilled to be expanding our partnership with such a world-renowned eatery recognized for offering some of the best quality and authentic food experiences available,” said Ken Muskat, Senior VP of Sales & Marketing, MSC Cruises USA. “Eataly is the perfect complement to MSC and the Mediterranean flare we bring as a key differentiator to the North American market. Much like MSC, Eataly is taking its Italian roots and expanding in North America. It is now one of the most talked about food emporium concepts with 16 locations around the world, including one in Manhattan and another opening this fall in Chicago.”
MSC Cruises Pizza (Copyright © MSC Cruises)
Aqua Cycling
As a first not only onboard the MSC Divina but also industry wide, the vessel will offer Aqua Cycling by Hydrorider, Italian made exercise equipment for spinning under water. Manufactured from stainless steel, these specialty cycles can be placed in the ship’s pools for classes led by fitness professionals for a small fee. This new fitness trend has been reported on by Extra TV, Good Morning America and Time Magazine. Fitness also goes hand in hand with healthy eating onboard with the “Five Colors of Well-Being” spa menu – Blue/Violet (cleansing), Green (relaxing), Red (anti-aging), White (purity) and Yellow/Orange (beautiful skin) – as well as dining options ship-wide.
Aqua Cycling by Hydrorider (Copyright © MSC Cruises)
Entertainment
New onboard entertainment includes lavish 30-performer production shows and headliners suited to the itinerary and/or guest nationality. In the spirit of the Caribbean, island bands will play onboard while local cultural shows will periodically occur pier-side. Similarly, “Italian Days” will highlight MSC’s Mediterranean heritage with regional music, dance, cuisine and folklore; pizza making and language lessons included. Not to be left out, new teen activities will include Teen’s White Party, MSC Flashmob and Hey Mr. DJ Hip-Hop, and kids can enjoy Kids Bingo, Fairytales Time and live talent shows.
Pantheon Theatre (Copyright © MSC Cruises)
MSC Favorites
The arrival of MSC Divina will coincide with the availability of MSC’s Top 18 and MSC Yacht Club experiences for the first time in North America as well. The adults-only Top 18 provides exclusive deck space, spa services, bar menu and lounge setting for a minimal daily fee. Lounge beds or relaxation pods await where chilled towels, misters and complimentary fruit-skewers will greet you.
Top Sail Lounge (Copyright © MSC Cruises)
Plus, MSC’s luxurious ship-within-a-ship experience – the MSC Yacht Club – calls to guests looking for the ship’s best suites, personal butler and 24-hour concierge service, and complimentary wines and spirits available throughout the day. Private access to the MSC Aurea Spa and exclusive access to Le Muse restaurant, Top Sail Lounge, pool and relaxation area are also afforded to MSC Yacht Club guests.
Le Muse (Copyright © MSC Cruises)
The 139,400-ton MSC Divina and her 7 restaurants; 18 bars and lounges; 5 swimming pools, one of which is an impressive infinity pool, and bowling alley is nearly stateside. For more information on the MSC Divina, visit MSC Cruises website here.
Infinity Pool (Copyright © MSC Cruises)
What do you think about MSC Cruises’s new year-round Caribbean endeavor? Please feel free to share your opinion in the comments section below…
HEADER IMAGE SOURCE: MSC CRUISES
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