Picture above: MSC Fantasia, Aurea SPA More Pictures below!
shipboard spas of the world. The food review section compliments MSC Crociere for the introduction of the Italian “slow food concept" specialty restaurants on their newest ships and for providing better-quality ingredients than some other major cruise lines. Praise for the Italian influences evident in the interior decor and the high quality, fit and finish of materials used was also noteworthy.
“The guide endorses our consistency for maintaining the highest standards during our meteoric rise at the top end of the cruise industry. We are also pleased to note recognition of our commitment to conserving the environment,” said Mr Pierfrancesco Vago, CEO MSC Crociere. Considered the most authoritative reference work on cruising, for both passengers and the travel industry, the 2010 edition of the Berlitz Complete Guide to Cruising and Cruise ships reviews 271 ships representing some 75 ocean-going cruise line operators.
Best known for its cruise ship rating system, scoring for the Berlitz guide is assessed on the basis of a possible 500 points for Ship, 400 each for Food, Service and Cruise, 200 for Accommodation and 100 for Entertainment, to total 2,000 points or a top rating of 5. Ward himself is described as the “most feared critic in the business" having spent over 5,000 days at sea on more than 900 cruises.
His exacting complimentary observations emphasise the assets of the MSC Crociere fleet as follows: “MSC Cruises ships are really suited to adult couples and singles, and families with children…"
The company has evolved quickly as the “new kid on the block and of all the major cruise liners, its also the cleanest. He lists MSC Fantasia, MSC Musica, MSC Opera, MSC Orchestra, MSC Poesia and MSC Splendida as “the best ships of the MSC fleet for children”.
Reviewing the food onboard, Mr Ward says: “MSC Cruises provides better-quality ingredients, almost all sourced in Europe, than some other major cruise lines. “Aboard the newest ships, MSC Cruises has introduced the Italian „slow food concept…. Refreshingly, the company spotlights regional Italian cuisine and wine…All pizza dough is made on board, not brought from ashore, while risotto (featured daily) has become a signature item for MSC Cruises and something the ships make really well”. Ward also points out that, “The newest ships have an alternative specialty restaurant. Aboard MSC Musica and MSC Poesia, for instance, it is Kaito – an authentic Japanese restaurant with an extensive, outstanding menu.
“Aboard MSC Orchestra it is Shanghai, a Chinese restaurant with real wok cooking and dim sum. The quality is high, and it really is worth having at least one meal in these venues” . On interior design and décor, Mr Ward says: “The décor has many Italian influences, and this includes clean lines, minimalism in furniture design, and an eclectic collection of colors and soft furnishings that work well together, and without any hint of garishness.
“Real wood and marble have been used extensively in the interiors, and the high quality reflects MSCs commitment to the vessels future. The „fit and finish of the interior décor, and most carpeting, is very good.” Mr Ward also makes special mention of the shopping galleries on board the MSC fleet saying most “have integrated bar and entertainment area so that shopping becomes a city-like environment where you can shop, drink and be entertained all in one convenient area.”
Picture above: MSC Fantasia, Outside Cabin with Balcony
Picture above: MSC Fantasia, Main Foyer
Picture above: MSC Fantasia, Il Transatlantico
Picture above: MSC Fantasia, I Tropici, Covered Pool
