It’s no secret that I absolutely love cruising. Of course, as with anything else, you love some more than others.
Alan Whitt
I got a spot of good news recently. One of my favorite cruise lines is bringing its newest ship to the United States.
The 139,500-ton, 3,300-passenger MSC Divina, which debuted over the weekend, will spend the 2013-14 winter season in Miami, replacing the smaller MSC Poesia.
The move brings to reality MSC president & CEO Rick Sasso’s dream of bringing more ships to America – perhaps even as a year-round presence. He told me two years ago that MSC wanted more ships in the United States, including one on the West Coast. But the faltering world economy put those plans on hold until now.
Coming to America: MSC’s newest ship to sail from Miami in 2013-14
MSC has fantastic ships and one of the newest fleets in the world. It seems that the privately-owned line is debuting a new ship every year.
Not true. Divina is MSC’s first new ship in two years … but still, 11 of the 12-ship fleet was built since 2001. MSC Preziosa joins the fleet in 2013.
So why is MSC one of my favorite cruise lines?
- Cleanest ships
- Best original entertainment
- MSC Yacht Club
- Exquisite authentic italian cuisine
- White-gloved escort to your cabin when you board the first day.
- A virtual Formula 1 auto racing simulator
Sasso says MSC take great pride in the first two categories.
An MSC ship is as clean on the final day of a cruise as it is the first day. No matter where you are on a ship, it’s either spotless or someone’s there cleaning.
Sasso says MSC seeks out the best entertainment beyond cruising. You won’t find lasers, lights or special effects on an MSC vessel … just quality performers and acts.
MSC brands its Yacht Club, a 69-luxury suites area, as a “ship-within-a-ship.” The Yacht Club has butler service, free wine and other alcohol in exclusive lounges and pool area, and other private venues – including a restaurant.
Check out Allure Quest Travel Experience on the web for all your travel needs – including analysis of destinations, insightful videos, the latest travel news and vacations to book.
