| The ships available for an MSC cruise are known for | | | | whirlpools, a gym and wellness center, jogging track, 2 |
| their classic feel and elegance, a reflection of the deep, | | | | restaurants, lounges and casino. Melody cruises will |
| rich traditions of European design and décor. | | | | take you to South America or on one of the Atlantic |
| As with other cruise ship lines, they operate ships of | | | | runs. |
| several sizes and levels of luxury, but each one | | | | - The Sinfonia's style reflects the passion of great |
| creates a warm, calming experience. If there's such a | | | | symphonies. Sinfonia cruises only travel to South |
| thing as Luxurious Zen, you'll probably find it on an | | | | Africa; on the way, you can enjoy a Virtual Golf |
| MSC cruise. | | | | simulator - and mini golf, it you need putting practice - |
| To be honest, I had never heard of MSC cruises until I | | | | arcade, teen and children's areas, a music hall and |
| saw a promotional video for the MSC Fantasia, a ship | | | | disco. Tennis, basketball and volleyball court, spa and |
| so impressive that a word more significant than 'cruise | | | | gym are also available, as is the required casino. |
| ship' needs to be used to describe it. Floating Nirvana, | | | | - The MSC Armonia cruises to South America and on |
| perhaps? But I know something about them now... | | | | some Atlantic routes. It's one of MSC Cruise Line's |
| - The MSC Fantasia features Swarovski crystal | | | | oldest ships, now fully restored, Its 3,000 guests can |
| staircases and transparent ceilings for rain-proof | | | | enjoy 2 pools, a gym and wellness center, disco, |
| dancing under the stars. For some, the MSC Yacht | | | | theater, casino and mini golf, 2 restaurants and a |
| Club - an exclusive area offering 99 elite suites, a | | | | pizzeria. A kids' club and Virtual Reality Center are also |
| private bar, concierge and butler services - is an option. | | | | available, as if this isn't already virtual reality! |
| For the rest of us, 5 restaurants, 4 pools, massage | | | | - MSC Opera cruises set themselves apart with a true |
| pools, gym, art gallery, Formula 1 simulator, kid's areas | | | | Italian flavor - they even offer lessons! In a ship |
| and 4D cinema will have to do. | | | | designed to reflect the grand passion and emotion of |
| - The MSC Poesia is one of the 'Musica' class ships. A | | | | great operas, you can visit the espresso or ice cream |
| Poesia cruise could take you on the Caribbean, North | | | | bars for authentic treats, or go to the internet cafe, |
| American, Northern Europe and Atlantic routes. On it, | | | | health club, theater, gym and sauna instead. The Opera |
| you'll find a waterfall in the foyer, a zen garden in the | | | | also offers a mini golf course and Virtual Reality |
| sushi bar, and a spa. There's also a wine tasting bar, | | | | Center. Another thing that sets MSC apart from other |
| the more casual Mojito bar, a cinema by the pool, a | | | | cruise ship lines is their assortment of Special Cruises. |
| teen's club and dinosaur-themed children's area. | | | | On these, the entertainment or activities (or both) are |
| - MSC Melody cruises carry only 1000 people, but it's | | | | centered around one theme. Big Band, Bridge, Hold 'Em, |
| styled with an eye toward turning 'small' into 'intimate'. It | | | | Dance, Latin Music, Circus and Humor are among the |
| has a clear retractable dome over its pools and | | | | many themes available. |