Orchestra brings MSC Cruises fleet to 11 ships

MSC Orchestra, the latest flagship of MSC Cruises, will be christened in the port of Civitavecchia, Rome, on May 14, increasing the Italian liner company's fleet to eight vessels.

By 2009, the fleet of MSC Cruises will increase to 11 vessels with the launch of MSC Poesia in spring next year, followed by the MSC Fantasia and the MSC Serenata, which will be the two largest cruise liners ever built for a European ship owner to date.

With a tonnage of 90,000, a length of 293 metres and a width of 33 metres, the MSC Orchestra can host 3,013 guests and replicates the high standards of construction already utilised by MSC Cruises, setting the benchmark for the larger ships in the fleet.

On board, space and location of the various public areas have been optimised to provide an excellent ratio between passenger capacity and onboard facilities.

In order to satisfy passenger demand for comfort, privacy and quality, 80 per cent of the outside cabins have balconies with sea views.

The 22,000 square metres of public space offers a large choice of facilities for all activities from five restaurants to 10 bars, three meeting and conference rooms plus lots more.

Hamilton Travel Co. Ltd, general sales agents for MSC Cruises, will be organising two group cruises from July 7-14 and September 15-22, visiting Venice, Bari, Katakolon, Izmir, Istanbul and Dubrovnik.