Work on luxury liner proceeding at fast pace

The construction of MSC Fantasia in Saint Nazaire, France, is proceeding at a fast pace and the cruise liner is expected to be delivered in November 2008, a spokesman for the owners said.

The Fantasia, the biggest ship to be commissioned by a European ship owner, will be the first to introduce an exclusive VIP area, the MSC Yacht Club, with a seven-star service. It will feature 68 luxury suites with a true English butler service, to assist the passenger in every possible way, starting from the check-in, the 24-hour cabin service, excursion reservation, transfer, wine choices, champagne, cigars and more.

The MSC Yacht Club will also feature a private solarium, two jacuzzis, a swimming pool skydome and an observation lounge.

MSC Fantasia will be 333 metres long, 38 metres wide and 60 metres tall. She will be six times the tower of Pisa, 10 metres taller than the Eiffel Tower and as tall as a 23-storey building.

MSC Cruises has already confirmed the construction of a sister ship, the MSC Splendida, at the Aker Yards, in France. It is due to be delivered in April 2009.

MSC said its ninth vessel, the Poesia, will join the fleet in April. This ship has the same characteristics as the Musica and the Orchestra.

The Studio De Jorio designed the Poesia's interiors in a contemporary style recreating the most renowned styles of the century, from neo-liberty, to art deco, from geometric design of the beginning of the century, to the high tech, up to the eclectic design of the third millennium.

MSC said it offers guests a special cruise with four restaurants: Le Fontane, Il Palladio, La Cafeteria Villa Pompeiana and L'Obelisco, the a La Carte Restaurant, 10 bars, two of which are external (Mohito Bar and Irana Bar), where it will be possible to taste the menu of the Mediterranean culinary tradition as well as the international one, prepared with genuine ingredients, selected meat coming from controlled Italian farms, fresh fruit and fresh bread and pasta prepared daily by the onboard chefs.

Onboard activities include the Carlo Felice Theatre, the children play area namely The Dinosaur, mini-golf, a jogging area and first-class service, not to mention the Aqua Spa with the massages and treatments.

Hamilton Travel Co. Ltd are the exclusive general sales agents for MSC Cruises in Malta.