MSC Cruises and STX France announced the conclusion of the legal process that finalises the order of a new Fantasia class cruise ship (technically called U32), the 12th in the MSC Cruises fleet.

The process began in the beginning of March with the signature of a letter of intent but, given the various legal and financial interlocutors involved, took some time to complete.

An important factor in the success of the project was the financial backing provided by French financial institutions, and especially by Coface, the French Export Credit Agency, making it possible for the vessel to be delivered as required by MSC Cruises by the end of spring 2012.

"We are very pleased that this important contract with MSC is now confirmed," said Jacques Hardelay, general manager of STX France, "and we look forward to continuing the long-standing relationship between the teams of MSC Cruises and STX France for the successful delivery of this magnificent vessel".

Pierfrancesco Vago, chief executive officer of MSC Cruises, added: "We are delighted at the confirmation of this important investment, a sign of the success of our ambitious growth strategy, and we would like to thank all those who have made it possible.

"Together with STX France, we are now keen to focus our energies on further enhancing MSC Cruises' leading positioning within the world's cruise industry. MSC Fantastica will build on the success of the Fantasia prototype, appreciated by more and more guests as unique thanks to innovate features like the MSC Yacht Club, the ship within a ship offering unprecedented levels of privacy and personalised service."

MSC Cruises currently has the most modern fleet in the world, comprising 11 ships: MSC Splendida and MSC Fantasia (the largest ships ever built for a European ship owner), MSC Poesia, MSC Orchestra, MSC Musica, MSC Sinfonia, MSC Armonia, MSC Opera, MSC Lirica and MSC Melody. MSC Magnifica, the newest ship in the fleet, was launched last March.

The fleet cruises year round in the Mediterranean and seasonally in Northern Europe, the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean, North America and Canada, South America, the Indian Ocean and South and West Africa. MSC Cruises is the only company in the world to receive the "6 Golden Pearls" award from the Bureau Veritas in recognition of its high level of quality management and environmental protection.

MSC has also achieved ISO 9001 and ISO 22000 certification for the quality and food safety of all aspects of its catering, both onshore and onboard. MSC Cruises cares about the welfare of children, and as a responsible market leader believes in making a positive impact in the regions where it operates.

To this end, the company recently forged a partnership with Unicef to fund a community project aimed at providing disadvantaged children in Brazil with a quality education.

Hamilton Travel Co. Ltd, Floriana are the exclusive general sales agents and shore excursions organisers for MSC Cruises in Malta.

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