MSC Cruises, exclusively represented in Malta by Hamilton Travel, has added a spanking new liner to its fleet, and with another four in the pipeline, the Italian cruise company promises to become the first to offer over 1.1 million berths by 2009.

The 92,000-tonne MSC Musica, which is 293 metres long and 32 metres wide, will be christened by Sophia Loren, Italy's ambassador for beauty and elegance, in Venice on June 29.

The liner will be able to host 2,550 guests in 1,275 cabins, 80 per cent of which are external with the majority having a balcony.

The philosophy used in both the construction and design of MSC Musica puts the guest at the centre of the cruise company's ethos.

The services and comforts on board include a spa, measuring more than 1,250 square metres, with saunas, Turkish baths, hydrotherapy, aromatherapy, gym, and solarium to accommodate aerobics and yoga. The ship also has three pools and four Jacuzzis.

Sports enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice because over and above the well-equipped fitness centre, MSC Musica provides mini golf, simulator golf, tennis, basketball and volleyball.

Guests on board can choose to eat at four restaurants offering a choice of international and typical Italian cuisine, as well as sushi.

The liner has a casino, a cigar room, a wine bar, an art gallery, a theatre seating 1,200 people, a music hall, a conference hall and a disco, among others.

MSC Cruises has also promised to build another ship, the MSC Poesia, which will be 294 metres long and 32 metres wide, with a total passenger capacity of 2,500.

The MSC Cruises fleet will increase to 12 ships when MSC Orchestra, MSC Poesia, MSC Fantasia and MSC Serenata come on line.