It’s Cruise Ship Monday!
Today brings us MSC Cruises’ Fantasia Class–MSC Fantasia (2008), MSC Splendida (2009), MSC Divina (2012), and MSC Preziosa (2013).
Weighing in between 137,936 and 139,400 tons, MSC Cruises’ Fantasia Class ships made big waves when they debuted as some of the largest cruise ships in the world–now they are not even in the top 50. However, travelers looking for the “big ship” experience will find it on an MSC Fantasia Class ship.
The Fantasia Class was the first of MSC’s vessels to introduce the MSC Yacht Club. The MSC Yacht Club is the cruise line’s ship-within-a-ship experience, which offers elevated amenities like 24/7 butler service, as well as a private restaurant, lounge, and pool deck. Yacht Club guests also receive priority embarkation and disembarkation, private spaces on the cruise line’s private island, Ocean Cay, and various other amenities.
The Fantasia Class ships feature five separate pools — one of which has a retractable roof for inclement weather — and twelve whirlpools. Other activities include a virtual game arcade, a Formula 1 Simulator, a 4D Cinema and a Sports Center. The Sports Center offers basketball, volleyball, shuffleboard, squash and tennis.
The ships feature something for everyone including extensive children’s programming. One of those features is the II Polo Nord–an Arctic themed kids club. The venue includes an outdoor pool, and indoor play area with a lounge and a LEGO experience. Teens have their own space which includes a dance floor, karaoke and foosball. The Teens Tobaga is an onboard waterslide and the Aqua Park has a pool, whirlpool and a splash area.
Adults will enjoy the adults-only Solarium which features a whirlpool, garden spot and bar. The can also check out the Aurea Spa with its relaxation room, thermal suite, heated pool, beauty salon and fitness center. Of course there is a casino and various bars and lounges.
Each of the ship’s main theaters is located on decks 6 and 7 and seats more than1600 guests. Passengers will enjoy international musicals, concerts, acrobatic performances, magicians, and other entertainment. Each ship also features an outdoor cinema.
Dining on the Fantasia Class ships includes two complimentary main dining rooms and buffets. Guests will also find different specialty restaurants on each ship like Butcher’s Cut, a classic steakhouse. Eataly serves authentic Italian food, Susi & Robatayaki offering Japanese cuisine, Santa Fe featuring Mexican cuisine, and more.
Currently, MSC Fantasia, MSC Splendida, and MSC Divina are sailing various roundtrip itineraries in the Mediterranean, while MSC Preziosa is sailing a wide-range of itineraries in Northern Europe,