MSC Cruises' Mega Ship MSC Meraviglia To Offer Three Itineraries From New York Upon Its Arrival In North America In Fall 2019

NEW YORK, Dec. 4, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- MSC Cruises, the world's largest privately owned cruise line and market leader in Europe and South America, announced today that MSC Meraviglia, the sophisticated mega smart ship launched in June 2017, will kick off its inaugural season in North America making its maiden call in New York on Oct. 7, 2019 and offering three sailings departing from New York.

Bringing the ship's innovative and stunning on board experience to a new embarkation port, MSC Meraviglia will sail two 10-night round trip itineraries from New York, as well as a third 13-night itinerary through the Caribbean, ending in Miami. In addition, prior to arriving in New York, MSC Meraviglia will sail a 17-night transatlantic cruise from Kiel, Germany with ports of call in destinations such as Denmark, the United Kingdom, Iceland and Canada.

"New York has been a market that MSC Cruises has been exploring for a number of years," said Rick Sasso, chairman of MSC Cruises USA. "We are thrilled that for the first time in MSC Cruises history we are now able to offer sailings from this important region and meet the expectations of both our travel agent partners and guests."

Meaning wonder, MSC Meraviglia boasts incredible detailed design that lives up to her name. The 5,714 (4,488 double occupancy) passenger ship offers a variety of unique features that have made the ship one of the hottest destinations at sea. Highlights of the innovative ship include: world-class entertainment with two exclusive Cirque du Soleil at Sea shows created just for MSC Meraviglia; a Mediterranean-style promenade, with the longest LED dome at sea, at 262 ft., displaying a variety of digital skies 24 hours a day; a wide range of culinary offerings, including an expanded partnership with global Italian food expert Eataly as well as a partnership with world-renowned pastry chef, Jean Philippe Maury; and an enhanced MSC Yacht Club, which has become MSC Cruises' signature luxury offering. In addition, the ship caters to families, with modular connected staterooms that can accommodate up to 10 people, multiple LEGO-designed play areas for all ages, and a polar themed aqua park, featuring four water slides.

"Bringing MSC Meraviglia to New York is the perfect introduction for the ship to the U.S., providing travelers an option to check out new itineraries with MSC Cruises and, for those in the region, a convenient way to discover MSC Meraviglia's style, sophistication and stellar on board features," said Roberto Fusaro, President of MSC Cruises USA. "With MSC Meraviglia coming to New York, and eventually to Miami, we are bringing the three most innovative and modern classes of MSC Cruises ships to the U.S., offering a wider range of memorable experiences for guests."

MSC Meraviglia sailings for the fall and winter 2019/2020 season

Guests can officially book sailings for MSC Meraviglia's inaugural season in North America beginning January 2, 2018, and take advantage of early booking with added perks such as shipboard credit, WiFi and a mealtime drinks package, offering unlimited wine and beer in the main dining room and buffet.

10-Night Sailings Departing from New York

• October 8, 2019: The first of the two 10-night sailings from New York will tour stunning Canadian destinations during the region's most colorful time of year. Cruisers can explore the fall hues in Sydney, Nova Scotia; Corner Brook, Newfoundland; Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; and an overnight stay in Quebec City, Quebec, before returning to New York.*

• October 18, 2019: The second 10-night sailing for MSC Meraviglia departing from New York will explore Canada as well as the New England region, with ports of call in Bar Harbor, Maine; Saint John, New Brunswick; Halifax, Nova Scotia; Sydney, Nova Scotia; Portland, Maine; and Boston, Massachusetts.*

*Prices start at $799 per person plus $25 shipboard credit, WiFi and a mealtime drink package.

13-Night Sailing Departing from New York to Miami

• October 28, 2019: MSC Meraviglia's final sailing from New York will journey to Miami through the Caribbean on a 13-night sailing. Guests can experience picturesque Caribbean destinations like Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Fort de France, Martinique; Bridgetown, Barbados; Saint George, Grenada; Willemstad, Curaçao; and Oranjestad, Aruba, before arriving in Miami.

*Prices start at $999 per person plus $25 shipboard credit, WiFi and a mealtime drink package.

7-Night Sailings Departing from Miami to the Caribbean

Upon departing New York, MSC Meraviglia will homeport in Miami, sailing alongside MSC Seaside and MSC Divina. The three ships based at PortMiami will offer cruise guests looking to sail the Caribbean a wider range of options in terms of ships and itineraries.  MSC Meraviglia, in particular, will offer a full season of 7-night cruises, departing on Sundays and sailing to two itineraries in the western Caribbean. The first itinerary will include Jamaica, Cayman Islands, Mexico and the Bahamas, and the second itinerary will stop in Mexico, Honduras, Belize and the Bahamas.

MSC Meraviglia's impending arrival to the U.S. is a testament to MSC Cruises' commitment to the region, especially as MSC Seaside, the leading cruise line's newest revolutionary mega ship, will arrive in Miami on December 21. MSC Meraviglia's arrival in Fall 2019 will officially mark three ships operating out of the U.S., joining MSC Seaside and MSC Divina.

To find out more about MSC Cruises and its fleet visit www.msccruises.com.

All information believed to be accurate as of the date of issuance.  It is the reader's responsibility to verify its continued accuracy, as all information is subject to change. 

About MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises is the world's largest privately owned cruise company and the number one cruise line in Europe and South America. The Company sails year-round in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean and offers seasonal itineraries in northern Europe, the Atlantic Ocean, Cuba and the French Antilles, South America, southern Africa, and Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sir Bani Yas. The MSC Cruises' experience embodies the elegant side of the Mediterranean to create unique and unforgettable emotions for guests, through discovery of the world's cultures, beauties and tastes.

Following a more than 6 billion USD investment endeavor between 2003 and 2013 for the construction of 12 modern cruise ships, MSC Cruises launched in 2014 an industry-unprecedented nearly 10 billion USD investment plan to build another 11 next-generation mega cruise ships, coming into service between 2017 and 2026. The Company is set to nearly triple its capacity by 2026. MSC Cruises vacations are sold across the globe through a significant distribution network in 67 countries. The Company employs over 17,000 people across the globe, both ashore and on board its ships. The MSC Cruises fleet comprises 14 modern ships: MSC Seaside; MSC Meraviglia; MSC Preziosa; MSC Divina; MSC Splendida; MSC Fantasia; MSC Magnifica; MSC Poesia; MSC Orchestra; MSC Musica; MSC Sinfonia; MSC Armonia; MSC Opera and MSC Lirica.

MSC Cruises feels a deep responsibility for the environments in which it operates and was the first company ever to earn the Bureau Veritas "7 Golden Pearls" for superior management and environmental stewardship. In 2009, MSC Cruises began an enduring partnership with UNICEF to support various programs assisting children worldwide. So far, more than $7.5 million has been collected in voluntary guest donations.

More information at http://www.mscpressarea.com/en_US 

SOURCE MSC Cruises USA