The Company
Following several years of unprecedented growth, MSC Crociere
boasts the most modern cruise fleet in the world. The 11
ships currently in operation will carry 1.2 million passengers
in 2010. MSC Crociere is a leader in the Mediterranean cruise
market, sailing in the region throughout the year, as well
as offering a wide range of seasonal itineraries in Northern
Europe, the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean, North America
and Canada, South America, the Indian Ocean, South and West
Africa. The company is entirely European-owned. It employs
12,000 staff around the world and has offices in 42 countries.
The Fleet
MSC Crociere’s state-of-the-art fleet is the result
of a 5.5 billion euro investment programme started in 2003.
The company’s two Fantasia Class flagships, MSC Splendida
(July 2009) and MSC Fantasia (December 2008) are the largest
ships ever ordered by a European ship owner. Each weighs
138,000 grt, is 333m long and 38m wide and can accommodate
3,959 guests. They were built at the STX Europe shipyard
in Saint-Nazaire, France. Complementing them are the four
vessels in the Musica Class – the brand new MSC Magnifica
(2010), MSC Poesia (2008), MSC Orchestra (2007) and MSC
Musica (2006) - each weighing 90,000 grt and carrying 3,000
guests. The fleet is completed by the four liners of the
Lirica Class, with a grt of 60,000 tons and a capacity of
2,000 guests each - MSC Sinfonia (2005), MSC Armonia (2004),
MSC Opera (2004) and MSC Lirica (2003) - and finally MSC
Melody, weighing 35,000 grt and carrying 1,000 guests.
Respecting People and the Planet
MSC Crociere believes that global leadership brings increased
responsibility towards the physical and human environments
in which the company operates. Its commitment to safeguarding
the marine ecosystem, as well as protecting the health and
safety of its passengers and staff, has earned numerous
awards and certifications. International certification body
Bureau Veritas granted MSC Crociere the honour of being
the first company to receive ‘6 Golden Pearls’
for environmental care. This unique award comprises Cleanship
2 Class notation for advanced air, water and waste treatment
systems, as well as ISO 14001 certification (for environmental
management), ISO 22000 (for food safety) and OHSAS 18001
(for occupational health and safety).
With new flagship MSC Splendida, the company has also successfully
met the exacting standards required by Bureau Veritas' voluntary
Energy Efficient Design scheme.
Other official recognitions include the Green Planet Award
(for eco-friendly facilities) and the CIAL award (for aluminiumrecycling).
The quality and food safety of all aspects of the company’s
catering, both onshore and onboard, have been officially
recognized through ISO 9001 and ISO 22000 certification.
MSC Crociere was one of the first signatories of the Venice
Blue Flag agreement to reduce emissions in the Venice Lagoon,
and has since signed similar agreements with the Port Authorities
of both Civitavecchia and Genoa, limiting sulphur emissions
to levels below the legally required minimum.
Embracing the philosophy of Corporate Social Responsibility
still further, MSC Crociere has launched an important partnership
with UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s Fund. Announced
in July 2009, the project benefits disadvantaged children
and adolescents in 126 vulnerable urban communities in Brazil
by helping to ensure they receive a proper education. In
its first six months, the partnership raised 200,000 euro
for this cause.
The MSC Experience
MSC Crociere is proud of its Italian heritage, which is
reflected in the company’s reputation for sophisticated
design and outstanding hospitality. Innovations in both
exterior and interior designs for the MSC Crociere fleet
have earned prestigious awards for naval architects De Jorio
Design International.
The gourmet dining experience on board combines Italian
regional specialities with the best of Mediterranean and
international cuisine. In the fields of service and comfort,
MSC Crociere is continuing to set new standards in luxury
cruising. Groundbreaking initiatives include the MSC Aurea
Spa, a lavish Balinese wellness centre, and the MSC Yacht
Club, an exclusive area on the company’s two flagships
offering elegant suites with around-the-clock butler service
and numerous other privileges.
