MSC steams ahead with Magnifica

March 31, 2007 - MSC Cruises continues its era of expansion with the announcement that it is exercising its option to build a fourth 'Musica' Panamax ship, MSC Magnifica.

This decision will increase the company's fleet to 12 ships by the beginning of 2010 and, having taken delivery of at least one ship per year since 2003, MSC Cruises now offers the worldÕs newest fleet and highest balcony ratio.

The announcement was made by MSC Cruises CEO Pierfrancesco Vago and by Aker Yards France CEO Jacques Hardelay.

Mr Vago said: "Since launching its massive expansion programme in 2003, MSC Cruises has become the leading European cruise company and the fastest-growing cruise line in the world. This announcement demonstrates the line's commitment to be a dominant force in the international cruise market.
"The best of Italian design, innovative technology and engineering, the spacious public areas and the large number of staterooms with balconies make the MSC 'Musica' class ships ideally suited for the requirements of the worldwide cruise market while reconfirming the uniqueness of the MSC Cruises product. In only three years MSC Cruises has successfully designed three prototype vessels together with Aker Yards. This is quite unique in the industry, proving the professionalism of our young MSC Cruises team."

Claudia Baino, MSC Cruises managing director UK & Ireland, comments, revealed that between May and August 2008, the MSC Armonia will operate 10 and 11-night sailings from Dover to the Baltics, Norwegian Fjords and North Cape. This represents more than a 300 per cent increase in capacity for MSC sailings from the UK.