MSC Cruises Christens Tenth Ship in Barcelona

MSC Cruises’ new MSC Splendida was christened in Barcelona on July 13, bringing the fleet total to 10 ships.

The event featured a Flamenco performance by Joaquin Cortes and a display of castells, the Catalan tradition of human towers, in addition to a concert by tenor Jose Carreras. Performing in his hometown, the maestro was accompanied by the 60 musicians of the Valles Symphonic Orchestra.

The celebration featured a traditional ribbon-cutting by the godmother of the MSC Cruises fleet, Sophia Loren, and a fireworks display. The 137,936-ton MSC Splendida ranks in the top tier of post-Panamax megaships and has a top cruising speed of 23 knots. As on its sister ship, the MSC Fantasia, Splendida features a main pool with 150 fountains and water jets, and North Pole-themed children’s play center.

The Splendida also boasts two mini bowling alleys in the high-tech Sports Bar and the signature L’Olivo restaurant, serving Mediterranean cuisine. The ship offers 1,637 staterooms (43 accommodate special needs guests) with 80 percent of them, including the ship’s 107 suites, providing an ocean view. The staterooms range from 193 to 571 square feet.

MSC Splendida features the private club concept called MSC Yacht Club, which features 99 suites, private facilities, butler service, 24-hour concierge service, a private pool and bar, exclusive retail services, and complimentary beverages. Selections include quality Italian wines, beer and cocktails at the MSC Yacht Club lounge. The MSC Yacht Club also features private elevator access to the Aurea Spa and a staircase with Swarovski crystals.

MSC Splendida was the first ship to earn the “Energy Efficient Design” award from Bureau Veritas. This worldwide recognition cites the ship’s use of best-practice standards throughout its design and onboard systems to conserve energy, according to the international rating agency.

MSC Splendida is also the second MSC Cruises ship to earn the Bureau Veritas Six Golden Pearls designation for compliance with the three highest international standards in the areas of environment (ISO 14001), health and safety (OHSAS 18001) and food safety (ISO 22000) and the additional notation for the vessel Cleanship 2 (waste, water, air), covering systems which limit emissions to the air and water and waste handling. MSC Fantasia, sister ship to the MSC Splendida, also received this honor when it was introduced in December 2008.