MSC Cruises Plans Luxury Touches for Fantasia

MSC Cruises said the construction of MSC Fantasia is making rapid progress at the Aker Yards in St. Nazaire, France. The ship is due to be delivered in December 2008. MSC Fantasia is the largest ship to be commissioned by a European ship owner.

MSC Cruises has adopted a new philosophy incorporating the line’s concept of elegant and understated public spaces. In the suites, for example, the walls and furniture will be in mahogany while the headboard will be made of Alcantara with luminous inlays.

The bathrooms will be marble with a full-length bath. The carpet in the corridors will have a varying geometric design. In all staterooms with a balcony, the furniture and entrance door will be in Wenge wood.

MSC Fantasia will be the first ship with an exclusive VIP area called MSC Yacht Club, with a restricted access and personal service. A total of 99 suites of 193 to 700 square feet will have a butler for every five staterooms.

MSC Yacht Club will offer other special areas, including a bar, solarium, two hot tubs, a pool with a retractable sky dome, and an observation lounge with its own bar, concierge and panoramic views over the bow of the ship.

MSC Fantasia will be 133,500 gross tons, 1,092 feet long, 124 feet wide, and almost 196 feet tall. The 1,637 staterooms will accommodate 3,959 guests; 80 percent of will be ocean-view and 107 will be suites. The staterooms will range from 193 to 700 square feet.