MSC Cruises Completes Renaissance Program

MSC Cruises, the number one cruise line in Europe, South America and South Africa, announced today that the now completed Renaissance Program has delivered four renewed ships that will spearhead the company’s push into new markets and further strengthen its position in those where it is currently the leader.

MSC Cruises Chief Executive Officer Gianni Onorato told a press conference aboard MSC Lirica – the final ship to complete the Renaissance transformation – that the project reinforced the elements that distinguish a MSC Cruises’ experience, including: tailored amenities and services for families; exquisite, varied dining offerings; outstanding, all-hours entertainment; and a broad choice of relaxation and wellness options — all provided with a touch of Mediterranean flair and flavor.

Detailing some of the onboard innovations and enhancements, Onorato explained that the Renaissance Program was carried out with families in mind — which is why the four ships that were renovated now have five separate kids and teenager club areas for guests up to 17 years old, including two designed and equipped playrooms by leading childhood brands Chicco® and LEGO®.

Dining has been made even more flexible. With an extended range of menus and restaurants, guests are able to truly cruise at their own pace with buffet options available for a full 20 hours a day.

The entertainment offering has also been further enhanced with a packed, 20-hour program of day-and-night activities, live music and dance, and themed events across a range of upgraded entertainment venues, including the spectacular theatre in each ship.

In addition, the ships’ beauty and wellness services have been redesigned with more massage suites added to the MSC Aurea Spa, restyled whirlpool baths and a spa doctor on hand for a discreet, highly personalized service.

Referring to MSC Lirica specifically, Onorato said the ship had been fully customized ahead of her May 2016 deployment in Shanghai, China with an array of tailor-made touches just for Chinese consumers. These include the world’s first Cruise Ambassador service, an industry-leading ratio of Mandarin-speaking staff (up to 80 percent) and a totally new dining offer, comprising refined Asian and international cuisines.

Closing the press conference, Onorato said, “Renaissance is the first pillar of MSC Cruises’ ambitious growth plan, while the seven next-generation new builds we’ll launch between 2017 and 2022 are the second. Renaissance has delivered four holistically improved ships that will serve strategic segments of the global cruise market with industry-leading experiences, amenities and service that are synonymous with MSC Cruises today.”

The Renaissance Program, which represents a new frontier in marine engineering, has been immortalized in a new photographic book, which was also presented today. Produced by the Italian publisher Gribaudo (Feltrinelli Group), “Renaissance” will be available to buy onboard the four Renaissance ships and in bookstores internationally after November 26.