MSC CRUISES HIGHLY RATED BY PRESTIGIOUS BERLITZ GUIDE

MSC Cruises has once again been honored with high ratings in the latest 25th anniversary edition of the internationally acclaimed Berlitz Complete Guide to Cruising and Cruise ships, authored by world shipping guru, Douglas Ward.

All nine of MSC Cruises’ luxury cruise liners listed in the “large resort ship” category are given an excellent rating of four out of a possible five, while the 10th ship in the company’s fleet, MSC Melody, rates an above average three in the “Mid-size ship” category.

Highlights include the rating of MSC Cruises  ships as the “cleanest” of all major cruise liners, praise for the company’s recycling efforts.

Other accolades include the short listing of the renowned MSC Aurea Spa aboard MSC Fantasia, as one of the 10 excellent shipboard spas of the world.

The food review section compliments MSC Cruises for the introduction of the Italian “slow food” concept, specialty restaurants on their newest ships and for providing better-quality ingredients than some other major cruise lines.

Praise for the Italian influences evident in the interior décor and the high quality, fit and finish of materials used was also noteworthy. 

“The guide endorses our consistency for maintaining the highest standards during our meteoric rise at the top end of the cruise industry. We are also pleased to note recognition of our commitment to conserving the environment,” said Mr Pierfrancesco Vago, CEO MSC Crociere.

Considered the most authoritative reference work on cruising, for both passengers and the travel industry, the 2010 edition of the Berlitz Complete Guide to Cruising and Cruise ships reviews 271 ships representing some 75 ocean-going cruise line operators.

Best known for its cruise ship rating system, scoring for the Berlitz guide is assessed on the basis of a possible 500 points for Ship, 400 each for Food, Service and Cruise, 200 for Accommodation and 100 for Entertainment, to total 2,000 points or a top rating of 5.

Ward himself is described as the “most feared critic in the business" having spent over 5,000 days at sea on more than 900 cruises. His exacting complimentary observations emphasise the assets of the MSC Cruises fleet as follows: “MSC Cruises’ ships are really suited to adult couples and singles, and families with children…The company has evolved quickly as the “new kid on the block and of all the major cruise liners, it’s also the cleanest.

He lists MSC Fantasia, MSC Musica, MSC Opera, MSC Orchestra, MSC Poesia and MSC Splendida as “the best ships of the MSC fleet for children”.

Reviewing the food onboard, Mr Ward says: “MSC Cruises provides better-quality ingredients, almost all sourced in Europe, than some other major cruise lines.

“Aboard the newest ships, MSC Cruises has introduced the Italian ‘slow food’ concept…. Refreshingly, the company spotlights regional Italian cuisine and wine…All pizza dough is made on board, not brought from ashore, while risotto (featured daily) has become a signature item for MSC Cruises and something the ships make really well”.

Ward also points out that, “The newest ships have an alternative specialty restaurant. Aboard MSC Musica and MSC Poesia, for instance, it is Kaito – an authentic Japanese restaurant with an extensive, outstanding menu.

“Aboard MSC Orchestra it is Shanghai, a Chinese restaurant with real wok cooking and dim sum. The quality is high, and it really is worth having at least one meal in these venues” .

On interior design and décor, Mr Ward says: “The décor has many Italian influences, and this includes clean lines, minimalism in furniture design, and an eclectic collection of colors and soft furnishings that work well together, and without any hint of garishness.

“Real wood and marble have been used extensively in the interiors, and the high quality reflects MSC’s commitment to the vessel’s future. The ‘fit and finish’ of the interior décor, and most carpeting, is very good.”

Mr Ward also makes special mention of the shopping galleries on board the MSC fleet saying most  “have integrated bar and entertainment area so that shopping becomes a city-like environment where you can shop, drink and be entertained all in one convenient area.”

The score for the MSC fleet:

MSC Cruises currently has the most modern fleet in the world, comprising ten ships: MSC Splendida and MSC Fantasia (the largest ships ever built for a European ship owner), MSC Poesia, MSC Orchestra, MSC Musica, MSC Sinfonia, MSC Armonia, MSC Opera, MSC Lirica and MSC Melody. MSC Magnifica will be launched in 2010. The fleet cruises year round in the Mediterranean and seasonally in Northern Europe, the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean, North America and Canada, South America, the Indian Ocean, South and West Africa. MSC Cruises is the only company in the world to receive the “6 Golden Pearls” award from the Bureau Veritas in recognition of its high level of quality management and environmental protection. The organization has also earned ISO 9001 and ISO 22000 certification for the quality and food safety of all aspects of its catering, both onshore and onboard. MSC Cruises cares about the welfare of children, and as a responsible market leader, it believes in making a positive impact in the regions where it operates. To this end, the company recently forged partnership with UNICEF to fund a community project aimed at providing disadvantaged children in Brazil with a high quality education.