MSC upgrades fleet, expects growth

MSC SA is responding to
an increase in demand
with the upgrade of its
fleet. The cruise line went into
detail about recent renovations
to the MSC Sinfonia at a
recent event at the Four
Seasons Westcliff Hotel in
Johannesburg.
The cruise industry could
expect growth in the coming
years as cruises continued
to offer a complete holiday
package for the whole family,
said MSC SA sales and
marketing manager, David
Randall.
In light of this, MSC Sinfonia
has undergone renovations
and will accommodate more
passengers in its upcoming
season. “We are almost fully
booked. MSC has noticed an
increase in demand over the
past few years and we are
responding to this demand by
upgrading our fleet,” he said.
MSC Sinfonia emerged
from dry dock in late March,
with renewed amenities and
enriched on-board spaces as
part of the MSC Renaissance
programme. A 24-metre
midsection was inserted,
which has 193 extra cabins
and 94 new balcony cabins.
The interior was given new
carpets, reupholstered seating
and repainted ceilings. Every
cabin has been redesigned
and refurbished with new
carpets, fabrics and features.
Key improvements with
South African market appeal
include the purpose-built
areas for children, created in
partnership with Chicco, Lego
and arcade specialist, Namco,
and a new dedicated baby
club, mini club, young club and
teens’ club. Parents can leave
infants with carers for up to
an hour. Also, a new doremi
spray park (water park) has
been added on Deck 11. “The
spray park is one of the most
popular features on our ships
and this one can cater for a
larger amount of passengers,”
David said.
An extra 600 sqm is
dedicated to dining, with three
restaurants offering guests
more choice. A new bistro
provides an informal lunchtime
option and the buffet will be
open 20 hours a day and
offer increased service over
peak periods. Additional
mobile bars and soft drink
stations will also be available.
Passengers can choose from
a variety of beverage packages
before departure, allowing
them to control their budgets.
Drink prices are unchanged
from the previous season and
compared competitively with
local upmarket hotels, David
added.
MSC Sinfonia will now host
20 hours of entertainment per
day. The MSC Aurea Spa has
additional massage areas,
while an exclusive solarium on
Deck 13 offers passengers
extra space for relaxation.
Two restyled open pool areas,
two whirlpool baths and a
power walking track are also
available.
MSC Sinfonia is the line’s
second ship to undergo
restyling and extension, after
sister ship, MSC Armonia,
returned to service in
November