MSC Announces more New Features for the Divina! 10/25/2013

[mrstrod]

MSC Cruises Announces Exclusive Partnerships to Bring a Taste of the Mediterranean to the Caribbean

 

 

October 25, 2013 at 3:12pm

MSC Divina Begins Grand Voyage to North America on November 2

 

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (October 25, 2013) – On November 2, 2013, MSC Divina sets sail to her new year-round home in the Caribbean, bringing along some of the best of the region to share with guests onboard. Born in the Mediterranean and drawing inspiration from its roots, MSC Cruises continues to capture the essence of a Mediterranean way of life with a series of exclusive partnerships now on board MSC Divina.

 

MSC Divina will be the first Fantasia class ship to sail from the US and the first MSC cruise ship to offer year-round Caribbean sailings. With a sleek Italian design, the 4,345-guest ship will embark on Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries with delectable new partnerships that range from coffee and gelato to a steakhouse and signature cocktail menus.

 

The Smoothest Coffee at Sea

 

To start the day in style, MSC Cruises has partnered with Segafredo Zanetti, widely considered among the finest gourmet coffee brands in Italy and worldwide. The official coffee for all 12 ships in the company’s state-of-the-art fleet, the Segafredo partnership will be expanded on board MSC Divina, whose Caffè Italia will boast Italian favorites, from full-bodied espressos to flawlessly foamed cappuccinos, as well as specialty Segafredo coffees and chocolate drinks. The rich Chocolate Temptation menu includes White Chocolate, After Eight Chocolate and Cherry Chocolate, and frozen coffee combinations such as a Chococcino and Caramel Coffee Frost.

 

Delicious Nutella Crêpes and Gifts

 

By the main pool, MSC Divina has created a Nutella Corner featuring the beloved hazelnut spread. The Nutella Corner will offer a specialty gift to every guest who purchases a freshly made Nutella-filled crêpe. All embarking families will receive a special welcome kit with a Nutella & Go snack, including delicious Italian bread sticks for every child.

 

Savor the Sweet Flavors of Artisanal Gelato

 

MSC Divina will boast a Venchi Gelateria next to the main pool area, where travelers of all ages can enjoy a gelato menu of classic favorites and innovative seasonal flavors. Venchi, masters of Italian confectionery since 1878, is renowned for using 100% natural ingredients, from its intense extra dark chocolate to creamy gianduja and refreshing fruit sorbets.

 

Venchi gelato will be prepared in a specially developed on-board laboratory, ensuring fresh – and refreshing – new flavors daily.

 

An Ice-cool Disaronno in the Garden Bar

 

MSC Cruises has partnered with Disaronno, the celebrated Italian liqueur, to bring the world’s first floating Disaronno Contemporary Terrace to MSC Divina. Set-up in the ship’s stylish Garden Bar, this outdoor area offers a Disaronno cocktail menu and a chic chill-out zone close to the pool.

 

One night per cruise, the terrace will transform from a relaxation space to vivacious bar, with a mix of entertainment, live music and deliciously inventive cocktails, such as the new MSC Disarita, fusing tequila, Disaronno and margarita mix.

 

Shaken or Stirred, Sip a Modish Martini

 

In La Luna bar on deck seven, discerning guests will find an exclusive Martini menu. Partnering with the legendary and award winning Martini vermouth and sparkling Italian wines, the specialty menu offers a variety of Classic Martinis, Signature Martinis, Sparkling Martinis and Dessert Martinis, as well as the Martini Flight, a six-Martini sampler. A highlight is the MSC Signature Martini, made from Grey Goose Vodka, Disaronno Amaretto, Licor 43 and lemon peel, with souvenir MSC cocktail glass to take home.

 

Eataly Steakhouse and Ristorante Italia

 

Following the successful launch and rave reviews of the first two Eataly restaurants at sea on board sister-ship MSC Preziosa, MSC Cruises is launching two new Eataly restaurants and a marketplace onboard MSC Divina. Eataly, the popular food emporium originating from Italy, has locations around the globe including New York City and a soon to open store in Chicago.

 

MSC Divina will feature 30-seat evening-only upscale Ristorante Italia, offering a ‘table d’hôte’ menu every night, and spectacular 115-seat regional steakhouse, Eataly Steakhouse, fashioned after Eataly’s famed Manzo steakhouse in Manhattan.

 

All pizzas in MSC Divina’s La Cantina di Bacco wine bar and pizzeria will now be made using Eataly ingredients, including delicious meter-long pizzas customizable with individual toppings. The wine bar will also boast Eataly’s exclusive Vino Libero menu, produced by an association of leading Italian winemakers committed to producing high-quality wine using the most modern and sustainable farming practices. The menu offers bottles from famous wineries including Fontana Fredda and Mirafiore. A boutique Eataly marketplace will also be available for guests to purchase authentic Italian products, including olive oils, dried pastas, artisanal sweets and aged balsamics.

 

About MSC Divina

 

Christened by legendary actress and “diva” Sophia Loren, MSC Divina features 1,751 staterooms, 322,900 square feet of public space, a casino, seven restaurants, 18 bars and lounges, five swimming pools (including an infinity pool), a bowling alley, theater, gym, spa, internet café, conference center, kids and teen areas, and the lines signature ship within a ship, MSC Yacht Club.

 

About MSC Cruises

 

On board MSC’s twelve vessels, guests experience the passion and vibrancy of MSC’s Mediterranean way of life. From world-class hospitality and entertainment to authentic regional cuisine, guests are enveloped in our unique Mediterranean spirit. On board, guests are encouraged to slow down and savor every moment their MSC vacation has to offer. As a family-owned company, MSC also prides itself in ensuring kids 11 and younger sail free when sailing with two full fare paying guests in the same stateroom. Children 12 to 17 sail at a reduced rate.

 

MSC Cruises is a privately-held, family-owned, Italian cruise line with a fleet of 12 ships: MSC Armonia, MSC Divina, MSC Fantasia, MSC Lirica, MSC Magnifica, MSC Musica, MSC Orchestra, MSC Opera, MSC Poesia, MSC Preziosa, MSC Sinfonia and MSC Splendida. The fleet cruises year-round in the Mediterranean and seasonally in the Caribbean, Northern Europe, the Atlantic Ocean, the French Antilles, South America, South and West Africa and The United Arab Emirates. Starting November, MSC Divina will begin sailing the Caribbean year-round from PortMiami.

 

For more information, visit www.msccruisesusa.com.

 

MSC CRUISES (USA), Inc.

866-545-8088

[tbmrt]

MSC Cruises Announces Exclusive Partnerships to Bring a Taste of the Mediterranean to the Caribbean

 

 

October 25, 2013 at 3:12pm

MSC Divina Begins Grand Voyage to North America on November 2

 

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (October 25, 2013) – On November 2, 2013, MSC Divina sets sail to her new year-round home in the Caribbean, bringing along some of the best of the region to share with guests onboard. Born in the Mediterranean and drawing inspiration from its roots, MSC Cruises continues to capture the essence of a Mediterranean way of life with a series of exclusive partnerships now on board MSC Divina.

 

MSC Divina will be the first Fantasia class ship to sail from the US and the first MSC cruise ship to offer year-round Caribbean sailings. With a sleek Italian design, the 4,345-guest ship will embark on Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries with delectable new partnerships that range from coffee and gelato to a steakhouse and signature cocktail menus.

 

The Smoothest Coffee at Sea

 

To start the day in style, MSC Cruises has partnered with Segafredo Zanetti, widely considered among the finest gourmet coffee brands in Italy and worldwide. The official coffee for all 12 ships in the company’s state-of-the-art fleet, the Segafredo partnership will be expanded on board MSC Divina, whose Caffè Italia will boast Italian favorites, from full-bodied espressos to flawlessly foamed cappuccinos, as well as specialty Segafredo coffees and chocolate drinks. The rich Chocolate Temptation menu includes White Chocolate, After Eight Chocolate and Cherry Chocolate, and frozen coffee combinations such as a Chococcino and Caramel Coffee Frost.

 

Delicious Nutella Crêpes and Gifts

 

By the main pool, MSC Divina has created a Nutella Corner featuring the beloved hazelnut spread. The Nutella Corner will offer a specialty gift to every guest who purchases a freshly made Nutella-filled crêpe. All embarking families will receive a special welcome kit with a Nutella & Go snack, including delicious Italian bread sticks for every child.

 

Savor the Sweet Flavors of Artisanal Gelato

 

MSC Divina will boast a Venchi Gelateria next to the main pool area, where travelers of all ages can enjoy a gelato menu of classic favorites and innovative seasonal flavors. Venchi, masters of Italian confectionery since 1878, is renowned for using 100% natural ingredients, from its intense extra dark chocolate to creamy gianduja and refreshing fruit sorbets.

 

Venchi gelato will be prepared in a specially developed on-board laboratory, ensuring fresh – and refreshing – new flavors daily.

 

An Ice-cool Disaronno in the Garden Bar

 

MSC Cruises has partnered with Disaronno, the celebrated Italian liqueur, to bring the world’s first floating Disaronno Contemporary Terrace to MSC Divina. Set-up in the ship’s stylish Garden Bar, this outdoor area offers a Disaronno cocktail menu and a chic chill-out zone close to the pool.

 

One night per cruise, the terrace will transform from a relaxation space to vivacious bar, with a mix of entertainment, live music and deliciously inventive cocktails, such as the new MSC Disarita, fusing tequila, Disaronno and margarita mix.

 

Shaken or Stirred, Sip a Modish Martini

 

In La Luna bar on deck seven, discerning guests will find an exclusive Martini menu. Partnering with the legendary and award winning Martini vermouth and sparkling Italian wines, the specialty menu offers a variety of Classic Martinis, Signature Martinis, Sparkling Martinis and Dessert Martinis, as well as the Martini Flight, a six-Martini sampler. A highlight is the MSC Signature Martini, made from Grey Goose Vodka, Disaronno Amaretto, Licor 43 and lemon peel, with souvenir MSC cocktail glass to take home.

 

Eataly Steakhouse and Ristorante Italia

 

Following the successful launch and rave reviews of the first two Eataly restaurants at sea on board sister-ship MSC Preziosa, MSC Cruises is launching two new Eataly restaurants and a marketplace onboard MSC Divina. Eataly, the popular food emporium originating from Italy, has locations around the globe including New York City and a soon to open store in Chicago.

 

MSC Divina will feature 30-seat evening-only upscale Ristorante Italia, offering a ‘table d’hôte’ menu every night, and spectacular 115-seat regional steakhouse, Eataly Steakhouse, fashioned after Eataly’s famed Manzo steakhouse in Manhattan.

 

All pizzas in MSC Divina’s La Cantina di Bacco wine bar and pizzeria will now be made using Eataly ingredients, including delicious meter-long pizzas customizable with individual toppings. The wine bar will also boast Eataly’s exclusive Vino Libero menu, produced by an association of leading Italian winemakers committed to producing high-quality wine using the most modern and sustainable farming practices. The menu offers bottles from famous wineries including Fontana Fredda and Mirafiore. A boutique Eataly marketplace will also be available for guests to purchase authentic Italian products, including olive oils, dried pastas, artisanal sweets and aged balsamics.

 

About MSC Divina

 

Christened by legendary actress and “diva” Sophia Loren, MSC Divina features 1,751 staterooms, 322,900 square feet of public space, a casino, seven restaurants, 18 bars and lounges, five swimming pools (including an infinity pool), a bowling alley, theater, gym, spa, internet café, conference center, kids and teen areas, and the lines signature ship within a ship, MSC Yacht Club.

 

About MSC Cruises

 

On board MSC’s twelve vessels, guests experience the passion and vibrancy of MSC’s Mediterranean way of life. From world-class hospitality and entertainment to authentic regional cuisine, guests are enveloped in our unique Mediterranean spirit. On board, guests are encouraged to slow down and savor every moment their MSC vacation has to offer. As a family-owned company, MSC also prides itself in ensuring kids 11 and younger sail free when sailing with two full fare paying guests in the same stateroom. Children 12 to 17 sail at a reduced rate.

 

MSC Cruises is a privately-held, family-owned, Italian cruise line with a fleet of 12 ships: MSC Armonia, MSC Divina, MSC Fantasia, MSC Lirica, MSC Magnifica, MSC Musica, MSC Orchestra, MSC Opera, MSC Poesia, MSC Preziosa, MSC Sinfonia and MSC Splendida. The fleet cruises year-round in the Mediterranean and seasonally in the Caribbean, Northern Europe, the Atlantic Ocean, the French Antilles, South America, South and West Africa and The United Arab Emirates. Starting November, MSC Divina will begin sailing the Caribbean year-round from PortMiami.

 

For more information, visit www.msccruisesusa.com.

 

MSC CRUISES (USA), Inc.

866-545-8088

 

Wow - sounds exciting...Can you please advise whether or not the new martini flight and other drink offerings will be included in the Allegrissimo Classic Package.

 

Big time martini bar people here!!!

 

Thanks

Barbara

[Victor Joseph]

Well, not so great news... you have to pay extra for everything that they annouced, big deal... I think that in the near future you will only pay for the cabin, since in some cruise companies you can pays for extra shows, entertainment, the majority of the food on board., bowling, 3d Movies, and the list goes on. The fun and the nice value of the cruises was that they included everything, now you have even a "marketplace" just to make you spend some money. Come on, marketplace i have in small cities, not in a cruise ship... In little words, "new gimmicks = gimme your money!":(

[cruisetrail]

Well, not so great news... you have to pay extra for everything that they annouced, big deal... I think that in the near future you will only pay for the cabin, since in some cruise companies you can pays for extra shows, entertainment, the majority of the food on board., bowling, 3d Movies, and the list goes on. The fun and the nice value of the cruises was that they included everything, now you have even a "marketplace" just to make you spend some money. Come on, marketplace i have in small cities, not in a cruise ship... In little words, "new gimmicks = gimme your money!":(

 

Exactly.

[sidari]

As with everyone else who sails on MSC you have the choice whether you spend money with them or not once onboard, this announcement is nothing new to some people!

[Tatka]

Delicious Nutella Crêpes and Gifts

 

We ate crepes on Poesia. They were really good.

[Typhoon1]

Well, not so great news... you have to pay extra for everything that they annouced, big deal... I think that in the near future you will only pay for the cabin, since in some cruise companies you can pays for extra shows, entertainment, the majority of the food on board., bowling, 3d Movies, and the list goes on. The fun and the nice value of the cruises was that they included everything, now you have even a "marketplace" just to make you spend some money. Come on, marketplace i have in small cities, not in a cruise ship... In little words, "new gimmicks = gimme your money!":(

 

Nothing wrong with spending a little extra on some indulgences. It's your cruise, make what you want of it.

[bltrn]

Hey Cruisetrail - let us know when you take a REAL cruise on MSC and not a virtual reality one!! :eek:

[mrstrod]

Nothing wrong with spending a little extra on some indulgences. It's your cruise, make what you want of it.

 

I agree! I know some people like to cruise on the cheap but there's no reason to be mad that MSC is adding services that they can charge for - I mean they are in business to make money after all. I for one enjoy splurging on a few extras if they are things that I enjoy.

 

Hey Cruisetrail - let us know when you take a REAL cruise on MSC and not a virtual reality one!! :eek:

 

That's the second time I've seen someone mention that Cruisetail hasn't cruised MSC. Why on earth would they be commenting if they haven't?

[lucy2800]

Which of these choices is the better of the two to make reservations at? I will be on board the Divina on Nov. 20th and again Dec, 7th. Each of these sailings is only 3 nights and I want to make the right choice for myself and my group. Thanks in advance. I have never sailed on MSC before.

[AmoMondo]

Which of these choices is the better of the two to make reservations at? I will be on board the Divina on Nov. 20th and again Dec, 7th. Each of these sailings is only 3 nights and I want to make the right choice for myself and my group. Thanks in advance. I have never sailed on MSC before.

 

No one can answer this for you right now. They were only introduced for the current repo (or were meant to be) and as the passengers on the current cruise are somewhere in the middle of the Atlantic at the moment, it's unlikely that they will have connectivity to the internet.

 

Unless your group is huge, why not wait until you get onboard and can view the menus and decide for yourself? In my experience, I've never found a speciality restaurant on MDC fully booked, it's usually the reverse. Guess it could be different when the Divina gets to the US.

[flag fan]

Which of these choices is the better of the two to make reservations at? I will be on board the Divina on Nov. 20th and again Dec, 7th. Each of these sailings is only 3 nights and I want to make the right choice for myself and my group. Thanks in advance. I have never sailed on MSC before.

 

Since you have booked two cruises, why not try one restaurant on one cruise and the other on the next cruise? I would book ahead of time just in case they are booked up (which may be more likely for a short cruise as there are fewer days for people to try out the new venues).

 

It is all personal preference, but I would pick the Ristorante Italia over the steakhouse. I am not sure what an Italian steakhouse is like vs. an American one, but I am not as big a fan of steak as I am of traditional Italian cuisine.

[riclop]

Sounds good try both.

[AmoMondo]

Since you have booked two cruises, why not try one restaurant on one cruise and the other on the next cruise? I would book ahead of time just in case they are booked up (which may be more likely for a short cruise as there are fewer days for people to try out the new venues).

 

It is all personal preference, but I would pick the Ristorante Italia over the steakhouse. I am not sure what an Italian steakhouse is like vs. an American one, but I am not as big a fan of steak as I am of traditional Italian cuisine.

 

Well who knows whT an Italian steakhouse will be like as Italy does not go in for steakhouses!

[Tatka]

Well who knows whT an Italian steakhouse will be like as Italy does not go in for steakhouses!

 

I was thinking about the same thing. But who knows, there are many ethnic foods adapted for various markets. Chinese cuisine for example is not what we eat in most of Chinese restaurants. :)

Edited November 13, 2013 by Tatka

[GOLDENBONNY]

Well, not so great news... you have to pay extra for everything that they annouced, big deal... I think that in the near future you will only pay for the cabin, since in some cruise companies you can pays for extra shows, entertainment, the majority of the food on board., bowling, 3d Movies, and the list goes on. The fun and the nice value of the cruises was that they included everything, now you have even a "marketplace" just to make you spend some money. Come on, marketplace i have in small cities, not in a cruise ship... In little words, "new gimmicks = gimme your money!":(

 

 

no cruise line ever included everything if we are talking about mass market lines.