FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (JULY 22, 2008) - In keeping with tradition, a momentous floating out ceremony took place Sunday at the Aker Yards in St. Nazaire, France as, MSC Splendida, the newest addition to the MSC Cruises fleet, was floated out. The ship was accompanied by a fleet of eight tugboats.

At the end of the hour-long floating out ceremony in which she travelled about half a mile, this giant of the sea reached the dock where she will remain until her construction has been completed.

MSC Splendida and sister ship MSC Fantasia are the two largest ships to be built by a European ship owner. Both will be 133,500 tons. Each will have 1,637 cabins able to accommodate 3,274 passengers (on double basis) and 290,000 square feet of public areas including a theatre with seating for 1,649 plus the well-being center - AUREA SPA, which covers 17,384 square feet. Additionally these ships will have 4 restaurants and 2 buffet areas, 4 pools, 12 hydro massage pools, Sports Bar, Jazz Bar, shops, casino, disco, FORMULA 1 simulator, 4D interactive cinema, Squash Court and a Children's and Teenager's Area of 4,305 square feet with a pool, waterslide and dedicated Teenagers' disco.

These two ships will herald a new era for MSC Cruises by introducing MSC Yacht Club, a VIP area with 99 elegant suites, dedicated butlers and communal spaces furnished to the highest standards. While the countdown to MSC Fantasia's launch has already started (christening is Naples, Dec.18, 2008), MSC Splendida will be christened in Barcelona during the summer of 2009.

"The floating out ceremony for MSC Splendida confirms our commitment to increasing our fleet - this is the fourth time we have visited Saint Nazaire in 2008," said Pierfrancesco Vago, CEO for MSC Cruises. "MSC Splendida is the sister ship to MSC Fantasia, which is joining the fleet in six months time. Then six months later her twin, MSC Splendida, will also join the fleet. These two ships will be the most beautiful in the world. They are the first in the fleet to offer an exclusive VIP area, the MSC Yacht Club, plus an elegant well-being center known as the AUREA SPA. Both ships will be at the forefront of environmental protection, including an innovative water treatment process and energy efficient technology. MSC Splendida, just like her twin, represents the fulfilment of a product that has a year-round appeal."

"Three MSC Cruises ships are currently under construction at Aker Yards, Saint-Nazaire. These vessels are the concrete expression of about 10 years of partnership between both our companies," added Jacques Hardelay, Managing Director of Aker Yards France. "MSC Fantasia and MSC Splendida gather the state-of-the-art equipment in terms of technologies, aestheticism and environmental concerns. The men and women of Aker Yards are proud to build these ships which will fly the MSC Cruises flag aloft on the world's oceans."

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (JUNE 23, 2008) - MSC Cruises has announced a special one-of-a-kind cruise that will provide a unique opportunity for cruise aficionados to be among the first to sail on MSC Orchestra in North American waters - and enjoy an extended New Year's celebration at the same time.

The line has opened reservations for a two-night Caribbean inaugural cruise on MSC Orchestra departing from Fort Lauderdale Jan. 2, 2009, to launch the ship's first season sailing Caribbean itineraries. The ship will spend one day in Nassau and return to Fort Lauderdale on Sunday, Jan. 4.

Cruise-only rates for the two-night inaugural sailing begin at $199 per person, double occupancy; government fees and taxes are additional, as is a fuel surcharge for the first two people occupying a stateroom.

With the line's "Kids Sail Free" offer (ages 17 and under sail free when sharing a stateroom with two full-fare-paying adults), the entire family can enjoy a winter weekend getaway on one of the cruise world's newest and most beautiful ships.

MSC Orchestra, which debuted in 2007, is the largest of the line's ships to sail in North American waters. Onboard, guests will find the perfect combination of grace and style, with:

• 5 restaurants, including the only dedicated Chinese restaurant at sea
• 10 lounges (two of which are open air), including a disco
• a 21-foot by 12-foot outdoor LED movie screen
• an expansive 16,146 square-foot Body and Mind Spa
• and so much more!

After the special inaugural sailing, MSC Orchestra will sail alternating 7-night roundtrip itineraries through April 25, 2009:

• Eastern Caribbean, calling at Cayo Levantado, Dominican Republic; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; St. John, Antigua; and Nassau, Bahamas, as well as two days at sea.
• Western Caribbean, calling at Key West, Florida; Cozumel, Mexico; Georgetown, Grand Cayman; Cayo Levantado, Dominican Republic, and two days at sea.
• A highlight of both itineraries is a call at Cayo Levantado, the line's private paradise experience.

A special 7-night roundtrip Bermuda sailing departs Fort Lauderdale April 25, 2009. This itinerary includes three days in King's Wharf, Bermuda and a day in Nassau, Bahamas, as well as two sea days.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (JUNE 16, 2008) - For the perfect vacation that combines a family escape with the desire to discover new places, MSC Cruises has it all.

Plus, children ages 17 and under sail free on all MSC Cruises' itineraries when sharing a stateroom with two full-fare-paying adults.

On each MSC Cruises sailing, the crew caters to the specific needs of all ages - including the youngest guests. Each ship has cheerful, colorful, safe play areas. MSC Cruises' ships are kid friendly, offering daily entertainment and plenty of space for running, exploring, diving, swimming and playing.

Special activity leaders organize age-appropriate fun activities, with ages 3-9 in the Mini Club, 9-13 in the Juniors Club, and 14-17 in the Teenagers Club.

MSC Cruises also offers MY Teen Card. This personalized card, which can be used like a credit/cruise card, allows children ages 12-17 to spend small amounts of money on board.

Each card comes with a bonus amount. In the Caribbean, a $30 card purchase comes with a $5 bonus (a total card value of $35); a $50 card purchase comes with $10 bonus, for a total value of $60.

In the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, a €30 card comes with a €5 bonus, making it a €35 card, and a €50 card comes with a €10 bonus, making it a €60 card.

Parents and kids will be delighted with the children's menus. In addition to Italian favorites like pasta and pizza, there are All-American favorites such as hamburgers and hot dogs and numerous tantalizing pastries and desserts.

Knowing the youngsters are with the expert staff, parents can relax and enjoy the sun or the pool, or unwind with a Turkish bath, an aromatic massage or a session at the fitness center.

For families who want to share a shore excursion experience, MSC Cruises also offers a 30% discount for children under age 14.

Cruise-only rates begin at $449 per person, double occupancy for a 7-night Caribbean cruise and $599 per person, double occupancy for a 7-night cruise in Europe. Government fees and taxes for all guests are additional, as well as a fuel surcharge for the first and second guests in a stateroom.