The MSC Splendida is a popular floating resort. The waters are crowded with sea-worthy vessels, so to make planning easier, we've done all the prep work for a cruise vacation. As part of a Huffington Post Travel series on cruise ships, here is a tip sheet offering all the key information one could ever need to know about the MSC Splendida.
Destination
The MSC Splendida mostly sails the Mediterranean, with destinations including Spain, Italy, Morocco, Portugal, Tunisia and France. Journeys last from seven to 11 nights, with ports of call including Genoa, Barcelona, Casablanca, Malaga, Palermo, Marseilles and Naples.
Luxury Liner
The MSC Splendida is a luxury liner fit for 3,274 passengers, the second in the line's Fantasia class of cruise ships. As a new ship, it has been equipped with eco-friendly technology and a bold European style. It also caters to upscale clientele with its VIP Yacht Club.
Special Features
The MSC Splendida boasts a Yacht Club, a VIP area with 99 spacious suites, 24-hour butler service, a private lounge and sundeck. The Aurea Spa gives traditional Balinese massages as well as access to saunas, Turkish baths, solariums and relaxation rooms. There are also four swimming pools, a squash court, a Formula 1 simulator, 4-D cinema and a video arcade for teens.
Accommodations
The regular staterooms aboard the MSC Splendida have standard features such as a vanity desk, TV, fridge and hair dryer, while amenities include MSC's own brand of shampoo and soaps. According to
, 80 percent of staterooms have an ocean view, and 95 percent of those have balconies. Most spacious, though, are the 99 Yacht Club suites, which have a separate living area, marble bathrooms and a spa bath, along with access to a private lounge and complimentary bar. These suites start at 248 square feet and can be as large as 571 square feet.
Cost
Seven-night cruises on the MSC Splendida to Spain, France, Italy and Tunisia start at $1,099. Eleven-night trips to Italy, Spain, Morocco and Portugal start at $949. Yacht Club suites average $4,349.
Excursions
According to
, some MSC Splendida passengers enjoyed the bus
in Alexandria, Egypt, because it was an easy way to navigate an otherwise difficult city. The tour includes visits to the Great Sphinx and the pyramids of Giza.
Dining Experience
According to
, MSC's Italian roots shine through in the cuisine offered on the MSC Splendida. The Bora Bora cafeteria tends to be crowded during breakfast and lunch, while dining rooms attract dinner crowds. Dinner starts at 6:30 p.m. and lasts until 7:30 for early seating in the main dining rooms. Late seating begins at 8:45 p.m. and lasts until 9:30.
Maiden Voyage
The MSC Splendida's maiden voyage took place on July 12, 2009, with music by Jose Carreras and an appearance by MSC spokeswoman Sophia Loren. The ship is part of the Fantasia class of cruisers built for the European cruise line.
In The News
According to
, a woman died in 2010 when the gangway collapsed on the MSC Splendida. The other passenger who fell into the water at the same time was injured, but not critically.
WATCH
A tour of the MSC Splendida.
What's your favorite cruise memory?
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