MSC Cruises restarted U.S. operations on 02AUG with the debut of MSC Meraviglia. Sailing from PortMiami, it marks the line's first guest cruise from the country in almost 18 months. The new ship is sailing a four-night itinerary to the Bahamas with a stop at the line's private island destination, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.
“It has been a long road, and we are delighted to see demand continue to increase as cruisers grow eager to get back to sea. We are confident that they will find the rich onboard experience that we’re known for, while feeling reassured that their health and safety is our highest priority," said Rubén Rodríguez, President of MSC Cruises USA.
Guests sailing on the new MSC Meraviglia enjoy attractions such as a two-story, Mediterranean-style promenade lined with shops, restaurants, bars and entertainment spaces. Other prominent features include a Balinese spa; MSC Yacht Club; a Polar Aquapark with a Himalayan Bridge ropes course; and multiple pools and sundecks.
MSC also notes that there will be Broadway-style theater each evening aboard the ship, Formula 1 simulators, a bowling alley and more. Dining options range from a variety of styles and cuisines, such as prime cuts at Butcher’s Cut, fresh sushi, sashimi and teppanyaki at Kaito and Mediterranean-style seafood at Ocean Cay among others.
For more information on the new MSC Meraviglia, click here.
U.S. Itineraries
As part of MSC Cruises' plan to have half of its fleet back at sea by the end of the summer, the line has also announced new itineraries for North American guests this fall.
Beginning 02AUG, MSC Meraviglia will sail 3- and 4-night cruises, then will add 7-night eastern and western Caribbean cruises starting 18SEP 2021. Highlights of these itineraries can be found below.
- AUG and SEP 2021:
- Four-night cruises embarking from Miami and visiting Nassau, Bahamas and Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve for an overnight stay. Prices currently start at USD $269 per person for a balcony stateroom.
- SEP 2021 and beyond:
- Seven-night cruise embarking from Miami and visiting Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, Nassau, Bahamas, Ocho Rios, Jamaica; and a second stop at Ocean Cay before returning to Miami. Prices currently start at USD $409 per person for a balcony stateroom.
MSC Cruises will also expand its U.S. offerings with the MSC Divina, the second of the line's ships to return to operations in the U.S. this SEP. The ship will begin sailing three-, four- and seven-night itineraries on 16SEP from Port Canaveral, its new homeport. Highlights of these itineraries can be found below.
- SEP 2021 and beyond:
- Three-night cruise from Port Canaveral visiting Nassau, Bahamas and Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. Prices start at USD $129 per person for a balcony stateroom.
- SEP 2021 and beyond:
- Seven-night cruise from Port Canaveral visiting Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve; Cozumel, Mexico; and Costa Maya, Mexico. Prices start at USD $329 per person for a balcony stateroom.
MSC Cruises also notes that its newest flagship, MSC Seashore, will arrive at its homeport in Miami on 18NOV 2021. It is set to have 140,000 sq. ft of outdoor space, the most of any MSC Cruises ship in the U.S., numerous outdoor bars and dining, pools and deck areas, as well as a variety of new spaces for guests.
Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve
MSC Cruises' private island serves as a highlight of its itineraries sailing from Florida to The Bahamas & Caribbean. The island contains more than two miles of white sand beaches in an eco-friendly 64 square mile marine reserve. MSC ships typically dock at the island from early morning into the evening, and in many instances, overnights are part of itineraries. Guests on the island can enjoy activities for all ages, including stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, snorkeling, wave runner rides, exploring local marine life and more.
For more information visit MSC's website here.
