MSC Armonia Joins MSC!

I was just reading about this on Seatrade Insider. According to Sasso, MSC
plans on being a "major player" in the N. American market. I say BRING IT
ON!!! The more competition for goliath Carnival and Royal Caribbean the
better. Also, MSC has a product with a true Italian flair. Something a
little different for those looking for a more unique experience.

I will anxiously await more details.

Ernie


"Ray Goldenberg" wrote in message
...
Hi Everyone,

I received this press release from MSC Cruises and thought it would be
of interest. This is the former European Vision that was purchased at
auction when the former owners (Festival Cruises) went bankrupt. If
you are not familiar with this Italian cruise line get ready to see
quite a bit about them. Former Celebrity President, Rick Sasso, has
become president and CEO of MSC Cruises U.S.A. They plan to have a
larger presence in the North America market. If you have missed any
of my news' postings, they are available on my web site.

Best regards,
Ray
LIGHTHOUSE TRAVEL
800-719-9917 or 805-566-3905
http://www.lighthousetravel.com


MSC ARMONIA JOINS THE MSC CRUISES FLEET

MSC CRUISES FLYING THE FLAG OF QUALITY AND STYLE EXPANDS YET AGAIN IN
THE MED

MSC Armonia is the name of the new ship that in May 2004 will join the
rest of the MSC Cruises fleet. She represents a very significant step
for the largest all-Italian financed cruise company in terms of the
world cruise market.

The MSC Armonia was first launched in 2001 and operated in the cruise
sector as the European Vision. She is of the latest generation and has
just been bought by MSC Cruises. After a restyling to bring her up to
the highest standards of style and quality that MSC Cruises sets, from
the 30 May until 14 November, MSC Armonia will be completing
seven-night cruises leaving from Venice every Sunday and Bari every
Monday for Corfu, Santorini, Athens, Katakolon, Dubrovnik and Venice.

"MSC Cruises, has always paid the utmost attenion to looking after its
passengers and making sure they travel in the maximum of comfort
surrounded by an atmosphere of style and quality alongwith impeccable
service" says Domenico Pellegrino, Managing Director of MSC Cruises -
"The arrival of MSC Armonia will undoubtedly contribute to letting
more people see our way of cruising and at the same time open the
doors to a large number of passengers wanting to savour the
experience. We will offer more itineraries, more departures from more
convenient ports and grant embarkation from Italy's major cities. The
excellence o MSC Cruises service is beyond comparison as confirmed by
our Quality Certifications".

With the acquisition of MSC Armonia, together with the inauguration of
MSC Opera next June 2004 and the order of the 2 new ships to Chantiers
de l'Atlantique, MSC Cruises confirms its determined will to become a
significant protagonist of the cruise market. MSC Armonia's arrival in
the MSC Cruises fleet comes at a strategically significant moment and
will make a fundamental contribution to the company's strong market
share that is thriving with its latest generation fleet of cruise
liners: MSC Lirica was launched in April 2003 and MSC Opera will
arrive in June 2004. MSC Cruises is better-than-ever prepared with the
most modern and competitive fleet available: 3 ships up to 2002, 4 in
2003, 6 in 2004 and the Chantiers de l'Atlantique Shipyard have been
commissioned to bring this number up to 8 by 2007 with a ninth ship on
option. To complete the picture, MSC Cruises is currently negotiating
with the Italian Fincantieri shipyard for the building of a further
two liners.

This expansion in quantity goes hand-in-hand with MSC Cruises
leadership in quality which has already been demonstrated in obtaining
ISO 9002 and Vision 2000 certifications. Further proof is in MSC
Cruises position at the top of the Berlitz Guide classification in
"Ocean Cruising & Cruise Ships 2004", that put MSC Lirica as first
among the 4-star ships in the Mediterranean with regular departures
from Italy.

In 2004, MSC Cruises can show off its fleet of the Queens of the
Mediterranean. MSC Armonia will sail alongside the new flagship MSC
Opera that is to be inaugurated at the end of June and the MSC Lirica
that has already been named as Queen of the Mediterranean season 2003
in the Berlitz Guide. It is significant that in this classification,
European Vision (now MSC Armonia) trails MSC Lirica by only 5 points
and they lead the ships belonging to the other cruise companies that
traditionally operate in the Mediterranean and set the standards for
the Italian market.

The 58,700 ton MSC Armonia was built in the Chantiers de l'Atlantique
Shipyard in France in 2001 and is 251 metres (825 feet) long and 28.8
metres (95 feet) wide. She can carry 2,000 passengers and a crew of
over 700. The ship was renamed MSC Armonia by MSC Cruises after being
bought at an auction in Barbados. No less spectacular will be the MSC
Rhapsody that after a 7 million euro restyling will from 19 June take
up her rightful place as queen of the completely new MSC Cruises North
European cruise routes. She will offer seven-night itineraries around
the Norwegian fjords and Baltic capitals with departures from
Copenhagen.

"MSC Cruises now offers the very best of Italian hospitality and the
acquisition of a new ship consolidates our position in the cruise
sector," said Pierfrancesco Vago, Chief Executive of MSC Cruises. "MSC
Cruises i now the only completely Italian cruise company and our goal
is that of expanding to an international level thanks to
ever-improving ships and to the Italian sense of style that has always
been a hallmark of our company".

By using Venice as home-port to MSC Armonia, MSC Cruises are sending
out a strong signal of their intention to set the standards for the
Italian ports' system as well. In 2004, Venice will be home-port to
the Queen of 2003, MSC Lirica, and to the new MSC Armonia. Genoa will
be home-port to the new flagship MSC Opera, MSC Melody, MSC Monterey
and the MSC Rhapsody on her return from Northern Europe.

MSC Cruises has a fleet of six ships: MSC Lirica, MSC Melody, MSC
Monterey, MSC Rhapsody, MSC Armonia (from May 2004) MSC Opera (from
June 2004); the fleet will grow to seven ships by 2007. MSC Cruises
has 20 different itineraries in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe,
the Atlantic, the Caribbean and South America. MSC Cruises is the
largest all-Italian financed cruise company and belongs to the
"Mediterranean Shipping Company", the second largest company in the
merchant sector with a fleet of over 250 ships. With MSC, Italy
travels with you...

I am with you all the way on this one Ernie. I really miss the days when both
ships and Cruise Lines had distinctive personalities.

Cal Ford
Lido Deck Cruises


In article , E.k.R. says...

I was just reading about this on Seatrade Insider. According to Sasso, MSC
plans on being a "major player" in the N. American market. I say BRING IT
ON!!! The more competition for goliath Carnival and Royal Caribbean the
better. Also, MSC has a product with a true Italian flair. Something a
little different for those looking for a more unique experience.

I will anxiously await more details.

Ernie


"Ray Goldenberg" wrote in message
.. .
Hi Everyone,

I received this press release from MSC Cruises and thought it would be
of interest. This is the former European Vision that was purchased at
auction when the former owners (Festival Cruises) went bankrupt. If
you are not familiar with this Italian cruise line get ready to see
quite a bit about them. Former Celebrity President, Rick Sasso, has
become president and CEO of MSC Cruises U.S.A. They plan to have a
larger presence in the North America market. If you have missed any
of my news' postings, they are available on my web site.

Best regards,
Ray
LIGHTHOUSE TRAVEL
800-719-9917 or 805-566-3905
http://www.lighthousetravel.com


MSC ARMONIA JOINS THE MSC CRUISES FLEET

MSC CRUISES FLYING THE FLAG OF QUALITY AND STYLE EXPANDS YET AGAIN IN
THE MED

MSC Armonia is the name of the new ship that in May 2004 will join the
rest of the MSC Cruises fleet. She represents a very significant step
for the largest all-Italian financed cruise company in terms of the
world cruise market.

The MSC Armonia was first launched in 2001 and operated in the cruise
sector as the European Vision. She is of the latest generation and has
just been bought by MSC Cruises. After a restyling to bring her up to
the highest standards of style and quality that MSC Cruises sets, from
the 30 May until 14 November, MSC Armonia will be completing
seven-night cruises leaving from Venice every Sunday and Bari every
Monday for Corfu, Santorini, Athens, Katakolon, Dubrovnik and Venice.

"MSC Cruises, has always paid the utmost attenion to looking after its
passengers and making sure they travel in the maximum of comfort
surrounded by an atmosphere of style and quality alongwith impeccable
service" says Domenico Pellegrino, Managing Director of MSC Cruises -
"The arrival of MSC Armonia will undoubtedly contribute to letting
more people see our way of cruising and at the same time open the
doors to a large number of passengers wanting to savour the
experience. We will offer more itineraries, more departures from more
convenient ports and grant embarkation from Italy's major cities. The
excellence o MSC Cruises service is beyond comparison as confirmed by
our Quality Certifications".

With the acquisition of MSC Armonia, together with the inauguration of
MSC Opera next June 2004 and the order of the 2 new ships to Chantiers
de l'Atlantique, MSC Cruises confirms its determined will to become a
significant protagonist of the cruise market. MSC Armonia's arrival in
the MSC Cruises fleet comes at a strategically significant moment and
will make a fundamental contribution to the company's strong market
share that is thriving with its latest generation fleet of cruise
liners: MSC Lirica was launched in April 2003 and MSC Opera will
arrive in June 2004. MSC Cruises is better-than-ever prepared with the
most modern and competitive fleet available: 3 ships up to 2002, 4 in
2003, 6 in 2004 and the Chantiers de l'Atlantique Shipyard have been
commissioned to bring this number up to 8 by 2007 with a ninth ship on
option. To complete the picture, MSC Cruises is currently negotiating
with the Italian Fincantieri shipyard for the building of a further
two liners.

This expansion in quantity goes hand-in-hand with MSC Cruises
leadership in quality which has already been demonstrated in obtaining
ISO 9002 and Vision 2000 certifications. Further proof is in MSC
Cruises position at the top of the Berlitz Guide classification in
"Ocean Cruising & Cruise Ships 2004", that put MSC Lirica as first
among the 4-star ships in the Mediterranean with regular departures
from Italy.

In 2004, MSC Cruises can show off its fleet of the Queens of the
Mediterranean. MSC Armonia will sail alongside the new flagship MSC
Opera that is to be inaugurated at the end of June and the MSC Lirica
that has already been named as Queen of the Mediterranean season 2003
in the Berlitz Guide. It is significant that in this classification,
European Vision (now MSC Armonia) trails MSC Lirica by only 5 points
and they lead the ships belonging to the other cruise companies that
traditionally operate in the Mediterranean and set the standards for
the Italian market.

The 58,700 ton MSC Armonia was built in the Chantiers de l'Atlantique
Shipyard in France in 2001 and is 251 metres (825 feet) long and 28.8
metres (95 feet) wide. She can carry 2,000 passengers and a crew of
over 700. The ship was renamed MSC Armonia by MSC Cruises after being
bought at an auction in Barbados. No less spectacular will be the MSC
Rhapsody that after a 7 million euro restyling will from 19 June take
up her rightful place as queen of the completely new MSC Cruises North
European cruise routes. She will offer seven-night itineraries around
the Norwegian fjords and Baltic capitals with departures from
Copenhagen.

"MSC Cruises now offers the very best of Italian hospitality and the
acquisition of a new ship consolidates our position in the cruise
sector," said Pierfrancesco Vago, Chief Executive of MSC Cruises. "MSC
Cruises i now the only completely Italian cruise company and our goal
is that of expanding to an international level thanks to
ever-improving ships and to the Italian sense of style that has always
been a hallmark of our company".

By using Venice as home-port to MSC Armonia, MSC Cruises are sending
out a strong signal of their intention to set the standards for the
Italian ports' system as well. In 2004, Venice will be home-port to
the Queen of 2003, MSC Lirica, and to the new MSC Armonia. Genoa will
be home-port to the new flagship MSC Opera, MSC Melody, MSC Monterey
and the MSC Rhapsody on her return from Northern Europe.

MSC Cruises has a fleet of six ships: MSC Lirica, MSC Melody, MSC
Monterey, MSC Rhapsody, MSC Armonia (from May 2004) MSC Opera (from
June 2004); the fleet will grow to seven ships by 2007. MSC Cruises
has 20 different itineraries in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe,
the Atlantic, the Caribbean and South America. MSC Cruises is the
largest all-Italian financed cruise company and belongs to the
"Mediterranean Shipping Company", the second largest company in the
merchant sector with a fleet of over 250 ships. With MSC, Italy
travels with you...

In your opinion Ernie, what makes MSC a "more unique experience?"

Neil

"E.k.R." wrote in message
. ..
I was just reading about this on Seatrade Insider. According to Sasso,
MSC
plans on being a "major player" in the N. American market. I say BRING IT
ON!!! The more competition for goliath Carnival and Royal Caribbean the
better. Also, MSC has a product with a true Italian flair. Something a
little different for those looking for a more unique experience.

I will anxiously await more details.

Ernie


"Ray Goldenberg" wrote in message
...
Hi Everyone,

I received this press release from MSC Cruises and thought it would be
of interest. This is the former European Vision that was purchased at
auction when the former owners (Festival Cruises) went bankrupt. If
you are not familiar with this Italian cruise line get ready to see
quite a bit about them. Former Celebrity President, Rick Sasso, has
become president and CEO of MSC Cruises U.S.A. They plan to have a
larger presence in the North America market. If you have missed any
of my news' postings, they are available on my web site.

Best regards,
Ray
LIGHTHOUSE TRAVEL
800-719-9917 or 805-566-3905
http://www.lighthousetravel.com


MSC ARMONIA JOINS THE MSC CRUISES FLEET

MSC CRUISES FLYING THE FLAG OF QUALITY AND STYLE EXPANDS YET AGAIN IN
THE MED

MSC Armonia is the name of the new ship that in May 2004 will join the
rest of the MSC Cruises fleet. She represents a very significant step
for the largest all-Italian financed cruise company in terms of the
world cruise market.

The MSC Armonia was first launched in 2001 and operated in the cruise
sector as the European Vision. She is of the latest generation and has
just been bought by MSC Cruises. After a restyling to bring her up to
the highest standards of style and quality that MSC Cruises sets, from
the 30 May until 14 November, MSC Armonia will be completing
seven-night cruises leaving from Venice every Sunday and Bari every
Monday for Corfu, Santorini, Athens, Katakolon, Dubrovnik and Venice.

"MSC Cruises, has always paid the utmost attenion to looking after its
passengers and making sure they travel in the maximum of comfort
surrounded by an atmosphere of style and quality alongwith impeccable
service" says Domenico Pellegrino, Managing Director of MSC Cruises -
"The arrival of MSC Armonia will undoubtedly contribute to letting
more people see our way of cruising and at the same time open the
doors to a large number of passengers wanting to savour the
experience. We will offer more itineraries, more departures from more
convenient ports and grant embarkation from Italy's major cities. The
excellence o MSC Cruises service is beyond comparison as confirmed by
our Quality Certifications".

With the acquisition of MSC Armonia, together with the inauguration of
MSC Opera next June 2004 and the order of the 2 new ships to Chantiers
de l'Atlantique, MSC Cruises confirms its determined will to become a
significant protagonist of the cruise market. MSC Armonia's arrival in
the MSC Cruises fleet comes at a strategically significant moment and
will make a fundamental contribution to the company's strong market
share that is thriving with its latest generation fleet of cruise
liners: MSC Lirica was launched in April 2003 and MSC Opera will
arrive in June 2004. MSC Cruises is better-than-ever prepared with the
most modern and competitive fleet available: 3 ships up to 2002, 4 in
2003, 6 in 2004 and the Chantiers de l'Atlantique Shipyard have been
commissioned to bring this number up to 8 by 2007 with a ninth ship on
option. To complete the picture, MSC Cruises is currently negotiating
with the Italian Fincantieri shipyard for the building of a further
two liners.

This expansion in quantity goes hand-in-hand with MSC Cruises
leadership in quality which has already been demonstrated in obtaining
ISO 9002 and Vision 2000 certifications. Further proof is in MSC
Cruises position at the top of the Berlitz Guide classification in
"Ocean Cruising & Cruise Ships 2004", that put MSC Lirica as first
among the 4-star ships in the Mediterranean with regular departures
from Italy.

In 2004, MSC Cruises can show off its fleet of the Queens of the
Mediterranean. MSC Armonia will sail alongside the new flagship MSC
Opera that is to be inaugurated at the end of June and the MSC Lirica
that has already been named as Queen of the Mediterranean season 2003
in the Berlitz Guide. It is significant that in this classification,
European Vision (now MSC Armonia) trails MSC Lirica by only 5 points
and they lead the ships belonging to the other cruise companies that
traditionally operate in the Mediterranean and set the standards for
the Italian market.

The 58,700 ton MSC Armonia was built in the Chantiers de l'Atlantique
Shipyard in France in 2001 and is 251 metres (825 feet) long and 28.8
metres (95 feet) wide. She can carry 2,000 passengers and a crew of
over 700. The ship was renamed MSC Armonia by MSC Cruises after being
bought at an auction in Barbados. No less spectacular will be the MSC
Rhapsody that after a 7 million euro restyling will from 19 June take
up her rightful place as queen of the completely new MSC Cruises North
European cruise routes. She will offer seven-night itineraries around
the Norwegian fjords and Baltic capitals with departures from
Copenhagen.

"MSC Cruises now offers the very best of Italian hospitality and the
acquisition of a new ship consolidates our position in the cruise
sector," said Pierfrancesco Vago, Chief Executive of MSC Cruises. "MSC
Cruises i now the only completely Italian cruise company and our goal
is that of expanding to an international level thanks to
ever-improving ships and to the Italian sense of style that has always
been a hallmark of our company".

By using Venice as home-port to MSC Armonia, MSC Cruises are sending
out a strong signal of their intention to set the standards for the
Italian ports' system as well. In 2004, Venice will be home-port to
the Queen of 2003, MSC Lirica, and to the new MSC Armonia. Genoa will
be home-port to the new flagship MSC Opera, MSC Melody, MSC Monterey
and the MSC Rhapsody on her return from Northern Europe.

MSC Cruises has a fleet of six ships: MSC Lirica, MSC Melody, MSC
Monterey, MSC Rhapsody, MSC Armonia (from May 2004) MSC Opera (from
June 2004); the fleet will grow to seven ships by 2007. MSC Cruises
has 20 different itineraries in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe,
the Atlantic, the Caribbean and South America. MSC Cruises is the
largest all-Italian financed cruise company and belongs to the
"Mediterranean Shipping Company", the second largest company in the
merchant sector with a fleet of over 250 ships. With MSC, Italy
travels with you...

"Neil Gillis" wrote in message
s.com...
In your opinion Ernie, what makes MSC a "more unique experience?"

Neil


Neil,
Not having sailed MSC I can only surmise based on what I've seen and read.
Basically, if you remember lines like Sitmar and Home Lines then I consider
MSC to be a modern day version of them. MSC's new ships have a truly
Italian feel to their design, and not only are the officers Italian but many
of the crew as well including wait staff. MSC seems slightly reminiscent of
the old "ships of state" when passenger ships were truly an extension of the
country they represented. Italian Line, French Line, Greek Line, United
States Line, etc. When you stepped on one of the ships of these lines you
literally felt like you were stepping into the country they represented.
There are very few lines left like that today.

NCL used to be Norwegian. Now they are Asian owned with International crew.
Royal Caribbean used to be Norwegian. Now they are International.
Costa used be Italian. Now they are International with Italian Officers.
Same as parent Carnival.
Holland America used to be Dutch. They still have Dutch Officers but the
crew is Indonesian.
Cunard used to be British. They still have British officers but the crew is
now International.

Hapag-Lloyd is still German
Peter Deilmann is also still German
Hebridean is still British/Scottish
Norwegian Coastal is still Norwegian

At the end of the day it takes more than the ships registry for the line to
truly have the flair of a certain nationality. Most MSC ships are NOT
registered in Italy, but from all accounts they feel very Italian through
and through, from the design to the crew and staff. Home Lines and Sitmar
were the same way. Their ships were not Italian registered but boy was the
atmosphere Italian onboard. Costa likes to advertise itself as an "Italian
Line" but in reality it's just a facade. Costa is about as Italian as
Carnival. Both lines have Italian officers and as I stated Costa has the
ships registered in Italy, but that is where the Italian connection ends.
The new Costa ships are Carnival Destiny and Spirit Class ships, and the
International staff could be interchanged with Carnival. Add a toga party,
announcements in several languages, and currency in the Euro and suddenly
you have an Italian ship??? Well, at least that is what Costa would like us
to believe.

If MSC retains their Italian flair through and through, I think that would
be a key to their N. American success. It's an experience that the majors
just can't duplicate, to offer a niche that is different from what is
already out there. If they water down the product like Costa has over the
years, then they will be no different then what is already out there.

I don't know if this helps explain it, but hopefully you have a little
better understanding of where I'm coming from.

Ernie