CLIA Cruise Lines Offer Last-Minute Availability on Easter, Spring Break Sailings

Enjoy the thrilling zipline on Labadee, Royal Caribbean’s private island on Haiti’s north coast © 2014 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

The Easter Bunny, parades, special Easter menus and egg decorating are just part of the festivities and family fun aboard select cruise ships exploring the world this April.

Here are cruises that are still available from the North American fleet of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) for Easter and Spring Break departures:

Follow the Easter Bunny

MSC Cruises’ MSC Divina has a 7-night departure leaving from Miami on April 19 visiting Phillipsburg, St. Maarten; Road Town, Tortola; and Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas, with a variety of “Easter themed” activities. Kids “Easter hunt”, costume parades, Easter chef classes, chocolate Easter eggs and special Easter menus in the main restaurants make the week particularly festive. Seven-night departures from Miami on April 12 and April 26 visit Falmouth, Jamaica; Georgetown, Cayman Islands; Cozumel, Mexico, and the private island of Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas for other spring break options. An added plus, is that kids sail free year-round on MSC Cruises.

The Easter Bunny will pass out chocolates and will be available for photo ops on select Holland America Line’s April sailings. There will also be an Easter bonnet competition, egg decorating, a Jelly bean count and Easter mass. The Maasdam will sail roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale for an 11-day Southern Caribbean itinerary on April 11 with port stops in Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Basseterre, St. Kitts; Kingstown, St. Vincent; Bridgetown, Barbados; Fort-De-France, Martinique; Frederiksted; and the private island of Half Moon Cay, Bahamas. A 14-day Panama Canal sailing on Westerdam departing on April 15 travels from Fort Lauderdale, FL to San Diego, and will include Cartagena, Colombia; through the Panama Canal; with ports of call in Costa Rica and Mexico, ending in Cabo San Lucas. Also departing on April 15, the 11-day Adriatic Dream itinerary on Noordam departs from Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, and includes the Strait of Messina, Italy; Greece and Croatia with an overnight and disembarkation in Venice, Italy.

Celebrate the Sun

Those who have suffered through the cold winter will be especially ready to celebrate spring in the sun. Disney Cruise Lines’ four ships will all be in the Caribbean this April. Disney sails from Port Canaveral with three options: a 3-night Bahamian cruise on April 18 on Disney Magic with stops in Nassau and Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island; a 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise on April 19 on Disney Fantasy with stops in St. Maarten, St. Thomas/St. John and Castaway Cay; and a 4-night Bahamian cruise with stops in Nassau and Castaway Cay on Disney Dream on April 20. Disney Wonder sails from Miami on April 18 on a 5 -night Western Caribbean itinerary with stops in Grand Cayman and Cozumel.

Norwegian Cruise Line is currently offering free Balcony upgrades, reduced deposits and e-coupons worth $300 on these Easter sailings: 7-night Mexican Rivera from Los Angeles on Norwegian Star on April 13; 7-night Western Caribbean from New Orleans on Norwegian Jewel on April 13; 3-night Bahamas from Miami on Norwegian Sky on April 18; 7-night Eastern Caribbean from Miami on Norwegian Getaway on April 19; 7-night Inter-Island Hawaii on Pride of America on April 19; 7-night Western Caribbean from Tampa on Norwegian Dawn on April 20; and 7-night Western Caribbean from Miami on Norwegian Epic on April 20.

Royal Caribbean International‘s Navigator of the Seas sails April 20 from Galveston, Texas, on a 7-night Western Caribbean itinerary, calling at Roatan, Honduras; Belize City, Belize; and Cozumel, Mexico. Allure of the Seas sails April 20 from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, FL, on a 7-night Western Caribbean itinerary, calling at Falmouth, Jamaica; Cozumel, Mexico; and Labadee, Royal Caribbean’s private island on Haiti’s north coast. Enchantment of the Seas sails April 18 from Port Canaveral on a 3-night Bahamas cruise, calling at Nassau and CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private Bahamian-island. Guests also can combine a cruise aboard Enchantment of the Seas with a 3- to 4-day stay at Universal Orlando Resorts, enjoying savings and inclusive Universal Express Unlimited ride access among many more theme park privileges.

Cultural Odyssey

Guests of Paul Gauguin Cruises’ m/s Paul Gauguin can combine sun with culture when they travel to Marquesas, Tuamotus & Society Islands on a 14-day cruise departing April 12 from Papeete, Tahiti. They’ll experience a true glimpse of the Polynesia of the old including Bora Bora, Moorea, Taha’a (Motu Mahana), and Huahine.

Tauck River Cruising has limited space on its 10-day April 18 departure of “Belgium & Holland in Spring” aboard the ms Treasures. The itinerary begins with an included overnight in Brussels before embarkation in Maastricht and sailing to Amsterdam. Special experiences along the way include Keukenhof Gardens and the Rijksmuseum, a scenic Amsterdam canal boat cruise, the Netherlands American Cemetery, a culinary experience at Chateau Neercanne, chocolate and beer tastings, and a private dinner at and tour of the In Flanders Fields Museum to observe the WWI Centennial.

Silversea Cruises’ Silver Spirit departs April 19 on a 16-day repositioning cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Barcelona. Ports of call include Bermuda, the Azores, Malaga, Cartagena and Valencia. There is still availability on Cunard Line’s Queen Victoria during the 12-day Transatlantic Crossing from Fort Lauderdale to Southampton, England on April 16.

Guests dine on Master Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s cuisine while sailing through Japan with Crystal Cruises during the 15-day “Skyscrapers & Shoguns” itinerary. Starting April 16, Crystal Symphony sails from Beijing to Tokyo, with a 3-day overnight land program in Beijing included, followed by visits to Shanghai (two nights docked locally), Nagasaki, Osaka (local overnight), Shimizu, and, finally, Tokyo (local overnight—a rare call for the cruise line.) The cruise is also available without the Beijing land program, and as a shorter 7- or 8-day “Getaway.”

For expert advice, travelers can turn to a CLIA Cruise Agent, who stays current on the latest offerings and trends and is an expert in helping clients selects a cruise of their dreams. To find a CLIA Cruise Agent or Agency in your area, visit www.cruising.org and click on Vacations and use our Cruise Expert Finder.

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is the world’s largest cruise industry trade association with representation in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australasia. CLIA represents the interests of cruise lines and travel agents before regulatory and legislative policy makers. CLIA is also engaged in travel agent training, research and marketing communications to promote the value and desirability of cruise holiday vacations with thousands of travel agency and travel agent members. CLIA’s Associate Member and Executive Partner program includes the industry’s leading providers of supplies and services that help cruise lines provide a safe, environmentally-friendly and enjoyable holiday vacation experience for millions of passengers every year. For more information on CLIA, the cruise industry, and CLIA-member cruise lines and travel agencies, visit http://www.cruising.org. CLIA can also be followed on the Cruise Lines International Association’s Facebook and Twitter fan pages, and CEO Christine Duffy can be followed @CLIACEO and cruising.org/ceoblog.

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MSC Cruises has Cyber Monday Savings on Select Caribbean Sailings, with Rates from $399 for 7 Nites

MSC Poesia features 2 pools, 4 hot tubs, a 12,000 sq ft. Balinese-inspired spa and fitness center, four restaurants (including Sushi Bar and authentic pizzeria), 12 bars and lounges, outdoor cinema © 2012 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Guests who book a select MSC Cruises 2012-2013 Caribbean sailing online on Cyber Monday will receive special fares and up to a $200 shipboard credit.

“Cyber Monday Sale” rates on select 7-night roundtrip Caribbean sailings of MSC Poesia from Fort Lauderdale begin at $399 for an interior stateroom, $619 for an ocean view, $819 for a balcony and $1,269 for a suite.

In addition, residents of the United States and Canada who book interior and oceanview staterooms will receive $25 per person (maximum of $50 per stateroom) in shipboard credits; balcony staterooms receive $50 per person (maximum of $100 per stateroom) and suites receive $100 per person (maximum of $200 per stateroom).

This special offer applies to the following sailings:

• Western Caribbean: Dec. 21, Jan. 12, Jan. 19
• Eastern Caribbean: Dec. 28, Feb. 23 and March 9

“Cyber Monday Sale” rates can only be booked online on Monday, Nov. 26. All cruise-only rates are non-refundable, per person, double occupancy; government fees and taxes are additional for each guest.

MSC Poesia features 2 pools, 4 hot tubs, a 12,000 sq ft. Balinese-inspired spa and fitness center, four restaurants (including Sushi Bar and authentic pizzeria), 12 bars and lounges, outdoor cinema and much more.

On each sailing, guests can enjoy the line’s renowned white-gloved service, elegant and pristine décor, delicious cuisine (including regional Mediterranean specialties) and highly acclaimed world-class entertainment.

MSC Cruises is a privately-held, family-owned, Italian cruise line with a fleet of 12 ships: MSC Magnifica, MSC Splendida, MSC Fantasia, MSC Poesia, MSC Orchestra, MSC Musica, MSC Sinfonia, MSC Armonia, MSC Opera, MSC Lirica and MSC Melody. Its 12th ship, MSC Divina, a sister ship to MSC Fantasia and MSC Splendida, debuted in May 2012, with sister ship MSC Preziosa scheduled to join the fleet in March 2013. The fleet cruises year round in the Mediterranean and seasonally in Northern Europe, the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean, South America, the Indian Ocean, and South and West Africa.

For more information about MSC Cruises, visit us online at www.msccruisesusa.com, call 877-665-4655, or contact a local travel professional and ask for the “Cyber Monday Sale” promotion.

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Sail Europe in a Balcony Stateroom at Interior Rate on Select MSC Cruises Booked by Aug 31

The MSC Poesia, docked in New York City. MSC has been hailed as offering the Best Onboard International Experience.© 2012 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

With youngsters back in school and temperatures ideal for exploring the history, culture and nature of Europe, travellers can take advantage of special fall rates on balcony staterooms that begin at $669 on select MSC Cruises’ sailings that reflect the region and the line’s Mediterranean heritage.

Available only for bookings made by Aug. 31, 2012 on select sailings, guests can book a balcony stateroom at the early booking rate for an interior stateroom; rates begin at $669 (per person, double occupancy; government fees and taxes are additional) for select itineraries on MSC Cruises’ elegant fleet of ships – including the new MSC Divina.

While visiting some of Europe’s most beautiful and historic destinations in the Mediterranean, guests will also enjoy MSC Cruises’ rich Mediterranean heritage and international experience with world-class entertainment, the exotic MSC Aurea Spa and Mediterranean cuisine on the line’s elegant ships, including MSC Divina, which entered the fleet in May.

Like sister ships MSC FantasiaandMSC Splendida, MSC Divina features the exclusive MSC Yacht Club, 69 suites (71 on the sister ships) in a “ship-within-a-ship” oasis of tranquility where guests indulge in comfort and convenience, complete with 24/7 Butler and concierge services; complimentary wines and spirits; private restaurant, lounge, pool and relaxation area; private access to MSC Aurea Spa and more.

Among the roundtrip itineraries available this fall at limited-time-only rates are:

• MSC Divina’s 7-night “Divine Mediterranean” itineraries, sailing from Bari and calling at Venice, Katakolon, Izmir, Istanbul and Dubrovnik. Rates for balcony staterooms begin at $919.

• MSC Splendida’s 7-night “Splendid Mediterranean” cruises, sailing from Barcelona or Rome and calling at La Goulette, Valletta and Messina. Rates for balcony staterooms begin at $669.

• MSC Magnifica’s 7-night “Autumn Iberian Discovery,” sailing from Barcelona and calling at Genoa, Malaga, Lisbon and Casablanca. Rates for balcony staterooms begin at $819.

• MSC Musica’s 7-night “Greek Islands in the Sun,” sailing from Venice or Bari and calling at, Katakolon, Santorini, Mykonos, Piraeus, Corfu and Dubrovnik. Rates for balcony staterooms begin at $769.

• MSC Orchestra’s 11-night sailing from Rome or Genoa, calling at Heraklion, Piraeus, Istanbul, Messina and Valletta. Rates for balcony staterooms begin at $969.

Alternate departure ports and itineraries may be available. Prices may vary. Contact your local travel professional, as space is limited

On all 12 of MSC Cruises’ ships, guests will discover what earned the line Porthole Cruise Magazine’s 2011 Readers’ Choice Award for “Best Onboard International Experience.” Surrounded by elegance and white-gloved service, guests can be pampered with a Balinese massage in the MSC Aurea Spa, dine in the many restaurants featuring international cuisine, sunbathe poolside, gamble in the casino or enjoy the highly acclaimed entertainment in the lounges or the magnificent theater. For guests seeking more activity, there is miniature golf, swimming, tennis, basketball, volleyball, and shuffleboard as well as a wide variety of excursions sure to satisfy the interests of all guests.

For more information about MSC Cruises, visit us online at www.msccruisesusa.com, call 877-665-4655, or contact a local travel professional. Be certain to ask for Fall Promo for eligible fall dates and rates).

###

About MSC Cruises:

MSC Cruises is a privately-held, family-owned, Mediterranean cruise line with a fleet of 12 ships: MSC Magnifica, MSC Splendida, MSC Fantasia, MSC Poesia, MSC Orchestra, MSC Musica, MSC Sinfonia, MSC Armonia, MSC Opera, MSC Lirica and MSC Melody. Its 12th ship, MSC Divina, a sister ship to MSC Fantasia and MSC Splendida, debuted in May 2012, with sister ship MSC Preziosa scheduled to join the fleet in March 2013. The fleet cruises year round in the Mediterranean and seasonally in Northern Europe, the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean, South America, the Indian Ocean, and South and West Africa.

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MSC Preziosa becomes 13th ship in MSC Cruises Fleet

MSC Poesia during a visit to New York City. MSC Cruises, a leader in the Mediterranean market, has just added its 13th ship, MSC Preziosa, to its fleet © 2012 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com.

MSC Cruises continues its rapid expansion with the announcement that the company has finalized negotiations with STX France and signed a contract to take over a 139,400-ton cruise ship following the termination of the agreement with the original owner.

The new ship is named MSC Preziosa and will become the 13^th addition to the MSC Cruises fleet, as well as the precious fourth vessel in the series of Fantasia-class ships, which include MSC Fantasia, MSC Splendida and the long-awaited MSC Divina. MSC Divina, the sister ship of MSC Preziosa, is currently having her final touches applied in the STX ship yard in St. Nazaire, France before her christening in May 2012.

“The new ship represents an investment of €550 million and will be delivered at the end of March 2013. Negotiations with STX France have lasted over nine months; a significant but understandable period of time considering the importance of the investment and the unexpected nature of the takeover,” said Mr. Pierfrancesco Vago, CEO, MSC Cruises. “When MSC Preziosa is delivered we will have four ships of every class, giving us a total capacity of over 40,000 berths and the strength to sail in all seas. MSC Preziosa herself will sail the Mediterranean, exploring the beauty of Greek Islands, which represent the highlight of European cruising.”

MSC Preziosa will offer 1,751 staterooms, 17 guest elevators – including a private elevator for MSC Yacht Club guests – and 14 guest decks. Guests will be able to enjoy four main restaurants, including two speciality restaurants, 21 bars, a casino, four swimming pools, including an infinity pool, 12 whirlpools, mini-bowling, a sports area with game courts, a Fitness Center, a children’s area and the MSC Aurea Spa.

An exclusive feature of MSC Preziosa – and of all Fantasia-class ships – is the MSC Yacht Club. Privileged guests staying in the 69 exclusive MSC Yacht Club suites will be able to take advantage of the private sun deck which includes The One Pool & Bar as well as two whirlpools; and the spectacular glass-walled Top Sail observation lounge with amazing ocean views. Butlers provide assistance with luggage during embarkation and debarkation; unpack and pack guests’ belongings upon request; serve traditional English afternoon tea; arrange for fine cigars, wines and spirits; and make dining room reservations as well as reservations for MSC Aurea Spa services; coordinate ad hoc shore excursions; and even plan private parties.

Forty-five percent of MSC Preziosa’s total construction is now complete, and her mechanical zones are 70% complete. The best, however, is yet to come! MSC Cruises will soon begin the fitting and furnishing of the 1,094-foot long, 124-foot wide ship and work its unique Mediterranean magic on turning MSC Preziosa into a stylish masterpiece and a perfect mix of advanced technology, elegance and exclusive services.

Cruise guests who want to play their part in reducing carbon emissions can also relax in the knowledge that MSC Preziosa’s green features, including an advanced waste water treatment system (AWT) and advanced energy saving systems, with a focus on air-conditioning, will gain the same impressive industry-leading ecoship and cleanship credentials as her sister ship MSC Divina.

MSC Cruises is a leading cruise company in the Mediterranean, South African and Brazilian markets and operates across the globe. Its modern fleet comprises eleven ships MSC Splendida and MSC Fantasia (the largest ships ever built for a European ship owner), MSC Magnifica, MSC Poesia, MSC Orchestra, MSC Musica, MSC Sinfonia, MSC Armonia, MSC Opera, MSC Lirica, and MSC Melody. The fleet will increase in size with the addition of the MSC Divina which will be christened on May 26^th, 2012 in Marseille, France. The fleet cruises year-round in the Mediterranean and seasonally in Northern Europe, the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean, South America, the Indian Ocean, South and West Africa, Abu Dhabi and the Emirates. MSC Cruises is the only company in the world to receive the “6 Golden Pearls” award from the Bureau Veritas in recognition of its high level of quality management and environmental responsibility. MSC has also achieved ISO 9001 and ISO 22000 certification for the quality and food safety of all aspects of its catering, both on shore and on board.

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MSC Offers Balcony Staterooms for Inside Rates on 2011-12 Europe Cruises

The MSC Poesia, in New York City © 2011 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

MSC Cruisesis offering travelers planning to cruise Europe this winter an opportunity to take advantage of its new “Balcony Bonanza” savings promotion, one of the cruise line’s best of the season, between now and Sept. 30.

Guests receive a balcony stateroom at the inside stateroom rate or a balcony superior at the standard balcony rate. Rates begin at $649 for a balcony stateroom per person plus government fees and taxes (GFTs) on select 8-night cruises and $849 for a balcony superior.

Cruises to Europe featuring special “Balcony Bonanza” rates on 7-, 8-, 9- and 11-night sailings include:

•  MSC Musica: 8-night, Eastern Mediterranean “World Heritage Tour” roundtrip from Venice or Bari, balcony from $649; balcony superior from $849 plus government fees and taxes (GFTs); Oct. 30 and several dates in Nov.

• MSC Magnifica: 7-night, Italy, Greece, Turkey and Croatia “The Magnificent Mediterranean” roundtrip from Venice or Bari, balcony from $869; balcony superior $1,149 plus GFTs; Nov. 12 and 19.
• MSC Splendida: 7-night, Western Mediterranean “The Splendid Mediterranean” roundtrip from Genoa or Barcelona, balcony from $919; balcony superior from $1,199 plus GFT; Oct. 16, 21, 23, 28 and 30, Nov. 4 and 6; and Jan. 7 and 8.  
•   MSC Fantasia: 7-night, Western Mediterranean “Mediterranean Fantasy” roundtrip from Genoa, Barcelona, or Civitavecchia (Rome), balcony from $969; balcony superior from $1,289 plus GFTs; Oct. 14.

Select 9- and 11-night cruise itineraries include:

• MSC Magnifica: 9-night and 11-night, Italy, Greece, Turkey and Croatia “The Magnificent Mediterranean” roundtrip from Venice or Bari, 9-night balcony from $869 and balcony superior for $1,199 plus GFTs; 11-night balcony from $1,069 and balcony superior from $1,379 plus GFTs; Nov. 26 and 27, Dec. 7, and Jan. 5 and 6.
• MSC Splendida: 11-night, Western Mediterranean “The Splendid Mediterranean” roundtrip from Genoa or Barcelona, balcony from $1,019 and balcony superior from $1,349 plus GFTs; Nov. 13 and 24, and Dec. 5.
• MSC Fantasia: 11-night, Western Mediterranean “Mediterranean Fantasy” roundtrip from Genoa, Barcelona, or Civitavecchia (Rome), balcony from $969 and balcony superior from $1,229 plus GFTs; Nov. 5, 16, 26, 27, 28 and Jan. 7, 8, and 9.

For more information about MSC Cruises, call 877-665-4655, contact a local travel professional, or visit  www.MSCCruisesUSA.com.

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MSC Celebrates July 4 Savings with Special Pricing for Canada/New England, Caribbean Cruises

Departing from Fort Lauderdale, the elegant MSC Poesia takes guests on a variety of itineraries to some of the Caribbean’s most popular destinations and some not-so-often visited locales © 2011 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (June 30 2011)–Red, white, and blue rings in Independence Day on July 4, and MSC Cruises joins in the celebration by offering savings for one week on 4 to 14-night cruises beginning July 1.

Guests can book select MSC Cruises’ 2011-12 Caribbean and Canada/New England itineraries on MSC Poesia by July 8 for rates beginning at $499 for a 7-night cruise ($719 for a balcony stateroom) plus government fees and taxes. Receive up to a five-category upgrade plus a $100 per stateroom shipboard credit when booking a balcony stateroom.

This special July 4 pricing applies for the following 7 to 14-night Canada/New England cruises: Oct. 8 and 15 and these 4 to 7-night Caribbean cruises: Oct. 29 repositioning cruise from New York City to Ft. Lauderdale; Nov. 10, 14, and 19 (Baseball Greats); Dec. 30 (New Year’s Eve), Jan. 14 (Baseball Greats); and Feb. 18 (Baseball Greats).

Departing from Fort Lauderdale, the elegant MSC Poesia takes guests on a variety of itineraries to some of the Caribbean’s most popular destinations and some not-so-often visited locales. Cruise itineraries include destinations in the Eastern and Western Caribbean, including ports like San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; Nassau, Bahamas; Montego Bay, Jamaica; Cozumel, Mexico; Roatan, Roatan Island, Honduras; Key West, Florida.

MSC Cruises’ Canada/New England itineraries featuring departures from New York City and Quebec City allow guests to visit the magnificent fall foliage, history-laden ports and big city bright lights, with calls in such locations as Newport, Rhode Island; Quebec City; New York City; Boston, Massachusetts; Bar Harbor, Maine; Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada; Sydney, Nova Scotia; and Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Rates are cruise only and subject to availability; government fees and taxes are additional.

For more information, visit www.MSCCruisesUSA.com or contact a local travel professional or MSC Cruises at 877-665-4655.

About MSC Cruises:

MSC Cruises is the fastest-growing cruise line with a fleet of 11 ships: MSC Magnifica, MSC Splendida, MSC Fantasia, MSC Poesia, MSC Orchestra, MSC Musica, MSC Sinfonia, MSC Armonia, MSC Opera, MSC Lirica and MSC Melody. The fleet cruises year round in the Mediterranean and seasonally in Northern Europe, the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean, US and Canada, South America, the Indian Ocean, and South and West Africa.

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MSC Cruises alters itineraries to avoid calling at Tunisia

In light of political uncertainty in the Tunisian Republic, MSC  Cruises is altering its itineraries of cruises that would have called at Tunis.

In a statement issued by the company issued a statement regarding the situation in Tunisia and itinerary changes.

“MSC Cruises has always implemented all necessary policies to ensure the safety and comfort of its guests, as this is our main concern,” the company stated.

“Therefore, with reference to the current situation in the Tunisian Republic, should conditions not return to normal, all the ships concerned will take an alternative itinerary during the weekly cruises, and not call at Tunis.”

The following ships are affected:

MSC Fantasia  from April 16 to October 15

MSC Splendida from April 10  to November 6

MSC Lirica from April 18 to October 7

MSC Sinfonia from June 4 to October 15

“In case that the situation gets back to normal, the original itinerary will be respected and the call at Tunis will be operated as usual.”

For further information, call 800.666.9333 or visit  www.msccruisesusa.com.

MSC Celebrates Holidays with Buy One, Get One Offers

MSC is celebrating this season with savings as guests can ring in the holidays on buy one, get one offers on 7-night Caribbean cruises during Thanksgiving and Christmas starting at $529 per person plus government fees and taxes (GFTs).

Get the second week free with the purchase of a 7-night Caribbean cruise for a 14-night, back-to-back, Eastern Caribbean and Western Caribbean cruise experience on bookings made by Nov. 30, which includes the Thanksgiving cruise on Nov. 21.

During this buy one, get one free offer, rates are as low as $40 per day on select 14-night, back-to-back Eastern Caribbean cruises and Western Caribbean cruises onboard MSC Poesia and departing from Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Cruise itineraries include:

 

• Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises, call in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands;

Philipsburg, St. Maarten; and Nassau Bahamas; Key West, Florida; Ocho Rios, Jamaica;

Georgetown, Grand Cayman; and Cozumel, Mexico departs Nov. 14, 28, and Dec. 12,   2010; rates from $529 (originally started from $1,058) for a $529 savings or more than 50 percent plus government fees and taxes (GFTs) of $117.07;

 

• Western and Eastern Caribbean cruises, call in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands;

Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Nassau Bahamas; Key West, Florida; Ocho Rios, Jamaica;

Georgetown, Grand Cayman; and Cozumel, Mexico; departs Nov. 12 and Dec. 5, 2010;  rates from $529 (originally started from $1,058) for a $529 savings or more than 50 percent plus GFTs of $117.07.

A Christmas cruise is another holiday sailing option with “The More the Merrier” offer where guests obtain a second stateroom at 50 percent off when they purchase one at the regular price. Rates for the Dec. 19 cruise begin at $649 per person for the first stateroom and $324.50 per person for the second stateroom plus GFTs. Cruise from Ft. Lauderdale to Key West, Florida; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Georgetown, Grand Cayman; and Cozumel, Mexico. Offer expires Dec. 15.

Cruise-only rates are per person  based on double occupancy for U.S. and Canadian residents.

All cruises offer just a $100 deposit, and kids 17 and younger sail for just $99 as the third/fourth guest in a stateroom.

For more information about MSC Cruises, visit www.MSCCruisesUSA.com, call 877-665-4655, or contact a local travel professional.

MSC Cruises Introduces Family Plan for Holiday Sailings

The MSC Poesia in New York City. The cruise line is offering a Family Plan for holiday sailings to the Caribbean © 2010 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

MSC Cruises is making it easy and affordable for families of four to cruise for the holidays. The line is offering a Family Plan for 7-night holiday sailings to the Caribbean onboard MSC Poesia through December 31, 2010.

Guests who book a balcony stateroom during the Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s Eve Caribbean cruises can save up to 50 percent off a connecting balcony stateroom for an affordable family vacation.

This special Family Plan offer applies for adjoining Category 9, 10 or 11 Balcony Superior staterooms (accommodating up to four guests) on 7-night, Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises departing from Ft. Lauderdale. These cruises sail November 21 (Thanksgiving), December 19 (Christmas), and December 26 (New Year’s).  Family Plan rates for four begin at $697 per person plus $81.35 per person government fees and taxes (GFTs).

Destinations on the Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises including ports like Key West, Florida; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Georgetown, Grand Cayman; Cozumel, Mexico; St. Thomas, Charlotte Amalie, U.S. Virgin Islands; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; and Nassau, Bahamas.

Family-friendly activities to enjoy during this affordable family vacation include miniature golf, tennis and basketball. MSC Poesia features a pool for children and outdoor play area. MSC Cruises also offers a complimentary kids program filled with entertainment, fun, and games from crafts to treasure hunts. Children’s programs are available for children 3-17 years old and are divided into age-specific groups.

Not only does MSC Cruises offer authentic Italian favorites like pasta and pizza, but also All-American kid-friendly staples like hamburgers, hot dogs, and delicious pastries and desserts.

Rates are cruise only, and subject to availability.

MSC Cruises also has a policy of kids 11 and under sailing free when sharing adults” cabin.

MSC Cruises is one of the fastest-growing cruise lines in the world  with a fleet of 11 ships:  MSC Magnifica, MSC Splendida, MSC Fantasia, MSC Poesia, MSC Orchestra, MSC Musica,     MSC Sinfonia, MSC Armonia, MSC Opera, MSC Lirica and MSC Melody. The fleet cruises year round in the Mediterranean and seasonally in Northern Europe, the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean, US and Canada (Fall 2010), South America, the Indian Ocean, and South and West Africa.

For more information, call 877-665-4655, visit www.MSCCruisesUSA.com, or contact a local travel professional.

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MSC Cruises offers last-minute deals on Canada/New England Sailings

Take advantage of last-minute cruise deals with MSC Cruises for its fall foliage cruises to Canada/New England onboard MSC Poesia with prices from $429 through August 31.

MSC Cruises is offering up to a three-category upgrade (inside to ocean view, ocean view to balcony standard, and balcony standard to balcony superior) for guests who book select fall foliage cruises from New York City and Quebec City for six to 14-nights.

Some of the fall foliage cruise itineraries include:

• 10-night “Dazzling Fall Foliage” cruise roundtrip from New York City and calling in Sydney, Nova Scotia; Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; Quebec City, Quebec; Halifax, Nova Scotia; Newport, Rhode Island; and New York, New York.  September 22; rates begin at $699 [(plus $72.90 pp. government fees and taxes (GFTs)];
• 7-night “Scenic Splendors of Fall” cruise from New York City and calling in Halifax, Nova Scotia; Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; Corner Brook, Newfoundland; and an overnight stay in Quebec City, Quebec. October 2; rates begin at $429 (plus $78.50 pp. GFTs);
• 7-night “Captivating Colors of Canada” cruise from New York City and calling in Halifax, Nova Scotia; Sydney, Nova Scotia; Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; and an overnight stay in Quebec City, Quebec. October 16; rates begin at $499 (plus $79.25 pp. GFTs);
• 9-night “Autumn Leaves to Palm Trees” cruise from Quebec City and calling in Sydney, Nova Scotia; Boston, Massachusetts; Newport, Rhode Island; New York, New York; and Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. October 23; rates begin at $699 (plus $102.40 pp. GFTs);
• 6-night “Maple Leaves & Mansions” cruise from Quebec City and calling in Sydney, Nova Scotia; Boston, Massachusetts; Newport, Rhode Island; and New York, New York. October 23; rates begin at $499 (plus $81.40 pp. GFTs).

The 7-night, October 16 and 6-night October 23 cruises can be combined into a 13-night roundtrip, New York cruise with rates from $899 representing an additional savings of $100 per person. Other cruises with longer durations are available.

Rates are available for residents of the US and Canada; offer is per person, based upon double occupancy, cruise only, and subject to availability.

For more information, call 877-665-4655, or contact a local travel professional.

MSC Cruises is one of the fastest-growing cruise lines in the world  with a fleet of 11 ships: MSC Magnifica, MSC Splendida, MSC Fantasia, MSC Poesia, MSC Orchestra, MSC Musica, MSC Sinfonia, MSC Armonia, MSC Opera, MSC Lirica and MSC Melody. The fleet cruises year round in the Mediterranean and seasonally in Northern Europe, the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean, US and Canada, (Fall 2010), South America, the Indian Ocean, and South and West Africa.