By introducing this new check-in service passengers will benefit from being able ...]]> MSC Cruises has announced the launch of MSC Express, a new online check-in service which will be available at all major ports in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.

By introducing this new check-in service passengers will benefit from being able to reduce the amount of time spent boarding the ship.

Passengers simply go to the online check-in and enter the relevant information where they will receive a printout allowing them to be fast-tracked through check-in saving them a lot of queuing time.

“MSC Cruises has a commitment to providing innovative solutions that help our passengers have the most enjoyable trip possible. The addition of online check-in and dedicated MSC Express desks is an extra convenience that cuts queues and waiting times at the port, meeting the growing demands of busy clients.”

“We hope that this new service will help our passengers to start their trip sooner and ultimately get their holiday off to the most relaxing start possible,” said Guilio Libutti, MD, MSC Cruises UK and Ireland.

MSC Splendida was accompanied by a fleet of eight tugboats at the Aker Yards in St. Nazaire. The ceremony lasted ...]]> A floating out ceremony took place in France yesterday for MSC Splendida, the newest addition to the MSC Cruises fleet.

MSC Splendida was accompanied by a fleet of eight tugboats at the Aker Yards in St. Nazaire. The ceremony lasted approximately one hour before she docked to have her construction completed. MSC Splendida will weigh in at 133,500 tonnes with 1,637 cabins accommodating 3,274 passengers. Daytime facilities onboard will include a spa, swimming pools, hydro massage pools, a formula 1 simulator, sports facilities and shops. In the evening facilities will include a sports bar, a jazz bar, a casino and a disco. Other facilities onboard include a 4D interactive cinema and theatre as well as an area dedicated to children and teenagers. 
The cruise ship will be christened in Barcelona in the summer of 2009.

This is an additional Conquest class vessel ordered as part of a four-ship deal with Fincantieri, ...]]> Estimated Inaugural: February, 2007
Cruise Line: Carnival Cruises
Ship Name: Carnival Freedom
Size: GRT: 110,000
Capacity: 2974 (double occupancy)
Builder: Fincantieri – Sestri, Italy

This is an additional Conquest class vessel ordered as part of a four-ship deal with Fincantieri, two of which ended up going to the Carnival brand. As a Conquest-class, it will not fit through the Panama Canal. Given that there is an almost two-year lag between this ship and the previous one of this class delivered (Carnival Liberty), there will likely be some progressions in the design.

Estimated Inaugural: April, 2007
Cruise Line: MSC Cruises
Ship Name: MSC Orchestra
Size: GRT: 89,600
Capacity: 2,550 lower berths – 3,000 total & 1,000 crew
Builder: Aker France – St. Nazaire, France

This will be the second of the Musica class.

Estimated Inaugural: May 19, 2007
Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean
Ship Name: Liberty of the Seas
Size: GRT: 160,000
Capacity: 3600 lower berths
Builder: Aker Finnyards – Finland

This will be the second of the “Ultra Voyager-class” When it is delivered the class will still have bragging rights to being the largest passenger ships in the world.

Estimated Inaugural: Spring, 2007
Cruise Line: Princess Cruises
Ship Name: Emerald Princess
Size: GRT: 116,000
Capacity: 3100
Builder: Fincantieri – Monfalcone, Italy

This is an additional Caribbean-class vessel ordered as part of the four-ship order with Fincantieri, the only one in the order designated for Princess. It will be the third in the series. It has not necessarily been designated for the Caribbean as the previous two were, but it will likely have a long life in whichever ocean it starts since it will not fit through the Panama Canal.

Estimated Inaugural: May, 2007
Cruise Line: Costa Cruises
Ship Name: Costa Serena
Size: GRT: 112,000
Capacity: 3000 (double occupancy), total capacity 3,780
Builder: Fincantieri – Sestri, Italy

This will be the second of Costa’s Concordia class. Deployment is thought to be year round in the Mediterranean.

Estimated Inaugural: October, 2007
Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line
Ship Name: Norwegian Gem
Size: GRT: 92,000
Capacity: 2,384 lower berths
Builder: Meyer Werft (Papenburg Germany yard)

This will be the third in the Norwegian Jewel series with 540 staterooms and suites with private balconies.

Estimated Inaugural: December 11, 2007
Cruise Line: Cunard Cruises
Ship Name: Queen Victoria
Size: GRT: 90,000
Capacity: 2000
Builder: Fincantieri – Marghera, Italy

This ship will be similar to HAL’s line of Vista-class vessels, but with Cunard’s own twists in the design and slightly larger. It will be built to Panamax standards, so it can be used in both the Atlantic and Pacific. 86% of the cabins will be outside, 71% of those with private verandahs. In September 2004 the design was enlarged as part of an order of four other ships from Fincantieri. It was originally slated for 88,000 tons and a capacity of 1968. Eleven meters were added to the length raising the tonnage to 90,000 and increasing the capacity to 2000, but the ship will still be able to transit the Panama Canal.

Initial Deployment: The first two voyages will be round trips from Southampton. Cunard says it will be used for a mix of cruises, ocean crossings and world cruises.