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MSC Cruises - MSC Fantasia
MSC Fantasia
As the largest ship in the MSC Cruises fleet, and one of the ten biggest cruise ships in the world, the MSC Fantasia is the perfect choice for anyone seeking relaxing and fun-filled voyage, with all the amenities of a world-class resort.
The Fantasia is the flagship of MSC Cruises and, like its sister ship, the Splendida, is a Fantasia class vessel that was built by STX Europe in Oslo. It was completed in 2008 and was named in Naples by Sophia Loren.
Perfect for young couples and families with small kids or teenagers, the Fantasia is a stylish and comfortable ship that boasts plenty of modern amenities and luxuries to leave you feeling completely rejuvenated by the end of your voyage.
The vessel regularly departs on voyages around the Mediterranean, with popular destinations including Palermo, Tunis, Barcelona, Marseille, Malaga and Rome. Trips to the Canaries are also offered, with stops in Madeira and Casablanca on the way.
Ship stats and features
Passenger capacity: 3,959 Year entered service: 2008 Beam (ship width): 124.3 feet Draught (ship depth): 27.72 feet Length: 1,093 feet Tonnage: 135,000 Crew: 1,325 Maximum speed: 23 knots Number of passenger decks: 13 Number of lifts: 14 Number of swimming pools: 4 Number of cabins: 1,354
Food, cuisine and dining
Going hungry on the Fantasia should never be much of a problem, as it offers a broad range of dining venues for passengers to choose from.
Il Cherchio d'Oro is the main restaurant. Located in the aft section, it spans two decks, plenty of space and provides a traditional cruise dining experience. It's open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, offering Mediterranean-style cuisine, while snacks and lighter meals are available throughout the day as well.
Another option is Red Velvet, an Italian eatery that's sumptuously decorated in - of course - red velvet. It provides a more intimate venue than the main dining room and it offers a fabulous wine list to go with its mouth-watering meals.
If you prefer a more casual option for mealtimes, then there are two buffets also on the ship, which offer a delicious variety of hot and cold items. Meanwhile, the Piazza San Giorgio is an ice-cream and dessert bar that's sure to have a sweet treat or two that will tickle your taste buds.
Other options include L'Etoile, which offers French-inspired service and fare, as well as El Sombrero for those desiring Tex Mex. And if you're in the mood for a delicious coffee with a pastry on the side, then Il Cappuccino - a coffee bar- is the place to go.
On-board entertainment and activities
Passengers of every age are well catered for on the Fantasia. There's an Interactive 4D cinema, which includes not just an amazing audio-visual experience, but the chairs actually move to add to the effect, making guests feel like they're part of the movie.
There's also a Formula 1 simulator, which car and racing enthusiasts are sure to enjoy. You'll feel like you're behind the wheel in one of these high-octane vehicles, navigating each turn and twist to try to win a race.
Other options include the L'Avanguardia show lounge, where productions like cabaret acts, concerts and comedy are held on a nightly basis. There are also a number of bars and lounges where you can enjoy live music in a more relaxed atmosphere.
Passengers who have chosen suite accommodation will also have access to the MSC Yacht Club - a VIP area featuring a complimentary bar, 24-hour butler services and private swimming pool and sun loungers. Guests to this part of the ship will also be amazed by the breathtakingly beautiful Swarovski crystal floor, while the glass ceiling offers stunning views to the starry skies.
Spas and fitness facilities
Passengers in need of some proper rest and relaxation during their cruise should head off the Aurea Spa for some pampering and tranquillity.
This large section of the ship includes a peaceful thermal suite with a Turkish bath and aromatherapy steam rooms. Alternatively, why not book a treatment session? Options range from facials, body wraps and massages.
A thalassotherapy pool is also available for guests who want to enjoy the health-giving benefits of sea water. Meanwhile, healthy snacks, juices and herbal teas are also available.
There's modern gym with large windows looking out to sea. It's fitted with exercise machines and includes a space specifically for yoga and aerobics classes. Elsewhere on the ship, you can find a tennis court, squash court, mini golf and a jogging track.
Cabins
The Fantasia has more than 1,600 rooms for guests to choose from and an astonishing 80 per cent have an outside view - most of which also include balconies.
For those wishing to be spoiled by the best amenities and service, then booking one of the 99 suites in the MSC Yacht Club is the best option. These rooms offer not just access to the VIP area and a number of specialist services, but the staterooms are also enormous, with stylish furnishings and a separate bedroom.
Alternatively, if you're a bit more budget-conscious, then lower-priced cruise deals can be found elsewhere on the ship.
No matter which type of room you select, you'll enjoy a private bathroom and plenty of storage space. Each room is equipped with an interactive television, a mini bar and a safe.
MSC CRUISES / MSC Fantasia / Europe
By Crossingham, Jannali on 9th May 2012
We came from Austrlaia
and cruised two back to
back cruise and LOVED IT.
Sure the ship is European
but that is what we found
fantastic.
Danced all night until 2
am most mornings...
MSC CRUISES / MSC Fantasia / Mediterranean
By DEAN, Wigan on 24th Apr 2012
It was Easter abd this
was our second cruise. We
knew most passengers
would be European with
European tastes and
manners. This did not put
us off. We can only
holiday at peak times so
the special...
MSC CRUISES / MSC Fantasia / Mediterranean
By sims, Pinner on 27th Feb 2012
This was a fabulous boat,
and we had a fantastic
balcony cabin about which
we could find no fault.
Despite it being January
we only had one day of
rain, so we couldnt moan
about the weather either...
573
views 1
comment 1 of 19 people found this useful
MSC CRUISES / MSC Fantasia / Mediterranean
By Ton, Arnhem on 25th Feb 2012
Well the Fantasia is a
beautifull vessel, but
comparing to the US based
ships the organisation is
poor. Regarding the food,
the ingredients were
perfect, but the cooking
was poor...
MSC CRUISES / MSC Fantasia / Mediterranean
By PENNINGTON, LOS CRISTIANOS, TENERIFE on 25th Feb 2012
I had my first cruise on
the excellent ship, I was
also very fortunate to
get a free fully
inclusive drinks package
which we certainly made
good use of.
our table waiter for the
evening ( Abidin )...
6986
views 46
comments 127 of 129 people found this useful
MSC CRUISES / MSC Fantasia / Canaries
By Baxter, Bury St. Edmunds on 1st Feb 2012
We flew from Gatwick to
Genoa with BA (who,
incidentally are really
going downhill –
but that’s a
different story) to join
the MSC Fantasia. We have
cruised several times
before with...
MSC CRUISES / MSC Fantasia / Canaries
By Nicholl, Newcastle upon Tyne on 24th Jan 2012
Boarded in Barcelona and
it took a wee while as
there were not many check
in desks open. Shame
really, as the ship
doesn't dock there until
1300 (our reporting time
was 1500) and sails at
1800 so a...
MSC CRUISES / MSC Fantasia / Canaries
By Mason, Corsham on 23rd Jan 2012
Our cruise was a mixed
bag of good and bad. The
ship was beautiful as was
the cabin. We have been
with MSC before so we
expected the annoying
repeating of every
message in about 5
languages, we...
953
views 3
comments 13 of 14 people found this useful
MSC CRUISES / MSC Fantasia / Western Europe
By PRESCOTT, Stafford on 20th Jan 2012
Joined at Genoa having
flown from Gatwick.
Sensible day flight;
shared taxi to ship
cheaper than cruise
transfer offer; arrived
around 2.00 pm at port
and in cabin by 4.00pm...
1321
views 2
comments 22 of 23 people found this useful
MSC CRUISES / MSC Fantasia / Canaries
By Vaughan, Bridgend on 15th Jan 2012
We have just returned
from a 'partial' cruise
on MSC FANTASIA, we
joined the Med/Canaries
cruise at Barcelona and
stayed for 5 nights to
Madeira.
Firstly the ship itself
is fantastic as the...
968
views 5
comments 14 of 15 people found this useful
MSC CRUISES / MSC Fantasia / Western Europe
By Dawson, Craigavon on 13th Jan 2012
With a well earned
holiday required, my wife
and I decided to go for
the very appealing
Western Med cruise with
MSC.
We flew from Gatwick to
Gonoa, flights included
in the deal...
807
views 2
comments 5 of 15 people found this useful
MSC CRUISES / MSC Fantasia / Mediterranean
By Nisan, Bournemouth on 11th Jan 2012
REVIEV FOR MSC MED CRUISE
17th OCT
Attention to all the
staff of MSC from the
lowest position to the
highest position.
What is the
professionalism ?
Professionalism is
accumulation of...
2248
views 9
comments 38 of 39 people found this useful
MSC CRUISES / MSC Fantasia / Mediterranean
By Silverston, Hemel Hempstead on 5th Jan 2012
Recently came back from
my first cruise on board
the MSC Fantasia and must
admit to being very
impressed. First
impressions of the ship
came from the air as I
flew over it, it is huge
and close up I...
942
views 4
comments 11 of 11 people found this useful
MSC CRUISES / MSC Fantasia / Mediterranean
By Michael, Shropshire on 4th Jan 2012
We spent Christmas on the
MSC Fantasia. We
embarked the ship in
Barcelona and visited
Lisbon, Casablanca,
Malaga, Rome and Genoa.
Our embarkation at
Barcelona was smooth and
probably easier than...
838
views 3
comments 6 of 8 people found this useful
MSC CRUISES / MSC Fantasia / Western Europe
By Tash, Harrow on 3rd Jan 2012
This was my first cruise
so I have nothing to
compare it with, except
that I enjoy top quality
hotels and the MSC
Fantasia ticked all the
boxes. I had a great
stateroom, the cuisine in
the restaurant...
MSC CRUISES / MSC Fantasia / Mediterranean
By mclaren, Canterbury on 1st Jan 2012
We recently took a
Christmas cruise on the
MSC Fantasia. This was
our second cruise with
MSC. I should first
state what is obvious,
that this is an Italian
company and those British
who moan about...
1253
views 4
comments 8 of 10 people found this useful
MSC CRUISES / MSC Fantasia / Mediterranean
By Warner, Tonbridge on 31st Dec 2011
I am writing a review for
a mediterannean cruise on
MSC Fantasia in Nov / Dec
2010. We had been on
several other cruises but
this was the first with
MSC.
The ship was vast, it was
very modern and...
1118
views 2
comments 8 of 14 people found this useful
MSC CRUISES / MSC Fantasia / Mediterranean
By Brooks, Shanklin on 28th Nov 2011
Just returned from MSC
Fantasia. It was a
beautiful ship clean
decor theatre cabins etc
etc BUT there was not
enough to do during the
day-I didnt like the food
in the self service it
was more or...
MSC CRUISES / MSC Fantasia / Canaries
By joslyn, Maidstone on 28th Nov 2011
This is one of the best
ships I have been on and
much better than the
similar age Costa Serena
ship I went on last year
as not so fancy inside.
THe crews attention to
maintenance was
incredible and...
827
views 4
comments 12 of 12 people found this useful
MSC CRUISES / MSC Fantasia / Western Europe
By Low, P&K on 22nd Nov 2011
Recently returned from a
Med/Canaries cruise on
Fantasia. I enjoyed the
cruise I took with a
similar schedule in Jan
2011 but have to say I
thought things had
improved on board for my
Nov trip...