AT HER naming ceremony in Naples back in December 2008, the 133,500-ton, 3,300 passenger liner was officially christened in traditional Neapolitan artistry.

Fantasia was the last ship to be named in 2008 by Sophia Loren, the actress who grew up in Naples is now her Godmother.

Fantasia will be MSC most innovative cruise ship yet. She is 40 percent bigger than Musica-class ships and boosts a ray of new features such as:

She is the first to create a “ship in a ship” facility. Called the Yacht Club, exclusive to MSC Cruise’s. Only Norwegian Cruise Lines comes close with its 'Courtyard Villa' up on their 14^th or 15^th decks – MSC Fantasia has 99 suites, all huddle forward – guests have a private pool and a private entry to the spa, just like NCL you have your own private butler and concierge services with daily happy hour events.

Built to operate year-round in the Mediterranean, Fantasia is the first ship in the fleet to offer a pool area under a sliding-glass roof. As well as an outdoor pool, Aqua Park, this is not only the largest but also features a large movie outdoor screen and water fountains – Adults even get their own sun-deck Zen area too.

New also for Fantasia 4-D cinema and a Formula One simulator – what’s it ‘Boys love their toys!’

The ship has two main restaurants and a couple of buffets too. Like many of the liners Fantasia has a few specialty restaurants a Tex-Mex and a French fine dining. For those wishing lighter eating try the La Cantina Toscana serves antipasto and then there’s the Sports Bar for those fabulous Kebabs.

Fantasia will spend the winter in Southern Mediterranean and Canary Islands from her new home ports of Genoa and Barcelona.

Fantasia Facts:

• At 1333,500 tons, she is 333 meters long, 38 meters wide and 66.8 meters in height which nine metres taller than the Eiffel Tower and six times the height of the Tower of Pisa.

• Fantasia has a maximum speed of 23 knots and propulsion of 40 mega watts.

• She has 17 decks; the ship has 25 lifts, of which 2 are fully panoramic

• 3,959 passengers and 1,325 crew will sail Fantasia with 107 suites and 1,637 cabins in total, including 43 for disabled persons. 80 per cent of the accommodation will be outside cabins ranging from 18 to 65 square meters in size.

• Fantasia boots 27,000 square feet of public space, including a massive 1,700 square meter MSC Aurea Spa and Solarium, 4 outdoor bars with a further 12 indoor with lounges.

• The ship has a 1,603 seat theatre spanning three levels and a 500 square meter dance area too.

• 99 Yacht Club suites exclusive to MSC with your own access to private facilities such as One Bar, The One Pool with 2 spa baths and solarium as well as the Top Sail Lounge – you also get a butler service.

• Sports include squash court, shuffleboard, jogging track and MSC Arena, a sports centre offering tennis court with basketball facilities.

• The Acqua Park has 150 fountains with water jets, amusing swimmers by day but comes to life and light at night to music.

• Three public pools onboard including the Zen Area – Adult only.

• Finally four different restaurants A French a la Carte called Red Velvet and II Cerchio d’Oo Panoramic with finest dining. Less formal are, El Sombrero Tex Mex, Zanzibar Pizzeria and L’Africana Cafeteria all are offering a wealth of choice.
  
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