Sometimes too much family togetherness during the already too stressful period between Thanksgiving and the New Year can be just too much and you really need your space to really enjoy your holiday season. Help is on the way. For holiday 2016, from Thanksgiving through the New Year, MSC Cruises is creating extraordinary onboard experiences, with a host of seasonal touches ensuring guests have an unforgettable holiday season.
MSC Cruises, part of the MSC Group, is the Swiss-based, world’s largest privately-owned cruise line and brand market leader in Europe, South America and South Africa, sailing year-round in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean. Seasonal itineraries cover northern Europe, the Atlantic Ocean, Cuba and the French Antilles, South America, 
southern Africa, and Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Oman.
In particular, on the ultra-modern MSC Divina, sailing from Miami to the Caribbean, MSC Cruises has designed the perfect holiday escape for guests looking to enjoy a relaxing, stress-free vacation. Highlights of MSC Divina holiday celebrations include:
Thanksgiving – Nov. 19th departure To Jamaica, Cayman Islands, Mexico And The Bahamas
Guests will spend Thanksgiving Day at sea enjoying festive entertainment, a traditional Turkey dinner and all-day Thanksgiving football displayed on multiple large screens in the sports bar. Kids ages 3-11 can participate in a special Turkey Day cooking class and a Thanksgiving Day costume parade and show. A Thanksgiving scavenger hunt, flash mob and party will take place for children ages 12-17. Prices start at $699.50 per person*.
Christmas & Hanukkah – Dec. 23rd departure to Jamaica, Cayman Islands, Mexico and the Bahamas
During Christmas, MSC Divina will be decked out in the best traditional trimmings, with sparkling lights, shimmering decorations, festive Christmas trees, and a spectacular gingerbread village created by MSC’s pastry chefs. Adding to the festivities, guests will enjoy traditional Christmas carols; a Broadway-style festive show; a special Christmas market place, selling a range of Christmas gifts and traditional decorations; Christmas-themed cooking classes, arts & crafts, and parades; a visit by Santa Claus who will present a gift to every child on board; and seasonal Christmas movies played on an outdoor jumbo screen throughout the week. A Christmas Mass will also be available onboard.
MSC Cruises knows that the holidays are also about enjoying seasonal delights. Thus, guests will enjoy a Christmas Eve Gala dinner and a Special Christmas Lunch consisting of traditional holiday specialties as well as festive cocktails served throughout the cruise such as the Christmas Star (made using a mixture of limoncello and Prosecco), and the Snowflake (made with dark rum and fresh banana.)
For those celebrating Hanukkah, MSC Divina will host a nightly Menorah Lighting as well as serve traditional Hanukkah foods in the buffet and main dining rooms. A large menorah will also be on display in the main atrium. Special kosher meals can be ordered in advance. Prices for the Christmas and Hanukkah cruise start at $999.50 per person*.
New Year’s – Dec. 30th departure to Puerto Rico, Turks and Caicos, and the Bahamas
Guests sailing on this 7-night cruise will celebrate the New Year in style. The festivities will start with a special New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner before guests head up to the pool deck for the ship’s annual New Year’s Eve Dance Party, complete with themed decorations, a countdown to midnight, and champagne. Guests will also enjoy a special New Year’s Lunch as well as special seasonal cocktails. For those traveling with kids, MSC Cruises is extending the kids club hours and offering babysitting in the kids club for free so that parents can enjoy New Year’s celebrations. Prices start at $799.50 per person*.
2017 Holiday Cruises
For those that like to plan in advance, it’s not too early to start booking your 2017 holiday vacations. In fact, for those looking to be one of the first to experience the revolutionary new cruise ship MSC Seaside, now is an ideal time to book the Christmas and New Year’s cruises.
The first 7-night sailing on MSC Seaside out of Miami will take place during Christmas 2017, embarking on Dec. 23rd with stops in St. Maarten, Puerto Rico and the Bahamas. The following week, MSC Seaside will embark on its New Year’s cruise, leaving from Miami on Dec. 30th with stops in Jamaica, Cayman Islands, Mexico and the Bahamas.
MSC Cruises’ fleet is currently comprised of 12 of the most modern ships at sea: MSC Preziosa, MSC Divina; MSC Splendida; MSC Fantasia; MSC Magnifica; MSC Poesia; MSC Orchestra; MSC Musica; MSC Sinfonia; MSC Armonia; MSC Opera and MSC Lirica.
MSC Cruises has significant plans for future expansion through a $10.2 billion investment plan, which consists of up to 11 new, next-generation MSC Cruises ships coming into service between 2017 and 2026. MSC Cruises is the first global cruise line brand to develop an investment plan of this length and magnitude, spanning a horizon of over ten years.
*Government, fees and taxes are additional. All information believed to be accurate as of the date of issuance. It is the reader’s responsibility to verify its continued accuracy, as all information is subject to change.
Filed under: Cruise Ships & Casinos, Lifestyle, Living/Travel, Recreation, Social/Life, Travel, Travel & Tourism Tagged: MSC CRUISES
