Exploration and discovery can be found onboard MSC Cruises’ Northern Europe itineraries.

Three of the line’s ships will be taking guests to some of the world’s most stunning and unspoiled natural beauties this spring and summer on itineraries that feature the Baltic capitals and the Norwegian fjords. The itineraries call at such memorable locations as Oslo, Tallin, St. Petersburg and the North Cape, the pinnacle of beauty.

MSC Opera and MSC Lirica – two of the line’s contemporary vessels – will each sail 7-night roundtrip itineraries from Copenhagen, alternating between the Baltics and the fjords. The classic ship MSC Rhapsody will offer 11-night alternating Baltic and fjords roundtrip itineraries from Amsterdam.

For those who want a truly comprehensive Northern Europe experience, MSC Cruises is offering special rates on back-to-back sailings on MSC Opera or MSC Lirica booked through Feb. 28. The special 14-night itineraries sail roundtrip from Copenhagen and combine both the Baltic Capitals and Norwegian Fjords itineraries at “Best Fare, Best Room” rates that begin at $2,250 per person, double occupancy; government fees and taxes are additional.

Time is running out to savor the Brazilian carnival spirit with MSC Cruises.

In Brazil, Carnival is the celebration of the year, a colorful mix of tradition and folklore, of ancient customs, beliefs and modern rhythms. A nation dedicated to enjoyment explodes in February, showcasing colorful processions and exciting music.

Cruising with MSC Cruises is the best way to experience the Brazilian carnival spirit. Showcase your carnival outfit as you enjoy the onboard masquerade and the selection of the Queen of Carnival before diving into a sumptuous pasta buffet at midnight. The night continues to the sounds of samba in the disco until dawn as you watch the most amazing sunrise while cruising along the South American coast. Relaxation is also available at the Beauty Centre / Spa and in the Jacuzzis on the pool deck. Savor the Italian style and take pleasure in the onboard facilities. Enjoy the finest Italian hospitality and traditional cuisine in an ambiance reminiscent of the top European hotels.

Hop on board an MSC Cruise for an exhilarating and unforgettable experience. MSC Armonia’s Carnival sailing is sold out, but limited space is still available on MSC Sinfonia’s 9-night sailing that departs Rio de Janeiro Feb. 15 and visits Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina.

MSC Sinfonia’s first call is at Santos. The ship then cruises for a day before arriving in Uruguay’s luxurious harbour town of Punta del Este, known for its upscale hotels, fine dining, and upscale boutiques. From here, you head to Buenos Aires, the exciting Argentinean capital.

As you head back to Brazil, the ship calls at the island of Ilhabela, where you can soak up the sun on a magnificent beach, explore the shops or ride a bike along the shoreline. Next stop is Buzios. Once a fishing village, Buzios has been transformed into a popular resort, complete with a championship golf course, art galleries, excellent restaurants and beautiful beaches. Return to Rio Feb. 24. Prices begin at $1,431 per person, double occupancy, plus taxes.

To book onboard, call us at 888-286-9827.

When MSC Cruises’ first post-Panamax ship debuts in 2008, guests will find a new dedicated VIP area.

The 133,500-ton MSC Fantasia, being built at Aker Yards in St. Nazaire, France, is scheduled to debut in 2008. It will be followed by sister-ship MSC Serenata in 2009. Each ship will have 1,650 staterooms (of which 1,260 are balconied). They are the two largest cruise liners ever commissioned by a European ship owner.

The VIP area (currently named “Happy Island”) will be located on the fore part of decks 15, 16 and 17 and will be serviced by two elevators accessible only to guests staying in the VIP area. The area will include a total of 68 suites (five different types) – 34 on Deck 15 and 34 on Deck 16, ranging from 250 to 437 square feet. Two of the suites, as well as all the passenger areas and services, will be in compliance with ADA recommendations. Each VIP cabin will have full butler service, including laundry; housekeeping; room service (with a dedicated galley) for breakfast, lunch and dinner, if desired; priority reservations to the spa and restaurants; and more.

The “Happy Island” area will feature other amenities as well:

• An observation lounge and bar on Deck 15;
• A Concierge Lounge on Deck 15;
• Special stairs covered by a glass dome that will allow passage from Deck 15 to Deck 16;
• A dedicated VIP elevator from Deck 14 to Deck 17, allowing direct, private access to the spa area on Deck 14 and the VIP Sun Deck on Deck 17.
• Two VIP massage rooms in the spa on Deck 14, located opposite the elevator; and
• The VIP Sun Deck on Deck 17 includes a dedicated swimming pool, two Jacuzzis, showers and bar.

For more information about any of MSC’s itineraries around the world visit Cruise Planners or call us at 888-286-9827

This week we bring you stories from Carnival, Crystal, MSC, Royal Caribbean, The Yachts of Seabourn, and Viking River Cruises.

On this week’s news show:

• Crystal’s 2007 European Season
• Seabourn cancels Libya stops
• Royal Caribbean expands kids programs
• Norovirus onboard Freedom of The Seas
• Norovirus information
• Carnival Freedom to offer two Trans-Atlantic sailings in 2008
• Scotty Bowman to sail onboard MSC Opera
• MSC Poesia keel laid
• Viking River Cruises guarantees your satisfaction

This week we’ll be talking about Hawai’i in our feature show, so our Deal of The Week is a different itinerary to Hawai’i.  Normally we spotlight NCL America when it comes to Hawai’i, but for a change of pace we find a terrific deal from Holland America Line.  Be sure to check it out.

Listen Now:

 Cruising Anywhere But The Caribbean - Hawaii [43:22m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (36)

Cruise Community is reporting that the keel has been laid for MSC’s newest ship MSC Poesia at Aker France on December 6.

A traditional part of a keel laying ceremony is the welding of coins to the keel for good luck, and this ceremony kept with tradition.  Two coins were welded to the keel, one from Aker France representing Victor Hugo, the other coin was a gold coin earned by the grandmother of the CEO of MSC Cruises for her skill as a bridge player.

MSC Poesia is the third ship of MSC’s Musica class and will be delivered in the Spring of 2008.  The lead ship in the class, MSC Musica entered service this past summer while the second ship, MSC Orchestra will set sail in the Spring of 2007.

Unlike her sister ships, MSC Poesia will feature a Sports Bar which replaces the Wine Tasting Bar on MSC Musica and a Mediterranean restaurant which replaces the Chinese restaurant on MSC Orchestra.

While MSC Poesia is the fifth ship built for MSC by Aker Yards France, it’s only the third Musica class ship and it looks like MSC will make a decision about ordering a fourth Musica class ship this March.

Get an inside look at the world of professional hockey with former National Hockey League head coach Scotty Bowman on the Jan. 25 sailing of MSC Opera.

Bowman is considered among the greatest coaches in NHL history and the only coach in the major North American professional sports leagues to win championships with three different professional teams. During his 30-year career as a coach, Bowman won a record nine Stanley Cups (Montreal Canadiens – 1973, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979; Pittsburgh Penguins 1992; and Detroit Red Wings – 1997, 1998 and 2002). Known for his demanding coaching style, he became the league’s most successful coach with 1,244 wins in the regular season and 223 in the playoffs. He was inducted into
the Hockey Hall of Fame as a “Builder” in 1991.

During the 11-night roundtrip cruise from Fort Lauderdale to San Juan, St. Maarten, Grenada, Barbados, St. Lucia, Tortola and Samana (Dominican Republic), Bowman will hold a Q&A session, talk about his legendary career and some of his most memorable games and players, and participate in a free autograph signing.

Call us at 888-286-9827 for more information or to book your cabin onboard.

This week we get back to two shows.  We had a decent amount of cruise news this week and with NCL accepting delivery of the Norwegian Pearl we’ve finally got the details about what you can expect onboard.

The news of the week:

• Sydney prepares for a Royal Rendezvous
• Boston port calls on the rise, and Massport is looking to expand their facilities.
• Crystal Symphony completes major drydock
• Carnival Freedom to return to Europe in 2008
• Norwegian Pearl delivered and we have ALL the details on her onboard amenities!
• MSC introduces mascot
• Regent 2008 World Cruise announced
• Royal Caribbean returns to New Orleans

We’re also pleased to announce our latest escorted group cruise, we’re calling the East Coast Fall Fiber Fest.  Departing September 21, 2007, this nine night sailing round trip from Baltimore Maryland onboard Royal Caribbean’s Grandeur of the Seas calls on Bar Harbor, Maine; Halifax, Nova Scotia; St John, New Brunswick; Portland, Maine; and Boston, Massachusettes.  Pricing starts at just $1,200 per person and includes workshops and all kinds of exclusive goodies only available to group members!  Details and ONLINE registration can be found here, or you can call us at 888-286-9827 for more information or to reserve your place onboard.  In addition we’ll have news and announcements related to the Fall Fiber Frenzy keep an eye on the group’s blog here.  Plus if you’re coming on this sailing, you can post to the blog and discuss the cruise with your fellow travelers.

Don’t forget to check out this week’s Deal of The Week.  If you’ve always dreamed of making a trans-Atlantic sailing, especially on Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth II then this is the deal you’ve been waiting for!

You’ll find this week’s show in iTunes, and you can always listen to it right in your browser window or download it by clicking on the link below.

Listen Now:

 News for the week of December 4, 2006 [43:36m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (30)

MSC Cruises has the perfect gift for those special people on your list this holiday season – and you get the gift of saving at the same time.

When you book a 2007 Deep Caribbean or Panama sailing on MSC Lirica or MSC Opera with special Holiday Gift rates and bonus upgrades, you are sure to be the star of the season.

Not only will you be giving a cruise experience with an Italian flavor to some of the Caribbean’s most beautiful locales, but you will also be saving as much as 65 percent off retail rates. Plus, bonus upgrades of up to three categories add as much as $150 to the value of the gift.

Holiday Gift prices start at just $695 per person, double occupancy (plus government fees and taxes). Special Holiday Gift rates are available on select 11-night sailings of MSC Lirica and MSC Opera roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale Jan. 9-April 18, 2007 and must be booked by Dec. 31, 2006. Holiday Gift rates include upgrades of inside to outside staterooms and are not valid for balcony or suite staterooms. Full nonrefundable payment is due within 24 hours of booking. The offer may not be combined with any other discount or promotion. Restrictions apply.

Call us at 888-286-9827 to take advantage of one of these great rates!

MSC Cruises would like to introduce the newest member of the family – DO RE MI.

Named to mirror the musical names of the ships in the line’s fleet, the name for MSC Cruises’ new mascot was chosen by children who have cruised on MSC Cruises. By launching a new mascot such as DO RE MI, MSC Cruises demonstrates its commitment to meet the needs of all its guests, including its younger cruisers.

The DO RE MI character is in the shape of the compass logo (keeping in line with the line’s logo) with a smiling face, arms and legs. DO RE MI is not just a design but a life-sized character that will keep the younger guests onboard MSC Cruises’ ships company throughout their magical journey on the Italian cruise line.

DO RE MI will be on hand to welcome the children at embarkation and bid good day at disembarkation points. DO RE MI will entertain younger guests and parents, too, adding to the fun of the swimming galas and parties in the disco.

DO RE MI is debuting this month onboard MSC Armonia and MSC Sinfonia as they make their way to the coast of South America to spend the winter season cruising to Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay.  Soon after, DO RE MI will appear on all the other vessels in the fleet, including the flagship MSC Musica, during her inaugural winter season of 11-night cruises in the Mediterranean.

This lovable character will also be featured in a collection of exclusive and dedicated products for children that will be available onboard MSC Cruises’ ships.

With ships whose names evoke melodious images (MSC Musica, MSC Lirica, MSC Opera, MSC Rhapsody, MSC Melody, MSC Sinfonia, MSC Armonia and MSC Orchestra) it’s not surprising that music plays a big part in the MSC Cruises experience.

Onboard every MSC Cruises’ ship, guests will find live music around every corner. Performers in the lounges and on the pool deck fill the air with musical stylings, from popular dance music and hits of the ‘50s and ‘60s to classical guitar and jazz renditions. Plus, the ship’s theaters feature an international lineup of entertainers presenting different musical experiences each evening and the discos are the ideal place to dance the night away to the latest pulsating beats.

You’ll find the details about how MSC is celebrating music with some special themed sailings by clicking on “more” or call us at 888-286-9827 for more information.

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