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The 133,500-ton, 3,300-passenger MSC Fantasia debuted in December 2008 as the largest and most innovative cruise ship ever built by Italy-based MSC Cruises. Along with sister ship MSC Splendida, which followed a year later, it represents a brand-new class for the rapidly growing line. Simply put, MSC Fantasia is a beautiful ship. Cruise lines throw that "beauty" description around a bit too liberally, but Fantasia is special. The atrium area is lofty and towers five decks; the colors in the public rooms and cabins are vibrant without a hint of gaudiness.
As a prototype, Fantasia offers a blend of MSC's signature features with a handful of novel twists. The most notable new-to-MSC feature is the Yacht Club, a luxurious ship-within-a-ship living space, pioneered by Cunard with its "Grill-class" and NCL with its Courtyard Villa complex. Also new are the fleet's first retractable-roof-covered pool, a popular destination when the weather turns foul, and a 4D cinema that takes strapped-in passengers on a cosmic coaster ride. On the evolutionary front, Fantasia boasts the fleet's highest ratio of balcony cabins, an expanded version of the line's staple Balinese-style spa and a pair of for-fee alternative restaurants.
It's important to note, that MSC's style is definitely European. English-speaking travelers who are comfortable with European service and cuisine will find the ship a delight.
At about 75 percent, MSC Fantasia's ratio of cabins with private balconies is not only the highest in its own fleet, but it also ranks quite well among all new ships. The major benefit to a high ratio for verandahs is that the more balconies a ship offers, the more affordable they are. A standard balcony stateroom measures 194 square feet, not including verandah, which is just above the industry average.
One of Fantasia's most intriguing features is its Yacht Club. The aforementioned ship-within-a-ship concept surrounds a luxury enclave of cabins and private facilities (including a lounge, pool areas and dedicated areas in the main dining venues).
Bars, Clubs & Lounges
Intimate Lounge
Fantasia Bar
Le Vele
Wine Bar
La Cantina Toscana
Cigar Bar
The Cigar Lounge
Sports Bar
Sports Bar - features 9 Nintendo Wii Sport consoles!
Casino delle Palme
Coffee Bar
Il Cappuccino
Pool Bar
The Glass Bar
Bar delle Fontane
Gaudi Bar
Music and Dance
Piano Bar
Il Tansatlantico
Piazza San Giorgio
Jazz Bar
Manhattan Bar
Night Club
Liquid
L'Insolito Lounge
Exclusive Lounge
Yacht Club Lounge
Top Sail Lounge
Yacht Club Pool Bar
The One Bar
Teen Spots
Teen Lounge/Club
I Graffiti
Arcade
Virtual World
Casino & Gambling
Casino delle Palme
Table Games and Slot Machines
Card Room
Currencies accepted: U.S. Dollars, Euros, Traveler's Checks, cruise card, and all major credit cards except Discover. For all Europe cruises, the only currency accepted onboard is the Euro.
Aurea Spa
Sauna, steam room, thalassotherapy, and numerous body treatments.
Beauty Salon
Spa and salon treatments are at current menu pricing
Sports & Fitness
Fitness
Fitness Center: features state-of-the-art equipment
Exercise Classes: Aerobics, Step Classes, Yoga, Resistance training, spinning, Circuit training, and more. Exercise programs vary by ship itinerary.
Nintendo Wii fit stations with balance board (4)
Sports
Jogging Track: Deck 15 outdoor track
Lo Stadio Sports Center
Tennis and Basketball court
Mini-Golf: Deck 16
Nintendo Wii competitions
Pools
Nintendo Wii with large screen located in the main pool area
Acqua Park: outdoor pool area with 150 spraying fountains, waterjets, whirlpools and pool bar
Il Tropici: indoor pool with retractable roof
Whirlpools
Lido Catalano: aft outdoor pool area
Il Polo Nord: Children's Waterpark & Play area
Toboga: Children's Waterslide
The One Pool: exclusive Yacht Club Pool area for guests of the Yacht Club suites.
Shops
Shopping Arcade
Duty-free shopping - Nintendo Wii consoles and accessories available for sale!
Perfume & Cosmetics
Jewelry
MSC logo shop
Photo Gallery/Photo Shop
Gallery Plaza: Art Gallery
Candy Shop
Leisure
Shows
Teatro L'Avanguardia
Musicals
Stage Shows
Flamenco Dancing
Magicians and Mimes
Parties and Theme Nights
Captain's Welcome Party
Themed parties and events vary with ship and itinerary
Music and Dance
Live Bands
Classical Concerts
Karaoke
Solo and Duo Vocal performances
40's Dance Music, 50's Rock and Roll
Contests & Tournaments
Game Rooms
Blackjack and slot machine contests
Treasure Hunts
Trivia & Quizzes
Sports Tournaments, Pool Games
Nintendo Wii competitions
Other Features
Library
Internet Café (for a fee)
Formula-1 Simulator
Solarium
Outdoor Cinema & Entertainment
Shuffleboard
Business Center
Photography lessons
Wine Tasting Workshops
Guest Lecturers
Gaming lessons
Art classes
Dance lessons
Wellness program
Classes vary on ship and itinerary
Kids & Families
Mini-club: 3 - 8 Years Old
Junior Club: 9 to 13 Years Old
Teen Club: 14 to 17 Years Old
Activities vary by the number and ages of the children onboard
Children under 3 years of age must be accompanied by an adult at all times to visit the Mini-Club
My Teen Card: prepaid card for onboard spending
Red Velvet
Experience authentic Italian cuisine and MSC traditional family recipes at this two level main dining room. Breakfast and Lunch are opening style dining and Dinner is formal sit down.
Seating Times: Breakfast: 7 - 9 AM, Lunch: Noon - 3 PM, Dinner: Early: 7 PM; Late: 9:15 PM.
Dress: We suggest smart casual attire. On formal evenings (2), formal attire is appropriate in the restaurant, which includes suits and ties or tuxedos for men and dresses for women. Swimwear, shorts and jeans are not permitted.
Costs: No additional costs, but specialty drinks and alcoholic beverages are at current bar menu prices.
Reservations required.
Il Cerchio d'Oro
Enjoy panoramic views along with the flavors and dishes from an authentic Mediterranean cucina. This main restaurant serves up Italian specialties and MSC traditional family recipes. Breakfast and Lunch are open style seating and Dinner is a formal sit down meal.
Seating Times: Breakfast: 7 - 9 AM, Lunch: Noon - 3 PM, Dinner: Early: 7 PM; Late: 9:15 PM.
Dress: We suggest smart casual attire, which includes sport shirt and slacks for men and pantsuits or informal dress for women. On formal evenings we suggest suits and ties or tuxedos for men and dresses for women. Swimwear, shorts and jeans are not permitted.
Costs: No additional costs, but specialty drinks and alcoholic beverages are at current bar menu prices.
Reservations required.
El Sombrero
Join the fiesta, dine on spicy entrees and other traditional Southwest cuisine at this Tex-Mex restaurant.
Seating Times: Check onboard for hours of operation.
Dress: We suggest smart casual dress attire. On formal evenings, formal dress is required. Shorts and swimwear are not permitted.
Costs: A nominal per person fee as well as specialty drinks and alcoholic beverages that are at current bar menu pricing.
Reservations are required.
L'Etoile
This specialty restaurant serves up gourmet French cuisine in a romantic setting.
Seating Times: Check onboard for hours of operation.
Dress: We suggest smart casual dress attire. On formal evenings, formal dress is required. Shorts and swimwear are not permitted.
Costs: A nominal per person fee as well as specialty drinks and alcoholic beverages that are at current bar menu pricing.
Reservations are required.
Zanzibar
Buffet-style breakfasts and lunches are the main event at this causal cafeteria. On select days the cafeteria also features an a la carte pizza menu.
Seating Times: Breakfast: 7 - 10 AM, Lunch: Noon - 2 PM.
Dress: We suggest casual attire.
Costs: No additional costs, but specialty drinks and alcoholic beverages are at current bar menu prices.
No reservations required.
L'Africana
Located at the aft of the ship this buffet-style restaurant serves up a wide selection of dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Seating Times: Check onboard for hours of operation.
Dress: We suggest casual attire.
Costs: No additional costs, but specialty drinks and alcoholic beverages are at current bar menu prices.
No reservations required.
Room Service
The ship offers 24 hour room service with continental selections for breakfast, and soups, salads, and light snacks for lunch and dinner.
Seating Times: 24 hours a day.
Dress: Always Casual.
Costs: No additional charges for breakfast & non-alcoholic beverage orders. A nominal fee of $2.50 at other times. Alcoholic beverages are additional costs.
No reservations required