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Gone in a puff of smoke
Fantasia features modern design, technology ... and cigarettes
 | Italian actress Sophia Loren, second from right, launches the new MSC Fantasia cruise ship last December. |
Ciro De Luc / Reuters file |
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MSC Cruises is little-known in the U.S. but it’s the fastest growing cruise line in the world. The family-run line started in 1987 and is a division of Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), the world’s second-largest cargo ship operator encompassing some 400 vessels. The company has built up a 10-strong fleet of new cruise ships since 2003, and hopes to make a huge splash with Fantasia.
On the outside, MSC Fantasia looks much like any other mega ship that’s built as a destination unto itself.
However, the real beauty lies within. The most important factor onboard the Fantasia is its advanced design and ultra modern technology to minimize its carbon footprint. It has already won accolades from European environmental groups. The ship boasts many unique features in a refined decor of golden tones, colored marbles, mosaics, glass works and sculptures.
Style and good taste
But perhaps the biggest achievement was making this vast vessel feel amazingly intimate.
As you journey around the ship, you pass from one distinct area into another, each a stylish triumph of good taste. Among the many public spaces are standouts such as the charming, shop-lined Piazza San Giorgio, an Italian-style square in Ligurian tradition paved in stone with terracotta border and a frescoed ceiling simulating night and day.
Also worth mentioning are the avant-garde Manhattan Jazz Bar, the Sports Bar with memorabilia including world champion Giacomo Agostini’s motorbike and the romantic L’Etoile restaurant, inspired by the Parisian Belle Epoque, with à la carte French cuisine.
A hot spot is the Liquid Disco, in bright pink resin, which rises on stilts over the fountains of the Aquapark with “pools” of glass on the walls and the dance floor, and specially shaped sofas and seats.
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Because Fantasia is designed to operate year-round in the Mediterranean, it’s the first ship in the MSC fleet to offer a pool area under a magrodome (sliding-glass roof). As well, its outdoor pool, called Aquapark, is not only the largest onboard but also features an outdoor movie screen and 150 illuminated water fountains. Another key sun deck feature is the adults-only Zen area with really ultramodern sun loungers. For children, the North Pole mini-club features polar bears and igloos along with counselor organized activities, while the teens get their own vibrant disco, Graffiti.
Plenty of features
One of Fantasia’s main attractions is the 17,384 square feet Aurea Spa with feng shui layout, stone-accented walls and light green soothing tones. There’s a vast gym with panoramic wave-watching views and each treatment room overlooks the sea. The spa employs Balinese therapists and for the first time is managed by the line itself. Richard Sasso, president and CEO of MSC Cruises USA, says it was important that the line manage its own spa. “Wellness is a very important and other concessionaires are too pushy, trying to sell products. We don’t believe in that, we want our guests to have a relaxing experience.” Bravo! I wish more cruise lines would do this.
Of Fantasia’s 1,637 staterooms 80 percent are outside staterooms most have balconies and there are 109 suites between 193-699 square feet in size. The standard cabins are nicely appointed in dark wood and dark color schemes.
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If you want real accommodation elegance the Fantasia offers the Yacht Club. This VIP area located in the front of the ship on Deck 15 and 16 features 99 suites, a bar, solarium, pool with a sky dome, lounge with a transparent ceiling, and round-the-clock concierge and butler service. Stairs and some floors are made of Swarovski crystal, and passengers have use of private elevators.
Of course, this luxury doesn’t come cheap; each Yacht Club guest will shell out approximately $4,000 a week for the privilege.
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