MSC Cruises offers new deluxe wellbeing experience

INTRODUCING AUREA SPA – AN AUTHENTIC BALINESE WELLBEING CENTRE ON BOARD THE BEAUTIFUL MSC FANTASIA

MSC Cruises will soon be offering passengers a varied and deluxe spa experience on board MSC Fantasia, the most beautiful ship in the world. MSC Fantasia will be christened in December 2008 and as well as being the largest ship in the fleet and the first to offer passengers the choice of luxury six star accommodation, she will also offer the most extensive wellbeing facilities with the introduction of the AUREA SPA.

The AUREA SPA will be an authentic Balinese style wellness centre offering varied treatments, executed by experienced professionals. Located on deck 14, it will occupy 1,500 square metres subdivided into specific areas including a Thalassotherapy Room, Thermal Area, Gymnasium and Relaxation Area. Each area has been designed to offer a beautiful overall experience for guests, with tasteful finishing including bronze and gold mosaics, exotic ornamental plants and the use of perfumed essential oils.

The Thalassotherapy Room has three treatment cabins, each 20 square metres in size, all with a beautiful sea view. Balinese massage – the signature treatment of the AUREA SPA – will take place in this area, and among the huge choice of treatments are reflexology, lava stones, infrared massage, cranial massage and shiatsu. Also on offer will be a full menu of treatments to balance the body’s energy including sauna, vapour and infrared treatments, thalassotherapy and a vichy shower.

MSC Cruises spa experts will also be offering a selection of advanced medical spa treatments:

Q-Frequency – a treatment which combats the slackening of muscle tone in both face and body, delivering particularly effective results for those looking to reduce wrinkles

Mya Advance – a non surgical alternative to liposculpture and the perfect way to enhance body shape as well as target specific areas with stubborn fatty deposits

Active-Press – a manual lymphatic drainage treatment which helps eliminate metabolic wastes, toxins and excess water

The Thermal Area is 150 square metres of sparkling mosaics with four saunas and two Turkish Baths. After a relaxing Balinese massage, visiting the thermal area is the best way to eliminate toxins from the body.

The spa also includes a 415 square metre Gymnasium, fitted with the latest fitness equipment and adaptable for dance tuition, as well as a Relaxation Area with a comfortable lounge that includes huge picture windows so that passengers can lie back and enjoy the views.

In addition to the fantastic wellbeing services on offer, the AUREA SPA also provides a hairdressing service and a freshly made juice bar for passengers to enjoy.

About MSC Fantasia:

MSC Fantasia, the largest ship commissioned by a European ship owner, will be christened in Naples on 18 December 2008, by the company’s Godmother – Sophia Loren. MSC Fantasia weighs 133,500 tonnes and will be 6 times as high as the Tower of Pisa, 9 metres taller than the Eiffel Tower and also as tall as a 23 floor skyscraper.

For the winter season 2008/2009, MSC Fantasia will be based in Genoa and will offer two exciting festive cruises. The first will be the Christmas cruise, which departs 20 December 2008 for 8-nights visiting Greece and Egypt. The second a New Year’s Eve cruise, will depart 28 December 2008 also for 8- nights calling into Spain, Portugal and Gibraltar.

Then starting on 5 January to 1 March 2009, MSC Fantasia will be operating 11-night cruises, from Genoa and Civitavecchia, to discover the treasures of Spain, Gibraltar, Madeira and the Canary Islands.

About MSC Cruises:

MSC Cruises currently has a fleet of nine ships: MSC Poesia third flagship of the “Musica” class, MSC Orchestra, MSC Musica, MSC Sinfonia, MSC Opera, MSC Armonia, MSC Lirica, MSC Melody, MSC Rhapsody , cruising in the Mediterranean all year round, Northern Europe, Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean and South America. The fleet will increase to 12 ships by 2010. In the winter of 2008 MSC Fantasia will be launched, followed in the spring of 2009 by MSC Splendida. These will be two of the largest ships built by a European ship owner. Then in 2010 MSC Magnifica, the fourth ship in the Musica class will enter service. MSC Crociere is a partner of the city of Venice and a member of the Club – ‘Friends of Venice’ as well as one of the supporters for the project ‘Venice Blue Flag’ which sets the standards for the carbon emissions.