MSC Armonia, the first of four MSC cruise ships to be enlarged and enhanced under the Renaissance Programme, was re-launched in Genoa today before a ten-day inaugural cruise to the Canary Islands.

Hundreds of journalists and travel industry representatives boarded MSC Armonia as MSC Cruises chief executive Gianni Onorato unveiled the ship’s range of sensational new options and features.

Onorato told a press conference in the ship’s Business Centre: “I’m very proud of what we and our partners at Fincantieri have achieved with MSC Armonia.

“Not only is the ship smarter and more spacious, but we have given it a new lease of life that will appeal to experienced cruise travellers and first-timers.”

The €200m Renaissance Programme is the first step in a €5 billion fleet enlargement plan, which includes four new ships in two innovative classes, to be delivered by STX France and Fincantieri, in Italy, between 2017 and 2019, with options for three more by 2022.

In 2004, MSC Cruises carried 80,000 guests a year; today the company has grown by 800 per cent and the number of guests carried reaches 40,000 a day.

The fleet’s capacity is on course to be doubled by 2022, meaning 3.4 million people holidaying with MSC Cruises every year.

The new-look MSC Armonia has more balcony cabins, more spacious common areas, flexible new dining options and new dedicated clubs for younger guests of all ages.

The ship also has a stunning new outdoor Spray Park – a fun-filled wet zone with interactive jets, slides and ingenious water features.

MSC Armonia is also the first cruise ship in the world to feature tailor-made areas for children that have been officially designed, equipped and endorsed by Chicco and LEGO.

All these enhancements add an impressive complement to MSC Armonia’s existing amenities, such as two open-air swimming pools, distinctive restaurants and bars and the beautiful Fenice Theatre.