MSC Cruises has completed its Renaissance Programme, delivering four renewed ships that will spearhead the company’s push into new markets and further strengthen its position in those where it is the leader.

MSC Cruises chief executive Gianni Onorato told a press conference aboard MSC Lirica – the final ship to complete the Renaissance transformation – that the project reinforced the elements that so distinguish the MSC Cruises experience.

These include tailored amenities and services for families; exquisite, varied dining offerings; outstanding entertainment; a broad choice of relaxation and wellness options and more, all provided with a touch of Mediterranean flair and flavour.

Detailing some of the on-board innovations and enhancements, Onorato said much of the Renaissance was carried out with families in mind, which is why every ship now has five separate clubs for young guests up to 17 years old, including two designed and equipped by leading childhood brands Chicco and LEGO.

Dining has been made even more flexible with an extended range of menus and restaurants, while guests can truly cruise at their own pace with buffet options available for a full 20 hours a day.

The entertainment offering has also been further enhanced with a packed, 20-hour programme of day-and-night activities, live music and dance, and themed events across a range of upgraded entertainment venues - including the spectacular theatre - on each ship.

The ships’ beauty and wellness services have had a makeover of their own with more massage suites added to the Aurea Spa, restyled whirlpool baths and a spa doctor on hand for a discreet, highly personalised service.

Talking specifically about MSC Lirica, Mr Onorato said the ship had been fully customised ahead of its May 2016 deployment in Shanghai, China with an array of tailor-made touches just for Chinese consumers.

These include the world’s first Cruise Ambassador service, an industry-leading ratio of Mandarin-speaking staff (up to 80 per cent) and a totally new dining offer, comprising refined Asian and international cuisines.

Onorato said: “Renaissance is the first pillar of MSC Cruises’ second growth phase, while the four next-generation new builds we’ll launch between 2017 and 2019 are the second. Renaissance has delivered four holistically improved ships that will serve strategic segments of the global cruise market with the standard-setting experiences, amenities and service that are synonymous with MSC Cruises today.”