MSC Cruises has begun work to transform the second of its four Lirica-class ships with the arrival of MSC Sinfonia at the Fincantieri shipyard in Palermo, Sicily. The work to lengthening and refit the vessel over the next ten weeks will now include the addition of dedicated kids’ club areas from LEGO and Chicco – extending the exciting brand partnerships introduced on sister ship MSC Armonia.

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.

MSC Cruises has today signed a contract with Italian shipyard Fincantieri confirming the construction of two new cruise ships, with an option for one more vessel. The new prototype project, named ‘Seaside’, will be the largest cruise ships ever built by Fincantieri and will feature a revolutionary architectural style leading the way for a new generation of cruise ships.

Selso is a young 22-month old Southern Elephant Seal that underwent rehabilitation at uShaka Sea World, in Durban, South Africa, after being stranded in June of last year on a beach in KwaZulu Natal.

MSC Cruises confirms that former UK & Ireland Managing Director Giulio Libutti has left the company by mutual agreement. After 5 years of committed leadership, the company would like to thank Mr Libutti for his hard work and wish him every success in future endeavours.

Geneva-based MSC Cruises has withdrawn the 1,000-passenger MSC Melody from its fleet. Melody has sailed for MSC since 1995, when it was acquired as the Starship Atlantic.