Supplement to Travel Trade
December
2004
MSC Opera: 
Ready for Its
North American Close-up
This December debut of the stylish MSC Opera in Port Everglades for its inaugural Caribbean season marks a significant step for MSC Cruises as they double their capacity in the region. The ship will be greeted in Port Everglades by Sophia Loren, who served as the godmother for both the Opera and the MSC Lirica, which joins its sister ship in January for a second season of Caribbean itineraries. Under the capable direction of Richard Sasso, MSC Cruises USA president and CEO, and his management team (several of whom worked with him at Celebrity Cruises), the Opera, which was inaugurated this summer, has been refocused for the American market.
As they build the brand in North America, Sasso and his team have been busy ensuring that cruisers are offered a “premium experience.” Sasso noted that it is the personality, spirit and service of the ship and crew that comprise “our definition of premium, with white glove greetings for the guests.”
As staff are all fully salaried, a fleetwide “no tipping required” policy is in force. Sasso said the company harkens back to the graciousness for which cruising companies like Home Line were known.
“We’re recreating the art of cruising,” said Sasso, with the best of both worlds: the product Americans enjoy and demand and Italian style. Naples-based MSC Crociere is owned by one of Italy’s most prominent shipping families. Its cruise operations have, up until recently, been targeted to Europeans. The company launched a $3 billion expansion program in 2003 with six ships operating this year and a seventh, MSC Sinfonia, added for 2005. Two Panamax newbuilds are on order for delivery in 2006 and 2007.
Sasso’s appointment earlier this year, and the opening of a Ft. Lauderdale headquarters and reservation call center, signified that the line is serious about expanding its North American presence. While the Opera’s summer Mediterranean sailings are currently comprised of 85% Europeans, the Caribbean cruise make-up is 85% North Americans, and Sasso has indicated that the future is likely to hold a year-round presence in the Caribbean.
On an October Mediterranean sailing to introduce the North American travel press to the vessel, Sasso and Bob Keesler, vice president of hotel and marine operations, detailed the blend of North American taste and Italian spirit that they expect will make the MSC ships uniquely attractive to the North American market. The Opera’s signature Italian heritage — including Italian waiters and officers — will continue to be highlighted, said Sasso. In fact, Italian lessons and an Italian “phrase of the day” may be incorporated.
Other areas are being expanded for the North American market including the addition of food choices for the North American palate, with bagels and smoked salmon, omelets and a waffle station added to the breakfast menu.
On the Tosca pool deck 12, Le Vele, which on Mediterranenan cruises served buffet breakfast and lunch, will now also be open for dinner as an alternate choice, with table service and open seating.
Moreover, the lunch buffet has been expanded to meet North American preferences. Just outside La Vele is Il Patio, which seats 412 for al fresco dining, and includes a grill and pizzeria, which will have longer operating hours and also offer hot and cold snacks.
Deck 12 also features two pools, two whirlpools and plenty of deck lounges.The ship is beautiful by anyone’s standards. Think “understated elegance,” with plush seating, gleaming brass, a sweeping marble reception area and soothing, sedate color schemes. Although a medium-sized ship at 58,600 tons, the Opera’s public rooms are surprisingly spacious.
There’s a choice of comfortable lounges, but we usually gravitated to the La Cabala Piano Bar on Otello deck 6, where the service was exceptionally friendly and efficient and the pianist/vocalist pleasing. Its location next to the Internet Café, where there are about 10 stations, was convenient for those in our group filing stories via E-mail.
Other lounges include the spacious Piazza di Spagna, on Aida deck 5, which seats 250 and includes piano entertainment and, on our cruise, some strikingly talented staff members who stepped up to the mike to sing a song or two. The Caruso Lounge, forward on deck 7, seats 465 and is adjacent to the Card Room and library. The Cotton Club on deck 6, which accommodates 150, is another popular venue.
The Bybilos Discoteca on La Boheme deck 12 is probably the ship’s most stunning room. The view from the wraparound windows is breathtaking. Seating includes long, curving couches. This is a lively spot that, at least on the Med cruises, didn’t really get started until the wee hours of the morning.
There are two seatings in two dining rooms, La Bitta, the largest, seats 628 on deck 5 and L’Approdo on deck 6 accommodates 384. Both rooms are equally attractive, with formal table settings and views of the sea. The cuisine is excellent, and although there is a variety of tasty selections, the pasta dishes are especially good.
After-dinner entertainment takes place in the lovely Teatro del Opera, a two-level venue that seats 713. A new lecture program with former U.S. ambassadors will be featured on the Opera’s Caribbean cruises, and a series of baseball-themed cruises will include some of the greats of the game.
In the Monte Carlo Casino on deck 6 there are some changes for North American
preferences. Sasso noted that roulette is especially popular on Mediterranean
cruises, while in the Caribbean, blackjack and craps top the list, so the casino
is adding more of the latter. There are also poker and slots, with a couple of
machines placed just outside of the Casino to tempt passers-by.Staterooms range from 165 to 220 square feet and 200 come with balconies. Our oceanview cabin with balcony on Norma deck 9 was very attractive and comfortable. The addition of throw pillows and cushions to the bed added a nice, decorative touch and the large mirror that faced the bed gave additional lightness and airiness to the stateroom. The artwork in staterooms adds personality and warmth and the designers included generous closet and drawer space. Stateroom amenities include satellite TV and radio, a full-service mini bar, room safe and hairdryer. The bathroom with shower was outfitted with terry robes and plush towels. Larger suites with balcony include a bath with tub and a common space with sofabed, guest seat, coffee table and desk.
Important for the American market is the spa’s shift to U.S. dollar pricing from euros. The spa is on Tosca deck 11 and is operated by Jean Kleibert. A variety of treatments are available, from our favorite hot stone massage to more exotic offerings, such as Balinese massage. They combine ancient and modern practices using natural minerals, healing salts and aromatherapy. A relaxation and meditation area is placed next to the treatment rooms, wrapped in glass and furnished with small teak beds. There’s also a full service beauty salon. Advise clients to book early, as the spa and beauty services are excellent and very popular. The adjoining exercise area offers state-of-the-art equipment and magnificent ocean views. The ship also features a miniature golf course and jogging/walking track.
On the same deck is Buffalo Bill’s Clubhouse, a colorful supervised playroom for ages 3-10 (younger kids allowed if accompanied by an adult).
Clients can indulge their caffeine cravings at the Aroma coffee bar, deck 6; there is a charge for their special coffees, but croissants are complimentary.
Descend one deck, and several boutiques offer colorful and elegant choices for shoppers in the Via Condotti area.
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MSC Opera will sail alternating 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries through late March. It will sail an 18-night trans-Atlantic Ft. Lauderdale to Genoa voyage on April 2, after which it will resume its summer Mediterranean sailings.
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