MSC Cruises has revealed MSC Magnifica will undergo an extensive transformation which will see her stretched by 23 meters. After her makeover Magnifica will offer 215 extra cabins, a new water park, a redesigned kids area, two new restaurants and a new shopping area. The newly refurbished MSC Magnifica will offer brand-new itineraries for Summer 2021 sailing from Southampton.
Stretching the fun onboard Magnifica
In an effort to further enhance the guest experience, MSC Cruises is completely transforming MSC Magnifica by cutting the ship in half and adding a 23-meter-long section. This will add an additional 7,000 m2 of space to the ship. This will result in 215 extra cabins, bringing the total number of balcony cabins to 63% of the overall ship, a new water park, a redesigned kids area, plus additional features such as two new restaurants and a new shopping area.
This is not the first time MSC Cruises have refurbished and stretched existing ships in the fleet. In 2015 the four ships of the much loved Lirica class underwent a significant renovation as part of the €130 million ‘Renaissance project’, to improve facilities and enhance the onboard experience.
Environmental upgrades
When the works are completed, MSC Magnifica will feature two new major and important onboard environmental advances to complement a wide range of existing leading-edge environmental technologies across the company’s entire fleet: a state-of-the-art Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system and next-generation Advanced Wastewater Treatment (AWT) system.
SCR technology helps reduce nitrogen oxide into pure nitrogen and water through advanced active emissions control technology. MSC Cruises also took the opportunity to install a state-of-the-art advanced wastewater treatment system on board that meets the highest standards and that purifies used wastewater to near tap-water quality. The system meets the so-called ‘Baltic Standard’ and treats the wastewater to a higher standard than most waste standards available in cities around the world.
To help reduce and continuously minimize emissions also while in port, the ship will be able to ‘plug in’ to the local power grid wherever such systems are available at berth.
Brand new itineraries
After her extensive transformation MSC Magnifica will offer 24 sailings from Southampton. Beginning in May and ending in October 2021, Magnifica will sail cruises ranging from 2 to 14 nights with brand new varied itineraries encompassing Canary Islands & Madeira, the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and the Baltic Capitals. Most of the 24 sailings will begin on a Saturday ensuring guests can make the most of their holiday experience.
With their fantastic climate, distinctive landscapes and bustling ports the 12-night cruise that calls at three of the Canary Islands (Gran Canaria, Tenerife and Lanzarote) departing early May is perfectly timed to catch the sun.
A 3-night May Bank Holiday Mini Cruise is perfect for the first-time cruiser who wants a taster of a holiday at sea or the experienced cruiser looking to make the most of the bank holiday weekend. Guests will set sail from Southampton late on Friday evening and spend the day in Zeebrugge before returning to Southampton.
There are two opportunities to discover the much-loved Baltic Capitals, on a 12-night cruise departing 31st May or on a 14-night cruise departing 11th September. Offering slightly different itineraries with added highlights on the 14-night itinerary including an overnight stay in the Swedish Capital Stockholm, and a visit to Denmark’s Skagen. Both sailings include an overnight onboard stay in St Petersburg and a visit to Norway’s capital, Oslo.
MSC Magnifica will also offer four different stunning Norwegian Fjord itineraries and will call at two brand new destinations: Skagen in Denmark, renowned for hours of sun and unique light, plus Rosendal in Norway, which is the world’s fourth largest fjord. Other popular ports of call include Flam and Stavanger.
A 14-night Western Mediterranean cruise in August has been developed with families in mind. Departing on the 7th August this no-fly cruise begins with two sea days to give guests a chance to settle in. Then it’s action packed itinerary allows you to explore seven different ports in nine days including a late sail from the fabulous Palma de Mallorca and a visit to the exclusive Monte Carlo.
In addition to new itineraries MSC Magnifica will be back with all the ‘Best of British’ enhancements that were initially showcased on MSC Magnifica in 2018, including favourite’s such as pie & mash, back bacon and sausages available in the buffet and Kettles in cabins with of course Yorkshire Tea, which is back by popular demand.