Named in honor of MSC Cruises' "godmother," Italian film icon Sophia Loren, MSC Divina features the exclusive MSC Yacht Club ship-within-a-ship concept found on the line's two other Fantasia-class ships, MSC Fantasia and MSC Splendida.

"We're very excited to kick off our new relationship with PortMiami with the newest of our Fantasia-class flagships," said Richard E. Sasso, President and CEO of MSC Cruises (USA), Inc.

"In addition to enjoying the sophisticated design, international entertainment, Mediterranean cuisine, exotic MSC Aurea Spa and international experience that are the hallmarks of MSC Cruises, guests will now have the opportunity to depart from Miami to enjoy the MSC Yacht Club private haven of luxury suites that previously had only been available on European sailings," Sasso said.

"We look forward to the arrival of the MSC Divina to PortMiami," said Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez.  "We are honored to have MSC as a new cruise brand at our Port and appreciate the positive economic impact the company will have on our county."

Miami-Dade County Commissioner Rebeca Sosa, chair the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners committee overseeing the Seaport, joined Commission Chairman Joe A. Martinez in welcoming MSC Cruises and its newest vessel to South Florida.

"MSC brand is known worldwide for its sophisticated, international service," Commissioner Sosa said.  "The MSC Divina will offer cruise passengers sailing from PortMiami a very special vacation experience."
Port Director Bill Johnson said the MSC Divina is a great addition to the Port's fleet.  "What a fantastic way to introduce a new brand to our Port than with its newest vessel."

With 1,751 staterooms hosting 3,502 guests (double occupancy) on the 139,400-ton ship, MSC Divina will be the largest ship in the MSC Cruises fleet.

Like her sister ships, MSC Divina will feature the exclusive MSC Yacht Club. With 69 suites in this "ship-within-a-ship," guests indulge in comfort and convenience, from their own personal butler to complimentary wines and spirits available any time of the day in the MSC Yacht Club's exclusive lounges and pool area. This oasis of tranquility includes several private venues, including Le Muse panoramic restaurant, Top Sail Lounge, pool and relaxation area as well as private access to MSC Aurea Spa.

All MSC Divina guests have access to three restaurants and a Tex-Mex alternative dining restaurant, Acqua Park (with 150 fountains and water jets, whirlpools and pool bar), MSC Aurea Spa with Balinese-inspired treatments, children's and teen areas, interactive 4-D Cinema, virtual Formula 1 auto racing, acclaimed international entertainment in the 1,603-seat Pantheon Theatre and much more.

Among the new features on the ship are an Infinity Garden Pool and "beach zone" in the aft, with spectacular views of the ship's wake, and cutting-edge technical advancements that assure less environmental impact.

For more information about MSC Cruises, visit us online at www.msccruisesusa.com, call 877-665-4655, or contact a local travel professional. 

About MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises is a privately-held, family-owned, Italian cruise line with a fleet of 11 ships:  MSC Magnifica, MSC Splendida, MSC Fantasia, MSC Poesia, MSC Orchestra, MSC Musica, MSC Sinfonia, MSC Armonia, MSC Opera, MSC Lirica and MSC Melody. Its 12th ship, MSC Divina, a sister ship to MSC Fantasia and MSC Splendida, debuts in May of 2012, with sister ship MSC Preziosa scheduled to join the fleet in March 2013. The fleet cruises year round in the Mediterranean and seasonally in Northern Europe, the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean, South America, the Indian Ocean, and South and West Africa.

About PortMiami

PortMiami is the world's busiest cruise port handling more than four million passengers last year, the fourth year in a row in which the Port topped the four million mark for cruise traffic.  For more information about PortMiami please visit www.miamidade.gov/portofmiami