The MSC Grandiosa is described by MSC Cruises as their largest, most luxurious cruise ship, with the smallest environmental impact, has already been hailed by the company as the most innovative cruise ship which will deliver a spectacular experience to all its guests – well, let’s see as we take you on a tour of the MSC Grandiosa!
There’s a reason why MSC Cruises has called its latest ship MSC Grandiosa - this is apparent the minute you draw up alongside this magnificent ship and see just how big and grand she really is, dwarfing everything around her.
MSC Grandiosa in Hamburg
First impressions
As they say, you only have one chance to create a first impression: well, as you board this ship, still marvelling at the size of MSC Grandiosa, be prepared to be immersed in the grandeur of this special vessel.
A walk through the ship is described as a ‘fascinating journey’. The elegant interior design is taken to the smallest of detail, and you will feast your eyes on the surroundings as you stroll under the longest LED Dome at sea, covering the stunning indoor promenade. Then as you reach the end of the promenade, be prepared to gasp at the stunning and breathtakingly beautiful Swarovski crystal staircase.
Cabins
Cabins range from the ultimate in luxurious living - MSC Yacht Club where you can enjoy the service of your own personal Butler, then there are the Royal Suites, MSC Yacht Club Deluxe Suites, and the MSC Yacht Club Inner Suites, the Duplex Suite, Grand Suite with private whirlpool, Suites, Balcony Suites, and Family Suites. In other words, there are cabins to fit all budgets, all requirements, ensuring all passengers can experience this beautiful ship
Restaurants and bars
Here there is no doubt that passengers are in for a gastronomic treat on board, with 11 restaurants as well as a 20-hour-a-day informal dining experience, and bars delivering something for your every taste.
Take for example the new specialty restaurant, HOLA! Tapas Bar by award winning chef and one Michelin Star holder Ramón Freixa, or for those with a sweet tooth there’s Chocolatier Jean-Philippe Maury’s Chocolaterie and Chocolate Bar. There is also the new French specialty restaurant, l’Atelier Bistrot which houses an additional surprise for the art lovers - the Art wall of original Edgar Degas drawings in an exhibition – ‘Degas Danse Dessin’ by the world-famous Parisian artist.
The main restaurants serve first-class Mediterranean and international specialities in the most elegant of surroundings. Menus are changed daily, with dishes specially created for these elegant dinners by awarded-winning, three Michelin star German Master Chef Harald Wohlfahrt creating a special menu to be served one evening a week.
Shows
Cirque Du Soleil at Sea
Spectacular performances take place every day on board and will bring you unforgettable moments, but it’s the night shows that will truly will take your breath away as you experience the world-famous Cirque du Soleil at Sea, planned and choreographed exclusively for MSC, with passengers able to enjoy two exclusive shows of artistic mastery and finesse in the purpose-built theatre.
Exentricks: Expect the Unexpected is a high-spirited spectacle full of fun and mischief.
Cosmos: Journey to the Unbelievable will take you on a soul-stirring voyage across the galaxy.
Wellness
Relax in the luxurious MSC Aurea Balinese spa and get pampered with a host of treatments by the spa staff.
Family fun
Elsewhere, The Attic Club and TV Studio Bar is the place to dance away the night.
For the kids (or maybe for those of us still young at heart), families can enjoy the Polar Aqua park based around a Himalayan bridge with water slides and climbing frames.
Children can be further entertained in one of five dedicated kids, clubs including a LEGO club, a teen club, with a full-sized bowling alley, and for the older ones that might fancy themselves as a future Lewis Hamilton, there’s the F1 simulator to showcase their driving skills. The choices are endless!
Environment
The MSC Cruises family are also proud of the fact that they have built a ship that is a world leader in taking care of the environment. They explain: “We have for generations made our living from the sea so its only right they [we] should now look after that sea.” The MSC Grandiosa lays claim to many environmental advances including becoming ‘Carbon Neutral’ in 2020, halting the use of single use plastic bottles, and MSC Cruises have reclaimed and rebuilt a marine reef in the Bahamas, all testifying to their green credentials.
I could go on and on about MSC Grandiosa but you really need to experience the ship yourself to get the full extent of the pleasures onboard, but back to the original question, does the MSC Grandiosa live up to the hype?
The answer is certainly a massive YES.
See the Christening of MSC Grandiosa by Sophia Loren
MORE: Sophia Loren keeps us on our toes in an exclusive interview!
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