Interview Italy-florida Mission - Italy-America Chamber of Commerce ...

TRAVEL
MSC Cruises
Cruising Italian Style
By Alessandro Rancati
Now really, who would want to go on a cruise nowadays?
It's such an old-fashioned way to travel... isn’t it?
Well, let's make a test. Close your eyes. Think of a luxury
Italian hotel with marble reception areas and a view on the
ocean. Think of the best spa, the most sun-filled swimming
pool and a gym open for you 24 hours a day. Good.
Now think of service and all you have heard about Italian
hospitality. And go a step further; imagine true Italian
meals, prepared with the original ingredients and cooked
by experienced Italian chefs, served to you in white gloves
and with a smile.
Now open your eyes... not bad, right? And I am sure you
cannot believe it's South Florida… but yes it is, and you
are on board of an MSC Cruise ship. Welcome.
Last December, in the turmoil of all pre-Christmas gala
events and celebrations, one event marked a hot spot on
the calendar: the inauguration of the MSC Opera to the
public in Florida.
I was lucky enough to be invited and be part of the 2,000
people that welcomed and cheered Sofia Loren, the ships'
godmother, as she emphasized the Italian qualities of the
ship: "the life, the hospitality [that] truly reflect the taste
and values of the owners, the Aponte family."
Three months later, the distinctive style of an MSC Cruise
can still be experienced in South Florida, on board the
MSC Opera and the MSC Lirica, both leaving from Ft.
Lauderdale to unforgettable experiences in the Caribbean
seas. Different schedule for the two cruise ships, MSC
Opera will be returning in the Mediterranean Sea at the
beginning of April, while the Lirica will follow at the beginning
of May.
Hard to talk about intangible qualities when almost 60,000
tons of iron, wood, marble and glass are involved, but
that's what makes this ship so different. "Anybody can
build new ships. It's the personality of the product that
matters," says Richard E. Sasso, president and CEO of
MSC Cruises USA. "People are looking for something special
and they find that in us."
Now really, who would want to go on a cruise nowadays?
Well, I would… and if I were you, I'd try a cruise with an
Italian signature. You'll be surprised. �
.9 .it italian trade