MSC Confirms Construction of MSC Fantastica at STX France

MSC Cruises finalized the order to build a new Fantasia-class cruise ship, MSC Fantastica, by STX France.

Financial backing was provided by French financial institutions, especially Coface, the French Export Credit Agency, making it possible for the vessel to be delivered by the end of spring 2012. It will be 12th ship in its fleet.

“We look forward to continuing the long-standing relationship between the teams of MSC Cruises and STX France for the successful delivery of this magnificent vessel,” said Jacques Hardelay, general manager of STX France.

MSC Fantastica will build upon the MSC Fantasia prototype. The new ship will have the MSC Yacht Club, an upscale ship-within-a-ship area. “We are delighted at the confirmation of this important investment—a sign of the success of our ambitious growth strategy,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, worldwide chief executive officer for MSC Cruises.

MSC currently has a fleet of 11 ships, including the MSC Magnifica, MSC Splendida and MSC Fantasia, MSC Poesia, MSC Orchestra, MSC Musica, MSC Sinfonia, MSC Armonia, MSC Opera, MSC Lirica and MSC Melody. The fleet cruises year round in the Mediterranean and seasonally in Northern Europe, the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean, U.S. and Canada (fall 2010), South America, the Indian Ocean, and South and West Africa.