MSC Fantasia

The 2008-built MSC Fantasia cruise ship is the first of MSC’s Fantasia-class liners, followed by the sisterships Divina, Preziosa, and Splendida.

The vessel (IMO number 9359791) is currently Panama-flagged (MMSI 370648000) and registered in Colon.

History - construction and ownership

MSC Cruises (MSC Crociere) is a passenger shipping company headquartered in Genoa and Naples, established in 1960. Today, MSC Crociere is a subsidiary of MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company), the world’s second-largest containership operator. MSC Crociere is also the world’s largest privately owned cruise company.

By annual passenger volumes, MSC is ranked as the world’s third-largest cruise shipowner, following Carnival Corporation and Royal Caribbean Group.

The 4000-passenger MSC Fantasia debuted in December 2008. At the time of her launch, she became the largest cruise ship built for MSC Cruises and the prototype for a new vessel class in the company’s rapidly expanding fleet.

Decks and Cabins

MSC Fantasia staterooms (1637 total, across 12 grades) include 107 Suites, 1142 Balcony cabins, 94 Oceanview, and 294 Inside. Most staterooms are Balcony (190 ft2 / 18 m2) with 40 ft2 / 4 m2 verandas. The largest are the MSC Yacht Club Royal Suites (400 ft2 / 37 m2) with a 170 ft2 / 16 m2 wraparound terrace.

The ship has 17 decks, 14 of which are accessible to passengers, with accommodations located on 9 decks.

MSC Fantasia’s decks are named after Italian adjectives and superlatives.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

The ship’s main dining room, Red Velvet, spans two decks and features Murano glass chandeliers, fine porcelain, crystal glassware, red velvet cushions, and silver flatware. Red Velvet is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, serving a rotating evening menu inspired by Italy’s regions, paired with regional wines. Breakfast includes MSC Express items and a wide variety of cooked-to-order dishes, pastries, fruit, cereals, smoked salmon, cheeses, and beverages. Lunch features a 3-course menu, while dinner offers a 7-course selection.

Below is the complete list of MSC Fantasia restaurants and food bars:

• Red Velvet Restaurant – 2-level forward dining room (650 seats on Deck 5, 568 seats on Deck 6) with Italian regional menus, vegan/vegetarian options, and fixed dinner seatings at 7:00 and 9:30 p.m.
• Il Cerchio d’Oro Restaurant – aft dining room (724 seats) serving Mediterranean cuisine, open for all main meals with fixed dinner seatings at 7:00 and 9:45 p.m.
• Zanzibar (473 seats) & L’Africana (443 seats) Buffet Restaurants – complimentary self-service venues open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with multiple themed stations (Grill, Pizza, Pasta, Mediterranean, Ethnic, Carving, Children’s Corner, Bakery).
• L’Etoile Restaurant – 96-seat French/Italian gourmet restaurant for MSC Yacht Club passengers (dinner only), offering à la carte dishes and premium wine selections.

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

MSC Fantasia features a casino, theater, library, modern gym, sauna, 12 whirlpools, and 4 swimming pools (Aqua Park, Il Tropici with retractable roof, Catalano, and The One/Yacht Club). Signature highlights include the “Aurea Spa,” the exclusive “MSC Yacht Club” complex with 71 luxury suites, and the adults-only “Top 18” premium sun deck.

The ship blends advanced technology with elegant styling. Swarovski crystal staircases and a transparent ceiling over the central promenade allow guests to enjoy stunning views of the night sky while at sea.

Additional amenities include complimentary 24-hour room service, supervised children’s programs, Internet/Wi-Fi access, and laundry services.

Below is the full list of MSC Fantasia lounges, clubs, and entertainment venues for kids, teens, and adults:

• Medical Center – 6-seat infirmary (Deck 4) staffed by onboard doctors and nurses 24/7.
• Fantasia Atrium – five-deck-high midship atrium with panoramic elevators and live entertainment.
• Reception – 140-seat guest services area (Deck 5).
• Business Center – 36-seat meeting room.
• Fantasia Bar – 129-seat atrium bar (Deck 5).
• Cyber Library – Internet room and small library (Deck 5).
• Teatro L’Avanguardia – 1649-seat, two-deck theater offering nightly shows (Decks 6–7).
• Casino delle Palme – 323-seat casino with slots, tables, bar (Deck 6).
• Poker Room – 27-seat Texas Hold’em room (Deck 6).
• Video Games Arcade – (Deck 6).
• The Cigar Club – 29-seat premium smoking lounge (Deck 6).
• Piazza San Giorgio – Italian-style square with gelato bar, pastry shop, and live music (Deck 6).
• Mini Mall, Duty-Free Shop, La Boutique, MSC Logo Shop, Il Gioiello Shop – retail outlets (Deck 6).
• La Vele Bar – specialty cocktails bar (Deck 6).
• Shore Excursions Desk – planning and booking services (Deck 6).
• L’Angolo dell’Oggetto, La Caramella, La Profumeria – various retail shops (Decks 6–7).
• Il Transatlantico Bar – piano bar with live music (Deck 7).
• Gallery Plaza – art gallery (Deck 7).
• Photo Gallery – photo services and retail (Deck 7).
• Manhattan Bar – jazz lounge (Deck 7).
• Sports Bar – TVs, bowling lanes, karaoke (Deck 7).
• Il Cappuccino Bar – specialty coffee bar (Deck 7).
• La Cantina Toscana – tapas and wine bar (Deck 7).
• L’Insolito Lounge – 232-seat lounge with dance floor and bingo/trivia events (Deck 7).
• MSC Aurea Spa – 1700 m2 complex with thermal suite, treatment rooms, beauty salon (Deck 14).
• Fitness Center – open 6 a.m.–10 p.m. (Deck 14).
• I Tropici Pool – indoor pool with sliding roof, served by I Tropici Bar (Deck 14).
• Aqua Park – family pool area with splash features (Deck 14).
• Bar delle Fontane & The Glass Bar – poolside bars (Deck 14).
• Top Sail Lounge – Yacht Club lounge with panoramic views and premium service (Deck 15).
• Concierge Area – exclusive MSC Yacht Club facility (Deck 15).
• Lido Catalano Pool – adults-only pool area with Gaudi Bar (Deck 15).
• Kids Clubs – Il Polo Nord (Arctic-themed), Mini Club (3–6), Junior Club (7–12), teens areas, water slide.
• Liquid Disco & Nightclub – 504 m2 disco venue (Deck 16).
• Virtual World Arcade, F1 Simulator, 4D Cinema – teen entertainment (Deck 16).
• MSC Arena Sports Center – multi-sport court and outdoor movie screen (Deck 16).
• The One Pool – Yacht Club-exclusive pool and bar (Deck 18).
• Top 18 Exclusive Solarium – adults-only area with whirlpool and Tiki Bar (Deck 18).

Itineraries

MSC Fantasia’s itinerary program is based on 7-day Western Mediterranean cruises from Civitavecchia-Rome, Naples, Barcelona, and Marseille. The ship also operates voyages to the Holy Land and the Canary Islands.

The vessel (built by STX France, Chantiers de l’Atlantique, yard/hull number A33) has a volume of 137,936 GT, a deadweight of 12,614 tons, and a maximum draught of 8.7 m. The powerplant consists of GE Power Conversion marine diesel engines (Converteam model 16V46C) with a combined output of 43.7 MW (58,600 hp). The registered shipowner is FANTASIA BAIL SNC, and the registered manager is MSC CROCIERE SA.

Fantasia is MSC’s first Fantasia-class liner, with sisterships Divina, Preziosa, and Splendida. At the time of her launch, she was the largest passenger ship ever built for a European company. Considered one of the most elegant and affordable large cruise ships, approximately 75% of all cabins feature private balconies.

Fantasia was also the first MSC ship to visit the company’s private island destination in the UAE—a small islet connected to the main Sir Bani Yas Island. The destination is accessible exclusively to MSC guests when their ship calls at Sir Bani Yas as part of its Dubai cruise itinerary.

MSC Fantasia’s most recent drydock refurbishment took place in 2023 (September 25–October 11) at MSC’s Palumbo Malta Shipyard (Valletta Harbour). The project focused on routine maintenance and classification works, as well as technical overhauls and selected interior upgrades.