Durban - The popular MSC Sinfonia, which has taken thousands of South Africans on cruises, is in drydock – and when she returns to local waters, she will be bigger and better than ever before.
The cruise ship is being enlarged, refitted and renewed, with additions like the starboard platform for the Zodiac boats – which take passengers to their various island destinations – being specifically modified for the South African market.
The upgrade, which will take 10 weeks at the Fincantieri shipyard in Palermo, Sicily, is part of the MSC Cruises’ 200m Euro renaissance programme to enlarge four ships in its 12-strong fleet.
“It’s an exciting time for us, said Allan Foggitt, the sales and marketing director of MSC Cruises SA, who is looking forward to the ship returning in November for the 2015/16 season.
The renaissance programme involved Fincantieri’s marine engineers carefully bisecting the MSC Sinfonia’s hull, after which the two halves of the ship were slowly drawn apart.
And this week engineers inserted a prebuilt 2 200 gross tonne, 24-metre midsection containing 193 extra cabins.
“Then they will refit and renew much of the ship’s interior, bringing an enhanced sense of comfort and space,” an MSC statement said.
As well as the additional cabins, the ship will also boast new, purpose-built areas for children and teens, as well as a brand new lounge, extended restaurant and new dining areas.
The spa will also be “enriched” with additional massage areas, while a new outdoor spray park will be added on the top deck.
Once all the work and sea trials are completed, the larger, smarter MSC Sinfonia will begin her maiden cruise to Ajaccio, Barcelona and Marseille.
The MSC Opera – currently operating from her Durban port-of-call – will undergo the same process in May.
Daily News