MSC Splendida

MSC Splendida is a cruise ship operated by MSC Cruises and the second ship of the Fantasia class. Delivered in July 2009 from the Saint-Nazaire yard in France, she measures about 137,900 gross tons and 333 metres, with 1,637 staterooms across 18 decks.

Like her sister MSC Fantasia, she was among the largest ships ever built for a European shipowner at the time of her delivery, and she carries the same core layout: a three-deck atrium with Swarovski crystal staircases, a two-level main theatre, an extensive range of restaurants and bars, a large spa and thermal area, and a casino.

Splendida was one of the first ships to carry the MSC Yacht Club, the private suite complex forward on the upper decks with its own restaurant, lounge, concierge service and sundeck. The concept, introduced with this class, has since been extended across most of the fleet and became a defining part of MSC's product.

She was christened in 2009 with Sophia Loren as godmother, continuing the tradition she has carried through nearly the whole MSC fleet.

Splendida has operated across a wide range of MSC's markets, including Mediterranean summers, Northern Europe, winter seasons in the Arabian Gulf, and a period deployed to the Asian market, before returning to European service.