MSC Cruises has signalled its intent to capture a greater share of the European cruise market by unveiling its biggest ship.
The Italian line’s 3,959-passenger Fantasia is one of four new vessels under construction at the St Nazaire ship yard in France.
The 13O,OOO-ton ship, which is due to enter service in December, is the first of two megaliners being built for the company for year-round Mediterreanean cruising.
The twin ships will bring the fleet up to 12 and enable MSC to increase its annual carryings to one million by 2O1O from the 8OO,OOO expected this year.
The line is also weeks away from the delivery of 3,OOO-passenger MSC Poesia which is to be named in Dover on April 5.
This is the third in a series of four ships and will be used to showcase the line to the UK and Irish travel industries.
By Phil Davies
