Doria Nan

there_sun@163.com

EUROPE-BASED cruise line MSC Cruises announced Friday in Shenzhen that the MSC Splendida will sail to Shenzhen for the very first time in December 2019, marking its debut in the South China cruise market.

Making Shanghai its homeport in May this year, the largest privately owned cruise line in the world has completed its first season in China recently and will start its 2019-2020 season in China in June 2019.

Cruise lovers and eager travelers will have the opportunity to depart from Shekou to Da Nang in Vietnam on Dec. 5, 2019 and to Okinawa in Japan on Dec. 9, 14 and 19, 2019 to experience the highlights of Asia.

MSC Splendida’s gross tonnage is 138,000 tons. With 1,637 rooms, there are various accommodations available for different preferences and budgets.

The crystal stair cases in the main atrium, which have previously gone viral online, are a must-see in the giant ship. The three-tier sweeping stairs are overlaid with real Swarovski crystals.

MSC Cruises is a family-run business, so it’s almost natural that MSC cruises are designed with families in mind. The MSC Splendida’s exclusive Lego wonderland offers an educational experience for families to have together. The ship offers 20 hours of global cuisine. And with acclaimed Chinese chef Jereme Leung on board while sailing on the ocean.

For those looking for a more private and exclusive experience, the MSC Yacht Club is the perfect choice. The MSC Yacht Club is for indulging in the luxury of a private club while enjoying access to the myriad of recreation and entertainment possibilities throughout the rest of the ship.

Before setting sail, MSC Lirica will be fully renovated to meet the demands of southern China guests.

“The South China cruise market is full of potential and vitality as people here are full of enthusiasm for life. They love leisure and appreciate high-quality service and experiences,” said Gianni Onorato, MSC Cruises CEO, adding that Shekou is an exemplary port as Shenzhen has perfectly integrated rail, sea, air, and road transportation. “We are honored to offer guests in South China a high-quality and convenient European travel experience, and that’s why we have a bullish view on the South China cruise market,” said Onorato.