MSC Magnifica is a Musica-class cruise ship operated by MSC Cruises. Constructed by STX Europe in Saint-Nazaire, the ship was launched in January 2009, completed in January 2010, and entered service in March 2010. The cruise ship is initially operating in the western Mediterranean.
Design and construction
The fourth ship to be built to the Musica class design, Magnifica was constructed by STX Europe in their shipyard at Saint-Nazaire, France. She was built at a cost of $547 million.
The vessel is 293.8 metres (964 ft) long, with a beam of 32.2 metres (106 ft). The 93,330-gross ton vessel can reach a maximum speed of 23-knot (43 km/h; 26 mph). Magnifica has 1,259 cabins – 2,550 passengers can be carried at double occupancy, while 3,605 can be carried at full capacity. The ship has 1,027 crew.
Magnifica was identified by the shipyard hull number T32 during construction. In fact, Magnifica’s onboard disco is named after her shipyard hull number. The IMO ship identification number 9387085 will remain associated with the ship throughout her life, even if she changes names or operating companies.
Magnifica was floated out of her dry dock in a launching ceremony in January 2009. A 72-hour sea trial period was successfully completed on 17 January 2010, despite poor weather and 50-knot (93 km/h) winds. A flag-changing ceremony was held on 25 February 2010 in Saint-Nazaire. The ship was christened on 6 March 2010 at a ceremony in Hamburg by the godmother to the MSC Cruises fleet, Italian actress Sophia Loren.
Facilities
22,000 square metres (240,000 sq ft) of publicly accessible areas across 13 passenger decks.
Three swimming pools including one with a retractable all-weather roof.
Two main restaurants, two speciality restaurants and a buffet.
17 bars and lounges.[3]
1,160 square metres (12,500 sq ft) dedicated to a gymnasium, spa and wellness centre.
Entertainment facilities include a 1,250-seat Art Deco-style theatre, casino, 4-D cinema, bowling alley and virtual games area.
Operational History
From 20 March 2010, Magnifica operated on seven-day cruises in the eastern Mediterranean, visiting ports in Italy, Greece, Turkey and Croatia. Magnifica also operated in the eastern and western Mediterranean during the autumn of 2013.
Magnifica’s regular itineraries position her in South America during the winter season and Northern Europe in the summer months.
On 20 November 2013, the ship hit a breakwater pier at the entrance to the port in Piraeus, Greece. However, only minor damage was sustained. There were no injuries to passengers or crew and the vessel continued her cruise after a full safety inspection was carried out by officials.
The Magnifica was under criticism in April 2014 after it was revealed that Brazilian police had to rescue eleven crew members on board that were living in ‘slave-like conditions’ whilst docked in Salvador, Brazil.
During Hamburg, Germany’s 2014 Harbour-birthday celebration it played the song: “Seven Nation Army” over its horn.
For the summer season in 2018 (28 March 2018 – 24 September 2018) , MSC Magnifica will be home-ported in Southampton, England and will be offering a tailored experience to British Holiday makers on voyages around Northern Europe.
On January 5, 2019, Magnifica will start her first World Cruise. It will start from Genoa and will be 119 days long. Magnifica will visit 6 continents, 32 countries, 49 destinations. The ship will return to Genoa on May 3, 2019.
Announced in October 2017, Magnifica will be undertaking a second World Cruise leaving in January 2020. The 116-night cruise will start at Genoa on the 5th January 2020 and call at 43 ports in 23 countries. She will end her World Cruise in Genoa on 30th April 2020.
A full deck-by-deck photo tour is available and guide to her bars and lounges.
She is due into dry dock on December 2, 2019.