Bucket Travel: MSC Armonia

MSC Cruises’ upcoming winter Caribbean season from November 2019 to April 2020 will get off to a strong start with MSC Armonia’s maiden call to the Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve just one week after the season begins. As part of her new and enriched itineraries, MSC Armonia will visit this exclusive natural island destination every week, as well as other exciting ports across the Western Caribbean.

Founded on a deep commitment to ecological principles, Ocean Cay will be a private island destination like no other, surrounded by protected waters rich in marine and coral life. It has been conceived to immerse travellers in the natural beauty of the Caribbean and The Bahamas.

Snorkelling tours, scuba diving, stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking are among the outdoor activities that MSC Armonia’s more adventurous guests will be able to enjoy at Ocean Cay. Those seeking a more relaxing experience will have eight white sandy beaches to choose from, as well as a new luxurious spa concept and countless other options. A vast array of family-friendly experiences will also be available. Like other MSC Cruises ships in the Caribbean, MSC Armonia will stay at berth from 9am to 11pm, allowing guests to make the most of their time on the island and enjoy stunning sunsets by the iconic lighthouse.

Gianni Onorato, MSC Cruises’ CEO comments, “As we continue to grow our presence in the region, we have enriched MSC Armonia’s itineraries to offer our guests an even more immersive Caribbean experience. The Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve will be a key highlight, with a 14-hour call to let our guests explore and enjoy this beautiful island and its surrounding waters, both during the day and into the night. MSC Armonia will also visit other gems across the Western Caribbean in Jamaica, Mexico, the Cayman Islands and beyond.”

From November 2019 to April 2020, MSC Armonia will depart on one-week cruises from Miami every Monday, whereas from April to November 2020 her departure from Miami will be moved to Sunday.

In both cases, long-haul travellers will get a unique opportunity to spend the weekend in one of North America’s most vibrant cities before embarking on the cruise of their lives.

TAKE IN THE GORGEOUS VIEWS OF JAMAICA’S COAST

MSC Armonia will regularly visit a range of exciting ports and destinations across the Western Caribbean region. In Jamaica, MSC Armonia offers three different ports of call depending on the itinerary. In Ocho Rios, guests will be able to join a truly Jamaican bobsleigh tour, dive into Dolphin Cove and admire the Dunn's River Falls, with 180 metres  of cool, refreshing water cascading over natural limestone terraces. In Montego Bay, on Jamaica’s north-western coast, MSC Armonia’s guests will be able to go white-water rafting, tour an old plantation at the Good Hope Estate or learn about the mysteries of Rose Hall Great House, a fascinating colonial relic imbued with rumour and intrigue. In January 2020, MSC Armonia will visit Falmouth on Jamaica’s north coast, home to the Glistening Waters. When they visit the Luminous Lagoon, where the Martha Brae River and the Caribbean Sea meet, guests will experience first-hand how these two bodies of water mix to create bioluminescent micro-organisms that glow brightly.

DISCOVER THE BEST THE WESTERN CARIBBEAN HAS TO OFFER

MSC Armonia will bring the very best the Western Caribbean has to offer to her guests. In addition to Ocean Cay and Jamaica, the ship will regularly visit Mexico’s Costa Maya during the Northern Hemisphere’s winter 2019 – 2020 season. Her guests will enjoy an array of cultural, outdoor and relaxation activities there. George Town in the Cayman Islands is another idyllic destination that MSC Armonia will visit every week.

From April to November 2020, Key West (Florida, USA) will become a regular feature in MSC Armonia’s itinerary. There, guests will be able to visit the Historic District at the Old Town, which includes the island’s most popular spots, such as Mallory Square, Duval Street and Fort Zachary Taylor, as well as the southernmost point in the United States.

MSC ARMONIA OFFERS ITS OWN DELIGHTS

MSC Armonia incorporates a range of features that turn her into a destination in her own right, having recently gone through a major refurbishment. In terms of food and dining, the new Surf and Turf Restaurant offers the best of both worlds, such as a delicious filet mignon and tempting cold-water lobster tail. Bringing the Caribbean experience on board, the Rum Bar offers a range of cocktails, whether traditional or out-of-the-box.  The White Lion Pub introduces a new and complimentary menu featuring light meals – such as mojo chicken quesadillas, avocado and tuna salad wraps and spinach and artichoke dips to share – along with a wide selection of beers, including Newcastle Brown Ale, Murphy’s Irish Stout and Lagunitas IPA.

In addition to MSC Cruises’ fan-favourite parties like the White Party and Silent Disco, a highlight of MSC Armonia’s entertainment offering is its evening theatre entertainment, with a line-up of dynamic performances on board. Cruisers can marvel at a different, distinct show each evening. MSC Armonia offers a dedicated LEGO kids area, through its partnership with the toy giant, as well as a splash park.

In November, MSC Armonia will go through another drydock operation at the Bahamas’ Grand Bahama Shipyard.