All cabins have a TV with satellite channels in different languages depending on where the ship is. Ships also often offer a large number of movies on TV - a selection of contemporary cinema available to everyone at any time on a Pay - Per - View system.Some channels are reserved for the ship's inner circle and provide basic information about the ship, the cruise, safety regulations and the latest news during the cruise.
There are several themed bars and cafes on all ships, which are open late into the night. In some you can sing karaoke, listen to a pianist, enjoy excellent wines and champagnes, or just spend a pleasant evening with friends. There is always a nightclub with a disco. If you expend a lot of energy while having fun, there is a midnight buffet. Travellers with a poker genius or a passion for roulette can try their luck in the ship's casinos. No photography or video recording is allowed in the casino. No children allowed.
Areas and facilities reserved for children and young people can be found on all ships. Children from 2 to 12 years old and youngsters up to 18 years old are in the care of professional leaders and can participate in various courses or fun activities - e.g. fancy dress parade, detective game, etc. If parents want to make some space for themselves and not worry about their children, these services and babysitting are available practically all day long. The ships offer dedicated rooms, clubs and areas with swimming pools and other water activities for young sailors. For the whole family, there is a video arcade with a variety of action, motoring and sports simulators and other games. Simulators, 4D cinemas, bowling are chargeable services, children's club is free.
Every evening a theatre performance is held in the ship's theatre, which is located at the bow of the ship. There is no need to worry about language barriers, the theatres are designed for all clients on the ship and are easy to understand. They are also suitable for small children. The theatres are timed according to the ship's programmes, which you will receive each evening at your cabin with a detailed programme for the day. We would like to point out that the theatres are themed and each day there is a different theme, genre, etc. Therefore, if you don't like the theatre one night - never mind, attend the next. You will most certainly come across a performance that you will find interesting.
A group of animators on the boat is there to entertain you throughout the day. We recommend to participate in these events. You can learn the steps of samba, salsa, work out or play bingo. We especially recommend the evening animation programs with the active participation of the clients. Not only will you have fun, but you will also make new friends and buddies from among the clients, as well as the ship's staff. Bring your cameras to the theatre for the last gala. Usually after the show you have the opportunity to take pictures with the performers. It will certainly be a special experience for you. Do not miss this activity.
During the eight-day cruise, two galas are organized. The first gala is a welcome with the captain. During the first gala, the captain usually invites you to have a glass of sparkling wine or martini before dinner. After the gala dinner, clients usually have an audience with the captain, where the captain personally greets each cruise participant and a souvenir photo is taken, which can then be purchased at the photo desk. Visit the theatre this evening where you will be introduced to all the ship's principal officers at the start. Another interesting day is the Italian Day at Sea where the cruise company tries to present Italian cuisine, wines, customs and dances. Attendance at the dinner in the colours of the Italian tricolour is really welcome. The final gala evening is usually the day before the end of the cruise. The performers and the ship's management will come to say goodbye to you in the theatre and the show will culminate in a grand finale.
All ships have swimming pools and paddling pools for children. Often these pools are enriched with extras to make your time there more enjoyable (e.g. whirlpools, slides, etc.). In some areas, the pools and other water activities are adapted for younger cruise participants. The spa with sauna, hammam, massage parlours, whirlpools and other treatments are a treat for the body and soul. There is also a beauty salon and a hairdresser. In addition, the higher-class ships have an outdoor swimming pool equipped with a retractable roof that closes in case of bad weather, creating a pleasant atmosphere for your rest and relaxation. Ships have several pools on the upper deck of the ship. The pools are filled daily with fresh sea water. The whirlpools have a pleasant temperature of 38°C and no small children are allowed. On the upper deck, sun loungers and towels are available for rent free of charge. Some boats have special sun decks for sunbathing etc.
Massages and other spa treatments are available for a fee and can be found at the front of the ship. Massages, saunas and hairdressers are available for a fee and usually these services are cheaper when the ship is docked in port. Of course, you can also take advantage of various special packages. The higher-class ships have special benefits for Fantastica and Aurea class cabins, designed just for the clients of these cabins. These include discounted access to the SPA, or a separate area on the ship for relaxation and rest.
The range of games and sports activities on offer during the days at sea is very wide. You will find here, for example, a jogging track, multifunctional sports field (basketball, volleyball, small football), table tennis, aerobics, aqua aerobics, yoga, gym (personal trainer available), climbing wall for various advanced climbers (climbing course available), etc. Each boat has different equipment (see Boats for more info). For a more relaxed time, there is a miniature golf course. Tennis rackets or balls can be rented from the animators or at the reception. In this case, the staff of the boat company will charge a deposit to your account for the rental equipment and then charge it back upon return.
As for the fitness center, it's free. Each fitness center has professional staff. Only sports shoes are allowed in the fitness centre. When entering, you must fill in and sign a declaration that you are doing these sports activities at your own risk. There is usually a relaxation room next to the fitness centre. Every morning it is also possible to meet many clients while walking on the upper deck of the boat.
Imagine a holiday where, in addition to seeing many beautiful places, you do something for your body. Does it seem impossible? From April 2017, the impossible will become possible. MSC Cruises is the first cruise company in the world to offer wellness cruises, which will be available on all their ships. The ship will tailor a complete exercise plan for you, which, along with the many places to exercise on board, will ensure you and your body can enjoy a healthy holiday. The wellness cruise programme has been launched by establishing a close collaboration with Technogym, the world leader in fitness equipment and healthy living. In addition to the fitness machines, the company will supply its award-winning mywellness app to support guests' personal training on board. To ensure their workout is not interrupted, they will be able to use it even after they return from their cruise. Special port excursions will also be available for customers. These will include jogging in Ancient Olympia, cycling in Copenhagen, climbing Mount Floiena in Norway, a fun triathlon in Cozumel including kayaking, running and diving, or training right on the beach in Rio de Janeiro.