A glass of Aperol on the table in cabin 9206 and Sugar Loaf on the balcony of the cruise ship. With all the comfort of a luxury hotel and the promise of several days of enjoyment, good cuisine and parties on board, the MSC Grandiosa It leaves Rio de Janeiro at six in the afternoon on a Thursday in November to begin its inaugural season in Brazil, thus becoming the largest ship in history to have sailed these seas.
Con 331 meters long, 67 meters high and a total area of 460 thousand square meters, this ship has 19 bridges (or decks), 32 elevators and 2,421 cabins with capacity for 6,334 passengers and 1,704 crew members.
It is the first ship of the Meraviglia-Plus generation, with a wealth of guest experiences and dazzling Grandiosa Gallerywhich consists of an extensive Mediterranean-style promenade covered by an LED ceiling that changes all the time.
In the heart of the ship, this vaulted walkway acts as the social center, with themed restaurants, bars, lounges and international brand stores.
In total, this ship has 11 restaurants -5 of them specialized in tapas, meats, Asian food and pastas, among other things-, 21 bars and lounges, including a chocolate shop, an ice cream parlor and a crêpe house.
In addition, there is a theater with Broadway-style shows, a nightclub, a casino, a gym equipped with Technogym equipment, space for walking and running on bridge 16 (Power Walking Track), the MSC Aurea SPA with treatments, saunas and thermal baths, beauty salon, 5 swimming pools (one with a mobile dome) and nine whirlpools.
The recreational proposals are designed for guests of all ages, starting with the Wild Forest Aquapark on bridge 19, with water slides, fountains and hanging bridges. Pure adrenaline.
A cruise for all ages
For the little ones, the MSC Grandiosa has children’s areas in collaboration with Chicco and LEGO, as well as a play area with foosball, bowling, video games, the Doremi laboratory, virtual reality, the Formula 1 simulator and an XD interactive cinema.
In this way, families enjoy numerous original activities and areas dedicated to babies, children and adolescents.
The ship also features the Carousel Lounge, featuring exclusive shows by MSC Productions at Sea, created to provide a multi-sensory entertainment experience with dazzling sights, sounds and performances in an intimate setting.
Another exclusive sector is MSC Yacht Club: Some decks include 24-hour butler service, designer accommodations, and lounges, a la carte restaurants, and a pool only for those staying in a suite who can live the experience of a luxury cruise with an emphasis on privacy. Some have a jacuzzi on their own terrace, a dressing room, a bathroom with a bathtub and a spacious living room.
For all, the MSC Grandiosa has new updates to its digital innovation program “MSC for Me”. By downloading the app, passengers can access the daily activity program, available excursions, shows, the contracted beverage plan, billing and purchases made, among many other services.
Equipped with cutting-edge environmental technology, including an innovative SCR (selective catalytic reduction) catalyst and a modern wastewater treatment plant, the MSC Grandiosa has thus made its maiden voyage, bound for Santos and a full-day stopover in Ilhabela .
The beautiful island: what the stop in Ilhabela is like
After the extensive buffet breakfast, those who want to enjoy Beautiful island They have a continuous free boat service, from the cruise ship to the small island in the state of San Pablo.
With a super lively historic center with shops and bars, the destination has 40 beaches, hills, waterfalls, ancient trees and diversified fauna, the destination has 94% of Atlantic forest preserved in the Ilhabela State Park, which is the largest island reserve. of the planet’s Atlantic forest, considered a Natural Heritage and Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.
The boats reach the center of the town, which is ideal for strolling without haste, buying crafts, tasting cachaças, booking a snorkeling or diving excursion, taking a sailboat ride (the island is the capital of sailing), hiking and trekking among the lush vegetation, or visiting the church and the Nautical Museum.
Colonial, la Our Lady of Help Parish It remains open all day. A few meters away and with free entry, is the Nautical Museum: It is located in the building of the old Jail and Forum, where visitors can see pieces of ships and learn about the history of the Ilhabela lighthouses.
Back on the cruise, guests choose from yoga classes, bachata, cards and board games, happy hour drinks, “Come make new friends” for those traveling alone and karaoke.
What itineraries do you offer during the season?
After this inaugural voyage with a gala party, the MSC Grandiosa began sailing 6 and 7-night itineraries to and from Santos, visiting the destinations of Búzios, Ilha Grande, Maceió and Salvador.
How much does a cruise cost? The 7-night departure on February 10, 2024, which part of the port of Santos with stops in Búzios, Salvador and Maceiócosts US$866 per passenger without taxes.
Inaugurated in November 2019, this ship will extend its season in South America until March 30, when it begins its return to Europe. The liner will go from Santos (Brazil) to Livorno (Italy).
Regarding the 2024-2025 season, Javier Massignani, Managing Director of MSC Cruises Argentina and Latam, announced that “two wonderful ships will be embarking again in the ports of Buenos Aires and Montevideo towards the best beaches of tropical Brazil.”
Precisely, the MSC Poesia and the MSC Armonia will make 28 departures with routes that plan to visit Punta del Este, Búzios, Rio de Janeiro, Ilha Grande, Ilha do Mel, Camboriú, Ilhabela and Angra dos Reis, among other destinations.