MSC Splendida is a Fantasia-class cruise ship owned and operated by MSC Cruises. Constructed at STX France in Saint-Nazaire, she commenced service in July 2009 with a $550m investment.
The 3,959-passenger MSC Splendida was one of the biggest in the fleet. In common with its siblings, MSC Fantasia, Divina, and Preziosa, it offers fun-filled, informal cruising in dazzling surroundings that include Swarovski crystal-studded staircases that cost 3,500 euros per step.
Aside from the peaceful haven of the 71-suite Yacht Club — a separate “ship-within-a-ship” where passengers pay premium fares for an exclusive experience — the atmosphere on Splendida is lively and exuberant, which also means pretty noisy at times. This is due to the fact that many passengers are from Italy and naturally more outgoing than Brits and North Americans.
That said, Splendida has a really inclusive feel, with a very friendly atmosphere. Reflecting the typical Mediterranean lifestyle, most young children onboard stay up late and will be out and about with their parents — attracting none of the stern glares they might get on more traditional ships.
The MSC Splendida cruise ship deck plan shows a total of 1637 staterooms for 3274 passengers (max capacity is 3929) served by 1370 crew staff. The boat has 17 decks (14 passenger-accessible, 9 with cabins) 8 dining options (restaurants and food bars), 28 lounges and bars, 5 swimming pools (1 sliding-roof covered pool “L’Equatore”), 12 Jacuzzis (outdoor whirlpool hot tubs), 24 elevators.
MSC Splendida decks are named after famous Italian painters.
PHOTOS
FULL SPECIFICATIONS
| Name | MSC Splendida |
| Operator | MSC Cruises |
| Port of registry |  Panama[3] |
| Ordered | 16 November 2005 |
| Builder | STX Europe (St. Nazaire)[3][5] |
| Cost | $550 million[3] |
| Laid down | 24 October 2007 |
| Launched | 18 July 2008 |
| Christened | 12 July 2009 by Sophia Loren[4] |
| Completed | 2 July 2009 |
| Maiden voyage | 4 July 2009 |
| Identification | |
| Status | In service |
| General characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Class and type | Fantasia-class cruise ship |
| Tonnage | 137,936 GT[3] |
| Length | 333.33 m (1,093.60 ft)[1] |
| Beam | 37.92 m (124.41 ft)[3] |
| Height | 66.81 m (219.2 ft)[6] |
| Draft | 27.2 ft (8.29 m)[1] |
| Decks | 18 total, 13 passenger decks[3][6] |
| Installed power | Diesel (40,000kW)[3] |
| Propulsion | 2 propellors[3] |
| Speed | 21 knots (39 km/h)[5] |
| Capacity | 3,900 passengers[3] |
| Crew | 1,313 crew[3] |
| Notes | 15 elevators,[ |
