MSC Divina
MSC Divina is a Fantasia-class cruise ship owned and operated by MSC Cruises, a division of the Mediterranean Shipping Company.[1][2] Launched in 2012 after construction at the STX Europe shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, the vessel measures 333 meters in length with a gross tonnage of 139,072 and accommodates up to 4,345 passengers across 1,751 staterooms, serviced by a crew of 1,388.[3][4][5] Christened in Marseille by Italian actress Sophia Loren, who serves as godmother to multiple MSC ships, Divina features enhanced amenities over earlier Fantasia-class vessels, including advanced entertainment systems and a passenger-to-space ratio of approximately 33.[6][7][2] Registered under the Panamanian flag, the ship primarily sails itineraries in the Caribbean, Bahamas, and Mediterranean, emphasizing elegance and sophisticated onboard experiences inspired by Loren's influence.[8][9][10]
History
Development and Ordering
MSC Cruises, pursuing an ambitious fleet expansion to strengthen its competitive standing in the global cruise market, finalized the construction contract for the third vessel in its Fantasia-class series—initially designated MSC Fantastica—with STX France at the Saint-Nazaire shipyard in July 2010.[11] This order followed the successful deployment of the class's prototypes, MSC Fantasia and MSC Splendida, which had demonstrated viability for larger-scale operations accommodating over 3,900 passengers each at double occupancy.[11] The agreement, supported by financing from French export credit agencies including Coface, underscored the shipyard's established partnership with MSC and aimed to deliver the 139,400-gross-ton ship by late spring 2012.[11] Construction began promptly after contract confirmation, integrating features like the exclusive MSC Yacht Club enclave for premium passengers, consistent with the class's emphasis on segmented luxury amid mass-market capacity.[11] During the build process, the vessel was renamed MSC Divina, reflecting a thematic nod to feminine Italian heritage akin to prior class namings.[12] This development aligned with MSC's broader strategy of scaling operations through purpose-built newbuilds rather than acquisitions, enabling tailored innovations in layout and amenities while leveraging European shipbuilding expertise.[11]Construction
MSC Divina was constructed by STX Europe at its shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, as the third vessel in the Fantasia-class series for MSC Cruises.[12][3] The ship's keel was laid in November 2010, during a ceremony at which it was renamed from its original designation, MSC Fantastica, to MSC Divina.[12] The hull was floated out of the dry dock in September 2011, marking the transition to outfitting phases.[12][13] Sea trials commenced in April 2012 to verify propulsion, navigation, and onboard systems performance.[12] Construction employed modular block assembly using approximately 80 prefabricated blocks, incorporating 30,000 tonnes of steel, 185 miles of piping, and 1,118 miles of electrical cabling; enhancements included upgraded propulsion motors, efficient alternators, advanced HVAC chillers, and a reverse osmosis desalination system optimized for 40% lower power consumption in freshwater production.[12] The completed vessel was delivered to MSC Cruises on 19 May 2012.[12][14]Delivery, Christening, and Maiden Voyage
The MSC Divina was completed and delivered to MSC Cruises in May 2012 by the shipyard Chantiers de l'Atlantique (STX Europe) in Saint-Nazaire, France.[2] This handover marked the third vessel in MSC's Fantasia-class, with a gross tonnage of 139,400 GT, length of 333 meters, and capacity for 3,502 passengers at double occupancy.[2] [15] On May 26, 2012, in Marseille, France, MSC Divina was officially christened during a gala ceremony presided over by Italian actress Sophia Loren, the designated godmother for multiple ships in the MSC fleet.[16] [15] The event included performances by Gérard Depardieu as narrator, pianist Paolo Conte, and violinist Maxim Vengerov, alongside aerial artists and local folk groups, culminating in Loren cutting the ribbon and smashing a bottle of champagne against the hull.[15] The following day, May 27, 2012, the ship departed Marseille on her maiden voyage, a six-night itinerary concluding in Venice, Italy, her initial homeport for Mediterranean operations.[6] This inaugural sailing initiated MSC Divina's summer schedule of roundtrip cruises from Venice, focusing on Western Mediterranean ports.[16]Design and Specifications
Technical Specifications
The MSC Divina is a Fantasia-class cruise ship with a gross tonnage of 139,072 GT.[17][1] Her overall length is 333.3 meters (1,093 feet), with a beam of 37.92 meters (124 feet) and a height of 67.69 meters (222 feet).[1][17] The ship's maximum draft measures approximately 8.5 meters.[18]| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Gross Tonnage | 139,072 GT[17][1] |
| Length Overall (LOA) | 333.3 m (1,093 ft)[1][17] |
| Beam | 37.92 m (124 ft) post-Panamax[1] |
| Draft (max) | 8.5 m[18] |
| Height | 67.69 m (222 ft)[1] |
| Decks | 18 total[17] |
| Passenger Capacity | 3,502 (double occupancy) to 4,345 (maximum)[8][17] |
| Crew | 1,388[19] |
| Cabins | 1,751[17] |