By Aaron Saunders, The Province

European-based MSC Cruises (msccruises.com) is gearing up for a major milestone – the debut of the 3,502-passenger MSC Divina in the Caribbean, where she will sail year round from the Port of Miami. “This is just a sneak peek into several exciting announcements in store for North American travellers” said Ken Muskat, senior vice-president of sales and marketing for MSC Cruises USA. “Soon, you will be able to experience the best kept secret in cruising as we bring MSC Divina, one of our newest and most beautiful vessels to this market.” Following a 19-day Transatlantic crossing from Venice to Miami on Nov. 2, MSC Divina will sail on a full year of Caribbean cruises ranging from four to 12 days. Originally intended just to be a standard winter deployment for the line, MSC announced in March that due to unprecedented demand from the North American travel agent community and consumers it was extending MSC Divina’s sailings for 12 months from the Port of Miami.

“The popularity of the introduction of MSC Divina to this market among agents and consumers alike has been nothing short of tremendous,” said Richard E. Sasso, president and CEO of MSC Cruises USA. MSC Divina becomes the first MSC ship to sail year-round from a North American port.

MSC has joined forces with Eataly, a popular Turin-based chain that has partnered with celebrity chefs like Mario Batali and Lidia Matticchio, and will offer two specialty restaurants aboard MSC Divina: the upscale Ristorante Italia and a regional steak house known as Manzo.

Guests sailing aboard the ship this winter will be able to enjoy the benefits of cycling – under water. MSC Divina will be the first ship to offer Aqua Cycling by Hydrorider which, apparently, is the latest fitness craze. If you’re up for the challenge, MSC will offer classes led by trained fitness professionals, and even if you’re not, chances are the buzz aboard the ship will generate crowds of onlookers.

One of MSC’s key points of distinction has always been their MSC Yacht Club, an exclusive ship-within-a-ship concept that pairs exclusive lounge and dining areas with luxurious suites to create a decidedly upscale experience aboard the line’s megaships. For the first time, North American guests can experience this unique area in the Caribbean aboard MSC Divina, with Top 18, an adults-only oasis that features premium deck space, dedicated spa and drink menus, and comfortable lounge seating.

MSC Divina’s debut Caribbean season kicks off on Nov. 20, 2013.

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