A ‘First’ For MSC Cruises: Calling Into Portofino

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (APRIL 2, 2008) – MSC Cruises has introduced Portofino, a prestigious port of call, into its 2008 program. The first ship to call here is MSC Rhapsody. From now until Oct. 18, MSC Rhapsody will depart from Genoa every Saturday at 4 p.m. and, in 2 hours, reach Portofino.

Utilizing a launch system, passengers will be able to visit this international jet-set spot, walking along picturesque alleys lined with luxury boutiques and enjoying wonderful views of the beautiful harbor and surrounding hills. MSC Rhapsody will then call into Livorno (where excursions include a visit to Florence), then into Salerno to sail toward Taormina (with her archaeological site), Malta La Valletta, Tunisia and back to Italy into the Olbia Port.

MSC Cruises officially inaugurated the new port of call on March 29, with a Crest Exchange Ceremony attended by the Naval Command and local authorities.

“MSC Rhapsody calling into Portofino is the result of collaboration with local authorities,” declared Pierfrancesco Vago, CEO of MSC Cruises worldwide. “We are delighted with our new and exclusive itinerary. This has been made possible thanks to the unique features of MSC Rhapsody, a small-scale intimate liner, which offers our passengers a high level of comfort and excellent service and the privilege of visiting unique and distinct ports of call such as Portofino. It is a resort that is renowned throughout the world as the pearl of the Mediterranean. We are visiting at the right time, too, from March through to October – the most beautiful months of the year.”

MSC Cruises will call into Portofino 31 times in 2008, bringing 25,000 guests.