When MSC Cruises’ newest ship, the MSC Preziosa, is christened on March 23 in Genoa, Italy, she’ll include some new firsts onboard.  A “Fantasia-class” ship, the MSC Preziosa  will be approximately 139,400 Gross Registered Tons, and accommodate 3502 guests. And she’ll also include features that their other “Fantasia-class” ships currently have.

New Restaurant Partnership

 MSC Cruises is known for its commitment of providing dining experiences that truly provide a “way of life,” thanks to the cruise line’s Mediterranean roots. The cruise line prides itself in creating dining that brings in high quality, diversity, experience and sharing. And in a new partnership with the Eataly, a company that was founded on the principles of the “Slow Food philosophy,” MSC Cruises will have  the first two Eataly restaurants found at sea onboard their brand new MSC Preziosa.

The two brand new unique dining venues onboard include the Eataly Restaurant and the Ristorante Italia.  These will be in located in the areas where the Tex Mex specialty restaurant is located onboard the other “Fantasia class sister ships.”

More About  the Eataly Restaurant and Ristorante Italia

 The Eataly Restaurant will have approximately 80 seats, and guests onboard can enjoy, buy and learn more about the best in Italian food in a relaxed, uncluttered fun atmosphere. The 18 different dishes  prepared and served at lunch and dinner include seafood, pasta, vegetables, meats, cold cuts and cheese.  The carefully arranged isles will showcase a variety of products, ranging from the best of the Italian regions – olive oil and dried pastas, to wines without chemical ingredients, aged balsamics, and natural beverages.

The  Ristorante Italia is an exclusive 24 seat evening only dining venue.  It will provide a special “table d’hote”  menu each evening that has been specially created by the Eataly chefs. Dishes will be made from Slow Food Presida products, bested described as “a foundation to protect small producers and to preserve the quality of artisan products.” Guests who dine at Ristorante Italia can enjoy each dish paired with a glass of wine.

MSC Preziosa all new Aqua Park and “Vertigo”

 The MSC Preziosa will include the brand new Doremi Castle Aqua Park, along with “Vertigo,” the longest single rider body waterslide at sea.  Located on deck 16,  Doremi Castle Aqua Park  includes water features include sprays, fountains, water pistols and values, designed to “splash, soak and delight.”

Next to the part guests can  climb the stairs up to deck 18  and embark on “Vertigo,” best described as a nine meter long transparent slide that extends over the edge of the ship, providing amazing views of the water below. (Hours for “Vertigo,” vary and there are restrictions as far as minimum height of guests, etc.)

New Exclusive Solarium

 In addition to the well known MSC Aurea Spa, the MSC Preziosa, will also launch the debut of Top 18 Exclusive Solarium. This adult only sanctuary will have its own dedicated spa service, bar menu and complimentary delicious fruit skewers. It will be available starting summer 2013, and MSC Cruises is going to be including this on the other Fantasia class ships as well – MSC Splendida, MSC Fantasia, the MSC Divina, and of course the MSC Preziosa.

Continuation of other “Fantasia- class” Features

 The MSC Preziosa will also include well known “Fantasia-class” features, including the exclusive MSC Yacht Club. This “ship-within-a-ship” concept has the Top Sail Lounge, along with  a private restaurant just for guests who reserve suites within the MSC Yacht Club. There’s also a private pool area and bar. And guests can enjoy 24 hour Butler service. And MSC Cruises continues with its commitment to insure their ships are Eco-friendly, and the MSC Preziosa leads in this way as well.

The MSC Preziosa will be sailing on  seven night Mediterranean cruises. With the new features she might be another ship to consider for your next group.