Brand new, exclusive island destination set to further enrich MSC Fantasia’s Arabian Peninsula winter 2016-2017 itineraries
MSC Cruises, the Swiss-based world’s largest privately-owned cruise line and brand market leader in Europe, South America and South Africa, has released the first details of yet another exclusive island destination, Sir Bani Yas Island beach oasis. The 1.5 mile-long stretch of natural island just off the southwest coast of Abu Dhabi has an exclusive extension island coupled with the mainland for guests to enjoy. From December 2016, MSC Fantasia will add this, brand new destination to its already rich itineraries in the region, as guests will be able to spend a full day on this stunning Arabian island paradise.
Gianni Onorato, MSC Cruises’ CEO commented: “Last year we announced the new Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in the Bahamas. Today’s announcement is further proof of our commitment to enriching our itineraries and to making available to our guests, unique experiences that enable them to discover new culture and heritage. Additionally, this new, exclusive beach oasis stays true to our core values to provide our guests excellence in service, the best in entertainment as well as the highest quality and food freshness.”
MSC Cruises has been working on perfecting this destination together with the Abu Dhabi Ports Authority for the past two years. The tropical beach oasis provides exclusive access to MSC Cruises guests to an authentic beach holiday experience, with hundreds of palm trees, shaded cabanas and over 2,000 sunbeds across 36,000sqm of fine golden sand. Other key facilities include:
- An exclusive, private space for MSC Yacht Club guests with stylish Sheikh Cabanas and a private restaurant
- An MSC Aurea Spa area offering relaxing Bali, Shiatsu and Bamboo massages all from beachside cabana huts with stunning sea views
- Sports facilities, including beach volleyball and tennis, snorkelling, paddleboard, sea kayaking and more!
- A family and kids-dedicated area, with a parents’ pergola
- A Bedouin tent offering arts and crafts created by local Arabian communities
- A lounge with bar and soothing music, for relaxing
In true MSC Cruises style, on the island, guests will be able to enjoy a selection of fresh and authentic food options, with a broad range of cooking stations serving delights from the Arabian region as well as international favourites. Guests can also expect to see beachside charcoal BBQs serving light dishes and snacks, and exotic cocktails served from one of six beach bars. Ship food and drink services, such as an Allegrissimo drink package., extend onto the island to ensure that the guests experience between the ship and island is completely seamless.
For guests looking for a little more action, a 4×4 expedition experience or a mountain biking session over naturally-created tracks can be booked to enjoy on the connecting main part of the island. The island is one of region’s largest wildlife reserves thanks to decades of intensive conservation work and ecological investment to restore and maintain its biodiversity. The Arabian Wildlife Park on the main island, is today, home to more than 13,000 indigenous and endangered animals, as well as millions of trees and plants. MSC Cruises has been working closely with the Abu Dhabi Port Authorities and ecologists to develop the island oasis fully in line with the broader island project and to support the ongoing preservation work.
The MSC Cruises beach oasis will also offer direct access to the natural reserve, with a range of specially designed excursions that will allow guests to experience the unique beauty of the natural surroundings. These include a horse riding tour, a safari-style nature drive through the reserve as well as a Dhow tour around the island in a traditional Arabian powered boat, giving guests the opportunity to see giraffes, hyenas and cheetahs in their natural habitat.
Finally, there are ongoing archaeological excavations taking place on the island. For guests who want to discover more about the history and the culture of the island, a dedicated tour to the ruins of an early Christian monastery site from 6th century AD is also available.
MSC Fantasia, on sale now, will serve the island from two departure ports: Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
The ship offers 1,250 cabins and some of the most modern facilities for this area for clients to enjoy. These include outstanding entertainment, five restaurants serving refined international cuisine and an authentic Balinese spa. 75% of cabins have balconies offering panoramic sea views, and for those looking for a touch of luxury, the ship offers the award-winning MSC Yacht Club experience – a ship within a ship concept offering 71 butler-serviced suites with a focus on privacy and exclusivity. Guests are able to book their cruise with an itinerary calling at Sir Bani Yas Island from 3 December 2016, with the first call at the island on the 5 December 2016.
MSC Cruises offers an exciting range of itineraries to discover and enjoy to the fullest in this region, with cruises from 7 to 14 nights starting from $999* (AUD)/ $1089* (NZD) per person. Guests can embark from Abu Dhabi or Dubai, with itineraries calling at Sir Bani Yas Island, Bahrain, Doha, Khasab, Khor Fakkan and Muscat. For more information on these itineraries please see www.msccruises.com.au
SOURCE: MSC Cruises