Today in Cruise Port St. Maarten: Costa Fascinosa
With St. Maarten being one of the most popular ports of call of the Caribbean, there is always a ship in port with an interesting story to tell. Today’s ship with interesting backgrounds is Costa Fascinosa of MSC Cruises, a frequent visitor to the island. Here are some interesting bits of information about this cruise ship anchoring in Philipsburg today!
Fascinating Italian
MSC Cruises is Italian, and the ship was born in this country too. It was, like so many ships in history, built near Venice (on the Fincantieri shipyards in Marghera). “Fascinosa” means “fascinating” in Italian—meant to evoke glamour, charm, and elegance. The ship was launched from Marghera in 2011 and entered service in May 2012.: It is the sister ship of the Costa Favolosa, part of the Concordia-class and has a gross tonnage of around 114,500 GT, is 290 meters (951 feet) long, and can carry over 3,700 passengers with more than 1,100 crew members. That does not mean that its many cruise visitors disembarking in St. Maarten today is European per se – MSC is a household brand for American cruise fanatics too.
Movie Inspired Decor
The ship’s decor is inspired by famous films, actors, and directors, giving it a cinematic, glamorous. That also applies to its main theater named Bel Ami Theater, after the famous novel and films. Artworks and sculptures throughout are inspired by cinema and stage legends. Lounges and restaurants have names like “Amarcord Atrium”, referring to Federico Fellini’s films. If you chose this ship because of it, note that St. Maarten had its share of movie history too – a great excursion itinerary.
4D Cinema
Its cinematic atrium is also taken serious when it pertains to the amenities of Fascinosa – literally adding another sense to your movie experience. The ship includes a 4D cinema where guests experience moving seats, wind, scents, and water sprays. Outdoor Movie Screen: Features a giant outdoor screen on the Lido Deck for movies under the stars.
More European Accents
Rimini-centered Amarcord is by far not the only European reference on the ship. Its wellness centers are also modeled after the best European Spa traditions. The Samsara Spa is 6,000 square meters and includes a thalassotherapy pool, sauna, Turkish bath, and a tea house.
Migrant Rescue
In 2015, Costa Fascinosa was praised for helping rescue migrants in the Mediterranean, making it one if the few cruise ships in the world having had a humanitarian role.
Costa Fascinosa is a fascinating piece of art! If you missed it in port today, see the St. Maarten port schedule for its next visit to the dual nation island.
