Fans of the culinary and lifestyle diva Martha Stewart will be thrilled to know about a new partnership with MSC Cruises.
The cruise line is joining forces with Stewart, the undisputed queen of home and lifestyle, who has curated exclusive culinary and discovery experiences onboard and onshore to add a unique flair to MSC guests’ vacations.
The new partnership will be themed “Celebrate, Discover, Experience” and feature tailored Caribbean shore excursions that highlight authentic local favorites and hidden gems. Additionally, guests can take advantage of celebration surprise gift packages, and onboard special holiday dinner menus and recipes.
“MSC Cruises is committed to developing enriching guest experiences and as such, we partner with world-class experts in their field to create together something truly unique,” said Gianni Onorato, CEO, MSC Cruises. “Martha Stewart’s philosophy and passion for discovery is a perfect match for MSC Cruises and we are excited to bring her innovation, style and expertise to life in this special partnership designed to help our guests create memorable vacation moments with friends and family.”
MSC Cruises prides itself on its ability to offer singular experiences both on and off its ships and it’s through partnerships like this that it is able to truly distinguish the brand.
“I’ve always enjoyed introducing people to new experiences, and I’m thrilled to be working with MSC Cruises on a partnership that embodies the true celebratory nature of travel, exploration and discovery,” said Stewart. “The excursions showcase some of my favorite activities and help MSC Cruises’ guests discover some of the authentic and hidden treasures of destinations throughout the Caribbean. The holiday dinner menus and surprise gift packages encompass what I believe celebrations should include: good food, good company and commemorating great adventures and inspiration wherever we are.”
The program will be launched in multiple destinations across the Caribbean and focus on some of Martha’s passion points, including hands-on culinary classes and tastings of local delights, horseback riding in the ocean, hiking to hidden coves, visits to craft markets, lessons from local fisherman and tours of beautiful gardens. Also available are specially crafted tours that focus on locals’ favorite spots and tell the story of the local culture.
“As MSC Cruises significantly expands its presence in the North American market, we are continually seeking to introduce new offerings in the region that are appealing to the North American traveler,” said Ken Muskat, executive vice president and chief operating officer of MSC Cruises (USA). “MSC Cruises’ guests are curious travelers who seek learning opportunities and are looking for authentic experiences that help them travel like a local. In addition to being designed around Martha Stewart’s interests, together we created these shore excursions with insight from the local tourism boards to identify the true, hidden treasures of the islands and really provide our guests with an exceptional and rare experience.”
During the initial rollout, the Martha Stewart & MSC Cruises Excursions will be available in all destinations visited on itineraries served by MSC Seaside and MSC Armonia, including San Juan, Puerto Rico; Nassau, Bahamas; Philipsburg, Saint Maarten; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; George Town, Cayman Islands; Cozumel, Mexico; Costa Maya, Mexico; and Roatan Island, Honduras.
In November of this year, additional excursions will be available in destinations visited by MSC Divina and MSC Meraviglia while sailing the Caribbean.
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The full rollout will also include an excursion on MSC Cruises’ new private island, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, which will welcome its first guests in November 2019.
MSC Cruises and Martha Stewart will also offer special holiday dinner menus for Easter, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas and New Year’s Eve. For each occasion, Martha Stewart created dinner menus that feature an appetizer, entree and dessert for guests dining in the main restaurant and for guests staying in the MSC Yacht Club.
Guests will also receive the recipe from their meal to take home.
Martha Stewart-curated celebration packages will also be available to guests, who can order them for delivery to their stateroom, to celebrate birthdays, honeymoons or anniversaries.
Passengers and travel agents will be able to select from three different options that can be pre-purchased prior to sailing or purchased once onboard. Packages include:
Martha Stewart Delightful Surprise: Personalized letter from Martha Stewart and special Martha Stewart dessert and recipe card. Price: $10
Martha Stewart Sweet Delight & Cheers: Personalized letter from Martha Stewart; special Martha Stewart dessert and recipe card; and specially selected wine. Price: $30
Martha Stewart Sensational Celebration: Personalized letter from Martha Stewart; special Martha Stewart dessert and recipe card; specially selected wine; free digital and printed photo taken by an MSC Cruises’ professional photographer; 5×7 picture frame; and canvas beach tote bag. Price: $89
These celebration packages will be available on MSC Seaside and MSC Armonia starting June 1, 2019.
