MSC Cruises, long a leader in the European market and a growing presence in the Caribbean winter market, will be adding Canada/New England sailings to its offerings in 2010.

MSC Magnifica, currently under construction and scheduled to debut in March 2010, will be sailing a series of Fall Foliage cruises from both New York City and Quebec in the fall of 2010 before sailing to Fort Lauderdale to join MSC Lirica for the 2010-11 Caribbean season.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for residents of the Northeastern United States and Canada to enjoy an MSC Cruises experience on one of the line’s newest and most elegant ships without having to add in the cost and time of airfare,” says Richard E. Sasso, president and CEO of MSC Cruises (USA), Inc.

He adds, “MSC Magnifica is ideal for Fall Foliage cruises. With nearly 80 percent outside staterooms and a magrodome (retractable roof over the swimming pool), guests can appreciate the beauty of Mother Nature throughout the cruise.”

MSC Magnifica, which is scheduled to debut in March 2010, will depart Venice on Sept. 4, 2010 on an 18-night transatlantic journey to New York City. Along the way, it will call at Bari, la Vallette, Malaga, Cadiz, Lisbon, Ponta Delgada and King’s Wharf (Bermuda), arriving in New York City on Sept. 22.

The ship will then sail the following itineraries:
· 10-night roundtrip, departing Sept. 22 and calling in Sydney, Charlottetown, Quebec, Halifax and Newport
· 7-night New York City to Quebec, departing Oct. 2 and calling in Halifax, Charlottetown and Corner Brook
· 7-night Quebec to New York City, departing Oct. 9 and calling in Sydney, Bar Harbor, Boston and Newport
· 7-night New York City to Quebec, departing Oct. 16 and calling in Halifax, Sydney and Charlottetown
· 9-night Quebec to Fort Lauderdale, departing Oct. 23 and calling in Sydney, Boston, Newport and New York City

The itineraries can be combined, making them ideal for those who want a longer, roundtrip experience or even a 16-night cruise from New York City to Fort Lauderdale.