Simplon - The Passenger Ship Website - www.simplonpc.co.uk

Passenger Ship Website - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Simplon Postcards Home - Recent Updates - Search - Copyright Information - Contact Simplon
This website has no connection with any shipping company, cruise line, boat operator or other commercial organisation





MSC Cruises
Mediterranean Shipping Cruises
Starlauro Cruises
 
 
 
These pages are devoted to postcards and photographs of the Mediterranean Shipping Cruises fleet (MSC), plus predecessor Starlauro Cruises. A new page has now been added covering the earlier Achille Lauro owned period as Flotta Lauro.
 
The table below, links to complete postcard career histories of selected ships. Below this, I have a Fleet List of the complete Mediterranean Shipping Cruises fleet in the current livery, which also includes the final series of Starlauro cards. MSC had bought Flotta Lauro in 1987, renaming the fleet Starlauro Cruises. The fleet was renamed again as Mediterranean Shipping Cruises in 1995, following the fire and loss of the famous Achille Lauro in 1994. More recently, the company has styled itself as MSC Crociere Italiane.
 
 
Ships on this Page:-
Achille Lauro
Angelina Lauro (2)
Melody
Monterey
MSC Armonia (2004- )
MSC Fantasia (2008- )
MSC Lirica (2003- )
MSC Magnifica (2009- )
MSC Musica (2006- )
MSC Opera (2004- )
MSC Orchestra (2007- )
MSC Poesia (2008- )
MSC Splendida (2009- ) - previously announced as MSC Serenata
MSC Sinfonia (2004- )
Rhapsody
Symphony
 
Associated Pages:-
Cunard Line
Flotta Lauro
Home Lines
Premier Cruise Line
Rotterdam Lloyd
Cruise Ship Postcards
Ocean Liner Postcards
Simplon Postcards Home Page

References:-
 Click on images for more details - www.overviewpress.co.uk - info@overviewpress.co.uk
CRUISE SHIPS Edition 1 - William Mayes - www.overviewpress.co.ukCRUISE SHIPS Edition 2 - William Mayes - www.overviewpress.co.ukCRUISE SHIPS Edition 3 - William Mayes - www.overviewpress.co.uk






Table of Ship Histories
Name
 Other Names
 Built
 Achille Lauro  Willem Ruys
 1939
 Angelina Lauro (2)  Arcadia
 1939
 Melody  Atlantic, StarShip Atlantic
 1981
 Monterey  Pine Tree Mariner
 1952
 MSC Fantasia  
 2008
 MSC Lirica  
 2003
 MSC Poesia  
 2008
 Rhapsody  Cunard Princess
 1976
 Symphony  Provence, EnricoCosta
 1951







MSC Cruises
Starlauro Cruises



Achille Lauro
(Lauro: 1966-1987 - StarLauro: 1987-1994)
 
Achille Lauro was the most famous member of the Flotta Lauro fleet, mainly due to her hijacking in 1985. She joined the fleet in 1966, originally as an emigrant carrier. She was restyled as a cruise ship in 1973. In 1987, the Swiss-based Mediterranean Shipping Company bought Lauro, and re-launched them as Starlauro Cruises. Achille Lauro was lost, after a fire in 1994. The company was then re-launched again as Mediterranean Shipping Cruises, and the blue hulls were lost.
 
Complete history of Achille Lauro



This is the first official Starlauro card of Achille Lauro.



The second official Starlauro card of Achille Lauro.






Monterey
(StarLauro: 1989-1995 - MSC: 1995-2007)
 
Mariposa (3) and Monterey (3) were built in 1952, as the fast cargo ships Free State Mariner and Pine Tree Mariner. Matson Line bought them in 1955 for their Oceanic subsidiary, but they were rebuilt as the 14,799 ton passenger ships Mariposa (3) and Monterey (3) for their South Pacific service. In 1970 they were sold to Pacific Far East Lines. In 1989, Monterey was acquired by StarLauro Crociere, passing to MSC in 1995. She remained in service in 2006, and was scheduled to run a series of cruises from South Africa in their 2006/2007 summer, but mechanical problems caused her withdrawal and scrapping.
 
Complete history of Monterey



This was the first official Starlauro card of Monterey.



The second official Starlauro card of Monterey.



The first official Mediterranean Shipping Cruises card of Monterey, expertly retouched from the previous card.



A more recent official Mediterranean Shipping Cruises card of Monterey.



Harold Jordan's Chantry Classics postcard of Monterey.
Photo: © Ian Boyle, August 2003.



Photograph of Monterey at Palma, Mallorca.
Photo: Ian Boyle, 20th August 2003.



Photograph of Monterey at Palma, Mallorca.
Photo: Ian Boyle, 20th August 2003.



Photograph of Monterey at Palma, Mallorca.
Photo: Ian Boyle, 20th August 2003.



Postcard of Monterey at Funchal, Madeira, in latest colours applied 2004.






Angelina Lauro (2)
(StarLauro: 1989-1991 - chartered)
 
Between 1989-91, Starlauro chartered Attika Cruises' Arcadia, which was renamed Angelina Lauro (2) during the charter. She then reverted to the name Arcadia, and in 2000 was being operated by Golden Sun Cruises.



Giacomelli card NE04, showing the Angelina Lauro (2) in Venice in 1990.



Photograph of Angelina Lauro (2) by © Raimondo Starcevich






Symphony
 
In 1994, Starlauro acquired the Enrico Costa, which became their Symphony. In 2000 she was chartered to Golden Sun Cruises as Aegean II then Aegean Spirit.
 
Complete history of Symphony



This is the official Starlauro card of Symphony.



Starlight Cruises postcard of Symphony.
Scan of postcard supplied by Dimas Almada.



The official Mediterranean Shipping Company card of Symphony.






Rhapsody
 
Starlauro acquired the Cunard Line's Cunard Countess shortly after the Enrico Costa, after first having her under charter.
 
Complete history of Rhapsody



Scan of postcard of Cunard Countess under charter, supplied by Dimas Almada



Cunard Countess became the Rhapsody; this is the official Starlauro card.



Following the Achille Lauro tragedy, the company reorganised as Mediterranean Shipping Cruises very soon after the purchase of Rhapsody. This is the official MSC card in the new colours.



Official MSC card of Rhapsody.



Nelson de Barros Pereira postcard of Rhapsody published in Brazil in late 2000.



Official MSC card of Rhapsody in later colours.



Rhapsody at Tilbury Cruise Terminal.
Photo: © 2006 Copyright Ian Boyle, 19th May 2006



Rhapsody at Tilbury Cruise Terminal.
Photo: © 2006 Copyright Ian Boyle, 19th May 2006






Melody (1996-2004)
MSC Melody (2004- )
 
Melody joined the MSC in 1996 from Premier Cruise Lines after the StarLauro name had been dropped. Melody was originally Home Lines' Atlantic of 1982.
 
Complete history of Melody



This is the first official MSC card of Melody, a poorly retouched version of a Premier Cruises card.



The second official MSC card of Melody.



A more recent official MSC card of Melody.



A later official MSC card of Melody.
Scan supplied by Staff Captain Walter Bonazza



MSC postcard of MSC Melody in new colours.






MSC Lirica (2003- )
MSC Lirica was delivered in 2003 from Chantiers de l'Atlantique, St Nazaire. She is 58600grt, 251m long, and has a lower berth capacity of 1590 passengers. The design is a modified version of the enlarged "Mistral-Class" vessels delivered to Festival Cruises. Building slots became available when Festival decided not to proceed with two outstanding options with the builders. Her sistership MSC Opera is due to be delivered in 2004.

More images of MSC Lirica
 



Official MSC postcard of MSC Lirica.



Official MSC inaugural season postcard of MSC Lirica.



Official MSC postcard of MSC Lirica.



The first call at Naples by MSC Lirica.
Photo: © Gabriele Cafiero, April 11th 2003.



The first call at Naples by MSC Lirica.
Photo: © Gabriele Cafiero, April 11th 2003.



The first call at Naples by MSC Lirica.
Photo: © Gabriele Cafiero, April 11th 2003.



The first call at Naples by MSC Lirica.
Photo: © Gabriele Cafiero, April 11th 2003.



The first call at Naples by MSC Lirica.
Photo: © Gabriele Cafiero, April 11th 2003.



The first call at Naples by MSC Lirica.
Photo: © Gabriele Cafiero, April 11th 2003.






MSC Opera (2004- )
 
MSC Opera is a sister of MSC Sinfonia and is 59000 grt



Official MSC Crociere postcard of MSC Opera.



MSC Opera at Flåm
Photo: © Harry Johan Rosvold, 17th July 2007






MSC Armonia (2004- )
 
MSC Armonia and MSC Sinfonia were the European Vision and European Stars respectively of Festival Cruises. They were bought at auction in 2004 after the collapse of Festival, for €215 million and €220 million. Both ships were completed in 2001 by Chantiers Atlantique.



Official MSC Crociere postcard of MSC Armonia.



www.cruising.com.br postcard of MSC Armonia.
Photo: © Daniel R.Carneiro



MSC Armonia at Santos, Brazil.
Photo: © Marco Antonia Pedro



MSC Armonia at Santos, Brazil.
Photo: © Marco Antonia Pedro



MSC Armonia at Dubrovnik, 21st October 2006.
Photo: © Neven Jerkovic



MSC Armonia at Dubrovnik in 2006.
Photo: © Neven Jerkovic



MSC Armonia at Dubrovnik in 2006.
Photo: © Neven Jerkovic



MSC Armonia at Dubrovnik in 2006.
Photo: © Neven Jerkovic



MSC Armonia at Dubrovnik in 2006.
Photo: © Neven Jerkovic



MSC Armonia at Dubrovnik in 2006.
Photo: © Neven Jerkovic



MSC Armonia at Dubrovnik in 2006.
Photo: © Neven Jerkovic



MSC Armonia at Dubrovnik in 2006.
Photo: © Neven Jerkovic



MSC Armonia at Dubrovnik in 2006.
Photo: © Neven Jerkovic



MSC Armonia at Dubrovnik, April 2007.
Photo: © Neven Jerkovic



MSC Armonia at Dubrovnik, 23rd June 2007
Photo: © Ivo Batricevic



MSC Armonia arriving at Dover
Photo: © Ian Boyle, Dover, 13th May 2008
MSC ARMONIA - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: © Ian Boyle, Dover, 13th May 2008



MSC Armonia arriving at Dover
Photo: © Ian Boyle, Dover, 13th May 2008
MSC ARMONIA - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: © Ian Boyle, Dover, 13th May 2008



MSC Armonia arriving at Dover
Photo: © Ian Boyle, Dover, 13th May 2008
MSC ARMONIA - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: © Ian Boyle, Dover, 13th May 2008



MSC Armonia arriving at Dover
Photo: © Ian Boyle, Dover, 13th May 2008
MSC ARMONIA - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: © Ian Boyle, Dover, 13th May 2008



MSC Armonia arriving at Dover
Photo: © Ian Boyle, Dover, 13th May 2008
MSC ARMONIA - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: © Ian Boyle, Dover, 13th May 2008



MSC Armonia at Dover
Photo: © Ian Boyle, Dover, 13th May 2008
MSC ARMONIA - www.simplonpc.co.uk






MSC Sinfonia (2004- )
 
MSC Armonia and MSC Sinfonia were the European Vision and European Stars respectively of Festival Cruises. They were bought at auction in 2004 after the collapse of Festival, for €215 million and €220 million. Both ships were completed in 2001 by Chantiers Atlantique.



Official MSC Crociere postcard of MSC Sinfonia
Scan: Jose Luis Cerdá



MSC Sinfonia on first visit to Dubrovnik
Photo: © Ivo Batricevic, 18th March 2008
Click to open larger image in a new window






MSC Musica (2006- )
 
MSC Musica is the first of a series of three 92400 grt sisters, the series being MSC Musica, MSC Orchestra and MSC Poesia



Official MSC Crociere postcard of MSC Musica.
Scan: Ivo Batricevic



MSC cruise ship MSC Musica at Dubrovnik on maiden voyage
Photo: ©2006 Copyright Ivo Batricevic, 7th July 2006



MSC cruise ship MSC Musica at Dubrovnik on maiden voyage
Photo: ©2006 Copyright Ivo Batricevic, 7th July 2006



MSC cruise ship MSC Musica at Venice
Photo: ©2006 Copyright Ian Boyle, 12th August 2006



MSC cruise ship MSC Musica at Venice
Photo: ©2006 Copyright Ian Boyle, 12th August 2006



MSC cruise ship MSC Musica at Venice
Photo: ©2006 Copyright Ian Boyle, 12th August 2006



MSC Musica at Katakolon
Photo: ©2006 Copyright Ian Boyle, 14th August 2006



MSC Musica at Katakolon
Photo: ©2006 Copyright Ian Boyle, 14th August 2006



MSC Musica at Dubrovnik in 2006.
Photo: © Neven Jerkovic



MSC Musica at Dubrovnik in 2006.
Photo: © Neven Jerkovic



MSC Musica at Dubrovnik in 2006.
Photo: © Neven Jerkovic



MSC Musica at Dubrovnik in 2006.
Photo: © Neven Jerkovic



MSC Musica at Dubrovnik in 2006.
Photo: © Neven Jerkovic



MSC Musica at Dubrovnik in 2006.
Photo: © Neven Jerkovic



MSC Musica at Dubrovnik in 2006.
Photo: © Neven Jerkovic



MSC Musica at Dubrovnik in 2006.
Photo: © Neven Jerkovic



MSC Musica at Dubrovnik in 2006.
Photo: © Neven Jerkovic



MSC Musica at Dubrovnik in 2006.
Photo: © Neven Jerkovic



MSC Musica at Dubrovnik in 2006.
Photo: © Neven Jerkovic



MSC Musica at Dubrovnik in 2008
Photo: © Ivo Batricevic, 29th March 2008
Click to open larger image in a new window



MSC Musica at Dubrovnik in 2008
Photo: © Ivo Batricevic, 29th March 2008
Click to open larger image in a new window






MSC Orchestra (2007- )
 
MSC Orchestra is the second of a series of three 92400 grt sisters, the series being MSC Musica, MSC Orchestra and MSC Poesia



Official MSC Crociere postcard of MSC Orchestra
Scan: Ivo Batricevic



MSC Orchestra at Dubrovnik, 6th June 2007
Photo: © Ivo Batricevic






MSC Poesia (2008- )
 
MSC Poesia is the third of a series of three 92400 grt sisters, the series being MSC Musica, MSC Orchestra and MSC Poesia
 
More images of MSC Poesia



MSC Poesia arriving at Dover to start a 'pre-inaugural' cruise to Venice
Photo: © Ian Boyle, Dover, 4th April 2008
MSC POESIA - Dover 4th April 2008 -  Photo: ©2008 Ian Boyle - Simplon Postcards - www.simplonpc.co.uk



MSC Poesia arriving at Dover to start a 'pre-inaugural' cruise to Venice
Photo: © Ian Boyle, Dover, 4th April 2008
MSC POESIA - Dover 4th April 2008 -  Photo: ©2008 Ian Boyle - Simplon Postcards - www.simplonpc.co.uk



MSC Poesia arriving at Dover to start a 'pre-inaugural' cruise to Venice
Photo: © Ian Boyle, Dover, 4th April 2008
MSC POESIA - Dover 4th April 2008 -  Photo: ©2008 Ian Boyle - Simplon Postcards - www.simplonpc.co.uk



MSC Poesia arriving at Dover to start a 'pre-inaugural' cruise to Venice
Photo: © Ian Boyle, Dover, 4th April 2008
MSC POESIA - Dover 4th April 2008 -  Photo: ©2008 Ian Boyle - Simplon Postcards - www.simplonpc.co.uk






MSC Fantasia (2008- )

IMO number: 9359791 - Name of ship: MSC FANTASIA - Call Sign: 3ETR7
Gross tonnage: 137936 - Length Overall: 333.3m - Type of ship: Passenger (Cruise) Ship
Year of build: 2008 - Flag: Panama
Builder: 2008-12 STX France Cruise SA, St-Nazaire (Yard/hull No: A33)


MSC Fantasia is the first of a series of 138000 grt ships, delivered in December 2008. She was followed by MSC Splendida in the summer of 2009.


More images of MSC Fantasia




MSC Fantasia deck plan and technical data
Opens large scale PDF file in new window

MSC FANTASIA DECK PLAN
MSC FANTASIA DECK PLAN



MSC Fantasia at Barcelona
Photo: © Ian Boyle, 21st August 2009
MSC FANTASIA - Photo: © Ian Boyle, 21st August 2009



MSC Fantasia at Barcelona
Photo: © Ian Boyle, 21st August 2009
MSC FANTASIA - Photo: © Ian Boyle, 21st August 2009



MSC Fantasia at Barcelona
Photo: © Ian Boyle, 21st August 2009
MSC FANTASIA - Photo: © Ian Boyle, 21st August 2009



MSC Fantasia at Barcelona
Photo: © Ian Boyle, 21st August 2009
MSC FANTASIA - Photo: © Ian Boyle, 21st August 2009



MSC Fantasia leaving Barcelona
Photo: © Ian Boyle, 21st August 2009
MSC FANTASIA - Photo: © Ian Boyle, 21st August 2009



MSC Fantasia leaving Barcelona
Photo: © Ian Boyle, 21st August 2009
MSC FANTASIA - Photo: © Ian Boyle, 21st August 2009



MSC Fantasia leaving Barcelona
Photo: © Ian Boyle, 21st August 2009
MSC FANTASIA - Photo: © Ian Boyle, 21st August 2009







MSC Splendida (2009- )

MSC Splendida is the second in a series of 138000 grt ships, previously announced as the MSC Serenata


MSC Fantasia at la Goulette, Tunisia
Photo: © Francesco Galantino, 11th August 2009
MSC SPLENDIDA - Photo: © Francesco Galantino, 11th August 2009



MSC Fantasia at la Goulette, Tunisia
Photo: © Francesco Galantino, August 2009
MSC SPLENDIDA at La Goulette, Tunisia - Photo: © Francesco Galantino, 11th August 2009






MSC Magnifica (2009- )

To be added







Cunard Line - Flotta Lauro - Home Lines - Premier Cruise Line - Rotterdam Lloyd
Cruise Ship Postcards - Ocean Liner Postcards
Top of Page - Simplon Postcards - Recent Updates - Simplon Postcards - Home Page





         









ARTENAUTICA Ship Models - www.stores.ebay.co.uk/Artenautica-Shop-ShipHarold Jordan - New and Old Shipping Postcards for Sale - www.hjcards.co.ukOcean Liner Society - www.ocean-liner-society.comCarmania Press - Quality Passenger Shipping Books -  www.carmaniapress.co.ukThe Liquid Highway - River Thames Website - www.riverthames.co.nrCOASTAL CRUISING ASSOCIATION - www.cruisingmonthly.comWillem Johan Hoendervanger - Superb Maritime Paintings - www.wjmaritiem.nlOverview Press - www.overviewpress.co.uk - Specialist Passenger Shipping BooksMike Louagie - Fantastic Maritime Photographer - www.louagie.beMaritime Photographic - Superb Shipping Photography - www.maritimephotographic.co.ukNATIONAL HISTORIC SHIPS REGISTER - www.nationalhistoricships.org.ukWORLD SHIP SOCIETY - worldshipsociety.orgShippax - Ship Information, Databases, Publications, Magazines - www.shippax.seNautiques - Your gateway to the rich past of ocean liner nautical antiques - www.nautiques.netMarius Bar - Historic and new photos from long established French photographers - www.mariusbar-photo.comPADDLE STEAMERS - A Unique Heritage - www.heritagesteamers.co.ukMaritime Timetable Images - www.timetableimages.comDonAnd Maritime - www.donandmaritime.com - Cruise & Ferry News and CollectablesSeapixonline - Image GalleryGORDON HISLIP - Irish Sea Photography - www.gordonhislip.comOld and New Postcards for Sale - www.raeth.chJOHN EAGLE PHOTOGRAPHY - johneaglephotograpy.comShips Monthly - Shipping Magazine - www.shipsmonthly.comRisawoleska - 1:1250 Ship Models - www.risawoleska.comMaritime Images - Poole Images - www.maritimeimages.co.ukROBERT FORSYTHE - Transport & Industrial Heritage, History & ConsultancyP&O HERITAGE - Official P&O Heritage Website - www.poheritage.comFerry Publications - www.ferrypubs.co.uk - Leading European Publisher of Ferry BooksMaritime Matters - www.maritimematters.com

Simplon Home Page - The Passenger Ship Website - www.simplonpc.cco.uk
©1999-2007 Copyright Ian Boyle/Simplon Postcards (all pages on web site)
All Rights Reserved
 
Free Web Counter
Times viewed since 09/05/2007: