MSC Cruises welcomed the fourth and final ship in its Fantasia-class on March 23, 2013. The 141,000-ton, 3,500-guest new ship is named the MSC Preziosa, and she is MSC Cruises' 12th ship as joins her three sister ships--the MSC Fantasia, MSC Splendida, and MSC Divina--in the fleet. She is almost identical to the MSC Divina and shares many features in common with the other two ships in the class, including the marvelous MSC Yacht Club area and the glittering Swarovski staircase.
Even before she was launched, the MSC Preziosa has an interesting history.

Although the ship's hull and design were similar to the other Fantasia-class ships, the June 2010 contract for the ship was originally between the STX France shipyard and the Libyan state-owned General National Maritime Transport Corporation. She was tentatively named Phoenicia and was to include a feature not found on any other ship--a 120-ton shark tank big enough for 6 sharks. This tank was the idea of Hannibal Gaddafi, son of Muhammar Gaddafi, Libya's long-time leader at the time. While the ship was being constructed, the Libyan civil war broke out, and the contract was cancelled. MSC Cruises negotiated a new contract with the shipbuilder in March 2012, and a year later the MSC Preziosa joined the fleet.

Although the MSC Preziosa is very similar to her sister ships, she does have some new features that cruise travelers will enjoy:

• The Doremi Castle water park (located on MSC Preziosa's deck 16) should delight the whole family. It includes sprays, fountains, water pistols and valves, each designed to get you wet! A drenching bucket fills up drip by drip before raining down on those below. The area also has water cannons designed to encourage mischievous fun between friends.

• The 42-foot-high, 3-foot diameter Vertigo water slide is the longest waterslide afloat with 394 feet of twists and turns. Certain sections of the slide have been enhanced with translucent bands of color that create a strobe effect as guests zip through at top speed. In addition, as the Vertigo slide curves out over the edge of the ship, a 30-ft. transparent section allows riders to experience "flying over water" with unobstructed views of the ocean below. Some kids will be disappointed that they must be at least 47 inches tall to enjoy the Vertigo experience, but the MSC Preziosa has other water slides dedicated to its younger guests.
• Top 18 is an adults-only outdoor area that should provide a sanctuary from the fun generated at the water park. Top 18 boasts premium deck space and stunning sea views, along with its own dedicated spa service, bar menu and complimentary fruit skewers.
• The intimate Eataly Restaurant has about 80 seats and embodies the founding concept of the Eataly food chain ashore. Guests can eat, buy and learn about the finest Italian food when choosing from 18 delicious, simple, top quality dishes in a relaxed, uncluttered atmosphere. After dinner, guests can take a taste of Eataly away by purchasing high quality Italian produce such as aged balsamic vinegar, Ligurian olive oil, dried Gragnano pasta, and chemical-free wines.
• The exclusive 24-seat evening-only Ristorante Italia offers a different "table d’hôte" menu every night, specially conceived by the Eataly chefs. The menus feature a variety of dishes made using ingredients sourced through the Slow Food Foundation - created to protect small producers and to preserve the quality of local produce.
• The Sports & Bowling Diner is an informal place to hang out, bowl, or watch live sports on the large video screens. Guests can even enjoy an "American-style" hamburger while taking in their favorite sports.

MSC's new flagship sails 7-day cruises of the western Mediterranean until the fall of 2013, when she will reposition for the winter season to Brazil, returning to the Mediterranean in March 2014. The Mediterranean itinerary is similar to the 7-day itinerary I enjoyed a few years ago on the MSC Splendida.