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Holiday menus, tours, gift packages in Martha Stewart-MSC Cruises partnership

Martha Stewart
'Martha Stewart’s philosophy and passion for discovery is a perfect match for MSC Cruises,' CEO Gianni Onorato said PHOTO: Douglas Friedman
MSC Cruises is partnering with home and lifestyle expert Martha Stewart on exclusive new culinary and discovery experiences on board and ashore. Themed 'Celebrate, Discover, Experience,' the partnership includes specially curated shore excursions, celebration surprise gift packages and holiday dinner menus and recipes.

'A perfect match'

'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,' said Gianni Onorato, CEO, MSC Cruises.

'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,' Stewart said. '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.'

Excursions

Initially taking place in destinations across the Caribbean, the Martha Stewart & MSC Cruises Excursions feature a variety of activities, including hands-on culinary classes, horseback riding in the sea, hiking to hidden coves, visits to craft markets, lessons from local fisherman and garden tours. These specially crafted tours embody the locals’ favorite spots and tell the story of the local culture.

'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,' said Ken Muskat, EVP & chief operating officer, MSC Cruises USA.

Initially excursions will be available at all destinations visited by MSC Seaside and MSC Armonia, including San Juan, Nassau, Philipsburg (St. Maarten) Charlotte Amalie (St. Thomas), Ocho Rios, George Town (Grand Cayman), Cozumel, Costa Maya and Roatán. Starting in November, additional excursions will be available at Caribbean destinations visited by MSC Divina and MSC Meraviglia. Plus, there will be an excursion on Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, scheduled to open in November.

For example, a George Town tour features a horseback plunge into the Caribbean. Coral Stone Stables owner Noland Stewart provides a 1.5-hour guided horseback adventure in Barker’s National Park. After riding, a vegan lunch is served at Vivo, a restaurant run by Michele 'Miki' Zama. A tasting menu will be served with dishes like organic red beetroot hummus, guacamole-topped black quinoa with sweet potato bites and homemade falafel.

Excursion prices range from $115 to $199 per adult, with discounts available for children.

Holiday dinner menus and recipes

Martha Stewart will design holiday dinner menus for Easter, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Inspired by her own experiences and family traditions, these menus will be available in the main restaurant and MSC Yacht Club's private restaurant. Diners will receive the recipes from their meal to take home.

Celebration surprise packages

Martha Stewart celebration surprise packages can be ordered for delivery to staterooms to celebrate birthdays, honeymoons or anniversaries. Passengers or travel agents can select from three packages that can be purchased prior to sailing or on board.

These include the Martha Stewart Delightful Surprise with a personalized letter, dessert and recipe card, priced at $10. The Martha Stewart Sweet Delight & Cheers package adds a specially selected wine and is priced at $30.

The Martha Stewart Sensational Celebration includes all the items from the other packages plus a digital and printed photo taken by an MSC Cruises professional photographer, five-inch by seven-inch picture frame and canvas beach tote bag. The price is $89.

Prior cruise tie

Martha Stewart has a prior connection with cruising; in 2006, she served as the godmother for Princess Cruises' Crown Princess during its New York naming festivities.