MSC Sinfonia begins 'Renaissance' drydock in Palermo

Over the next 10 weeks, MSC Sinfonia will undergo the same intensive work schedule as sister MSC Armonia, which resumed service on Nov. 17.

Fincantieri’s marine engineers will bisect MSC Sinfonia’s hull and slowly draw the two halves apart. On Jan. 20 and 21, the engineers will insert a pre-built 78-foot midsection containing 193 cabins. Then they will refit and renew most of the ship’s interiors.

Before MSC Sinfonia’s arrival, Fincantieri’s preparations were well under way for the work on board and in the shipyard. On Jan. 9, the new midsection was floated into the facility and hauled into the drydock area where MSC Sinfonia will remain for the duration of its stay.

Once the work is complete, the renewed MSC Sinfonia will weigh anchor from the shipyard on March 25 for Genoa. The vessel will feature new areas for children created in partnership with Chicco and LEGO, and a new Baby Club, Mini Club, Young Club and Teens Club.

MSC Cruises will also update the dining, keeping the buffet open 20 hours per day and installing new dining spaces, a new lounge and an expanded restaurant.

The ship’s MSC Aurea Spa will gain massage areas, and a new outdoor water spray park will be added on Deck 13.