www.CRUISESHIPODYSSEY.com
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All text and photographs (unless stated otherwise) © Paul Timmerman Melody carries about 1600 passengers maximum and 1098 based on double occupancy. There are 392 inside and 157 outside cabins (measuring 12,7 to 39,5 sq m). Cabins aboard are simple, no luxury is provided, but they are more than adequate when it comes to space. Melody´s most impressive accommodation consists of 6 suites, each having a separate living room. Part of the winter period is spent in the Caribbean and during the summer she sails in the western Mediterranean departing from Genova, and calling at Capri, Palermo, Ibiza, and Palma de Majorca before returning to Genova. On the outer decks, Melody has two swimming pools, one is covered by a magrodome, a retractable roof over the pool so it can be used in inclement weather. A magrodome was first used on the legendary Oceanic, sailing as a competitor on the same route in the western Med and originally also a member of the Home Lines fleet.
Blue Riband bar, Pool Deck Apart from the Galaxy Restaurant on Restaurant Deck, all public facilities are located on Pool and Lounge decks. Both pools are located on Pool Deck (of course............), including the Riviera Pool amidships (the one with the magrodome) which is surrounded by the Riviera Terrace. At night there is live music here. The adjacent Satellite Cafe's situated on both port and starboard side, passengers can choose from hot and cold dishes from the buffets. Passing through the Satellite Cafe towards the bow, we enter the Sunrise Terrace, a room with a marvelous view over the ships' bow. Also on Pool deck, the Blue Riband Pub is worth mentioning. This intimate pub (seating 60) sports many black & white pictures of famous passenger liners. Unfortunately, the only Italian winner of the Blue Riband, the Rex is missing and ships like first Queen Elizabeth and the America are present although neither of them won the Blue Riband.
Pool deck,aft By the way, Greek interior architects A&M Katzourakis are responsible for her interior decorations. They have done a great job, creating a warm and friendly atmosphere on board this moderately sized vessel. One deck below, the Club Universe (seating 650) has a daring color scheme, mixing blue and green colors. But anyway, the result is a pleasant, roomy show lounge. Alas, some pillars obstruct your view of the stage. Next to it, the large casino shows the ships American roots. The shops, photo gallery, video game room, Starlight Disco and the Large Junkanoo Club and Bar make Melody's array of public rooms complete. When we visited the Melody in April 2001, we found the ship to be in absolute impeccable condition, and all public spaces spotless. Her outside profile is remarkable, her short stubby bows are in sharp contrast to her rounded stern. As MSC states in one of their brochures: Welcome to the Melody, custom built for cruising in 1982 to meet exacting standards of safety, style and sophistication. She has been designed with passenger comfort top priority. Graceful and well-appointed public areas are plentiful with high ceilings giving a wonderful sense of space.......
Riviera Pool & Terrace, Pool deck MSC has expanded and modernised its fleet considerably over the last years. In 2003 and 2004 sisterships Lirica and Opera were introduced, MSC's first newbuilding while capacity was boosted further with the acquisition of Armonia (former European Vision) and Sinfonia (former European Stars) from Festival Cruises after this line went bankrupt in 2005. Musica and Orchestra followed in 2006 and 2007,being larger versions of the same series, measuring 90.000GRT. In 2008 a third vessel in these series was delivered, named Poesia, followed by a fourth unit in 2010, the Magnifica. In 2008 and 2009 the largest cruiseships ever ordered by a European operator will join the fleet, the Fantasia and the Splendida, each measuring 133.500 GRT and with a capacity close to 4000 guests. Rhapsody (former Cunard Princess) currently is the oldest vessel in the fleet, dating from 1976. Hopefully Melody will remain in the MSC-fleet and will continue her yearly schedule of Mediterranean and Caribbean cruises for many years to come, catering for (Italian) families with many youngsters on her summer cruises, but there is fierce competition from more modern tonnage with much more facilities on board. However, after the ships on order from Aker Yards, France (former Chantiers L'Atlantique ship yard) will have been taken into service probably both Rhapsody and Melody will be sold off...... Click on thumbnail for larger image
Pool deck, aft Bridge Sunrise Terrace, Pool deck Junkanoo Club, Lounge deck End
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