In a new partnership, home design expert Martha Stewart will
work with MSC Cruises to develop curated Caribbean shore excursions,
celebration surprise gift packages and holiday dinner menus.
The excursions may include hands-on culinary classes and
tastings of local delights, horseback riding in the ocean, hiking to hidden
coves, visits to craft markets, lessons from local fisherman and tours of
beautiful gardens, MSC said.
They will range in price from $115 to $199.
"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," Stewart said in
announcing the partnership.
Martha Stewart offerings will launch on MSC Seaside and MSC
Armonia starting June 1, with a rollout
on the MSC Divina and MSC Meraviglia, as well as an excursion on MSC's Ocean
Cay Marine Reserve, beginning Nov. 1.
The gift packages can be ordered pre-sailing or purchased
aboard. There are $10, $30 and $89 options. The latter includes a personalized
letter from Stewart; a Martha Stewart dessert and recipe card; specially
selected wine; free digital and printed photo taken by a MSC Cruises' professional
photographer; 5x7 picture frame; and canvas beach tote bag.
Stewart-designed menus will be created for Easter,
Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas and New Year's Eve for use on the four ships
in the main dining room and the restaurant in the MSC Yacht Club. Guests will
get Stewart's recipe from their meal to take home.
MSC Cruises USA chief operating officer Ken Muskat said the
new partnership with Stewart resulted from MSC's quest to provide new offerings
in the Caribbean that are appealing to North American travelers.