Roaming mobile services coming to MSC Cruises

Guests travelling on MSC Cruises ships are set to have greater mobile phone services after the cruise line have signed up with leading maritime mobile phone firm On Waves to provide roaming services on all ships.

Constantin Simeonidis, chief executive of On Waves, said the launch of code divisional multiple access (CDMA) services will enhance passenger experience across the cruise line's fleet.

"To have renewed the trust of an organisation like MSC Cruises is a great endorsement," he commented, adding: "We expect the launch of CDMA services will further increase overall usage of mobile devices."

The new service will also be included for all MSC Cruises new builds in the future.

MSC Poesia rocking all the way to Jamaica

MSC Cruises are set to showcase a number of rock’n’roll acts on board their MSC Poesia ship in November, it has been revealed.

The events will take place between the 15^th and 20^th November, in which time MSC Poesia will sail from Fort Lauderdale in the US to Jamaica and Grand Cayman.

Among the bands that will be playing is StoneRider, Stereoside, enderafteR, Broken Teeth and Skid Row. There will live concerts as well as plenty of other activities to entertain guests throughout the cruise, including karaoke sessions, Guitar Hero tournaments, contests, charity auctions and Q&A sessions with the artists.

One of MSC Cruises newest ship, MSC Poesia was christened in Dover last year and will be making a voyage to Israel later on in the year, calling in at Rome, Turkey, Greece and Croatia.

Holidays defying credit crunch in 2009

It looks like holidays will be bucking the trend of the credit crunch this year, with a recent study showing that over 75 per cent of holidaymakers will be planning to spend as much on their holiday this year as they did in 2008.

Carnival Cruises have conducted their annual poll which indicates that nearly half of the people they questioned said they would rather cut back on buying designer clothes in order to pay for their holiday.

This all bodes well for cruise lines continuing to sail in the face of the economic turndown by introducing even more news ships throughout 2009. MSC Cruises will be introducing MSC Splendida in June to the line’s second flagship, to be followed by the smaller MSC Magnifica in December.

Meanwhile, Silversea Cruises are set to debut the 36,000 ton Art Deco-styled Silver Spirit, able to carry 540 passengers and boasting the line’s largest staterooms with almost all of them featuring a private balcony.

David Dingle, chief executive of Carnival Cruises line, said the findings of the poll confirm that there are plenty of holidaymakers planning to go on holiday this year, despite the economic downturn.

"Considering a cruise holiday includes accommodation, almost all food, entertainment and flights, it really does provide exceptional value at a time when the credit crunch is hitting our wallets," he commented.

MSC Fantasia received by MSC Cruises

‘The most beautiful ship in the world’ was today handed over to MSC Cruises at a ceremony at STX France shipyard in St Nazaire, France. The ceremony saw the lowering of the French flag and the flag of STX France and the raising of the MSC Cruises flag, along with the flags of Italy and Panama.

MSC Cruises four year old godmother, Asia Aponte granddaughter of MSC Cruises owner Gianluigi Aponte, was there at the ceremony. MSC Cruises’ CEO Pierfrancesco Vago, and Jacques Hardelay, General Manager of the shipyard, were also present.

At the ceremony, Mr Vago said: “I am particularly proud to launch this new ship, which is a revolution in the cruising world, due to the technologically advanced systems on board. Not only does MSC Fantasia stand out for her technical innovations, but also for her environmentally-friendly systems and structure.

“This ship will capture the imagination of every single guest who comes onboard, as she is a destination in herself and so beautifully designed. She features the stunning MSC Yacht Club, which introduces a new concept in luxury sailing, and our signature MSC Aurea Spa, for the ultimate in well-being.

“With so much choice of activities and entertainment on board this visually stunning ship, I am sure you will agree MSC Fantasia truly is the most beautiful ship in the world,” Mr Vago added.

MSC Fantasia will be the largest ship in the MSC Cruises fleet, with a total capacity of 3,959 passengers. The ship will also launch the lines new MSC Yacht Club, a new class of cruising, with a luxury area with 24 hour butler service and concierge service. This is the sixth ship STX France has built for MSC Cruises and will be followed by her sister ship MSC Splendida in July 2009. There will be a further three ships - MSC Magnifica, MSC Meraviglia and MSC Favolosa – by 2012, giving MSC Cruises the fastest-growing and most modern fleet in the world.

MSC Fantasia will now sail to Italy via Lisbon, Gibraltar, Alicante, Barcelona and Marseilles, to reach Naples, where her christening will take place on December 18. Following her inaugural cruise, MSC Fantasia will be home ported in Genoa sailing the Mediterranean year round.

MSC Fantasia - the most beautiful ship in the world

The wait for MSC Fantasia is nearly over. In less than 30 days time, MSC Cruises newest and most beautiful ship will be christened in a stunning ceremony in Naples on December 18. MSC Fantasia is to be christened by Sophia Loren, the icon of Italian style worldwide, who is already the godmother of five other MSC Cruises ships.

MSC Fantasia is to feature a number of exciting new elements and at 133,500 gross tonnes, 1,092 feet long, 196 feet high and 124 feet wide, she certainly has the space for them! The public areas total 290,000 square feet and include 5 swimming pools (including “I Tropici” with a retractable roof), 12 whirlpool baths and 1 Aqua Park with 150 fountains. There are five restaurants on board including La Cantina Toscana serving the finest Italian food and wines, El Sombrero Tex Mex where guests can savour the taste of tacos and margaritas and the elegant a la carte French restaurant Belle Epoque.

On top of all this there are 19 bars for guests to choose from and the L’Avanguardia theatre with 1,650 seats, a casino, disco and a virtual area with a Formula 1 simulator and a 4D cinema. There is also a children’s play area dedicated to a North Pole theme.

MSC Cruises is to introduce MSC Yacht Club on board MSC Fantasia: 99 suites, between 247 and 570 square feet, furnished as a luxurious yacht with a large lounge with breathtaking views of the sea. Personal butlers are on hand to provide the most exclusive services and guests with have access to a number of private areas.

The tenth ship in the MSC Cruises fleet, MSC Fantasia will call at Genoa after its inaugural ceremony where it will depart from on December 20 for its maiden voyage 9 day Mediterranean cruise, calling in at Rhodes, Alexandria of Egypt, Messina and Naples. MSC Fantasia will be cruising 12 day Mediterranean and Atlantic Ocean cruises all through winter 2009.

MSC Cruises placed order for two new ships

MSC Cruises are once more expanding their fleet with a new order placed with Aker Yards in St. Nazair France for two Musica class ships which will be due for delivery February 2011 and February 2012.

Aker Yards have produced many of the ships currently in MSC Cruises fleet, including the most recent additions MSC Orchestra, MSC Poesia and the soon to be launched MSC Fantasia and Splendida.

MSC Cruises are looking to expand their fleet by one ship a year which considering the current economic pressure is a positive move. The new ships on order with Aker Yards will be for the Musica class and are approximately 89,000 tonnes and will carry 3000 passengers. The newest ships on order with be the fifth and sixth in the class, with MSC Magnifica due to launch in 2010 the fourth.

The most recent ships to be introduced to the fleet are MSC Fantasia due to be launched in Naples in December and MSC Splendida will be launching in 2009.

MSC Cruises body shaping treatment

MSC Cruises newest addition to its fleet, MSC Fantasia, will offer treatments in its magnificent new wellbeing centre Aurea Spa that will help reshape the body under medical supervision.

MSC Fantasia is due to be christened in December 2008 in Naples and will be the largest ever European built ship. MSC Fantasia promises a new concept of cruising for MSC Cruises and will weigh 133,500 tonnes.

Aurea Spa on board MSC Cruises new MSC Fantasia ship will offer body treatments within a special area of the spa. The spa is expected to be introduced on board all of MSC Cruises ships and will be the first of its kind that carry out treatments under medical supervision.

The most current medical equipment will be used to reshape the body in the Aurea Spa and one of the procedures is The Active Press which is one of the most effective ways to combat cellulite, eliminate water retention and the heavy feeling found in limbs. This treatment will involve the client wearing specially designed leggings that create a gentle pressure on the areas that need to be treated including thighs, buttocks, calves and ankles. To enhance the drainage action, the pressure will be applied with essential oils.

Another new luxurious amenity to be found on MSC Fantasia is the MSC Yacht Club, an exclusive VIP area with 99 spacious and extravagant suites, wonderfully furnished to the highest standards, with butler service included and private communal areas.

For further information and to be book a cruise on board the upcoming MSC Fantasia visit our website.

MSC Cruises launch express check in service

In an effort to reduce the time is takes to embark on their ships, MSC Cruises have launched an on-line check in service for guests to use in order to make their cruise experience with MSC Cruises as stress free as possible.

The new service named MSC Express is currently available at most major ports in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, it is currently available for passengers departing from Genoa, Civitavecchia, Naples, Palermo, Bari, Venice, Marseille, Barcelona, Valencia, Kiel, Copenhagen and Amsterdam.

MSC Cruises innovative new fast track system enables passengers to log on to www.mscexpress.net, enter their booking details, reservation number, passenger name, together with the ship name and departure date. Once all the details are entered a printout will then produced for the passenger which allows them to be fast-tracked through check in.

Guilio Libutti, MD, MSC Cruises UK and Ireland says “MSC Cruises has a commitment to providing innovative solutions that help our passengers have the most enjoyable trip possible. The addition of online check-in and dedicated MSC Express desks is an extra convenience that cuts queues and waiting times at the port, meeting the growing demands of busy clients. We hope that this new service will help our passengers to start their trip sooner and ultimately get their holiday off to the most relaxing start possible.”

MSC Cruises MSC Splendida float out ceremony

A momentous floating out ceremony took place yesterday at the Aker Yards in St. Nazaire, France. MSC Splendida, the newest addition to the MSC Cruises fleet, was accompanied by a fleet of 8 tugboats at 06:45 when she was floated out. The ceremony lasted about 1 hour and resulted in MSC Cruises MSC Splendida docked half a mile away where she will remain until her construction has been finished.

MSC Splendida and her sister ship MSC Fantasia will be the largest ships ever built by a European ship company. The two ships will begin a new era for MSC Cruises. Both ships will be 133,500 tonnes and able to accommodate 3,274 guests.

The introduction of MSC Yacht Club will be an exciting feature, a VIP area with 99 elegant suites, dedicated butlers and communal spaces furnished to the highest standards. MSC Splendida and MSC Fantasia will also feature the Aurea Spa, four pools, 12 hydro massage pools, jazz bar, 4D interactive cinema and a children and teenagers area of 400 square metres with a pool, waterslide and disco.

The countdown to MSC Cruises MSC Fantasia launch has begun with the christening due to be held in Naples on 18 December 2008, MSC Splendida will be christened in Barcelona during summer 2009.

MSC Cruises are showing a commitment to environmental protection with the introduction of these two new ships as both will use an innovative water treatment process and energy efficient technology.

MSC Cruises newest ship MSC Fantasia

MSC Cruises are a fabulous family owned and operated Italian cruise line, that provides only the finest service and true Italian hospitality, which is reflected in their authentic Mediterranean and International cuisine. MSC Cruises are also soon to be the new owners of the largest cruise ship that has ever been built by a European ship owner with the launch of MSC Fantasia.

MSC Fantasia will be an incredible ship weighing in a 133,500 tonnes, 333 metres long and 38 metres wide. With a guest capacity of 3,000, MSC Fantasia is actually nine metres taller than the Eiffel Tower. There will be a huge array of on board amenities, with six restaurants, eleven bars, three pools (one with a retractable glass roof), children’s pool, solarium, casino, fitness centre and jogging track to mention but a few.

Fantastic cuisine comes as standard with MSC Cruises and MSC Fantasia is no exception. Experience the festive Italian atmosphere as you take a walk through the outdoor Piazza San Giorgio and then enjoy the spicy flavours of El Sombrero or the romantic sophistication of a la carte French cuisine. Take in the panoramic views and international cuisine at Il Cerchio d’Oro and for families the relaxed pizzeria is perfect.

After your gastronomic experience in one of the glorious restaurants, relax in one of the lounges, piano or wine bars, enjoy 4D cinematic movies or take in one of the world class live entertainments acts and shows. If you are looking to jazz it up a bit, hit the casino or dance the night away at the disco.

For guests looking for something a little extra special, the MSC Yacht Club takes cruising to new heights and makes guests feel like superstars. MSC Yacht Club is available in 99 suites of up to 65 sq metres and includes on board priority check in with 24 hour concierge and butler service, exclusive VIP Top Sail Lounges with sky dome allowing midnight feats under the stars, exclusive swimming pool with hydro massage and solarium, dedicated menus in MSC Fantasia’s restaurants and reserved private lifts to the lounge and spa.

MSC Fantasia is set to be launched in January 2009.

MSC Cruises round trips from Dover to Northern Europe

This summer MSC Cruises are offering a number of cruises to see the beautiful cultural scenery of Northern Europe. In addition all sailings will be in and out of Dover.

There are a variety of sailings to choose from, including a trip to the breathtaking Norwegian Fjords on the elegant MSC Armonia which sets sail for a 10 night cruise visiting Amsterdam, Bremerhaven, Olden, Alesund, Bergen, Kristiansand and Oslo before making the return journey home to Dover.

MSC Armonia also has the perfect itinerary for those with a love of art, with a cruise that visits the Baltic and St Petersburg. This voyage offers passengers optional excursions to view the amazing art collections of Rembrandt, Picasso and Matisse. The wonderful 11 day cruise visits Amsterdam, Bremerhaven, Visby, Helsinki, St Petersburg, Copenhagen and Dover.

MSC Cruises are also offering excellent value for those traveling with families as children under 18 sail for free on all cruise excluding flights and port dues. For additional convenience, round trips from Dover on board MSC Armonia offer free coach transfers or car parking at Dover, and UK regional flights from only £50pp.

MSC Cruises sales go through the roof!

Following the successful launch of MSC Poesia, MSC Cruises anticipated new ship, the company have found that sales have more than doubled since the launch.

Feedback from both established and new customers has been outstanding and the MSC Cruises sales team have reported record bookings and enquiries. The staff have even had to skip lunches to keep up with demand and the MD and Chairman have taken to answering the phones in support.

A record number of brochure requests have been reported by the marketing department and to cope with the abundance of online enquiries cruise consultants have put all their attention to just responding to web requests in the days following the launch.

MSC Poesia was christened in Dover on 5 April, in the presence of her godmother Hollywood icon Sophia Loren and their Royal Highnesses the Prince and Princess Michael of Kent and a whole host of stars, including Andrea Bocelli, KT Tunstall, Annie Mac, Gloria Hunniford, Price Azim and the Italian Ambassador Giancarlo Aragona.

Claudia Baino, MD for MSC Cruises UK and Ireland adds: “The launch of MSC Poesia, whilst being a major step, is the first of many in securing a larger share of the UK market. The astounding sales, combined with the wealth of positive feedback from consumers and agents alike only serve to emphasize the interest and potential which exists for MSC here in the UK. We are of course absolutely delighted and want to thank agents for their support in bringing MSC Poesia to British shores.”

MSC Cruise ships to proudly display logo

MSC Armonia based in Brazil this winter and MSC Lirica operating from Fort Lauderdale, Florida are the first ships in the MSC fleet to have the company logo painted on their sides. The remainder of the fleet are to have the logo completed by the end of the season.

The MSC logo is to ensure instant recognition at the ports visited by the ships, with the logo proudly displayed on the hull side of the ship.

The compass logo was created by MSC Cruises in 2004 and symbolises the diversity of the horizons reached by the ships in the fleet. The MSC acronym in the centre of the compass represents the guest at the centre of the MSC Cruises world.

MSC cruise ships offer impeccable service, warm hospitality, world renowned gastronomy, exciting design features in the cabins and public places with a real sense of comfort. MSC are a major cruise line in the international cruise market, offering guests the chance to cruise on ships with technologically advanced systems and with a distinct Italian elegance throughout the modern fleet.

MSC Cruises launch new ship MSC Poesia

MSC Cruises launched their new ship MSC Poesia this weekend from Dover. Sophia Loren, the ship’s Godmother, helped launch the new ship and Andrea Botcelli gave a live performance.

MSC Cruises offers an Italian style cruising experience and is an up and coming cruise line committed to encouraging more British holidaymakers to take a cruise with them. Their modern fleet of ships offer cruises excellent value for money when compared with the mass market cruise companies such as Thomson, Island and Ocean Village.

The MSC Poesia is the third ship in a class of three which started with the Musica launched in 2006 and the Orchestra in 2007. Poesia is just under 90,000 tonnes and has been superbly designed with an attractive array of public space which easily competes with the better known American cruise lines.

The ship has a range of amenities, with a large self service buffet style restaurant with panoramic windows, two formal dining restaurants and an award winning Japanese restaurant. There are seven hot tubs and two spacious pool areas with two inviting pool bars. A Balinese style spa adds to the impressive style of the ship, with amazing sauna, steam and indoor whirlpool areas.

There is a wealth of evening entertainment to experience on board, whether you choose the theatre, casino, the jazzy Zebra bar, the Moulin Rouge Lounge come Nightclub, wine bar and a further four separate bars. There is also an extremely trendy night club S32 at the back and top of the ship for dancing into the small hours.

Although the staterooms are a little smaller by comparison to other cruise lines they are decorated in a modern luxurious style.

Win a Cruise on MSC Fantasia

MSC Fantasia is MSC Cruises brand new ship due to launch December 2008. To promote this MSC Cruises have launched an online competition with the chance of winning one of five cruises on MSC Fantasia.

MSC Fantasia is one of two ships due to join the fleet that will offer passengers a chance to enjoy the MSC Yacht Club. The Yacht Club includes a special VIP area with a restricted access and personal service. There are 99 spacious suites (from 193 to 700 square feet) and a butler for every five staterooms. The butler will assist guests at check-in, offer a 24-hour room service, pre-book excursions and transfers, choose wines, champagne and cigars, plus oversee an English high tea service. MSC Yacht Club will offer other special areas, including a bar, solarium, two hot tubs, a pool with a retractable sky dome, and an observation lounge with its own bar, concierge and panoramic views over the bow of the ship.

If you would like to be in with a chance of winning you will need to visit www.mscfantasia.com where you will meet the ‘Virtual Butler’. The butler will ask you questions which you need to answer correctly to receive entry into the fantastic prize draw for a 7 night cruise for two.

MSC Fantasia will be 133,500 gross tons, 1,092 feet long, 124 feet wide, and almost 196 feet tall – six times as tall as the Tower of Pisa, almost 30 feet taller than the Eiffel Tower, and as high as a 23-story building, a maximum speed of 23 knots, and propulsion of 40 Mega Watts, the equivalent of 120 Ferrari.

MSC Fleet Expansion

MSC Cruises continued fleet expansion ensures they will have one of the world’s most modern fleets with a total of 12 ships by 2010. The construction of four new ships progress at a rapid pace at Akers Yard in St. Nazair, France.

Technical float outs have recently been completed for the MSC Splendida and MSC Magnifica. This encompasses a complex technical transfer to new basins where the construction of the ships will continue. The basins were filled with water and then the ships were transferred by a system of cables to their final position.

MSC Splendida will be the sister ship to MSC Fantasia, which is due to launch in December this year. The new ships will be the largest ever built by a European ship owner and each will weigh 133,500 tonnes, offering a new concept for cruising with a reserved VIP area and a 24 hour butler service. MSC Splendida will be delivered in June 2009.

The fourth ship in the Musica class is the MSC Magnifica which will be the twelfth vessel in the MSC Cruises fleet. Built in the same style as the other three ships in this class, she will have 1,275 cabins, 80% will be external cabins and 65% of these will have a balcony, plus 22,000 square metres of public space. MSC Magnifica will be joining the fleet in 2010.

MSC Poesia is one of the two further ships which are currently under constructed at St. Nazaire, France. The third ship in the Musica class will be delivered on 2 April 2008 and is to have a spectacular pier-side christening event in Dover on 5 April 2008. To celebrate the launch MSC have launched a special ‘Christening Countdown’ promotion which offers a free one category upgrade if booked before the christening.

Also under construction is MSC Fantasia, the first of the large ships to be delivered, boasting a new VIP area – the “MSC Yacht Club”. She will be delivered and then christened at an impressive ceremony in Naples on 18th December 2008.

MSC CRUISES PUTS 2008 BROCHURE ONLINE

MSC Cruises has issued its 2008 brochure online in PDF format (file size: 59.2Mb) on its website.

The Italian line will have nine ships operating next summer with the addition of MSC Poesia in April.

MSC Fantasia will then increase the fleet size to 10 ships with its debut in winter 2008-09.

MSC Poesia will be unveiled in Dover on April 5 before setting sail on a pre-inaugural voyage the next day to Venice. The flagship will then cruise in the Mediterranean for summer 2008.

MSC Armonia will offer 13 sailings from Dover between May and August with itineraries ranging from the Baltic, North Cape and the Norwegian Fjords.

Themed cruises in the brochure include Food & Wine, Art at Sea and Classical Music and Dance.

Children under the age of 18 sharing a cabin with their parents sail free, excluding flights and port dues.

UK and Ireland managing director Claudia Baino said: "2008 is an important year for MSC Cruises as we launch two new ships and will be able to offer more itineraries to a broader clientele than ever before.

"The 2008 online brochure gives agents and consumers maximum convenience as well as great choice and we are confident that this will help to drive sales." by Phil Davies

MSC CRUISES LAUNCHES AND AGGRESSIVE SALES CAMPAIGN

MSC has just announced an incredible campaign to raise the profile of its Comprehensive Italian style cruise programme. Their ships are large, modern and impressive and incorporate lots of innovations and offers designed to reach the UK cruise market and encourage holiday makers to take a cruise. MSC are great for both first time cruises and existing cruise customers alike. With prices starting from just £459 for an 11 night cruises MSC offers the best cruise deals in the market place.

MSC CRUISES TO RAMP UP UK CAPACITY

Private Italian line MSC Cruises is to expand its ex-UK presence over the next three years.

The line's CEO Pierfancesco Vago revealed that 2,000-passenger MSC Lirica would be deployed in Dover in 2009 after the company makes its ex-UK debut next year with MSC Armonia.

This will be followed in 2010 with a " larger new ship", according to Vago, who declined to give further details.

The focus comes as MSC aims for 150% growth from the UK in 2008 when it will be operating a fleet of nine ships.
MSC is adding four vessels over the next 24 months, with MSC Poesia being christened in Dover on April 5, 2008, followed by the delivery of 3,959-passenger MSC Fantasia in December 2008. MSC Splendida will then be added and MSC Magnifica in 2010.

MSC expects to carry a total of 800,000 passengers next year and has targeted 50% growth in 2009.

Fantastia and Splendida are claimed to be the largest ships ever built by a European ship builder and will feature the new MSC Yacht Club, a range of luxury suites, leisure facilities and lounge areas with 24-our butler service.

Vago said research had told the company that there was no sign of a slowing in demand for cruising.

"We still have big growth plans. Whatever tonnage we have put into the market, the market has responded," he said at World Travel Market.

The company is also emphasising the family-friendly elements on its existing and future vessels by maintaining a children go free policy for under 18s.

by Phil Davies

MSC JUST GETS EVEN BETTER AND MORE UNBEATABLE

Apart from having incredibly low prices and being a great choice for the novice cruiser or for a second cruise holiday of the year - MSC continues to improve it's product.

The latest development is a non stop chartered flight service from Gatwick to the heart of Italian cruising in the Port of Genoa. Until now the only direct service to Genoa has been on Ryan Air and all other flights servicing Genoa cruises have either been indirect or into Milan with a lengthy 2-3 hour transfer down to the coast.

With this new direct chartered flight featuring British Airways MSC offers a truly competitive choice for the other cruise lines - not just in terms of price but also in quality of service and product.

The service has been linked with the newest ship in the MSC fleet - the 90,000 tonne Orchestra which entered service this year. Packaged cruise prices start from just £569pp including the Direct British Airways flights , transfers and 7 night cruise.

These cruises run from 18thMmay through to 26th October next year visiting : Naples , Palermo , Tunis , Palma , Barcelona , Maresille and back to Genoa.

If you are looking for a bargain late break then look out for the 11 night cruises on the Orchestra to the Canaries this Winter from just £459 pp including flights, transfers and cruise. Yes - that is 11 nights from just £459pp!!! This is a budget cruise line price for a premium cruise holiday. Just compare this to the entry level cruise lines for the same price where you would get much smaller and older ships and just 7 nights holiday. £459pp is currently available on the Orchestra on 8th January or there is an East Mediterranean option available on the Musica for the same price on 9th Jan.

In addition to this MSC will be launching their brand new ship the Poesia on 6th April next year. This is the sister ship to the Orchestra and the inaugural cruise will be a 13 night spectacular voyage from Dover to Venice from just £899pp including return flights to Gatwick.

The ship then stays in Venice for the summer operating 7 night Greek islands cruises from just £599pp starting on 26th April in time for May Bank holiday weekend.

All in all - a great product at low prices.