They have a 139,400 gross tonnage (GT) and have expanded amenities compared to their earlier sister ships.

[2] The lead ship, MSC Fantasia, was completed in December 2008 and is the namesake of the class.

[2] On June 4, 2010 a letter of intent was signed between STX France and Libyan state-owned company General National Maritime Transport Corporation (GNMTC), to build one cruise ship similar to MSC Fantasia, and MSC Splendida.

Nominally named Phoenicia she was specified by Hannibal Gaddafi, who had a 120-ton shark aquarium integrated into the design.

In June 2011, STX France cancelled the contract, and began looking for a new buyer of the hull.