Cruise Lines

Here's something new for MSC Cruises - there will be two mini 10-pin bowling alleys on MSC Splendida when it is named in Barcelona next month.

The alleys have been scaled down to fit in the Sports Bar - even the balls are smaller to make them more manageable for youngsters - and while the surface looks the real thing, actually it is made from a tough phenol compound so passengers don't need special bowling shoes.

Of course, there is nothing new about bowling alleys at sea. Norwegian Cruise Line already has them on two ships - full size at that - and they will also be on the new Norwegian Epic, launching next year.

But as MSC points out, it is a first for a European ship. Meaning, I suppose, they now have something that Costa Cruises does not.

Now there's a challenge...