Start spreading the news -- MSC Cruises is bringing sophisticated European-style cruising back to New York.

When the Italian-owned MSC Lirica begins year-round sailings in April, 2007,  from New York City, it will mark the first time in decades that a European-owned cruise line will homeport year-round in New York.

"It has been decades since vacationers have been able to sail from New York on a European-owned cruise line with the classic style and elegance that only the Italians know how to present," says Richard Sasso, president and CEO  of MSC Cruises (USA). "We think MSC is the perfect brand  for the Northeast market, and our heritage style of cruising has not been available in this market on a year-round basis for decades," -- a reference to Home Lines, a company that touted an Italian-style ambience onboard and previously homeported year-round in New York.

MSC says the line will offer Bermuda, Canada/New England and Caribbean itineraries.