MSC Cruises and Fincantieri have cut steel on the new next-generation cruise ship MSC Seaside.
In a ceremony held at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, MSC Cruises Executive Chairman Pierfrancesco Vago and Chief Executive Officer Gianni Onorato, along with Fincantieri Chief Executive Officer Giuseppe Bono, launched the cutting of the first steel of MSC Seaside.
Vago said, “MSC Seaside represents a key pillar in a $5.8 billion, seven-ship investment plan that will double our capacity by 2022. It also steps up our investment in Italy and marks our return to a partnership with Fincantieri, which is something that makes me particularly proud.”
MSC Seaside will be based year-round in Miami and will sail Caribbean itineraries. In addition, MSC Cruises’ Miami-based cruise operations – which also includes the MSC Divina, which will sail year-round from Miami starting November 2015 - will benefit from a newly renovated and expanded dedicated berth and terminal at PortMiami, MSC said.
“MSC Seaside will spearhead our campaign to expand our presence in North America,” Onorato said.
The ship is set to arrive in Miami in December 2017, where she will also be christened, marking the first time an MSC Cruises’ ship is christened in the U.S. Sales for cruises on MSC Seaside will start approximately two years ahead of its inaugural season.
MSC Seaside will have a 360° seafront promenade and an interactive aqua park at sea with five water slides and attractions for all ages.
The ship will have open modular connected staterooms – convertible staterooms that can accommodate up to 10 people – for families and groups, as well as luxury suites with private Jacuzzis and hanging gardens. MSC Seaside will also include an enhanced MSC Yacht Club with private solarium, lounge and pool. The public spaces of the ship will provide ocean views with a two-deck glass-walled atrium and panoramic exterior elevators.
MSC Seaside is the first of two identical ships on order from Fincantieri, the second of which will enter service in 2018. In addition, MSC Cruises has an option for an additional Seaside generation ship to be delivered by 2021.
MSC Seaside and her sister ship will also be designed for eco-friendliness, with Advanced Water Treatment (AWT) systems to remove pollutants and hazardous substances from waste water; garbage treatment plants for highly efficient solid waste management; scrubbers to reduce emissions; antifouling paints; and optimized hull lines, propellers and rudders to reduce drag and fuel consumption. In addition, the ships will have LED lighting, meaning lower energy demand and significantly lower fuel consumption, as well as advanced heat recovery plants to feed fresh water, laundry, swimming pools and hot water. The ship is fully compliant with the Safe Return to Port requirement.
Sales Open for MSC Meraviglia
MSC Cruises has also opened sales on its other next-generation cruise ship, the MSC Meraviglia, which is set to debut in the summer of 2017 in the Mediterranean. Barcelona, Genoa and Marseille will serve as its three major ports of embarkation.
To learn more about MSC Meraviglia and book, visit: www.msccruisesusa.com/us_en/Ships/MSC-Meraviglia.aspx
Visit www.msccruisesusa.com