MSC Cruises, the largest privately-owned cruise company in the world, announced today that the first of its next generation “Seaside” class of ships — set to debut in November 2017 — will be named MSC Seaside. The ship will sail year-round from Miami to the Caribbean.
In addition, MSC Cruises announced that its Miami-basedcruise operations will benefit from a newly renovated and expanded dedicated berth and terminal at PortMiami, a testament to the company’s growing ambitions in the North American market and to providing guests witha best -in-class quality of services.
“The Seaside class of ships is part of MSC Cruises’ €5.1 billion fleet expansion plan that will allow the company to double its capacity by 2022,” said Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises. “Today is a very exciting day for the company as this is the first major announcement related to the company’s new builds and demonstrates our enthusiasm and long-term commitment to continuing to expand our presence in North America.”
“MSC Cruises has the unique opportunity to provide North American guests with a ‘Mediterranean Style Cruise’ experience that no other line is able to offer, and guests from around the world a unique setting as it sails to the most sought-after destinations in the Caribbean” added Mr Onorato. “Since bringing MSC Divina to Miami in November 2013, we’ve seen significant demand from consumers in the product, excellent support from our Travel Agent partners and the growing need for additional MSC Cruises ships in the market.”
MSC Cruises operates a fleet of 12 modern ships cruising year-round in the Mediterranean and seasonally in the French Antilles, northern Europe, the Atlantic Ocean, South Africa, South America, as well as in Dubai, the Emirates and Oman. The company currently sails seasonally in the Caribbean but will sail year-round in the region as of 2017.
The company, which grew by 800% since 2004, carried 1.67 million guests in 2014 and reported strong financial results with a turnover of €1.5 billion. In addition, MSC Cruises is forecasting an additional 10% growth for 2015.
In 2014, as part of its €5.1 billion expansion plan, MSC Cruises ordered two ultra-modern state-of-the-art ships fromItaly’sFincantieri, world leader in cruise ship construction and one of the world's largest shipbuilding groups, and has an option for one more ship. Following the delivery of MSC Seaside from the shipyard, she will make her way to Miami for MSC Cruises’ first ever christening ceremony in the U.S., to take place in late 2017.
With a gross tonnage of 154,000 tons and the ability to accommodate up to 4,140 guests at double capacity, the new Seaside ship will be the largest cruise ship ever built by Fincantieri shipyards. The ship will offer a vast range of itineraries out of PortMiami to the Caribbean.
As part of a first look at what MSC Seaside will offer on board, the company also unveiled that the ship will boast the most interactive and originally-designed aqua park at sea with five water slides and attractions for all ages. The park is being built by WhiteWater West Industries of Canada, the award-winning designer and manufacturer of waterpark attractions globally
The exciting reveals announced by the company for its MSC Seaside add to a list of recent product announcements in the view to further enhance its offering beyond its core leadership in the Mediterranean. Thus, MSC Cruises recently increased its offer with Long Cruises and Grand Tours. With the Long Cruises, travellers can choose a range of itineraries lasting from 8 to 11 nights or go for a Grand Tour,which offers amazing opportunities to combine up to three different Mediterranean itineraries, the cruise could last up to 28 nights; or two back-to-back cruises and 14 nights in northern Europe.