Geneva-based cruise line MSC Cruises and Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri hosted on Thursday a coin ceremony at Monfalcone, Italy’s shipyard of the first of two MSC Cruises next generation Seaside class of smart ships, the MSC Seaside.
The MSC Seaside is set to come into service in December 2017 and will sail year-round from Miami to the Caribbean.
The company plans to build up to 11 next-generation smart ships which are part of MSC Cruises’ ten-plus years EUR 9 billion (over USD 10 bn) investment plan.
“This prototype is significantly different to anything we have ever built before as this is a ship dedicated to cruising in warm seas,” Gianni Onorato, MSC Cruises Chief Executive Officer comments.
“This new concept will provide owner with more revenue-generating solutions, with more cabins than a comparable, contemporary design, more space and an increase in performances, being significantly more efficient,” Giuseppe Bono, CEO of Fincantieri , says.
With its gross tonnage of 154,000 t, the MSC Seaside features a length of 323 meters. The vessel will be able to accommodate more than 5,200 guests.
The second ship from the same class is scheduled for delivery in 2018. A third cruise ship – reflecting an existing option for one additional Seaside generation ship – would be delivered by 2021, Fincantieri said.