The first of three MSC Cruises’ Seaside-class ships is set to enter service in December 2017 and will sail year-round from PortMiami.
MSC Seaside forms a key pillar of the company’s 10-year, €9bn investment plan, which includes building up to 11 ships coming into service between 2017 and 2026.
'MSC Seaside combines Fincantieri’s Italian flair and excellence in design with MSC Cruises’ global vision and focus on innovation. This ship is significantly different to anything we have ever built before as it is dedicated to cruising in warm climates,' MSC Cruises ceo Gianni Onorato said.
With the highest ratio of outdoor spaces on any of MSC Cruises’ ships, guests will also enjoy an increased number of balcony cabins, sea views and public areas, added Onorato.
He noted additional new dining options with, among others, nine eateries featuring cuisines from around the world including a pan-Asian restaurant in partnership with acclaimed chef Roy Yamaguchi, a luxury seafood restaurant with a chef’s table and an international steak house.
Giuseppe Bono, ceo of Fincantieri, said: 'MSC Seaside, the biggest ship ever built in our shipyards, will strengthen our leadership as the most innovative shipbuilder in the cruise industry. This new concept will provide MSC Cruises with more revenue-generating solutions, more cabins than a comparable, contemporary design, more open-deck space and more efficiency in the way that it runs.'
At 323mtr long, the 160,000gt ship will have capacity for 5,179 passengers. A sister to MSC Seaside is set to enter service in 2018, while the option for a third ship, if exercised, will bring a delivery by 2021.
MSC said three walkways with glass balustrades and a glass floor will give passengers the feeling they are walking on water. The walkway on the top deck spans 30mtr. The other two, on Deck 8, are 40mtr and part of the 360° open-air promenade. This public space will encircle the entire ship with a range of bars and restaurants for alfresco dining or a walk in the sea air. Panoramic lifts will provide ocean views.
The accommodations on MSC Seaside include 14 aft corner suites, a collection of terraced balcony cabins with own private terrace; cabins for families and groups; luxury suites with a two-person private outdoor whirlpool bath; two exclusive cabins featuring advanced fitness equipment from Technoygm, MSC Cruises’ Wellness Experience partner.
The enhanced MSC Yacht Club will feature a private solarium, a private lounge and restaurant, and all the suites will have a private whirlpool bath.
The ship features a new theatre and comedy club as well as a full-sized bowling alley and a 5D cinema, four interactive slides plus a 130mtr long zip line starting from the funnel across the length of the ship, landing at the stern.
MSC Seaside will feature itineraries including the Bahamas, Mexico, Jamaica and Puerto Rico, joining MSC Divina from Miami, with MSC Opera and MSC Armonia sailing from Havana, Cuba.
In addition the ship will call at MSC Cruises’ own 95-acre Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. A purpose-built berth and pier will enable passengers to step off the ship onto the island. The nightlife on island will include live music and entertainment at the 2,000-seat open air amphitheatre, as well as many restaurants and bars.
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