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MSC Seascape to debut with NYC naming by Sophia Loren Dec. 7

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After MSC Seascape's naming in New York, it will immediately head to PortMiami to begin its inaugural Caribbean season
MSC Seascape will have a Manhattan backdrop for its Dec. 7 naming in New York City by godmother Sophia Loren.

MSC Cruises plans a star-studded event at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal with local dignitaries, partners, travel advisors, media from around the world, celebrities and international artists. Loren will be naming her 18th MSC Cruises ship.

Special place in MSC's history

'We are particularly pleased to celebrate this momentous milestone in New York City, which holds a special place in our Group’s history, having been served by ships from the MSC Group’s cargo division since 1985,' said Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman, cruise division of MSC Group.

'Today, as MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company leads the container shipping sector globally as well as across North America, MSC Cruises has grown to become a major player in the US cruise industry,' Vago continued. 'Having developed a meaningful operation out of South Florida, we are now preparing a major strategic expansion across the East Coast that will see us launch year-round cruises out of New York in 2023.'

First MSC ship named in New York

MSC Seascape will be the line’s first ship named in New York. While the event will take place in Manhattan, year-round cruises will sail from the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal beginning in April 2023 with MSC Meraviglia.

MSC Seascape will head to Miami immediately following the New York ceremony for an inaugural Caribbean season with western and eastern itineraries

'We are very excited to showcase to New Yorkers our European heritage and the unique international character we bring to cruising, matching the city’s multicultural flair,' said Rubén Rodríguez, president, MSC Cruises USA.

Three US homeports

New York will become the line's third US homeport, following Miami and Port Canaveral. 

'This is the latest example of the significant investment we’re making in the US and the Caribbean, which includes building the largest cruise terminal in North America and offering Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve as both a stunning tropical destination and a reflection of our commitment to the environment,' Rodriguez added.

First of two newbuilds this year

MSC Seascape is the first of two new ships coming later this year for MSC Cruises. MSC World Europa will also join the fleet, and MSC Euribia will follow in summer 2023. Seascape is the second Seaside EVO-class ship and fourth in the Seaside class.