MSC Cruises, the Swiss-based world’s largest privately-owned cruise line, celebrated the float out of MSC Seaside – one of two new ground-breaking mega-ships that MSC Cruises is bringing into service between June and December 2017. The ceremony took place on 26th November 2016 at Monfalcone shipyard.
The float out is an important milestone in the construction of a cruise ship as it is the moment where the ship first floats on water when the dry dock is flooded and the ship is moved to a wet dock for the final phase of her construction. The exterior of the ship is complete and work moves to complete interiors, fixtures and fittings.
MSC Seaside is the first of a new innovative generation of cruise ships, being built by MSC Cruises leading Italian shipyard Fincantieri. MSC Seaside will homeport in Miami as of December 2017 and will sail year round in 2018 in the Caribbean, further enriching MSC Cruises’ offering in this region – which, alongside MSC Seaside, will offer five of the most modern cruise ships serving the Caribbean.
Mr Pierfrancesco Vago, MSC Cruises Executive Chairman, commented: “MSC Seaside has been specifically designed to provide our guests with a unique on-board experience. Boasting one the highest ratios of outdoor space, so guests can enjoy a range of open-air activities – such as dining al fresco, strolling along the promenade or enjoying beautiful sea views from the privacy of one of the many balcony cabins. We are further servicing this popular destination in this key region – with five ships for 2017/18 season, each bringing our own distinctive Mediterranean flair and elegance to the Caribbean holiday experience.”
MSC Seaside is the first completely new and innovative generation of cruise ships, a prototype inspired by an elegant beach condo with every element designed to bring the guests closer to the sea. 76% of the cabins feature ocean views or balconies, so guests can embrace the sea whilst a range of exclusive balcony cabins feature a private terrace overlooking an internal promenade. An extensive range of comfortable accommodation meets needs of cruise guests – including corner suites with unique décor – as part of the beach condo design and clever modular cabins are designed for families, and groups of up to ten people.
MSC Yacht Club has been taken to the next level, on prestigious foredecks. It was expanded over five decks, and now features two coveted apartment suites – with a living room, large balcony with a dining area and private whirlpool. The luxury leisure includes a 1,600 metre private sun deck, private lounge and restaurant, 11 on-board dining experiences including two 20-hour gourmet buffets, one family inspired, while a wellness corner serves health conscious individuals in collaboration with Technogym and five speciality restaurants. The Asian Market Kitchen is home to the Sushi Bar, Teppanyaki East-West Asian Grill and Pan-Asian restaurant. A signature seafood restaurant offers minimalist surroundings, along with the Butcher’s Cut American steakhouse.
The ship’s design will have enhanced views such as: a unique 360° ocean level promenade, panoramic glass lifts and a breathtaking 30-metre bridge on the top deck. A 934 seat theatre will offer four performances every night catering to all ages in award-winning style.
Six public pools allow choices for everyone. The interactive aqua park, with four exhilarating slides, will provide hours of fun for all of the family, the 120 metre long zip line will appeal to thrill-seekers, while the aft pool will be perfect for complete relaxation.
MSC Seaside will enable guests to experience the Caribbean Sea. It will call at stunning ports such as George Town in the Cayman Islands, Cozumel in Mexico and Nassau in the Bahamas. MSC Seaside will also call at the exclusive Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, the stunning marine reserve private island in the Bahamas, from October 2018.
At 323 metres long with a GRT of 160,000 tonnes, MSC Seaside is the first of two identical ships in the Seaside generation. Her sister ship – MSC Seaview – is set to enter service in the Spring 2018 and will be based in the Western Mediterranean, while a third sister ship – reflecting an existing option for one additional Seaside generation ship – will be delivered by 2021.
Bookings can be made, for cruising aboard this great new ship today. Visit www.msccruises.com.au or call your local agent.
SOURCE: MSC Cruises