New “Meraviglia-Plus” ships to feature increased tonnage and overall size
MSC Cruises, the world’s largest privately-owned cruise line and market leader in Europe, South America and South Africa, has confirmed ahead of time at their coin ceremony for MSC Meraviglia, to build a further two ships in the Meraviglia class. Furthermore, the two Meraviglia-Plus next-generation ships, as the new class of vessels is called, will feature increased tonnage and overall size, with a total of 2,444 cabins and a maximum LSA (passengers + crew) of 8,000.
The two new units will now be due for delivery respectively in October 2019 and September 2020, thus anticipating by nearly two years the delivery of the last of the now four Meraviglia STX France-made ships.
Held at the STX France shipyard, the traditional, centuries-old coin ceremony presented the opportunity to showcase the progress made on the work of MSC Meraviglia, which will come into service in June 2017.
Pierfrancesco Vago, MSC Cruises Executive Chairman commented: “The two Meraviglia-Plus vessels will be even larger and longer as well as richer in features and amenities, thus confirming MSC Cruises as the industry’s boldest innovator when it comes to ship design and experiences we create for our guests.”
The MSC Cruises Meraviglia-Plus class is the next-level generation of ships for all seasons. With its elegant, cutting-edge design and exceptional features, the elegant side of the Mediterranean, which lies at the heart of the MSC Cruises experience, is brought to life in the mastery of every detail. At 331 metres long and with the addition of 200 more cabins, the two ships will feature a maximum capacity of nearly 6,300 guests. They will also be able to call at a wide range of cruise ports around the world, thus maximizing guests’ choice of itineraries and destinations.
The unique public spaces filled with boutiques, restaurants and tranquil spots for shopping, eating and relaxing as well as socialising have also been further improved. The interior promenade is now an impressive 111 metre-long and the now 95 by 6 metres LED sky screen above it will beam out visual events and vistas over the promenade to create a unique atmospheric experience.
In another MSC Cruises industry-first, the two Meraviglia-Plus ships will feature the first and only classic and contemporary fine art museum at sea.
MSC Cruises today also announced that MSC Meraviglia will be christened in Le Havre, France.
Mr Vago added: “Standing here at the STX France shipyard for the coin ceremony for the 11th time is a reflection of how strong our ties are with France, which is where all the ships of our current fleet were built. This makes MSC Cruises, when it comes to export contracts, the number one foreign private investor in France – having invested over €8 billion over the period – and one of the leading overall investors.”
“For this reason, I am proud to announce that MSC Meraviglia could not but be christened in France, in the beautiful UNESCO-listed port of Le Havre on 1 June 2017. From there, it will then set forth for its inaugural season to be spent in the Mediterranean, homeporting in another French port, Marseille.”
The two new ships will be worth €1.6 billion, thus bringing MSC Cruises’ investment for the two Meraviglia plus the two Meraviglia-Plus ships to a total of €3 billion.
SOURCE: MSC Cruises