MSC Cruises, the world’s largest privately-owned cruise line, held a traditional steel cutting ceremony in Saint Nazaire this week – in conjunction with STX France, world leader in the construction of innovative cruise ships. This marked the official commencement of construction of MSC Bellissima, the second of the Meraviglia generation of ships, due to commence service in 2019.
Part of a nine billion euro investment, that will see MSC Cruises’ capacity treble over the next ten years, MSC Bellissima will become the fourth of 11 next-generation ships to bring MSC Cruises fleet to 23 by the year 2026.
Pierfrancesco Vago, MSC Cruises Executive Chairman, commented at the Steel Cutting Ceremony: “MSC Cruises and STX France have walked a long path together since the construction of MSC Lirica in 2003. We are now shaping the future of the modern cruise ship with two new prototypes. Work is nearing completion on MSC Meraviglia and we are delighted to begin construction of MSC Bellissima.”
Laurent Castaing, STX France Chief Executive Officer, commented: ”We are proud to be MSC Cruises’ industrial partner from the beginning and we are very involved in their fleet development. Meraviglia literally means wonder and the four new ships will astonish the public with their elegant and beautiful design.”
MSC Bellissima was designed to operate in all seasons and to call in most of the world’s international cruise ports. As her name suggests, MSC Bellissima will embody the beauty and magnificence of the next-generation of MSC Cruises’ ultramodern mega-ships. She is rich with new features and amenities for guests of all ages and interests.
With a gross tonnage of 167,600 GRT and capacity for more than 5,700 guests, this new cruise ship will be the largest in MSC Cruises’ fleet, along with MSC Meraviglia.
SOURCE: MSC Cruises