Debuting in December 2017 and sailing from Miami, MSC Seaside begins the second phase of strategic expansion in North America.
MSC Cruisestoday announced the opening of sales for its newest ship, MSC Seaside, the first of the Seaside generation.
Dubbed “the ship that follows the sun,” MSC Seaside – currently under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy – is scheduled to launch in December 2017, offering year-round cruises from Miami with a wide range of seven-night itineraries throughout the Eastern and Western Caribbean. Guests sailing the Eastern Caribbean will visit popular destinations such as St. Thomas, The Bahamas, and Puerto Rico, while those heading to the Western Caribbean will have the opportunity to explore Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, Cozumel, and The Bahamas. The inaugural sailing will be the Christmas cruise, departing on December 21, 2017.
Offering a unique cruise concept that brings travelers closer to the sea, the 323-meter-long MSC Seaside will break with established cruise ship design with a 360-degree seaside promenade on Deck 8. This promenade will feature open-air shops and restaurants, as well as a full buffet area and a swimming pool, traditionally found on the upper decks. In addition, the ship's public spaces will boast stunning views from two glass-enclosed decks and panoramic elevators.
“The bold design of MSC Seaside speaks to our company’s commitment to innovation and our desire to continue offering unforgettable holidays for both our most seasoned customers and first-time cruisers,” said Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises. Furthermore, he added: “We have seen the enormous enthusiasm and strong demand from travelers around the world interested in experiencing our new ship, MSC Seaside, and of course, we are delighted to be able to open sales for this revolutionary ship two years before its debut.”
MSC Seaside, with a capacity for 4,140 passengers (based on double occupancy) and a displacement of 154,000 tons, will be the first MSC Cruises ship to sail directly from the shipyard to the U.S. and the first to be christened in that country. This demonstrates the company's commitment to offering its customers a wide range of Caribbean itineraries (by then, MSC Cruises will have five ships sailing various Caribbean itineraries, including two that include Cuba). Additionally, in 2017, the new ship will join the elegant and ultramodern MSC Divinaat the recently renovated PortMiami terminal to offer even more itineraries to the North American market.
Onorato stated, “As a global company, North America is a strategic market for MSC Cruises within our ambitious expansion plan focused on seven new cruise ships by 2022.” He emphasized, “With the return of MSC Divina to Miami and the plans for MSC Seaside to join it, we are eager to share our distinctive offering, which includes elegant décor, world-class entertainment, and, of course, our authentic Mediterranean cuisine.”
The ship will feature open-plan modular cabins accommodating groups or families of up to 10 people, as well as luxury suites with hydromassage showers and hanging gardens. MSC Seaside will also have an enhanced MSC Yacht Club with a private sun deck, lounge, and pool.
Onboard entertainment will be available for all ages, including a variety of family-friendly activities. New additions include a large bowling alley, a dedicated children’s restaurant, and a multi-level interactive water park with five different slides, an AquaPlay™ area designed for toddlers, and an adventure course. Thanks to the company's global partnerships, MSC Seasidewill also feature an exclusive LEGO zone as well as Chicco play areas.
MSC Seaside is the first of two identical ships in the Seaside. Its sister ship will enter service in 2018, with a third on option for delivery in 2021.
MSC Seaside and its sister ships will set new standards for sustainability with Advanced Water Treatment (AWT) systems to remove pollutants and hazardous substances from wastewater, garbage treatment plants for highly efficient solid waste management, scrubbers to reduce emissions, antifouling paints, optimized hull lines, propellers and rudders to reduce friction and fuel consumption, and LED lighting, which means lower energy demand and significantly lower fuel consumption. Advanced heat recovery systems will also be used to supply fresh water, laundry, swimming pools, and hot water.
