MSC Cruises and STX France celebrated the cutting of the first piece of steel at the STX France shipyard in Saint-Nazaire. The ceremony marked the start of construction of MSC Bellissima, the second ship in the Meraviglia class, which will enter service in 2019.
MSC Bellissima will be the fourth of 11 next-generation ships to enter service during this period.
At the steel-cutting ceremony, Pierfrancesco Vago, CEO of MSC Cruises, commented: “MSC Cruises and STX France have come a long way together since the construction of MSC Lirica in 2003. Our current fleet was built at STX France, and now we are shaping the future of modern cruising with the construction of two new STX France prototypes. With the construction of MSC Meraviglia nearing completion, we are excited about the start of construction on MSC Bellissima.”
Vago continued: “I am thrilled with this prototype, which will soon become a beautiful and efficient cruise ship, suitable for sailing anywhere in the world. I am extremely pleased to be able to share this important milestone with my wife, Alexa Aponte-Vago, here in Saint Nazaire.”
Laurent Castaing, CEO of STX France, commented: “We are proud to have been MSC Cruises’ industrial partner from the very beginning and are fully involved in the development of their fleet. It’s a great challenge, and we have already achieved a significant milestone with the Meraviglia generation. Meraviglia literally means wonder, and the four ships will amaze passengers with their beautiful and elegant design. MSC Bellissima lives up to its name, as does its sister ship.”
MSC Bellissima has been designed to sail in all seasons and to call at most of the world's international cruise ports.
The ship will displace 167,600 tons and will have capacity for more than 5,700 passengers. The new ship will be, along with the MSC Meraviglia, the largest in the MSC Cruises fleet.
