The port of Barcelona today receives the first of the new generation ships of the MSC Cruises company, which after its inauguration in Le Havre (France) last Saturday in an event that had the famous Sophia Loren as godmother of the ship, has traveled throughout the Iberian Peninsula, with stops in Vigo and Lisbon, before its arrival today in Barcelona.
From Barcelona, the ship will embark on its regular route through the Western Mediterranean, departing every Friday. Starting tonight at 9:00 PM, the ship will begin its first regular 7-night itinerary, sailing from Barcelona to Marseille, Genoa, Naples, Messina, Valletta, and returning to Barcelona on June 16.
With 171,598 GRT and a capacity for 5,714 passengers, MSC Meraviglia is the largest ship ever built by a European cruise line (MSC Cruises) and also the largest of those entering service in 2017. It is also the first of six ships to be launched between 2017 and 2020, following an unprecedented €9 billion investment plan in the sector, spanning a 10-year period. Four of these six ships will be built by STX France, thus consolidating a long-standing partnership that has already resulted in the 13 ships of the MSC Cruises fleet and enabled the company to grow by 800% between 2003 and 2013.
Emiliano González, Managing Director of MSC Cruises, commented: “MSC Meraviglia marks a turning point in our company's history, being the first next-generation ship we are launching as part of our €9 billion investment plan. This ship, which will be based in Barcelona, will help drive the future of cruise tourism in Spain. This has been made possible thanks to an extraordinary team that has worked tirelessly, both on land and on board, on this exciting project. More than 3,000 employees per month during peak periods and over 400 suppliers have contributed to creating, over the last three years, the largest and most technologically advanced cruise ship ever built by a European shipowner.”
MSC Meraviglia, the 13th cruise ship to join the MSC Cruises fleet since its inception in 2003, is 315 meters long, 43 meters wide, and 65 meters high. It can travel at speeds of up to 22.7 knots, is designed for year-round sailing, and can dock at most major cruise ports worldwide. Furthermore, it will offer a wide range of exciting onboard activities, including world-class entertainment from Cirque du Soleil, with exclusive "Cirque du Soleil At Sea" shows created specifically for MSC Meraviglia. Passengers can enjoy a unique show with two performances six nights a week and even choose between dinner and a show or drinks and a show.
