Today, the traditional Keel Laying Ceremony for the MSC Seashore was held at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy. Sales are now open for this ship, which will enter service in June 2021, will be based in Barcelona, and will offer Western Mediterranean itineraries during its inaugural season.
During the event, MSC Cruises revealed more details about the remarkable design transformation of the new ship, as well as some of its most outstanding features. When it enters service in June 2021, MSC Seashore will be the company's longest ship—339 meters. It will also be the first of two "Seaside Evo" class ships equipped with the latest environmental technology and expanded public spaces. Furthermore, it will become the company's ship with the highest ratio of outdoor space per passenger.
Two members with extensive experience in their respective companies, Marianna Cicala, Ground Services Planning Manager at MSC Cruises, and Silvia Bozzetto, Production Planning & Control Commissioning at the Montefalcone shipyards, acted as godmothers at this ceremony. Both placed two coins under the keel of the new ship, a maritime symbol of blessing and good fortune.
Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises, said: “Today’s ceremony marks another key milestone in the construction of one of our most innovative ships to date. And, even more importantly, MSC Seashore will feature the latest and most advanced environmental technology available. This again demonstrates our long-term commitment to preserving the environment, continuing our journey to minimize and continually reduce the environmental impact of our operations.”
MSC Seashore will feature, among other things, a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system and a state-of-the-art Advanced Wastewater Treatment System. SCRs help reduce nitrogen oxides by 90% through advanced active emissions control technology. Nitrogen oxides from engine operations are directed through a catalyst and converted into nitrogen and water, both harmless compounds.
Regarding the wastewater treatment system, the water undergoes a comprehensive purification process with filtration, resulting in a quality close to that of tap water. The system complies with the Baltic Standard and treats wastewater according to more stringent waste treatment standards than most cities worldwide. Furthermore, MSC Seashore will be equipped with a shore-to-ship electricity system, meaning it will connect to the port's power grid to further reduce emissions while docked.
These new features complement other environmental technologies already in place across the company's fleet, designed to minimize and continuously reduce environmental impact. These include: hybrid exhaust gas cleaning systems that remove 98% of sulfur oxides from vessel emissions; advanced waste management systems; ballast water treatment systems approved by the U.S. Coast Guard; state-of-the-art systems for preventing oil spills from machinery spaces; and several effective energy efficiency improvements, including heat recovery systems for LED lighting.
Giuseppe Bono, CEO of Fincantieri, commented: “The start of dry dock work on MSC Seashore, the largest vessel ever built in Italy, is a source of great satisfaction for us. On the one hand, it is the symbol of 'Evo,' a successful project for our Group that innovates the already futuristic 'Seaside' concept, with two vessels that have been very well received in the market. This is a real challenge in terms of structure and management, generating more work for the shipyard and the local economy. Therefore, we are very pleased with this celebration, which seals the fruitful collaboration between us, and we are confident that we will continue to experience moments like this in the future.”
MSC Seashore is based on the revolutionary Seaside Class, featuring a host of impressive design elements that allow passengers to connect with the ocean, such as the stunning Bridge of Sights, the incredible panoramic aft elevators, and the elegant glass walkways. Over 40% of the ship has been redesigned and enhanced, making MSC Seashore a significant evolution and improvement over its sister ships, MSC Seaside and MSC Seaview.
Some of the new improvements are immediately visible and include the ship's additional 16 meters in length, 200 more cabins, a larger MSC Yacht Club, and an extra, two-story lounge located aft. The interior architecture has been completely redesigned with two central meeting points located amidships and forward, as well as specific measures to further improve passenger flow. In total, the ship boasts 10,000 square meters of additional deck space for an enhanced onboard experience.
In addition, MSC Seashore will offer more suites with the addition of 28 terrace suites and two suites with private Jacuzzis. MSC Yacht Club – the premium area with the “yacht within a ship” concept – will feature new cabin categories: 41 Deluxe Grand Suites and two Owner's Suites with whirlpool tubs.
The ship will feature new cabin designs – 75 in total – as well as family cabins that connect two or three adjoining cabins and can accommodate between six and ten people. In addition, there will be larger, more spacious cabins for passengers with disabilities.
There will also be two new restaurants, one of them exclusively for Aurea Experience passengers. This is accompanied by a new location for the five specialty restaurants, allowing guests to sit facing the sea on the stunning promenade and offering them enhanced ocean views while dining al fresco.
MSC Seashore will feature a new two-story showroom at the stern of the ship, a larger casino, and 20 distinct specialty bars. The ship will boast a redesigned aft pool, a larger indoor pool, and a new interactive water park that will provide thrills for passengers of all ages. For children and teenagers, the areas and clubs for teens and kids have been separated from the larger children's area.
The ship will also provide all its passengers with the latest customer-centric technology, including ZOE – the world's first virtual personal cruise assistant and exclusive to MSC Cruises – which will provide a cruise experience connected to MSC for Me.
Sales are now open for MSC Seashore, with bookings available through the MSC Cruises
