MSC Takes Delivery of Seaside

MSC Cruises officially took delivery of its new flagship, MSC Seaside, yesterday (Nov. 29) at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy.

During the delivery ceremony of MSC Seaside, the cruise company’s second newly built to come into service this year, MSC Cruises and Fincantieri also signed firm orders for the construction of two Seaside EVO ships, a further evolution of the Seaside Class prototype, for a total investment of €1.8 billion EUR.

“MSC Seaside coming into service marks another key milestone in the history and future of our company, but she also embodies a pivotal moment for the industry,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of MSC Cruises. “In fact, she is the first ship of the fifth new prototype that we bring into service and introduces a wholly-innovative product that sets a new standard for the industry to follow. The Seaside Class of ships is designed to bring guests closer to the sea and to operate in sunny waters, while continuing to push the boundaries of maritime and guest-centric technology.”

Following the new agreement between MSC Cruises and Fincantieri, the initial slot reservation agreement to build a third Seaside Class ship to be delivered in 2021 has been replaced to instead build the first of two Seaside EVO ships. The second ship is set to come into service in 2023.

In addition to offering even more space, Seaside EVO ships will have greater dimensions, more cabins, an even larger Yacht Club – with an additional deck and larger cabins – and will be hosting up to 5,646 passengers.

After the closing of the delivery ceremony, MSC Seaside set sail for Trieste. From there, it will continue to Miami for her naming ceremony on Dec. 21.

The 5,119-passenger will be homeporting in Miami offering East and West Caribbean itineraries.

(http://www.msccruises.com)