MSC Cruises confirms euros 1bn ship order
MSC Cruises has ordered two new generation ships, claimed to be the largest ships built to date for an Italian ship owner with a total investment of euros one billion.
To be built at French shipyard Alston Marine, the 3,900-passenger vessels will be named MSC Fantasia and MSC Serenata and are due to be delivered in June 2008 and March 2009 respectively. The privately-owned Italian line will increase its fleet from seven to 11 ships by 2010.
CEO Pierfrancesco Vago said: “With the arrival of MSC Fantasia and MSC Serenata we will carry by the year 2010 more than 900,000 passengers. Our last generation ships offer a unique style of elegance and design with a level of quality and service incomparable across the seven seas.”
UK director Peter Pate said: “Two ships of this size will have a great impact on the cruise market and re-enforce our branding.
“Our impressive growth over the last few years, from three ships in 2002 to the current seven ships, to eleven ships in 2010, is a fantastic achievement.
“For our agency partners in the UK it signifies yet more sales and greater market share. This is something we are all looking forward to as MSC Cruises becomes the definite line for true Italian cruising.’
The shipyard is also constructing MSC Musica and MSC Orchestra for the line following MSC Lirica, MSC Armonia, MSC Sinfonia, MSC Opera.
Report by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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