MSC Seaside to sail year-round from Miami
MSC Cruises announced recently named MSC Sunshine new build – due to debut in 2017 – will be based year-round in Miami.
It is the first of two new generation ‘Sunshine class’ ships for the Europe based line as it looks to beef up its presence in the US market.
The 154,000-ton MSC Sunshine will be the line’s first to be christened in the US and will have a capacity for 4,140 passengers.
It is part of a huge $5.3 billion expansion program for seven new ships by 2022 that will effectively double capacity.
The line has also struck an agreement with PortMiami to use a dedicated berth for the ship which is says is “a testament to the company’s growing ambitions in the North American market and to providing guests with the best service possible,” according to a news release.
“Today is a very exciting day for the company as this is the first major announcement related to the company’s new builds. It demonstrates our enthusiasm and long-term commitment to continuing to expand our presence in North America,” said chief executive Gianni Onorato at Cruise Shipping Miami.
“MSC Cruises has the unique opportunity to provide guests with a Mediterranean-style cruise experience that no other line is able to offer.”
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps