MSC to build two new ‘revolutionary’ ships
MSC Cruises has confirmed it is to build two new cruise ships, with an option for one more vessel.
The two new ships, costing €700 million each, will be delivered in November 2017 and May 2018.
They will accommodate up to 5,300 passengers in 2,070 guest cabins, plus 759 for 1,413 crew members, and will have a sea-level promenades with outdoor spaces, shops and restaurants.
In addition, each will also feature a spacious theatre, a terraced balcony and panoramic lifts with sea views.
The new prototype project, named ‘Seaside’, will be the largest cruise ships ever built by Italian shipyard Fincantieri.
MCS claims the ships will feature a "revolutionary architectural style leading the way for a new generation of cruise ships".
"From the moment we started talking with Fincantieri, we had in mind to design and build two completely new ships, revolutionary in their structure, unlike anything that exists on the market today," said Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of MSC Cruises.
"Seaside is a futuristic prototype because of its structure, shape and versatility. We are getting ready for the new and compelling challenge that the construction of these ships represents. It will be a real revolution in the world’s cruise market, an excellent product for its unique and innovative architectural features and cutting-edge technology."
MSC Cruises currently operates a fleet of 12 ships.
From August 2014 until November 2015 its four smallest Lirica-class ships will be undergoing a ‘renaissance’ programme of lengthening and refurbishment costing €200 million, also at the Fincantieri yard.
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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