MSC Cruises has officially taken delivery of the line’s newest, most technologically innovative vessel, MSC Seascape, from the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy.
This delivery comes just three days after MSC World Europa was christened in Doha, Qatar, and brings the cruise line’s fleet to a total of 21 active vessels.
New Ship Delivered to MSC Cruises
MSC Seascape, the second Seaside-EVO class of vessels, has officially joined the MSC Cruises fleet. The delivery took place at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone in northeastern Italy, where the ship has been under construction since its keel was laid in June 2021.
The handover ceremony was attended by a large group of dignitaries and officials, including local authorities and government representatives, cruise line and shipyard leadership team members, shipyard workers, and the ship’s godmother Zoe Africa Vago.
The ship is the latest in a strong relationship between the shipyard and MSC Cruises, and is the largest cruise ship ever constructed in Italy.
“The construction of MSC Seascape demonstrates, once again, the strong and lasting commitment of the MSC Group towards Italy and its manufacturing and underlines our confidence in the recovery of a country in which we have never stopped investing and believing in,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises.
“MSC Seascape has required an investment of over 1 billion euros which has generated an impact on the Italian economy of almost 5 billion. Our Group – between cruises, cargo, ferries, terminals and other activities – employs around 15,000 direct employees in Italy, generating an employment impact of a further 40,000 people.”
Connecting to the Sea
In addition to the ship providing support to Italy and the regional economy, the vessel was deliberately designed to represent an intimate connection to the sea.
“We are proud to welcome her to our fleet as she is the second Seaside EVO ship and completes the innovative Seaside class. MSC Seascape aims to connect guests with the sea, she offers a wealth of outdoor spaces allowing guests to enjoy the beautiful scenery of The Caribbean, where she will spend her inaugural season,” said Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises.
“The ship’s distinctive design with nearly 140,000 square feet of outdoor space and an expansive waterfront promenade, invites guests to enjoy their escape to The Caribbean and disconnect.”
Key sea-connected features of the new 170,400-gross-ton vessel include a 1,772-foot-long waterfront promenade, the spectacular glass-floored Bridge of Sighs on deck 16 with a unique sea view, and six pools, including an aft infinity pool with incredible vistas.
In addition to bringing guests to the sea, the ship has also been designed to protect the sea.
MSC Seascape features the latest environmental technologies, including advanced engines that reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 90%, as well as a hybrid exhaust gas cleaning system that will remove 98% of sulphur oxide from its emissions.
Highly upgraded wastewater treatment systems, ballast water treatment systems, and various energy-saving features are also part of the ship’s design, as well as an underwater radiated noise management system to reduce the potential effects on marine mammals.
Traditions and Leadership Honored
The handover of a new vessel is always a momentous occasion, filled with ritual and symbolism.
In paying tribute to ancient maritime traditions, Monfalcone shipyard director Cristiano Bazzara presented MSC Seascape’s captain, Roberto Leotta, with an ampoule containing the first water that touched the hull when the ship was floated out a year ago.
Honor was also paid to a key member of Fincantieri’s leadership team, as poignant remembrance was paid to Dr. Giuseppe Bono. Bono served as CEO of Fincantieri for 20 years until stepping down in May 2022, and passed away on November 8.
MSC Seascape was the last major project undertaken by Bono with MSC Cruises, and in his honor, Vago announced that a plaque will be placed in the ship.
Next up for the new ship is her official naming ceremony, which will take place with a star-studded gala in New York City on Wednesday, December 7, 2022, after several short shakedown sailings in the Mediterranean.
New Ship to Sail Caribbean Itineraries
From New York, MSC Seascape will homeport from Miami, offering two different Caribbean itineraries. The 7-night sailings will all visit Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, the cruise line’s private destination in The Bahamas.
The Eastern Caribbean voyages will also call on Nassau, The Bahamas; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, while the Western Caribbean itineraries will include visits to Cozumel, Mexico; George Town, Cayman Islands; and Ocho Rios, Jamaica.
The new ship can welcome as many as 5,632 guests on each sailing, with 1,648 crew members providing exception service for each voyage.
