On 26 November 2016 MSC Cruises, the Swiss-based privately-owned cruise line, and Fincantieri, one of the largest shipbuilding groups in the world, celebrated the float out of MSC Seaside, one of two new mega-ships that MSC Cruises is bringing into service between June and December 2017. The ceremony took place over the weekend at the Monfalcone shipyard, where the ship is being built.
MSC Seaside will homeport in PortMiami as of December 2017 and will sail year round in the Caribbean, enabling MSC Cruises to offer more variety in the region, which, with the addition of MSC Seaside, will offer a total of five of the most modern cruise ships serving the Caribbean.
MSC Seaside is the first of a new generation of cruise ships being built by MSC Cruises and Fincantieri. With this new prototype inspired by an elegant beach condo, MSC Cruises says it has ‘pushed the boundaries with its bold design concept and demonstrates the Company’s continued commitment to put the guest experience at the centre of all innovation and product development’.
Every element of the ship is designed to bring the guests closer to the sea with special design features such as a unique 360° ocean level promenade, panoramic glass lifts, a 30m bridge on the top deck and, with 76% of the cabins positioned on the outside of the ship, guests will never be far from a view of the ocean.
MSC Seaside offers an extensive range of accommodation to meet the different needs of a wide range of cruise guests. Additionally, the MSC Yacht Club has been taken to the next level. Located on the foredecks offering a 1,600m private sun deck, a private lounge and restaurant, this ship-within-a-ship concept first introduced by MSC Cruises has been expanded over five decks.
On board MSC Seaside, the dining experience offers a choice of Mediterannean and international cuisines served in 11 different dining venues including five speciality restaurants.
The onboard entertainment is aimed at all ages and includes a 934-seat theatre offering four performances every night. The interactive aqua park with its four slides is intended for all of the family, there is a 120m long zip line, while the aft pool offers a spot for those looking for relaxation.
In addition to all of the fun that will be had whilst on board, MSC Seaside will enable guests to experience the Caribbean with calls at ports such as George Town in the Cayman Islands, Cozumel in Mexico and Nassau in the Bahamas.
From October 2018, MSC Seaside will also call at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, the stunning marine reserve private island in the Bahamas, exclusively available for MSC Cruises guests.
The float out is an important milestone in the construction of a cruise ship as it is the moment where the ship first floats on water when the dry dock is flooded and the ship is moved to a wet dock for the final phase of her construction. The exterior of the ship is complete and work moves to complete interiors, fixtures and fittings.
At 323m long and 160,000gt, the ship will feature a maximum capacity of 5,179 guests. MSC Seaside is the first of two identical ships in the Seaside generation. Her sister ship – MSC Seaview – is set to enter service in the spring 2018 and will be based in the Western Mediterranean, while a third one – reflecting an existing option for one additional Seaside generation ship – would be delivered by 2021.
