On 1 February 2021 MSC Cruises took delivery of MSC Virtuosa, the latest highly-innovative, environmentally-friendly ship to join its fleet.
A small and private flag ceremony was held at Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint Nazaire, France between the shipyard and MSC Cruises where MSC Virtuosa received her official flag and blessings.
The ceremony was attended by the Company’s executive chairman Pierfrancesco Vago, his wife Alexa Aponte-Vago and their children, as well as representatives from MSC Cruises new builds team along with executives and workers from the shipyard.
Pierfrancesco Vago commented: “The delivery of MSC Virtuosa at such a challenging time for our industry symbolises how as a family company we continue to look at the longer term and build our future.”
“We remain committed to building some of the most innovative ships in the world when it comes to their environmental performance featuring nothing but the most advanced available technology at sea.
“Just as importantly, with each new ship we continue to push boundaries and innovate our product offering with new and unique experiences for our guests.
“On MSC Virtuosa, this includes the world’s first humanoid bartender at sea that will be the star of a futuristic, immersive experience using cutting-edge technologies.”
Laurent Castaing, General Manager, Chantiers de l’Atlantique, stated: “I am proud of what our teams have accomplished together, despite a difficult sanitary context. With the construction ofMSC Virtuosa, we have reached a level of finish and performance that will give future MSC Virtuosa guests the best that cruising has to offer. The 16th ship that the Chantiers de l’Atlantique has built for MSC Cruises is therefore an example that will be difficult to overtake.”
When it comes to the environment, MSC Virtuosa features some of the most advanced technology currently available, including hybrid exhaust gas cleaning systems (EGCS) and selective catalytic reduction systems (SCR); wastewater treatment systems in line with the International Maritime Organization’s MEPC 227(64) Resolution; shore-to-ship power connectivity; as well as underwater radiated noise management system, with hull and engine room designs that minimise acoustic sound impact, reducing their potential effects on marine fauna, amongst other.
