MSC Cruises celebrates the coin ceremony for MSC Seaside together with the shipyard FINCANTIERI

MSC Cruises and shipyard FINCANTIERI have together marked an important milestone in the building of MSC Seaside with the celebration of the traditional maritime coin ceremony held at FINCANTIERI’s shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy on 21st of April, 2016. The first of up to three MSC Cruises’ next-generation “Seaside” class of smart ships is set to come into service in December 2017 and will sail year-round from Miami to the Caribbean. MSC Seaside forms a key pillar of the Company’s ten-plus years €9 billion investment plan, which includes the building of up to 11 next-generation smart ships coming into service between 2017 and 2026.

At 323 metres long with a GRT of 160,000 tonnes, 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 is set to enter service in 2018, while a third one – reflecting an existing option for another Seaside generation ship – would be delivered by 2021.

Itineraries and the Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve

The Caribbean is an increasingly in-demand destination for cruise guests from all over the world. MSC Seaside will feature starting in December 2017 exciting itineraries including the Bahamas, Mexico, Jamaica and Puerto Rico, thus complementing the itineraries of its other ships serving the region, MSC Divina sailing out of Miami as well as MSC Opera and MSC Armonia out of Havana, Cuba.

In addition, the ship will call at MSC Cruises’ own Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. Spanning 95-acres (38.5-hectares) with 11,400 feet (3.5 km) of pristine beach-front spread across six distinct beaches, representing in total the fourth longest beach in the world, in the this exclusive marine reserve island experience only available to MSC Cruise guests.

Unique design features

Three catwalks unlike anything else at sea with glass balustrades and a glass floor will give guests the feeling that they are walking on water. The catwalk on the top deck spans 30 metres with views from the top of the ship whilst the other two are located on deck eight are 40 metres in length and are part of a 360° open air promenade, the widest on any ship ever built.

Variety of Accommodations

The accommodations on MSC Seaside are specially designed to meet the needs of a variety of cruise guests. These include, amongst others:

• 14 exclusive aft suites where the beach condo design truly comes to life
• A collection of terraced balcony cabins -another exclusive design feature and industry-first where guests will be able to unwind and relax in the sunshine on their own private terrace overlooking the promenade and with views out to sea
• Cluster cabins have been specially designed to be adapted to meet the size of families and groups
• Luxury suites with a two-person private outdoor Jacuzzi

World-Class Entertainment

Exclusive, world-class entertainment is an important distinguishing feature of any MSC Cruises experience. The entertainment spaces have been designed to offer the a wide choice of performances and shows with a stunning new theatre and comedy club. Other features include family entertainment such as a full-sized bowling alley and a 5D cinema.

For thrill-seekers who want to experience the sensation of flying at sea, MSC Seaside will feature the longest zip line on any cruise ship currently at sea. Taking off from the funnel at the top of the ship, guests will whiz along the impressive 130 metres across the length of the ship landing at the aft.

Another industry-leading feature is the most interactive and originally-designed aqua park at sea, with four slides and attractions for all ages.

Fine Dining

With the focus on fine dining being one of the key features of the MSC Cruises’ product, MSC Seaside will offer an extensive choice of specially designed indoor and outdoor restaurants including nine eateries featuring cuisines from around the world and 20 distinct bars each with their own individual character.