SWITZERLAND. The first vessel in the Seaside Evo class of ships from MSC Cruises – which will be a new flagship from the privately-owned cruise company – will have a hugely increased shopping space compared to existing so-called next-generation vessels.
According to in-house retail operator MSC Boutiques, the new MSC Seashore “will have a brand new retail offering which is double the size of that on MSC Seaview with amazing new, much larger and innovative boutiques”.
MSC Seashore, which will be able to host a total of up to 5,632 guests, will enter service in June 2021, with the second SeasideEvo ship arriving within 18 months in autumn 2022.
The ship’s name, much like her predecessors MSC Seaside and MSC Seaview, reflects the cruise line’s aim of bringing guests closer to the sea and enjoying the outdoors. For example, in line with the Seaside Class design, MSC Seashore will have a wraparound promenade offering guests a myriad of choices for outside dining and relaxing.
Ambitious passenger goals
In line with the arrival of Seaside Evo class vessels, Switzerland-based MSC Cruises has set new passenger targets: to triple capacity by 2027. Just last week, the company reached a milestone by celebrating its 20 millionth cruiser, having only entered the cruise business in 2003.
MSC Cruises has one of the highest growth rates in the industry and has introduced 16 cruise ships over the span of 16 years. In 2019, the company will have launched two new ships – MSC Bellissima in March and MSC Grandiosa in November – and will debut its new island destination, Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, in November.
The company’s €13.6 billion investment plan will allow a total of 17 ships to come on stream between 2017 and 2027, bringing the fleet to 29 cruise ships. In addition, MSC Cruises will go head-to-head with American cruise lines by the close of 2019 when the company will have, for the first time, four ships sailing from Miami: MSC Seaside, MSC Meraviglia (arriving in North America this October), MSC Divina and MSC Armonia.
MSC Cruises CEO Gianni Onorato said: “With our capacity set to triple by 2027, we will continue to raise the bar in two main areas, onboard and ashore, offering our guests a unique experience each time they sail with us. MSC Seaside is the perfect example of this: she is one of the most innovative ships at sea in terms of design as well as onboard experience. She also features the latest and some of the most innovative environmental technology at sea.”
