INTERNATIONAL. MSC Cruises is to launch its new flagship, MSC Seashore, in the Mediterranean region in August. At 339m, it will become the longest ship in the fleet and will be the largest ship ever to be constructed in Italy by shipbuilder Fincantieri.
MSC Cruises said it had ambitious plans for the retail design and offer. Head of Retail Adrian Pittaway said: “We have a really exciting brand new retail concept for MSC Seashore, with +50% larger retail space than MSC Seaside.”
It will house just under 1,000sq m of retail space including “an industry first, new experience-led, inter-connected fashion & beauty space as well as totally reimagined luxury offerings.
“All shops are open plan and interconnected making it much easier for guests to navigate in a new ‘post-Covid’ world. We will reveal more details in the coming months.”
On the wider project the company said: “Building on the game-changing and pioneering design of the Seaside class of ship, aimed at bringing guests closer to the sea, MSC Seashore, the first Seaside EVO ship, has been extended and enhanced with a variety of brand-new features, spaces and experiences for guests. This class of ship, renowned for its glamourous design features, is designed to be lived and enjoyed outside and MSC Seashore takes this to a whole new level.”
MSC Cruises Executive Chairman Pierfrancesco Vago said: “With each new ship we build, MSC Cruises continues to innovate and push design boundaries. MSC Seashore represents an evolution of the Seaside class as an extended and further enriched ship. 65% of the public areas have been reimagined to create something unique for our guests.
“The new aft design has allowed us to introduce a brand new lounge, Cabaret Rouge, spanning two decks with panoramic views of the sea, offering new entertainment experiences. The specialty restaurant experience has been completely redesigned with the Chef’s Court on deck 8 making this a go-to destination for bars and restaurants. Each of the pools have been enhanced including an impressive double-deck extended magrodome pool and an incredible Infinity pool at the aft.”
He added: “We continue to innovate not only in terms of our design and guest experience but also with our use of cutting-edge technology. MSC Seashore will be the first cruise ship in the world to feature a new air sanitation system developed by Fincantieri. MSC Seashore will also be equipped with the latest-generation environmental technology with improvements to energy efficiency, the latest systems to reduce air emissions, as well as an advanced waste water treatment system with purification standards that are higher than most wastewater treatment facilities ashore.”
Other highlights of MSC Cruises’ newest flagship include:
- 13,000sq m of outdoor space with a wide choice of outdoor bars and dining, pools and deck areas
- Six swimming pools with enlarged poolside areas including a new Infinity Pool and two new Infinity Whirlpools
- An expansive 540m long waterfront promenade close to the water
- The largest MSC Yacht Club spanning 3,000sq m over four decks with two new Owners Suites
- 11 types of cabins and suites with balconies including the coveted aft suits, 50 terraced suites with extended balconies offering up to 15sq m of private terrace and 32 different suites with outdoor private whirlpools
Key design features include the striking glass-floored Bridge of Sighs located at the vantage point on deck 16, 22m above the Infinity Pool on deck 8. The ship also offers a wide array of outdoor bar and cafe areas, with some new concepts.
- MSC Seashore introduces a new location for the Chef’s Court that houses five specialty restaurants on deck 8. This new positioning of the restaurants allows for improved sea views and MSC Cruises’ signature steakhouse, Butcher’s Cut, will offer for the first-time outdoor seating and al fresco dining on the waterfront promenade.
- MSC Seashore’s buffet now includes a new outdoor aft dining area as well as bar – the Sky Bar.
- Aurea guests can enjoy the Top 19 Solarium with its outdoor lounge area and bar.
Located on the coveted foredecks on the ships, spanning four decks and providing sweeping sea views the MSC Yacht Club on MSC Seashore will become the largest and most luxurious in MSC Cruises’ fleet, with almost 3,000sq m of space.
After entering service in August 2021 and spending an inaugural season in the Mediterranean calling at the Italian ports of Genoa, Naples, Messina as well as Valetta in Malta, Barcelona in Spain and Marseille in France, MSC Seashore will head to the US where she will home port in Miami.
Starting in November 2021, MSC Seashore will sail seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries, including stops at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, MSC Cruises new private island in The Bahamas.
