When MSC announced last year it was planning to build a mass-market vessel that would ‘revolutionise the industry’, we found it a little hard to believe.
Don’t look so surprised. Can you really blame us for expressing some doubt when Royal Caribbean is cruising around with Bionic bartenders and public spaces that transform from basketball courts into circus schools?
It wasn’t until details of the next generation of ships started to roll out that we started to believe MSC may actually be onto something.
This week the first steel was cut on the first of the next generation ships, MSC Seaside, and we couldn’t be more excited.
In a ceremony held at Fincantieri’s Monfalcone shipyard MSC Cruises’ Executive Chairman Pierfrancesco Vago reiterated the impact the vessel will have on cruising with its ‘audacious and innovative design’.
“It is also testament to MSC Cruises’ constant focus on innovation as it is the fifth prototype ship we have designed.”
Pierfrancesco Vago, MSC Cruises Executive Chairman.
Scheduled for completion in November 2017, she will carry some 5,179 guests – making her one of the top five largest vessels in the world.
She will be the first of three Seaside-class vessels (the others coming in 2018 and 2021) and will be the first MSC ship to be christened in the USA.
That all sounds great, but you’re probably still wondering why we’re so excited about the ship and here are our three reasons:
1. Bringing guests closer to the sea
It’s funny that one of the highlights of cruising is that you’re at sea, but yet the majority of your day is spent indoors.
Unless you’re laying by the pool getting a tan or rock climbing to new heights, you’re eating at the indoor dining hall, shopping at the indoor retail stores or taking part in daily activity inside the theatre.
MSC’s new generation of ships is designed to bring guests closer to the sea. This will be achieved through the 360° seafront promenade – a strip that circles the ship, allowing guests to walk around the entire vessel or enjoy coffee at the seaside cafes or eat and the seaside dining venues or shop in the seaside retail stores.
2. More sea views
The connection to the ocean doesn’t end there. MSC Seaside will sail with a double deck atrium featuring glass walls, which means even when guests are inside they have undisturbed of the sea and outdoor activities.
Oh, but that’s not all. The ship will have panoramic exterior lifts so when guests are travelling from level to level they still feel like they’re outside.
3. Five water slides
This one is for the young you.
The ship will be characterised by the most interactive and originally-designed aqua park at sea with five water slides and attractions for all ages.
Other key features on MSC Seaside include 43,000 metres of public areas; cluster cabins for families and groups, luxury suites with private Jacuzzis and hanging gardens.
MSC Seaside will also boast an enhanced MSC Yacht Club with a private solarium, lounge and pool.
Check out the video below for more.