MSC has officially started construction on its first Visa-generation of ships and revealed she will be called… MSC Meraviglia.
The ship’s name was revealed at a steal cutting ceremony held at shipyard STX France this week.
MSC Cruises Executive Chairman Pierfrancesco Vago told press and dignitaries that the 5,700 passenger vessel will launch in May 2017 as MSC Meraviglia.
He said the name, which means wonder; astonishment; amazement; or suprise, was selected because it denotes the sense of awe the ship will offer.
Describing her as the ‘biggest and most innovative cruise ship’ ever built by a global European-based cruise line, Vago added that she will reflect MSC’s young and bold characteristics.
“Building started on a true maritime marvel.”
Pierfrancesco Vago, MSC Cruises Executive Chairman
When she launches, she will be the first of two Vista-generation ships and will be used to sail the western Mediterranean and will be the first to homeport in Genoa, Marseille and Barcelona.
Among the ships’ manifold features will also be specially crafted ‘cluster cabins’ for families, and an extended MSC Yacht Club, the wholly self-contained luxury area on the prestigious foredecks, which will be enhanced with duplex suites, a vast solarium and a private lounge and restaurant.
They will be packed with features that make them ideal for cruising in summer and winter, including wide dining options and entertainment choices, stunning panoramic spaces, a large theatre and a spectacular amusement park linked to an outdoor aqua park, as well as a three-deck interior promenade.
MSC Meraviglia will also feature a range of technological advancements, such as ‘Near Field Communication’ technology, enabling guests to do things like make onboard payments, access their staterooms or geo-locate children, simply by using their cruise card, bracelet or smartphone.
Plus there will be a 5,167 square foot LED screen, which forms the entire ceiling of the ship’s interior promenade. Like a digital sky, this LED image vault will beam out compelling images and vistas day and night – including scheduled visual events – creating a variety of powerful atmospheres at all times.
MSC Meraviglia is the first of two identical ships on order from STX France, the second of which will be entered in to service in 2019.
In addition, MSC Cruises has options for two further Vista project ships to be delivered by 2022.