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MSC takes virtual reality & Cirque du Soleil to sea

It's hard to imagine cruise lines getting any more creative with their on board entertainment, when robot bartenders, dancing robots, giant slides and surf simulators already operate on the big blue.

It’s hard to imagine cruise lines getting any more creative with their on board entertainment, when robot bartenders, dancing robots, giant slides and surf simulators already operate on the big blue.

But then out comes MSC Cruises’ newest vessel MSC Meraviglia from the shipyard with a range of ultramodern features including augmented reality.

In at-sea first, the cruise line is bringing virtual reality on board to give cruisers an escape from their… escape.

the-ship

Source: MSC Cruises

Unlike virtual reality headsets used by tourism bureaus such as New Caledonia to showcase a destination, MSC’s virtual reality will be offered through two Formula 1 virtual-reality racing cars where cruisers can go head-to-head in a race.

According to CNBC, the cruise line also has an arrangement with Samsung to bring augmented reality devices on board that will let users see what they would look like in designer clothes sold on board without actually trying them on.

MSC Cruises

Source: MSC Cruises

Another at-sea first for the 5,714-passenger ship (scheduled to launch in June next year) is the Carousel Lounge where passengers will be entertained with exclusive performances from Cirque du Soleil artists.

Plus, the entire 96-metre-long Mediterranean-style promenade will be encompassed overhead with an 80-meter LED Sky, which will project images throughout the day and night such as sunrises, sunsets and starry night skies.

MSC Cruises

Source: MSC Cruises

“Since we opened sales last year for MSC Meraviglia’s inaugural season in the Western Mediterranean, demand has been extremely encouraging right from the release.”

Gianni Onorato, MSC Cruises Chief Executive Officer

“This make us believe that this is a generation of ships with a bright future ahead, that has already caught the attention of holidaymakers from all markets.”

MSC Cruises

Source: MSC Cruises

Over the weekend, MSC also unveiled the name of its second Meraviglia-class ship, MSC Bellissima, which “embodies the beauty and the magnificence of this entire next generation of MSC Cruises'” ships.

What do you think of the new ship?