MSC Cruises Floats Out Newest Ship Seascape

At a ceremony at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, on Thursday MSC Cruises floated out its newest ship Seascape, the second Seaside EVO class ship in its fleet and the fourth in its Seaside class.

The ship is expected to be delivered in November 2022, continuing MSC’s rapid fleet growth that includes another ship in December 2022, two ships in 2023, and then six more ships through 2027.

Seascape will be another ship that looks to connect guests with the sea, like its sister ship MSC Seashore. The ship will have nearly 14,000 sq. ft. of outdoor space including a 1,772 ft. waterfront promenade that MSC promises will bring guests even closer to the water, and the glass-floored Bridge of Sighs on deck 16.

In total, the ship will be able to accommodate up to 5,877 guests in 2,270 cabins, with 12 different types of cabins and suites with balconies. For dining, the ship will offer 11 different dining venues, 19 bars and lounges, and a number of “Al Fresco” dining and drinking venues on offer.

The ship also promises to move MSC closer to its goal of minimizing its environmental impact, with technology that reduces nitrogen oxide emission by up to 90% and a best-in-class water treatment system.

“The float out of MSC Seascape marks yet another significant milestone in the growth of our fleet and the vessel will pay homage to the oceans through yet another host of highly innovative maritime and design features,” MSC Cruises executive chairperson Pierfrancesco Vago said in a statement.

At the same time on Thursday, SMC Cruises celebrated the naming ceremony for MSC Seashore, Seascape’s sister ship, at its new Ocean Cay Marine Reserve property in the Bahamas. That was the first-ever naming ceremony for MSC Cruises at its private island, which had its debut delayed because of COVID-19.

Sophia Loren, MSC Cruises’ longtime partner, and godmother to the rest of its ships, was once again on-hand to help christen the ship, an event that also served as the formal inauguration of Marine Reserve.

In a statement, president of MSC Cruises U.S. Rubén Rodríguez said that Thursday was “a truly special day for us.”

“MSC Seashore is yet another example of us bringing our newest, most innovative ships to the U.S. market. It’s also special because we are naming her at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, our breath-taking private island committed to the restoration of marine resources and the ongoing conservation of marine life.

“These are both key examples of our large investments to drive rapid growth in the U.S., in addition to expanding access to MSC Cruises with a new homeport in Port Canaveral and construction of a new state-of-the-art terminal at PortMiami. We look forward to welcoming more guests to explore new destinations, discover new cultures and connect with new people.”