MSC Announces Two New Ships

MSC Cruises signed a deal with shipbuilding firm Fincantieri for two new cruise ships with an option for one more. The two vessels, which will join MSC Cruises’ fleet of 12 ships, will represent a new generation of architecturally-different cruise ships, according to MSC. The prototype ship, dubbed Seaside, will have unique features such as a sea-level promenade that circumnavigates the sides of the ship with outdoor spaces, shops and restaurants. It will also have a theater, a terraced balcony and panoramic elevators with sea views. Technological innovations will further reduce fuel consumption by 25% while the vessel’s advanced safety systems are designed to exceed international regulations. The ships will be built to sail to warm weather destinations in the Mediterranean, South America and the Caribbean. They will be delivered separately; the first in November 2017 and the second in May 2018.