Photo courtesy of MSC Cruises
MSC Cruises has opened sales for the new MSC Seaside - launching on Dec. 21, 2017, roundtrip from Miami, Florida - and further rendered the upcoming ship as seen in the slideshow below, featuring first glimpses of the ship's interiors. Currently under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, she is dubbed by the line as "the ship that follows the sun."
Rewarding MSC loyalty, Seaside first goes on sale to MSC Voyagers Club Members now through Dec. 29, 2015. Those who book during the exclusive window and through Jan. 31, 2016 will receive the usual 5 percent Voyagers Club discount plus an extra all-inclusive classic drink package for the first and second passengers in a stateroom on week or longer voyages. The sale will go wide to the general public on Dec. 29, offering the same all-inclusive classic drink package and restrictions on bookings also made before Jan. 31. Fares start at $589 per person.
The 154,000-GRT, 4,140-guest ship, which will sail on alternating 7-night eastern and western Caribbean itineraries, will visit St. Thomas, the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, the Cayman Islands and Cozumel. It will be the first MSC Cruises ship to be christened in the U.S., immediately after leaving the shipyard for America, also a first. MSC Seaside along with MSC Divina will berth at a remodeled dedicated facility at PortMiami.
"As a global company, North America is a strategic market for MSC Cruises as we embark on an ambitious expansion plan centering on seven new cruise ships by 2022," said Gianni Onorato, chief executive officer of MSC Cruises. "With the return of MSC Divina to Miami just last month and plans for MSC Seaside to join her in Miami in 2017, we are looking forward to sharing our distinct Mediterranean heritage - which includes elegant and stylish décor, world-class entertainment, and authentic Mediterranean-style dining - with North American guests."
Looking at the slideshow, the concept for bringing "guests closer to the sea" is evident. Features servicing the goal include a 360-degree promenade deck with a two-deck glass-enclosed atrium (beautifully previewed in more evening detail for the first time), panoramic elevators and al fresco retail and dining venues such as a relocated buffet and pool. Accommodations are first visualized and will feature modular cabin options for up to 10 guests and suites with private hot tubs and hanging gardens. The line's signature MSC Yacht Club will also be reprised with enhancements like a private solarium, lounge and pool.
Family-friendly activities and entertainment encompass a full-sized bowling alley, LEGO- and Chicco-designed play areas, a kid-only restaurant and massive interactive water park complete with five separate waterslides, a tots AquaPlay zone and adventure trail. One thing that is interesting to note in the renderings is the color of the port-side waterslide. It was originally shown in the neon green but is now displayed in burgundy in some instances. As it's new, the less garish red color is likely to be the chosen finalist.
"The bold, ground-breaking design of MSC Seaside speaks of our company's commitment to innovation and our desire to continue to introduce both experienced and first-time cruisers to new experiences that will make their vacation truly unforgettable," said Onorato. "We've seen tremendous enthusiasm and strong demand from travelers around the world interested in experiencing MSC Seaside and are thrilled to be able to open sales for this revolutionary ship two years ahead of its debut."
The MSC Seaside will be the first of two Seaside-class ships on order, with the second set to come online in 2018, and there's an option for a third in 2021. The new eco-friendly ships will come with Advanced Water Treatment pollution and water hazard filtration systems, high-efficiency solid-waste treatments plants, emission-reducing scrubbers, antifouling paints and fuel-efficient drag-reducing hulls, propellers and rudders. Plus, the ship will feature low-energy LED lighting and advanced heat recovery systems supporting water, laundry and pools, and the ship will fully comply with the Safe Return to Port requirement.
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