Tag Archives: Chantiers de l’Atlantique

MSC Grandiosa Completes Five Years in Service

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The MSC Grandiosa recently completed five years of service for MSC Cruises after being delivered by the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard on Oct. 31, 2019.

Before embarking on its maiden season in the Western Mediterranean, the ship sailed to Germany for a christening ceremony in Hamburg.

MSC’s fleet godmother, Italian actress Sophia Loren, named the vessel during the event, which took place on Nov. 10, 2019.

After offering a repositioning cruise to Southern Europe, the MSC Grandiosa kicked off its maiden season in the Western Mediterranean in late November 2019.

The deployment included a series of seven-night winter cruises to Italy, Malta, Spain and France that featured visits to Genoa, Civitavecchia, Palermo, Valletta, Barcelona and Marseille.

During its five-year sailing career, the vessel has also cruised in Northern Europe, the Atlantic and South America.

After undergoing routine maintenance at the Palumbo shipyard in Malta, the MSC Grandiosa is currently offering a repositioning cruise ahead of its second season in South America.

Through early April, the vessel is scheduled to offer a series of seven-night cruises that sail between Brazilian ports.

Following a summer program in the Mediterranean, the Grandiosa repositions to Port Canaveral in late 2025.

Debuting in the U.S., the vessel will offer a series of seven- to 14-night cruises to the Caribbean departing from the Central Florida homeport.

The year-round deployment also features short cruises to the Bahamas that sail to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, the company’s private island destination near Bimini.

Following the MSC Meraviglia and the MSC Bellissima, the MSC Grandiosa entered service as the third ship in MSC’s Meraviglia series.

Slightly larger than its predecessors, the 4,888-guest vessel is considered part of a sub-class known as Meraviglia Plus.

Other vessels with a similar design include the 2021-built MSC Virtuosa and the 2023-built MSC Euribia, which was further modified to become the first in the series powered by LNG.

MSC World America Construction Progressing at Chantiers

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MSC Cruises has provided an update on the construction progress of its newest ship, the MSC World America, set to launch in less than five months.

The company revealed that the liquefied natural gas-powered ship is currently undergoing interior outfitting, including public spaces and guest facilities, at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France.

The vessel will be officially named in Miami on April 9, 2025, representing a significant evolution of MSC Cruises’ World Class prototype, featuring reimagined venues and concepts tailored for Caribbean sailings.

A notable innovation aboard MSC World America includes the introduction of seven distinct onboard districts, each designed to enhance the guest experience and create a more engaging atmosphere. 

Bernhard Stacher, senior vice president of shipboard hospitality operations, at MSC Cruises, said: “We’ve invested a lot into tailoring MSC World America to deliver a truly memorable cruise experience, with new restaurants, bars, experiences, and spaces. With the only Eataly restaurant at sea, a brand-new Greek restaurant Paxos, and MSC Cruises’ first comedy club The Loft, there’s really a space and experience for every guest.”

 William Monts de Oca Rivera, head of guest experience innovation, at MSC Cruises, added, “One of the biggest innovations for MSC World America is The Harbour, part of the Family Aventura district, a brand-new revolutionary outdoor venue specially designed for kids and families to gather, play and relax together. It’s home to Cliffhanger – a state-of-the-art swing attraction 50 metres above the ocean that is going to bring a totally new dimension to the cruise experience.”

Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 Completes Two Decades at Sea

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The Queen Mary 2 is completing its second decade at sea in 2024.

Having started sailing in early 2004, the 151,400-ton vessel was the result of the “Queen Mary Project.”

Announced by Cunard Line in 1998, the project called for the construction of the “the biggest and most luxurious ocean liner ever.”

After being built by the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in France, the Queen Mary 2 was christened by the late Queen Elizabeth II in Southampton on Jan. 8, 2004.

A few days after the ceremony, which celebrated Cunard’s British heritage with performances of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the Royal Marines band, the ship set sail on its first voyage: a transatlantic crossing to Fort Lauderdale.

Before starting its transatlantic service, the Queen Mary 2 offered a media preview cruise, in addition an 11-night cruise to the Caribbean.

As the world’s last ocean liner, the ship traditionally spends most of the year offering one-way Atlantic crossings that sail between New York City, and Southampton, in the United Kingdom. Guests can also embark or disembark on the German port of Hamburg on some of the sailings.

Most of the six- to eight-night voyages feature only sea days and sail at higher speeds when compared to regular cruising.

In 2024, after returning from its 108-night world tour, the vessel is set to offer two- to 13-night cruises to Western Europe, the Norwegian Fjords, the British Isles, Canada & New England, the Caribbean, and more.

Cunard’s website describes the Queen Mary 2 as its “legendary flagship,” a “true icon,” and a “astonishing liner.”

According to the company, the 2,620-guest vessel offers several unique features, including a vast library, an indulging spa, and more.