MSC Cruises revealed the name of its second World-class ship

Posted on 25 October, 2022 by Spacejunkie2

MSC Cruise has revealed the name of its second World Class ship
MSC World America.

MSC World America is slated to enter service in 2025, where it will begin a series of sailings in North America, making it the fourth new flagship to be deployed in the continent.

The announcement comes just weeks before the launch of World Europa, which will be one of the world’s “largest liquefied natural gas-powered cruise ships” and one of the first to incorporate fuel cell technology.

The vessel – which was delivered to the line by shipbuilders Chantiers de l’Atlantique on Monday (24 October) – has also been designed with an “innovative” hull shape to minimise resistance through the water.

World Europa incorporates a range of equipment to optimise energy use throughout the ship, including smart ventilation and advanced air conditioning systems and LED lighting, controlled by smart management systems to further enhance the energy-saving profile.

The vessel features a Y-shaped aft structure that leads to a 104-metre-long half-open half-covered Europa Promenade with ocean views. New balcony cabins overlook the promenade, which features an architectural centrepiece in the form of The Venom Drop – an 11-deck-high slide.

MSC World Europa’s firsts include a micro-brewery, gin bar, healthy juice bar, coffee emporium and tea house. The ship has 13 different dining options including two new speciality restaurants; La Pescaderia, which will offer fresh seafood; and Chef’s Garden Kitchen, which will dish up seasonal farm-to-ocean cooking.

Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of the cruise division of MSC Group, said: “We are proud to welcome MSC World Europa to our fleet, our 20th ship and the first to be LNG-powered. This groundbreaking vessel represents the next phase in our journey toward net zero and sustainable cruising and a symbol of our unwavering commitment to both.”

Princess Cruises unveils next-generation ship

Posted on 22 September, 2022 by Spacejunkie2

Princess Cruises has revealed the brand’s largest ship, a bespoke ship platform that will run on dual-fuel LNG and accommodate more than 4,000 guests

Currently under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard and scheduled to debut in early 2024, the 175,500-tonne vessel is the largest Princess ship ever constructed and embraces Italian heritage by featuring a next-level Piazza and The Dome, an entertainment space inspired by the terraces of Santorini. Sun Princess will also feature Princess Medallion, extending Princess’s position in delivering personalised experiences.

“Sun Princess is a new and bespoke ship platform, designed to simultaneously embrace Princess heritage while boldly pressing into the future with iconic, elegant and pure lines unique to our brand,” said Princess Cruises president John Padgett. “A show-stopping, first-of-its-kind Dome on the top deck and suspended glass Piazza in the centre of Sun Princess offer innovative designs showcasing expansive ocean views for incredible opportunities to connect with the sea.”

The cruise line also announced Sun Princess will sail an inaugural spring/summer season of Mediterranean cruises followed by western and eastern Caribbean voyages out of Port Everglades, Florida in Q3 2024.

The line’s Piazza spans three stories, forming an architectural feature offering guests an outward-looking suspended space with comfortable seating and areas to enjoy the ocean views in every direction. An LED screen is also showcased in the centre of the Piazza that can be moved and configured to deliver live entertainment. Adjacent to the Piazza Atrium will be Coffee Currents coffee shop, Bellini’s Cocktail Bar, along with Princess favourites like Crooners’ Bar and Alfredo’s Pizzeria.

The other stand-out structure onboard Sun Princess is The Dome. Princess Cruises said, “Inspired by the terraces of Santorini, it is a multi-level covered deck and the first true glass-enclosed dome ever constructed on a cruise ship. During the day, the Dome features an indoor/outdoor pool and unique water features in a comfortable and relaxed space. At night, the pool becomes a stage, and the Dome transforms into an entertainment venue with a South Beach vibe, state-of-the-art lighting effects and the ability to deliver stunning aerial performances.”

With 2,157 staterooms, including 50 suites and 100 connecting rooms, 21-deck Sun Princess features more outdoor balcony space and all-balcony accommodations feature an in-room sofa.

Also launching exclusively on Sun Princess will be a new level of suite accommodations, the Signature Collection. In addition to premium stateroom amenities, Signature Collection suites include access to the Signature Restaurant, Signature Lounge and Signature Sun Deck, a private area of the Sanctuary.

With Sun Princess, Club Class accommodations on board this ship, and all Princess ships will now be called Reserve Collection, which is the best-located mini-suite staterooms. Within the Reserve, Collection will be Reserve Collection Cabana rooms, resort-style staterooms that offer a balcony and private cabana, and extra-large outdoor lounge space. These premium accommodations also include access to the Reserve Collection Restaurant.

Sun Princess is part of Carnival Corp’s green cruising focus and is one of 11 new ships in the corporate fleet powered by LNG fuel technology.

A second, next-generation Sphere-class ship is also on order, slated to be delivered by Fincantieri in Q2 2025.

Explora Journeys orders two new Hydrogen-Powered Ships.

Posted on 12 July, 2022 by Spacejunkie2

Explora Journeys, the luxury cruise brand of MSC Group, has agreed a deal with shipbuilding group Fincantieri for the construction of two new hydrogen-powered luxury cruise ships.

Explora V and VI will feature liquefied natural gas (LNG) engines designed to tackle the issue of methane slip and will also be equipped with a containment system for liquid hydrogen that will enable them to use the low-carbon fuel.

Hydrogen fuel will power a six-megawatt fuel cell to produce emissions-free power for the hotel operation and allow the vessels to run on zero emissions in port, with the engines turned off.

The two new builds, which will take the lines fleet from four to six vessels, are set to come into service in 2027 and 2028, respectively.

Explora Journeys has also confirmed that previously announced vessels Explora III and IV will be powered by LNG. The two ships will be enlarged by 19 metres to enable the installation of the system.

Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of MSC Group’s Cruise Division, said the move marks a “significant step forward” in the line’s 2050 net-zero emissions target.

“Explora Journeys is building ships for tomorrow, utilising today’s latest technologies and being ready to adapt to alternative energy solutions as they become available,” he added.

“This transition to zero-emissions operations for the maritime industry is the biggest challenge that we will ever face, and this will only be achieved by everyone playing their part – by investing in research and development and through significant investment both by companies but also governments.”

The two additional ships covered under the memorandum of understanding (MOA) with Fincantieri will bring Explora Journeys’ investment in its fleet to €3.5 billion.

This includes an additional €120 million each for fitting Explora III and IV with LNG engines, a change that required a temporary halt of work due to the significant redesign of the ships, which will now be delivered in 2026 and 2027.