Tag Archives: MSC Meraviglia

MSC Cruises’ return to ex-UK sailings delayed by a year

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MSC Cruises is unlikely to return to offering a full season of ex-UK sailings until 2018, a year later than the line previously predicted.

Speaking at the steel cutting of new ship MSC Seaside (pictured), Gianni Onorato, chief executive of the line, said the line would be delayed returning to the UK by a year.

Initially there had been hopes that the brand would make a return in 2017, having pulled out this year.

Next year the line is offering a small number of sailings from Southampton, but Onorato said “internal commitments” had meant the operator would not have a ship sailing a full season from the UK until 2018.

He said: “we are going to look more deeply at the North American and UK markets, and then after that we will look at Asia.

“In the UK we want to be the reference cruise line for the Mediterranean, and we’re investing in that. As soon as we have growth in the fleet we will look to have a competitive ship in the UK market.

“I think we will have a one-year delay in coming back to the UK because of other developments internally.”

He said over time he would like MSC to rival domestic cruise lines such as P&O Cruises.

Giles Hawke, executive director for the line who is responsible for the UK market, said it was important for the line to grow and build revenues in the UK if it wants to secure a ship ex-UK.

Onorato also made some announcements about new features onboard MSC Seaside, which will sail year-round from Miami when it launches in 2017.

The ships will offer “super family plus” cabin for groups of up to 10 people, as the line looks to capitalise on the growth of multi generational and group cruises.

It will be “extremely kids-friendly” according to Onorato and will also have a kids-only restaurant. Onorato said MSC was a family company which always had families at heart.

He announced that there would be cluster cabins for groups of up to 10 people, with the super family plus option combining two balcony staterooms and an inside cabin.

MSC set to Astonish with MSC Meraviglia

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Report by Cruise.co.uk

A $5.4 billion growth plan marks a milestone for MSC cruises as the first steel for the new visa generation of mega ships was cut at STX France.

MSC cruises executive chairman ‘Pierfrancesco Vago’ announced the new ship would be named ‘MSC Meraviglia’ at the steel cutting ceremony in Saint-Nazaire.

Geona, Marseille and Barcelona will be the first home port stops of MSC Meraviglia’s summer sailings.

MSC Meraviglia houses an extended MSC Yacht club (a luxury area on fore decks) they offer;

  • Duplex Suites
  • Solarium
  • Private Lounge
  • Restaurant

Entertainment choices on this ship will include;

  • Panoramic spaces
  • Large theatre
  • Amusement parks linked to Aqua Park
  • Three deck interior promenade

Pierfrancesco Vago said; “MSC Meraviglia will be the biggest and most innovative cruise ship ever built by a global European-based cruise line, we chose a name that denotes the sense of awe and wonderment felt when you experience the ship’s stunning features, which only an MSC cruise, with its unique Mediterranean-style, can deliver. MSC Meraviglia brings together the industry knowhow of MSC Cruises, a young, bold company built upon 300 years of seafaring tradition and the expertise of one of the most advanced shipyards in the world. Today, building started on a true maritime marvel.”

STX France General Manager Laurent Castaing added: “Since March 2014, more than 400 people from our various teams have been working tirelessly to define the special features of a ship that, I am certain will set the standard for its generation. This extraordinary project is testament to MSC Cruises’ visionary approach, and we are proud to collaborate with them through our capacity for innovation and know-how.” 

Gianni Onorato, MSC Cruises Chief Executive Officer said: “This steel-cutting event marks a decisive milestone in the company’s development plan, one that will see MSC Cruises double its capacity by 2022 through up to seven new ships and a $5.4 billion investment plan.” 

He added: “MSC Meraviglia will be one of the greenest and safest ships in the industry, as well as one of the most technologically advanced. We are thrilled that in just a few weeks guests can start booking this truly remarkable ship, which will bring cruise travellers to the most exciting destinations around the world in outstanding comfort and style.”

This new ship introduces modern features to keep up with the technologic advances being introduced through many other cruiselines, MSC Meraviglia will feature new tech focused amenities such as;

Near field technology- This technology can be use with the passengers cruise card, bracelet or smartphone, making on-board payments, access to staterooms and ge-locating children a lot easier!

LED screen- But not any LED screen, a 5,167 square foot LED screen! (You won’t hear the kids nagging you for one of these any time soon- although after the trip.. maybe you will!). This screen forms the entire ceiling of the ships inside promenade, compelling images through day and night.

The ship will be the first of two identical ships on order from STX France, the second is due to start sailing in 2019. 2022 may also promise two other Vista Ship projects (But we will get back to you on that!)

MSC ship to be called Meraviglia

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MSC Meraviglia, new class of cruise ship.

MSC Cruises said construction has begun on a 4,500-passenger ship due in 2017, and that the ship will be called MSC Meraviglia.

Meraviglia means “wonder” in Italian.

The ship is being built at the STX France shipyard in Saint-Nazaire.

Meraviglia will spend its first summer sailing the western Mediterranean, and will be the first to have three homeports: Genoa, Marseille and Barcelona.

“MSC Meraviglia will be the biggest and most innovative cruise ship ever built by a global European-based cruise line,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, MSC Cruises’ executive chairman.
WeTravel Comment!
What a Fantastic looking ship, I myself can’t wait for the MSC Maraviglia to set sail, and for MSC other brand new Class called Project Seaside to start sailing. MSC show that they are the cruise leaders in pure cruise design and don’t need all the latest gimmicks being offered by the other larger cruise companies.