The port of Cadiz in Spain today welcomed the MSC Seascape for the ship’s maiden call before she sets sail across the Atlantic for her official naming ceremony on Dec. 7 in New York.
The maritime tradition of a Crest Exchange took place onboard MSC’s newest ship between Master of the Vessel Captain Francesco Di Palma and officials from the Spanish port authority and Cadiz’s Councillor for Tourism, Montemayor Mures.
The ship is operating a 17-night Grand Voyage from Europe to the USA with 3,255 guests onboard according to a company statement.
The MSC Seascape will next call Funchal in Madeira and King’s Wharf in Bermuda before arriving in Manhattan on Dec. 5.
MSC said the ship will be the cruise line’s first ship to be named in New York to reflect MSC Cruises’ commitment to the North American market and the ceremony will be celebrated at the city’s Manhattan Cruise Terminal.
The ship will sail to Miami immediately following the event for an inaugural season in the Caribbean with two different 7-night itineraries from PortMiami:
Eastern Caribbean: Calling at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve and Nassau in The Bahamas, San Juan in Puerto Rico, and Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic
Western Caribbean: Calling at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, Cozumel in Mexico, George Town in the Cayman Islands and Ocho Rios in Jamaica
MSC Cruises recorded its best month for new bookings in the line’s entire history in October after taking nearly 400,000 bookings for winter 2022/23 and summer 2023 itineraries across its global fleet.
The line said average occupancy for its vessels during both winters 2022/23 and summer 2023 would be higher than historical levels, with robust interest and demand for its new flagship MSC World Europa, as well as soon-to-be-delivered MSC Seascape and MSC Euribia, which is due to enter service next summer.
MSC also claimed a recording-breaking October for its UK operation, which the UK and Ireland managing director Antonio Paradiso said was characterised by “strong booking trends” for ex-UK sailings and 2023 cruises. The line was unable to provide specific UK booking data for October.
Gianni Onorato, MSC Cruises chief executive, said: “October has been the strongest month for bookings in the entire history of our brand. We see strong demand with an extended horizon in the medium to longer term to such extent that guests and agent partners are starting to close bookings now to avoid the frustration of not being able to find the perfect holiday option for themselves or their clients.”
Onorato added the trend reflected MSC’s investment in its fleet, its “truly global” array of itineraries and the line’s commitment to operating sustainably, as well as the value an all-inclusive cruise fare represents during the current economic downturn.
Seven new cruise ships are set to debut in U.S. market by the end of 2022.
While some of the newbuilds are leaving the shipyard and heading straight to North America, other vessels have initially entered service in Europe before arriving in the U.S. for the winter season.
Here’s the list of new ships:
Carnival Celebration Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Line Delivery Date: October 2022 Capacity: 5,200 guests Tonnage: 183,000 U.S. Arrival: November 20 U.S. Homeport: Miami
Following a transatlantic crossing, the new Carnival Celebration is launching service in the Caribbean this November. Joining the Mardi Gras, the Excel-Class ship will become Carnival’s second LNG-powered vessel while offering week-long cruises departing from PortMiami year-round.
Norwegian Prima Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line Delivery Date: July 2022 Capacity: 3,215 guests Tonnage: 142,500 U.S. Arrival: October 5 U.S. Homeports: New York City, Miami, Galveston and Port Canaveral
After debuting recently in Iceland, the Norwegian Prima is arriving in New York City on October 5. First in a new series of ships known as Prima-Class, the 3,125-guest ship will sail an “inaugural tour” during the winter season, offering itineraries from four different U.S. homeports.
Celebrity Beyond Cruise Line: Celebrity Cruises Delivery Date: April 2022 Capacity: 3,260 guests Tonnage: 140,600 U.S. Arrival: October 24 U.S. Homeport: New York City and Fort Lauderdale
The Celebrity Beyond is set to debut in North America this winter. After entering service in Europe back in April, the third Edge-Class vessel will arrive in New York City on October 24, ahead of a season of Caribbean cruises departing from the Port Everglades.
MSC Seascape Cruise Line: MSC Cruises Delivery Date: November 2022 Capacity: 4,560 guests Tonnage: 169,000 U.S. Arrival: December 5 U.S. Homeport: Miami
A sister to the 2021-built MSC Seashore, the MSC Seascape is debuting in North America with a series of cruises departing from Miami. The newest MSC Cruises vessel is heading to the United States soon after leaving the shipyard and arrives in New York City – where it will be christened – on December 5.
Viking Neptune Cruise Line: Viking Delivery Date: Q4 2022 Capacity: 930 guests Tonnage: 47,000 U.S. Arrival: December 22 U.S. Homeport: Fort Lauderdale
The newest Viking ship is heading to the United States this December. After debuting in the Mediterranean in November, the Viking Neptune will cross the Atlantic on its way to Fort Lauderdale. The luxury ship is then set to kick off a 137-night world cruise – which will also visit Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and two ports in Hawaii.
Valiant Lady Cruise Line: Virgin Voyages Delivery Date: July 2021 Capacity: 2,770 guests Tonnage: 110,000 U.S. Arrival: October 30 U.S. Homeport: Miami
Silver Dawn Cruise Line: Silversea Cruises Delivery Date: November 2021 Capacity: 596 guests Tonnage: 40,700 U.S. Arrival: December 16 U.S. Homeport: Fort Lauderdale
The new Silver Dawn is debuting in North America in December. After launching service earlier this year in Europe, the 2021-built ship will be based in Fort Lauderdale for most of the winter, offering a series of Caribbean itineraries.
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