MSC Cruises’ first new build is completing 20 years in service in 2023 as the MSC Lirica was delivered to the company on March 24, 2003.
Built-in France by the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard, the 65,000-ton ship originally debuted in the Mediterranean.
Before kicking off its inaugural program in the region, the Lirica also became the first ship to be christened by Sophia Loren.
Later the godmother of all of the company’s newbuilds, the Italian actress named the vessel during a special ceremony in the Italian port of Naples.
In addition to the Mediterranean, the MSC Lirica also spent its first years in service sailing in the Caribbean – with U.S.-based cruises departing from Fort Lauderdale – and Northern Europe.
The vessel then debuted in South America in 2009 and in the Middle East, becoming the first MSC ship to sail a complete season in 2010.
In 2016, in another first for MSC Cruises, the MSC Lirica was repositioned to Asia for a series of year-round cruises out of China.
Upon returning to Europe in 2018, the 2,160-guest ship resumed its operations in the Eastern Mediterranean and sailed additional seasons in the Middle East.
After being cut in half at a drydock in Italy, the ship received a new 24-meter-long mid-section that allowed the addition of 194 extra cabins, a new lounge, a kid’s water park and more.
In addition to its new features, the MSC Lirica offers a two-deck theatre, a casino, a complete spa, four different restaurants, two swimming pools and more.
Norwegian Cruise Line announced a new Meet the Winemaker series. This program features winemakers and culinary experts sharing their expertise with a group of guests onboard the cruise line’s ships, according to a press release.
“We Meet the Winemaker series is back and better than ever,” said Harry Sommer, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line.
“Every year we aim to elevate this exclusive experience and I believe we’ve done just that as we enter the program’s seventh year with an impressive guest lineup. These unique sailings offer a rare opportunity to get one-on-one exposure to esteemed winemakers and their collection of wines, all while visiting multiple destinations and enjoying an unforgettable vacation aboard our innovative fleet.”
The Meet the Winemaker series gives wine enthusiasts and foodies a chance to engage with winemakers and other connoisseurs through seminars and activities. The program includes wine tastings, wine-paired dinners, interactive culinary demonstrations and meet-and-greets onboard the ships. Guests can also buy wines that are only available by visiting the wineries.
This year’s series includes special guest Emma Walker, who is a Master Blender at Johnnie Walker and leads the Johnnie Walker Whisky Specialist team based in Menstrie, Scotland. She will join guests onboard the Norwegian Prima on September 17, 2023, sailing in Northern Europe for the company’s first-ever Johnnie Walker cruise.
Additionally, Chef Ashley Breneman, executive chef at Certified Angus Beef, will join returning winemaker Antonio Hidalgo onboard the Norwegian Encore on July 9, 2023, sailing to Alaska.
Miguel Torres, a pioneer of planting Cabernet Sauvignon in Spain, will make his debut onboard the Norwegian Encores during its April 9, 2023, Eastern Caribbean voyage.
Hosts include celebrity chef Aaron Sanchez, Salvatore Ferragamo, Michael Mondavi of the Michael Mondavi Family Estate and “The Drinks Business” Master Winemaker of the Year 2023 recipient Gérard Bertrand, among other famous names.
2023 Meet the Winemaker series lineup includes the following:
April 2, 2023 – The Norwegian Bliss, Mexican Riviera with celebrity chef and TV personality Aaron Sanchez
April 9, 2023 – The Norwegian Encore, Eastern Caribbean with winemaker Miguel Torres
April 22, 202 – The Norwegian Bliss, Alaska with winemaker Salvatore Ferragamo of The Il Borro estate in Tuscany, Italy, producing world-class wines
June 10, 2023 – The Norwegian Bliss, Alaska with Domaines Barons de Rothschild Lafite Wine Dinner Hosted by Special Guest: Diane Flamand
July 9, 2023 – The Norwegian Encore, Alaska with Antonio Hidalgo of the Bodegas Hidalgo La Gitana, and Chef Ashley Breneman
Sept. 17, 2023 – The Norwegian Prima, Northern Europe with Master Blender, Emma Walker of Johnnie Walker
Oct. 22, 2023 – The Norwegian Escape, Bermuda with Michael Mondavi of the Michael Mondavi Family Estate
Oct. 28, 2023 – The Norwegian Joy, Western Caribbean with Gérard Bertrand, “The Drinks Business” Master Winemaker of the Year 2023 recipient
Oct. 29, 2023 – The Norwegian Escape, Bermuda with Randy Ullom from the Kendall-Jackson family
With the COVID-19 pandemic now in the past, Cruise Industry Newslooked into the trends and the highlights that are set to headline the cruise industry in 2023.
The vessels will expand the fleet of 20 operators, including major brands such as Carnival and MSC Cruises, as well as niche cruise lines including American Cruise Line and Swan Hellenic.
Virgin will be the brand adding the most ships, with the Resilient Lady and the Brilliant Lady scheduled to enter service during the year.
Start-Ups
More start-ups are entering the market in 2023 while other new brands are also expanding their fleet.
With details still to be confirmed, the new luxury cruise line plans to launch operations early in the year.
First China-Built Large Ship
The first large cruise ship built in China is going to enter service in late 2023. Currently, in the final stages of construction in Shanghai, the still-unnamed vessel is set to offer year-round cruising in Asia for Adora Cruises.
With a design similar to the one used by Carnival’s Vista-Class ships, the 135,000-ton ship will have a capacity for 5,000 guests, as well as custom-designed features and public areas.
The MSC Group is debuting a new cruise line in 2023 with Explora Journeys. As part of its expansion, the new brand will offer a luxury experience, with a fleet of purpose-built ships.
The 922-guest ship will debut in Northern Europe, before offering itineraries in North America, the Caribbean, South America and the West Coast.
Japan Reopening
One of the most important markets in Asia, Japan is set to welcome international cruising back in early 2023.
Cruise Lines returning to the country include Princess Cruises, Holland America Line and Silversea, which are set to offer full seasons in the region starting in March.
Secondhand Market
With several ships looking for new operators, the secondhand market is set to continue warm in 2023.
Vessels like Fred. Olsen’s Braemar, the Astoria, the Pacific Venus and the Birka Stockholm are currently on the market. Meanwhile, Carnival Corporation said it would sell three more ships, including two Costa ships, on this year-end and fourth-quarter earnings call in December.
Other ships potently looking for new owners include the Seajets fleet, which currently includes five ships and remains laid up in Greece, and the former AIDAvita, which remains laid up in Estonia.
Vessels formerly operated by Genting, such as the Explorer Dream, are also present in limbo.
Expedition Market
The expedition market will welcome five new vessels in 2023 as vessels are set to enter service for various brands, including Swan Hellenic, Scenic and Oceanwide according to the orderbook.
Seabourn is also continuing its expansion into the niche with the addition of the Seabourn Pursuit, its second purpose-built exploration ship.
Concluding SunStone’s Infinity class of ships, the Ocean Albatros is also scheduled to debut during the year.
Disney Expansion
Disney Cruise Line is growing its operations in 2023. With the new Disney Wish sailing its first full year, the brand is set to add a new homeport in North America and also debut in Australia and New Zealand.
A few days before that, however, Disney is also arriving in Australia and New Zealand for the first time, with the Disney Wonder offering a local program that includes itineraries sailing from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Auckland.
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