MSC Cruises has
launched the MSC
Seaside, its newest
ship and the largest in its
fleet. The ship has set sail
for Miami, where it will
cruise the Eastern and
Western Caribbean, including
stops at Jamaica, the Cayman
Islands, Mexico, Bahamas and
the US.
The ship has been designed
to bring guests closer to the
sea and is inspired by the
beach condos characteristic
of Miami, its home port.
Features designed to blend
outdoor and indoor areas
include a glass-walled atrium
offering ocean views and
spanning two decks, a
glass-bottomed skywalk and
two panoramic elevators.
The MSC Seaside Waterfront
Boardwalk is the widest ever
constructed on board and
surrounds the ship, offering
access to bars, restaurants
and shops.
The ship boasts 11 different
dining venues, including an
Asian Market Kitchen – the
creation of celebrity chef,
Roy Yamaguchi; 19 bars
and lounges, including a
champagne bar; and plenty
of options for those with
a sweet tooth, including a
gelato stand and an artisanal
chocolate and coffee bar.
The extensive entertainment
options include a 934-seat
theatre, bowling alley, an
arcade featuring a Formula 1
simulator, six pools,
waterslides and zip lines.
The ship has over 2 000
suites and can accommodate
over 5 000 passengers.
Luxury suites have private
Jacuzzis and hanging
gardens. For families, there
are modular connected
staterooms that can
accommodate up to 10
people.
The MSC Seaside also
features the largest kiddies’
area on an MSC vessel, at
70sqm. It has dedicated
areas for babies, toddlers,
small children and teens.
As one of MSC’s modern
ships, the MSC Seaside
features interactive screens
where guests can check
activity programmes,
book excursions and spa
treatments and also make
theatre reservations. The
MSC for Me app offers similar
functionality and also helps
guests navigate around the
ship.
Speaking at the launch,
Pierfrancesco Vago, MSC
executive chairman, outlined
MSC’s ambitious plans to
launch at least one ship a
year from now until 2026.
At this stage, the group
hopes to carry five million
passengers a year, more than
double its current passenger
numbers.
According to Angelo
Capurro, MSC Cruises
executive director of
Emerging Markets, ships
under construction include
a Seaside Class; Meraviglia
Class; and Meraviglia Plus
ship, while the expansion plan
will culminate in the launch
of four World Class ships,
accommodating roughly 7 000
passengers.
