MSC Cruises has recently announced bold plans to expand their fleet exponentially, with the intention of breaking into the US market and building a range of new ships. We were able to see the first of these plans become manifested earlier this year with the launch of the line’s largest vessel to date: MSC Meraviglia. Built at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in St. Nazaire, MSC Meraviglia weighs in at 171,598 GT and offers capacity for 4,500 passengers. Some of her features include more than 10 specialist restaurants, a designated theatre for an on board Cirque du Soleil show, a bellemese spa and a promenade that features a dazzling LED roof.
This, however, is only the beginning for MSC Cruises. Over the next nine years, the line plans to launch a total of ten new vessels – one of which is MSC Seaside, which is due to launch in December 2017. She will be joined be MSC Seaview in June 2018, with both of these vessels currently under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy. Looking ahead to 2019, the line currently intends to launch another two new vessels – the latter of which will eclipse MSC Meraviglia in terms of size.
In March 2019, cruisers will get their first opportunity to have a glimpse at the new MSC Bellissima. The keel for this ship, which will become the second vessel of the Meraviglia class, was laid just last week at the St Nazaire shipyard along with that of another brand new ship, which will forge the beginning of the line’s Meraviglia-plus class. Just to clarify, this means that there is a total of four brand new MSC Cruises vessels currently under construction.
At the keel-laying event, MSC Cruises announced the new Meraviglia-Plus build will be known as MSC Grandiosa. Although details have yet to be released with regards to her features and where she will sail, MSC Executive Chairman, Pierfrancesco Vago, confirmed she represents the beginning of a new era for the line.
Speaking at the event, Vago said: “Today we are celebrating a truly unique moment, as it is the first time that key shipbuilding milestones for two different ships are celebrated on the same day. This is a testimony of the strength and ambition of our investment plan.”
“The Meraviglia generation of ships is already setting a new standard for the cruise industry and is just one of the three brand new prototypes that we have designed to bring the cruise guest experience to the next level.
“MSC Grandiosa is named to signify magnificence and grandeur, a fitting name for this even richer, ultra-modern mega-ship.” She is due to launch in November 2019 and will measure a total length of 331 metres, offering capacity for a total of 6,334 passengers.
The exciting plans don’t end there for MSC Cruises, with plans to launch further vessels in 2022, 2024, 2025 and 2026 respectively. Each of these will form the World-class vessels, which marks the beginning of a move to Liquefied Natural Gas-powered ships. These new vessels will each weigh in at 200,000 GT and are sure to offer a new and unique range of amenities.
MSC Cruises is growing at an exponential rate in a bid to become a big player alongside Royal Caribbean, Carnival Corporation and Norwegian Cruise Line. Unlike many other lines which are owned by one of the three previously mentioned corporations, MSC Cruises is an entirely independent company and has the freedom to forge its own unique feel. It is the fourth largest cruise company in the world and, unlike the three main players, its success can be entirely attributed to one fleet of cruise ships.
With the cruise industry continuing to grow and reach an increasingly larger audience, there really has never been a better time to become a part of it all. With GoCruise, we offer the opportunity to own a franchise and earn competitive rates of commission on every booking you secure. For more information about this exciting business venture, contact us via the number above or complete an Online Enquiry Form.
