Earlier today, MSC Cruises and Fincantieri Shipyards signed a contract for the construction of two, new, revolutionary ships, known as the “Seaside” prototypes. The contract will also allow for the later commitment to build a third ship.
The contract was signed earlier this morning in Rome, Italy at the Palazzo Chigi between MSC Cruises and Fincantieri in the presence of the Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, MSC Cruises Executive Chairman Pierfrancesco Vago and CEO Gianni Onorato, and Fincantieri CEO Giuseppe Bono.
The two new ships will be the largest built by Fincantieri, registering approximately 154,000 tons GRT, measuring 1060 feet long, 135 feet wide and a height of 230 feet. Both ships will carry approximately 5,300 passengers in 2,070 staterooms, served by 1,413 crew members.
The ships will feature a number of unique amenities and features, such as a sea-level promenade that wraps around the sides of the ship with outdoor spaces, shops and restaurants. In addition, Seaside will also feature a large theater, a terraced balcony and panoramic lifts with sea views.
“Today, MSC Cruises adds the last piece to its new industrial plan that will allow us to double the capacity of our fleet by 2022. With the arrival of the new ships we will reach a capacity of about 80,000 passengers a day,” said Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises. “As of today we have launched an investment plan of over €5 billion that includes new builds, ordered in Italy and France, and the conversion of four ships already in the fleet.”
“From the moment we started talking with Fincantieri, we had in mind to design and build two completely new ships, revolutionary in their structure, unlike anything that exists on the market today,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises. “Seaside is a futuristic prototype because of its structure, shape and versatility. Working closely with Fincantieri we are getting ready for the new and compelling challenge that the construction of these ships represents. It will be a real revolution in the world’s cruise market, an excellent product for its unique and innovative architectural features and cutting-edge technology.”
According to MSC Cruises, the new prototype ships will be specially built to dock in any port throughout the world, and will sail on itineraries throughout the Mediterranean, South America, and the Caribbean.
