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COIN CEREMONY FOR MSC SEASIDE MARKS MAJOR MILESTONE FOR THE REVOLUTIONARY “SHIP THAT FOLLOWS THE SUN”

12/27/2016

Today, MSC Cruises — the world’s largest privately-owned cruise line and market leader in Europe, South America and South Africa — and FINCANTIERI — heir to the great tradition of Italian shipbuilding and one of the largest shipbuilding groups in the world — marked an important milestone in the building of MSC Seaside with the celebration of the traditional maritime coin ceremony held at the Monfalcone, Italy shipyard.

MSC Seaside, the first of up to three MSC Cruises’ next-generation “Seaside” class of new cruise ships, is set to come into service in December 2017 and will be the cruise line’s newest ship to sail year-round from Miami to the Caribbean. MSC Seaside forms a key pillar of the Company’s ten-plus years $10.2 billion investment plan, which includes the building of up to 11 next-generation smart ships coming into service between 2017 and 2026.

“MSC Seaside combines FINCANTIERI’s Italian flair and excellence in design with MSC Cruises’ global vision and focus on innovation for both hardware and product,” said Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises. “This prototype is significantly different from anything we have ever built before as this is a ship dedicated to cruising in warm seas. The design of the ship embodies our passion for the sea with innovative features to enhance the enjoyment of the open water and sunshine for our guests. With the highest ratio of outdoor spaces on any of MSC Cruises’ ships, guests will also enjoy an increased number of balcony staterooms, sea views and public areas.”

“MSC Seaside, the biggest ship ever built in our shipyards, will strengthen our leadership as the most innovative shipbuilder in the cruise industry,” said Giuseppe Bono, CEO of Fincantieri. “This new concept will provide the owner with more revenue-generating solutions; more staterooms than a comparable, contemporary design; more open-deck space; and an increase in performances, being significantly more efficient.”

The Seaside class of ships is MSC Cruises’ fifth consecutive brand new prototype of ships, demonstrating the Company’s ongoing commitment to designing the most contemporary and technologically advanced new cruise ships that meet the needs of today’s and tomorrow’s cruise guests. This particular class of ships has been inspired by a pioneering beach condo concept, bringing guests and the sea closer.

The vision for MSC Seaside was to create something truly unique – bringing in to play the Company’s focus on innovation, attention to detail, and the elegant side of the Mediterranean. Every element of the new cruise ship is designed to enable guests to enjoy the outdoors, from spacious staterooms and suites with outdoor spaces; to dining al fresco; to outdoor fitness facilities; to luxury cabanas for spa treatments in the open air.

At 1060 feet long with a GRT of 160,000 tons, the ship will accommodate 4,140 guests at double occupancy. MSC Seaside is the first of two identical ships in the Seaside generation. Her sister ship is set to enter service in 2018, while a third one – reflecting an existing option for one additional Seaside generation ship – would be delivered by 2021.

Caribbean Itineraries and the Exclusive Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve
Starting in December 2017, MSC Seaside will feature three exciting Western and Eastern Caribbean itineraries visiting ports in the Bahamas, Mexico, Jamaica and Puerto Rico — complementing the itineraries of MSC Divina, also sailing out of Miami.  

In addition, the new cruise will call at MSC Cruises’ own Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. Spanning 95-acres with 11,400 feet of pristine beach-front spread across six distinct beaches — representing in total the fourth longest beach in the world — this exclusive marine reserve private island experience will only be available to MSC Cruises’ guests.

The private island will feature a purpose-built berth and pier right on the seafront, allowing MSC Cruises guests to step straight off the ship onto the island. The destination will be a true and unique extension of the ship itself, with all the same services from the ship also available on shore, including an exclusive MSC Yacht Club area. The nightlife on the private island will include live music and entertainment in a 2,000-seat open air amphitheatre, as well as many restaurants and bars.

Unique Design Features
MSC Seaside will feature three unique outdoor catwalks that extend beyond the edge of the ship, with all glass railings and a glass floor, giving guests the feeling that they are walking on water. The catwalk on the top deck spans nearly 100 feet with views from the top of the ship; the other two catwalks located on deck eight, are 130 feet in length and are part of a 360° open air promenade, the widest on any ship ever built. This stunning public space encircles the entire ship with a tempting array of bars and restaurants so that guests can enjoy outdoor dining as well as a day or evening stroll to take in the sea air. Panoramic elevators will transport guests while providing stunning ocean views.

Variety of Ultramodern Accommodations
The accommodations on MSC Seaside are specially designed to meet the needs of a variety of cruise guests, including families, groups, sun-lovers who want private outdoor space, and those looking for the exclusive style and luxury of the MSC Yacht Club. The various accommodations will include, among others:
  • 14 exclusive aft corner suites where the beach condo design truly comes to life;
  • A collection of terraced balcony staterooms — an industry first and exclusive design feature in which a portion of the balcony is uncovered — allowing guests the ability to unwind and relax in the sunshine on their own private terrace, overlooking the promenade and with sea views;
  • New open modular connected staterooms for large families or groups, accommodating up to 10 people;
  • Luxury suites with private two-person outdoor whirlpools.
The further enhanced MSC Yacht Club featured on MSC Seaside is located on the prestigious foredecks offering a vast private solarium, a private lounge and restaurant, and Royal Suites that include a private outdoor whirlpool.

World-Class Entertainment and On Board Activities
Exclusive, world-class entertainment is an important distinguishing feature of any MSC Cruises experience. The entertainment spaces on board MCS Seaside have been designed to offer a wide choice of performances and shows with a stunning new theatre and comedy club. Other features include family entertainment such as a full-sized bowling alley and a 5D cinema.

For thrill-seekers who want to experience the sensation of flying at sea, MSC Seaside will feature the longest zip line on any cruise ship currently at sea. Taking off from the funnel at the top of the ship, guests will fly an impressive 425 feet across the length of the ship landing at the aft.

Another industry-leading feature is the most interactive and originally-designed aqua park at sea. MSC Seaside will be the first cruise ship to feature interactive Slideboarding technology, which combines a unique water slide and an interactive video game all-in-one. Guests will also enjoy two decks of fun and activities, including an adventure trail and multiple water slides.

Fine Dining
With the focus on fine dining being one of the key features of the MSC Cruises’ offering, MSC Seaside will offer one of the more extensive choices of specially designed indoor and outdoor restaurants at sea, featuring cuisines from around the world and 20 distinct bars each with their own individual character.

“An important feature of an MSC Cruises vacation is the dining experience, which is distinguished by the extensive variety of Mediterranean and international cuisines on offering and wide range of dining formats available,” said Onorato. “Specifically for MSC Seaside, we are developing exciting new dining options for the delight of our guests, with nine eateries featuring cuisines from all around the world including a Pan-Asian restaurant in partnership with acclaimed chef, Roy Yamaguchi, a luxury seafood restaurant with a chef’s table and a world-class international steak house, amongst others.”

Through a partnership with pan-Asian celebrity chef Roy Yamaguchi, MSC Cruises will offer guests a specialty restaurant exclusive to MSC Seaside. The world-renowned chef will design every element of the restaurant that boasts magnificent views of the sea. Four teppanyaki grills with expertly trained chefs will create a visual spectacle for diners as they prepare a range of Asian dishes including Thai, Korean and traditional Japanese. The sushi, sashimi and raw bar will delight seafood lovers with fresh oysters, lobster, prawns and snow crab served chilled. Finally the a-la carte menu will offer an additional range of gourmet Asian creations.

Other dining experiences include a luxury seafood restaurant with chef’s table, a world-class international steak house where the beef will dry age on board, and a dedicated family pizzeria.
 
ENDS