The upcoming MSC Seaside will be based out of Miami all year round when it launches in December 2017. Purpose-built for the North American cruise market, the first of the ships in the line’s Seaside Class represents a considered departure from MSC’s traditional Mediterranean-centric designs.
MSC Cruises’ CEO Gianni Onorato says the ship has been designed to sail in warm weather, describing it as ‘the ship that follows the sun’. With a large open top deck and 463,000 square feet of public space – the ships offers plenty of space for sun-worshippers to enjoy the heat in between excursions. The ship’s low-level promenade filled with shops, bars and al fresco dining options represents the open-air focal point of the vessel.
The top deck will also feature one of the largest waterparks on the open seas, comprising of five giant waterslides – including an interactive Slideboard tube which combines video games, lights and music with a 367-foot water slide. A suspended rope course traverses above the waterpark giving passengers incredible views as they make their way around the course.
The as-yet-unnamed second ship in the Seaside Class from MSC is set to launch in May 2018, and an optional third ship may launch in 2021.
The MSC Seaside will become the second ship from the cruise line to be based out of Miami, following the MSC Divina which has called the Floridian city ‘home’ since 2012.
Rick Sasso, president and CEO, MSC Cruises USA, enthuses: “It’s much more than a ship coming into a port. It signifies the commitment MSC is making to the North American market.”
Gianni Onorato continued: “The Seaside class of ships is part of MSC Cruises’ $5.3 billion fleet expansion plan that will allow the company to double its capacity by 2022. Today is a very exciting day for the company as this is the first major announcement related to the company’s new builds. It demonstrates our enthusiasm and long-term commitment to continuing to expand our presence in North America.”
Images sourced via Flickr Creative Commons. Credits: Gary Bembridge
