GENEVA — MSC Cruises has opened the books on its next generation ship, the 4,140-passenger MSC Seaside.
Currently under construction at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, the 154,000-ton ship is set to make her debut in December 2017 with year-round seven-night eastern and western Caribbean sailings from Miami. Ports of call will include St. Thomas, the Bahamas and Puerto Rico, Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, Cozumel and the Bahamas.
MSC Cruises has opened sales exclusively to MSC Voyager Club Members through Dec. 29. Members who book between now and Dec. 29 will receive the standard 5% discount that Voyagers Club members receive on all cruises plus a bonus ‘All-Inclusive Classic’ drink package applicable to first and second guest in a stateroom on all seven night or longer MSC Seaside sailings.
On Dec. 29 sales will open to the general public offering the special All-Inclusive Classic drink package, applicable to first and second guest in a stateroom on all seven night or longer MSC Seaside sailings for all bookings made by Jan. 31, 2016.
Voyagers Club Members will continue to receive their 5% discount plus All-Inclusive Classic drink package for bookings made through Jan. 31, 2016. Prices start at US$589 per person.
MSC says the new ship will offer a cruise concept “that will bring guests closer to the sea”, with a 360-degree ocean level promenade on Deck 8 with indoor/outdoor shops and restaurants, as well as a full buffet area and pool. The ship’s public spaces will feature great views with a two-deck glass-walled atrium and panoramic exterior elevators.
“The bold, ground-breaking design of MSC Seaside speaks of our company’s commitment to innovation and our desire to continue to introduce both experienced and first-time cruisers to new experiences that will make their vacation truly unforgettable,” said MSC Cruises CEO Gianni Onorato. “We’ve seen tremendous enthusiasm and strong demand from travelers around the world interested in experiencing MSC Seaside and are thrilled to be able to open sales for this revolutionary ship two years ahead of its debut.”
Docking at a newly renovated and expanded dedicated berth and terminal at PortMiami, MSC Seaside will join MSC Divina in servicing the North American market.
“As a global company, North America is a strategic market for MSC Cruises as we embark on an ambitious expansion plan centering on seven new cruise ships by 2022,” said Onorato. “With the return of MSC Divina to Miami just last month and plans for MSC Seaside to join her in Miami in 2017, we are looking forward to sharing our distinct Mediterranean heritage – which includes elegant and stylish décor, world-class entertainment, and authentic Mediterranean-style dining – with North American guests.”
MSC Seaside will feature open modular staterooms – convertible staterooms that can accommodate up to 10 people – for families and groups, as well as luxury suites with private hot tubs and hanging gardens. MSC Seaside will also boast an enhanced MSC Yacht Club with private solarium, lounge and pool.
Entertainment on board will be available for all ages, including standout activities for families. Highlights include a full-sized bowling alley, a dedicated kids only restaurant, and the most interactive, multi-story water park at sea with five different water slides, an AquaPlay area and an adventure trail. MSC Seaside will also have dedicated LEGO and Chicco designed play areas.
MSC Seaside is the first of two identical ships in the Seaside generation. Her sister ship is set to enter service in 2018 with the option for a third Seaside generation ship to be delivered by 2021. See http://bit.ly/MSCSeasideOpening.
