MSC floats out MERAVIGLIA and names MSC BELLISSIMA

CruiseMSC Cruises’ latest newbuild MSC MERAVIGLIA was floated out at STX France in Saint Nazaire on September 3, marking the beginning of MSC’ large newbuilding program which will consist of up to 11 ships during the next decade.

MSC MERAVIGLIA (167,600 GT) herself is due for delivery in June 2017 with a sister ship, to be named MSC BELLISSIMA, to follow in spring 2019.

Meanwhile, another class, the "Seaside" class (154,000 GT) is under construction at Fincantieri, with MSC SEASIDE to be delivered in November 2017 and MSC SEAVIEW in May 2018 (and an option for a third ship to be exercised).

Yet larger vessels will debut later in form of the MSC' "Meraviglia Plus" (2 units) and "World class" (2 orders, 2 options) ships, measuring 177,100 GT and 200,000 GT respectively. The former are scheduled to enter service in 2019/20 and the latter between 2022 and 2026.

MSC MERAVIGLA will feature an exclusive Cirque du Soleil show and a 96 meter long Mediterranean-style promenade which includes a 80 meter long LED sky that runs through the centre of the ship.