MSC Cruises reveals name of its second Meraviglia generation mega ship

MSC Cruises reveals name of its second Meraviglia generation mega ship MSC Cruises, the world’s largest privately-owned cruise line and market leader in Europe, South America and South Africa, revealed today, 3rd September 2016, the name of its second STX France-built Meraviglia-generation ultramodern mega cruise ship.

She will be called MSC Bellissima and will come into service in Spring 2019. Gianni Onorato, MSC Cruises Chief Executive Officer, commented: “MSC Bellissima is a name that embodies the beauty and the magnificence of this entire next generation of MSC Cruises ultramodern mega-ships, so rich with new features and amenities for guests of all ages and interests.

We are so pleased to be able to make this announcement on the very day that her sister ship MSC Meraviglia is touched for the first time by water, a moment that symbolises the real “birth” of a ship.”

The announcement, made at STX France’s shipyards in Saint Nazaire today, came as MSC Meraviglia was floated out from the shipyard. MSC Meraviglia, already selling worldwide, is on track to commence cruising in June 2017.

The ceremony was attended by, esteemed MSC Cruises and STX France guests including Senator of Pays de la Loire Region, Bruno Retailleau, General Council President of Loire Atlantique, Philippe Grosvalet and the Mayor of Saint-Nazaire, David Samzun.

The “birth” or float out is a key milestone in the construction of a ship: the dry dock is flooded, the ship is moved to a wet dock, where she then enters the final phase of her construction.

Today’s event presented a unique opportunity to showcase to guests and the global media alike, her cutting edge design, that makes the Meraviglia generation of ultramodern mega-ships uniquely innovative, and a true destination in themselves.

This includes, amongst her many on-board features, the specially designed Carousel Lounge created exclusively for MSC Cruises guests to enjoy performances from Cirque du Soleil artists.

The 96 metre-long Mediterranean-style promenade encompassed overhead with an 80 meter LED Sky, runs through the centre of the ship.

Growing MSC Cruises unique ship-within-a-ship concept, MSC Meraviglia will offer an enhanced MSC Yacht Club, with its own private facilities spanning three decks. Mr Onorato concluded: “Since we opened sales last year for MSC Meraviglia’s inaugural season in the Western Mediterranean, demand has been extremely encouraging right from the release.

This make us believe that this is a generation of ships with a bright future ahead, that has already caught the attention of holidaymakers from all markets.”Laurent Castaing, President of STX France, commented: “We are extremely proud to design and build MSC Cruises’ next generation of cruise ships.

We are aware and thankful for the trust this amazing company has in our innovation ability. Since commencing our industrial partnership more than 12 years ago, we are always excited by the challenges in fulfilling MSC Cruises’ ambitions.”

MSC Bellissima joins MSC Seaside, MSC Seaview and MSC Meraviglia as the beginning of MSC Cruises expansion plans to an unprecedented 11 new cruise ships and a total of 23 ships by 2016.

Be one of the first to experience this amazing new generation of mega-ships. Sales for summer 2017 on MSC Meraviglia are now open with Saver prices starting from NZD$979*per person.

To book your next cruise experience on MSC Meraviglia contact MSC Cruises on 0508 4278 473.

Contact MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises, part of the MSC Group is the Swiss-based, world’s largest privately-owned cruise line and brand market leader in Europe, South America and South Africa, sailing year-round in the Mediterranean, Caribbean and Cuba.

Seasonal itineraries cover Northern Europe, West Indies, South America, South Africa and Arabian Peninsula.

The MSC Cruise experience embodies the elegant side of the Mediterranean to create unique and unforgettable emotions for guests, through discovery of the world’s cultures, beauties and tastes.

Its fleet comprises 12 of the most modern ships at sea: MSC Preziosa; MSC Divina; MSC Splendida; MSC Fantasia; MSC Magnifica; MSC Poesia; MSC Orchestra; MSC Musica; MSC Sinfonia; MSC Armonia; MSC Opera and MSC Lirica. In 2014, MSC Cruises launched an investment plan to support the second phase of its growth through the order of two ships of the Meraviglia generation and two others of the Seaside generation (plus an option for a third) and in February 2016, confirmed the existing options to build a further two Meraviglia Plus ships with an even greater capacity.

In April 2016 this rose to €9 billion with the announcement of signing of the letter of intent to build a further four ships, each with next-generation LNG propulsion technology.

Consequently, between 2017 and 2026 a total of up to 11 new, next-generation MSC Cruises ships will come into service.

MSC Cruises is the first global cruise line brand to develop an investment plan of this length and magnitude, spanning a horizon of over ten years, from 2014 through 2026. MSC Cruises feels a deep responsibility for the environments in which it operates, and was the first company ever to earn the Bureau Veritas “7 Golden Pearls” for superior management and environmental stewardship.

In 2009, MSC Cruises began an enduring partnership with UNICEF to support various programmes assisting children worldwide. So far, more than €5m has been collected in voluntary guest donations.

Source: etbtravelnews.com