MSC Cruises has added another innovative and glamorous ship, MSC Seascape, to its fleet, making it the third largest and fastest growing cruise brand in the world. The ship’s naming ceremony took place at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal in New York City, in recognition of New York becoming the line’s newest U.S. homeport in April 2023. This move will usher in a wider variety of North American itineraries for guests from the U.S. and around the world.
More than 3,000 guests, including VIPs, key travel partners, and global media, attended the event, as well as top management from the entire Cruise Division of the company and its parent MSC Group. One of the highlights of the traditional maritime ceremony was a stunning performance from international singer-songwriter Matteo Bocelli, who had also performed at the naming ceremony for MSC World Europa last month in Doha, Qatar.
Godmother of the MSC Cruises fleet and international movie icon Sophia Loren blessed MSC Seascape virtually, while Alexa Aponte-Vago, daughter of MSC Group’s founder and executive chairman Gianluigi Aponte, performed the traditional cutting of the ribbon to officially name the ship. Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed a gourmet gala dinner followed by a standout performance by international Grammy Award winner singer/songwriter Ne-Yo.
Rubén A. Rodríguez, President, MSC Cruises USA, said: “As the first MSC Cruises ship to be named in New York City, MSC Seascape represents a pivotal moment for the brand as we commit to further growing our presence in North America. Our latest flagship will serve as a great representation for all that we stand for at MSC Cruises, including sustainability, ground-breaking technology, and modern design combined with an immersive and enriching guest experience delivered with European flair.”
MSC Seascape becomes the 21st ship in the MSC Cruises fleet and the second ship to be launched by the cruise line in a matter of weeks, following MSC World Europa’s naming ceremony in November. She will be closely followed by the line’s second LNG-powered vessel, MSC Euribia, which is due to come into service in June 2023.
MSC Seascape’s innovative design offers guests an unparalleled cruise experience with beautiful venues and locations to discover new horizons at sea. The ship features 2,270 cabins with 12 different types of staterooms and suites; 11 dining venues and 19 bars and lounges; six swimming pools, including a stunning aft infinity pool; an expansive waterfront promenade; a spectacular Bridge of Sighs on deck 16 with a breath-taking view of the ocean; and one of the most luxurious Yacht Clubs in the entire fleet. Guests sailing on MSC Seascape will enjoy 98 hours of live entertainment per cruise and cutting-edge amusement options, including ROBOTRON, a thrilling amusement ride available at sea for the first time.
A reflection of MSC Cruises’ commitment to sustainability, MSC Seascape also has the latest environmental technologies. These include best-in-class wastewater treatment systems with purification standards higher than most wastewater treatment facilities on land and selective catalytic reduction systems to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 90 percent by converting the gas into harmless nitrogen and water.
MSC Seascape will depart New York on December 8 bound for her new homeport of Miami, where she will begin sailing to the Caribbean and the Bahamas for her inaugural season. The new flagship for the U.S. will offer two contrasting itineraries: the Eastern Caribbean, calling at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve and Nassau in The Bahamas, San Juan in Puerto Rico, and Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic; and the Western Caribbean, calling at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, Cozumel in Mexico, George Town in the Cayman Islands, and Ocho Rios in Jamaica. With its innovative design, cutting-edge amenities, and commitment to sustainability, MSC Seascape promises an unforgettable experience for guests looking to explore the beauty and diversity of the Caribbean.