Port Canaveral just welcomed its newest ship, the MSC Seaside, to its homeport during a ceremony on Thursday, April 27, 2023. Kevin Markey, the chairman of Canaveral Port Authority, presented the MSC Seaside’s captain Michele Di Mauro with a commemorative plaque to mark the ship’s first visit.
Markey was thrilled to welcome the MSC Seaside, saying that its arrival is another great milestone for Port Canaveral and the Space Coast region. He also stated that they are committed to continuing their efforts to responsibly grow their Port to promote the economic growth and prosperity of the local community and the state of Florida.
MSC Cruises started sailing year-round from Port Canaveral in 2021, first with the MSC Divina and then with the MSC Meraviglia as well. And now, with the arrival of the MSC Seaside, they’re set to provide guests with an incredible experience, thanks to the ship’s outdoor space and a sweeping waterfront promenade that allows guests to truly connect with the sea during their time onboard.
Rubén A. Rodríguez, president of MSC Cruises USA, said that they’re privileged to play a role in Port Canaveral’s growth with the deployment of yet another large and modern ship in their U.S. fleet. The MSC Seaside’s beautiful amenities go hand in hand with their international heritage and the natural beauty and sustainability of Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, their private destination in The Bahamas, to represent their unique vision for Caribbean cruising. They’re thrilled to share that experience with guests sailing from Port Canaveral.
MSC Seaside replaces MSC Meraviglia which arrived a few days ago to begin year-round service from New York City.
Be sure to check out my photo tour of MSC Seaside as well as my MSC Seaside Eastern Caribbean cruise review and a tour of the Yacht Club.