News

Fincantieri hands-over MSC Seascape

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 16 November 2022 16 November 2022

MSC Cruises today officially took delivery of its new 170,400 gross ton MSC Seascape – the largest cruise ship to be built in Italy. The delivery took place in the presence of Gianluigi Aponte, the shipowner as well as Founder and Executive Chairman of MSC Group. Also present at the ceremony were Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises, Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO of Fincantieri, as well as other regional and local authorities, dignitaries, important travel advisor partners and media. During the ceremony, which pays tribute to centuries-old maritime traditions, Cristiano Bazzara, Fincantieri’s shipyard director, presented to MSC Cruises’ Captain Roberto Leotta, an ampoule containing the water that first touched the hull when the ship was floated out earlier this year.

MSC Cruises Chief Executive Officer Gianni Onorato said: “MSC Seascape is the second ship to come into service this year bringing our modern fleet to 21 ships. We are proud to welcome her to our fleet as she is the second Seaside EVO ship and completes the innovative Seaside class. MSC Seascape aims to connect guests with the sea, she offers a wealth of outdoor spaces allowing guests to enjoy the beautiful scenery of The Caribbean, where she will spend her inaugural season. The ship’s distinctive design with nearly 140,000 square feet of outdoor space and an expansive waterfront promenade, invites guests to enjoy their escape to The Caribbean and disconnect.”

Following a star-studded Naming Ceremony bringing MSC Cruises’ distinctive European style and glamor to the Big Apple on Wednesday, December 7, 2022, MSC Seascape will sail to Miami for an inaugural season in the Caribbean. The ship, with her iconic design, long list of fantastic features and a vast amount of outdoor space is particularly well-suited for the region’s warm and sunny weather. MSC Seascape will be the second Seaside EVO class ship to enter MSC Cruises’ fleet, and the fourth in the line’s highly innovative Seaside class, which has been redefining guests’ expectations for Caribbean cruising since MSC Seaside first launched in Miami in 2017. MSC Seascape is a testament of the Line’s dedication to offer guests an enhanced experience with every new ship that joins the fleet. With revisited entertainment offerings, the latest technology and design, as well as all the favorite features that make the Seaside class special, MSC Seascape promises a unique trip for guests.

MSC Cruises officially launches MSC World Europa in Doha

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 15 November 2022 15 November 2022

MSC Cruises, the world’s third largest cruise brand, hosted the naming ceremony for its newest flagship – MSC World Europa – on November 13 at the brand-new Grand Cruise Terminal in Doha, Qatar.

Together with partner Qatar Airways, the celebrations were part of MSC Cruises’ overall commitment to Qatar, reinforcing its pledge to support the growth of international tourism there as well as the broader Middle East region, where MSC Cruises is brand leader.

MSC World Europa is the most innovative and environmentally advanced cruise ship in the MSC Cruises fleet. On top of ground-breaking advances in reduction of emissions and energy efficiency, the LNG-powered ship paves the way toward the uptake of carbon-neutral synthetic and other alternative fuels as soon as they are available at scale.

"At 22 decks, 215,863 gross tons, 154 feet wide, and featuring more than 430,000 square feet of public space and 2,626 cabins, MSC World Europa is an ultramodern urban metropolis at sea offering a veritable world of experiences while setting a new standard for the cruise industry," the company said in a statement.

As part of long-standing maritime tradition, Master of the Vessel Captain Marco Massa and distinguished guests from around the world took part in the official naming ceremony for the ship.

Hosted by comedian, producer and entrepreneur Hamad Al Amari, event guests were treated to performances by local artists, a cutting-edge video-mapping projection onto the ship’s hull, and a huge drone show. International singer-songwriter Matteo Bocelli, presenting his solo work for the first time ever in Doha, provided the grand finale performance. His new album is due in early 2023 via Capitol Records.

Meyer Turku delivers Carnival Celebration

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 02 November 2022 02 November 2022

Meyer Turku delivered today the Carnival Celebration to its customer, Carnival Cruise Line. Carnival Celebration was delivered on schedule and will start its maiden voyage already later this week.

Tim Meyer, CEO of Meyer Turku, describes this ship's handover as special in many ways: First of all, the ship is dedicated to the 50 years of Carnival Cruise Line. Second, Carnival Celebration will begin service immediately after the handover, which tells us that the demand for cruises, and therefore for cruise ships, is truly recovering.” He continues: "I feel great pride in being able to see how my team at the Meyer Turku shipyard and the whole Finish maritime network have once again managed to realize such a complex project in such a short time."

Carnival Celebration is the 50th anniversary ship of Carnival Cruise Line. The theme can be seen in many ways in the ship's interior, where elements from the shipping company's previous ships have been assembled. Despite the history and nostalgia, Carnival Celebration is firmly committed to the latest technologies: for example, the ship uses the most environmentally friendly fuel of the day, LNG, i.e. liquefied natural gas.

“We have so many reasons to celebrate now that Carnival Celebration has joined as the 25th ship in our fleet. Now, more guests will experience all that our innovative Excel-class has brought to cruising,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “She represents the culmination of our 50th Birthday while also shining a light on our bright future with so much more excitement to come!”

Like its sister ship Mardi Gras, also built at the Meyer Turku shipyard, Carnival Celebration has six themed areas that offer passengers world-class experiences and tastes. These include Latitudes™, The Golden Jubilee™ and Emeril's Bistro 1397™ restaurants. One of Carnival Celebration's specialties is the roller coaster BOLT built on the ship's roof, which is already becoming a trademark of the shipping company.

Carnival Celebration will depart on her first revenue cruise from Southampton on November 6th.