By
Elizabeth Robinson |
Marseille Provence in France has welcomed MSC Cruises’ newest ship MSC Seaview during its inaugural call.
The arrival was witnessed by Patrick J. Pourbaix, managing director of MSC Cruises, the ship’s captain and Jean-François Suhas, chairman of the Marseille Provence Cruise Club. It was celebrated with a traditional key and plaque ceremony organised by the Marseille Provence Cruise Club.
At 323 metres long and 41 metres wide, the cruise ship can carry 5179 passengers with a crew of 1413.
Delivered on 4 June by Fincantieri de Monfalcone shipyard in Italy, MSC Seaview is the 15th ship in the MSC Cruises fleet. MSC Cruises has also announced plans for an order for three new ships to be built at the Saint-Nazaire shipyards in France for delivery in 2022, 2023 and 2024.
The Marseille Provence Cruise Club’s objective in 2018 is to improve the welcome and provide optimal conditions to cruise companies operating in Marseille, its clients and local residents. It has set up a Cruise Command Centre designed to provide coordination between stakeholders and prevent congestion in the city and at the various tourist attractions by factoring in and monitoring cruise passenger traffic.
The Cruise Club is working towards attracting new cruise operators, increasing turnaround business at Marseille Provence and developing cruise ship maintenance and overhaul stops.