By
Alice Chambers |
MSC Cruises is to officially welcome MSC Seascape, its second Seaside EVO-class ship, to its fleet on 7 December 2022.
Currently en route to the USA from Fincantieri’s shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, MSC Seascape will be a sister to MSC Seashore and has been specifically designed for warmer climates with generous outdoor areas and public spaces. MSC Seascape will offer 2,270 cabins, 11 dining venues, 19 bars and lounges, and six swimming pools including both an infinity and a whirlpool.
Interior spaces have been designed to reflect the entertainment offerings, architecture and multicultural community of New York City in the USA.
“We believe the ship has a ‘wow’ factor and, of course, so does New York,” said Rubén Rodriguez, president of MSC Cruises USA. “With that in mind, we integrated design features, public areas and venue names inspired by the Big Apple. MSC Seascape will showcase an impressive replica of the Statue of Liberty at the heart of the casino and an expansive retail and entertainment area named Times Square.”
Other ‘wow’ factors onboard the ship will include roller coaster MSC Robotron, a first for MSC Cruises. “Robotron will offer thrilling rides to adrenaline lovers of all ages,” said Rodriguez. “During this breathtaking experience guests will be lifted nearly 200 feet in the air using a robotic arm and gondola, transporting them into an immersive DJ experience where they can curate their own musical journey.”
In addition, MSC Seascape will boast the Bridge of Sighs, an iconic glass walkway found onboard all MSC’s Seaside-class ships. It will be located at the aft of the ship on deck 16. “It is designed specifically to provide the ultimate viewpoint of the ship and the perfect place for photo opportunities,” said Rodriguez.
Due to the increase of multi-generational travel, the ship will offer 98 hours of live entertainment per cruise that is designed for family members of all ages. MSC Seascape encourages family involvement with newly designed spaces for younger guests, including two Lego rooms and three new concept spaces for teenagers, and interactive games such as ‘Beat the Music’ that challenges family members’ knowledge of both recent and classic music hits. Other family-friendly features include the Teens Club, Junior Ambassadors, and MSC Dance Crew which is a competition experience for 10- to 17-year-olds to win the title of dance crew of the year.
MSC Seascape will debut in December during a naming ceremony at New York’s Manhattan Cruise Terminal. The event will be attended by local dignitaries, partners, travel agents and celebrities, as well as Oscar-winning Italian actress Sophia Loren, who will serve as godmother to the vessel. It will be the 18th ship she has christened in the MSC fleet.
“We are very excited to showcase our European heritage and the unique international character we bring to cruising to New Yorkers,” said Rodriguez.
Following the ceremony, MSC Seascape will sail to Florida to offer two seven-night itineraries from PortMiami to the Eastern and Western Caribbean.
This article was first published in the Autumn/Winter 2022 issue of Cruise & Ferry Review. All information was correct at the time of printing, but may since have changed. Subscribe to Cruise & Ferry Review for FREE here to get the next issue delivered directly to your inbox or your door.