On 21st April MSC Cruises and Fincantieri marked an important milestone in the building of the MSC Seaside with the celebration of the traditional maritime coin ceremony held at the Monfalcone Shipyard in Italy. The first of up to two MSC Cruises’ next-generation “Seaside” class of smart ships is set to come into service in December 2017 and will sail year-round from Miami to the Caribbean.

The MSC Seaside forms a key pillar of the Company’s ten-plus years €9 billion investment plan, which includes the building of up to 11 next-generation smart ships coming into service between 2017 and 2026. The 154,000gt MSC Seaside is built on MSC Cruises’ fifth consecutive brand new prototype of cruise ship, demonstrating the Company’s ongoing commitment to bringing to guests the most contemporary and technologically advanced ships that meet the needs of today’s and tomorrow’s cruise guests.

This particular class of ship has been inspired by a pioneering beach condo concept, bringing guests and the sea closer as well as enhancing the beauty of the natural surroundings while at sea. at 323m long the ship will have a maximum capacity of more than 5,200 guests.