Monfalcone, Italy, – MSC Cruises, the world's largest privately-owned global cruise line and market leader in the Mediterranean, along with industry-leading shipyard Fincantieri, today cut the first steel for its new generation of ships: MSC Seaside.

In a ceremony held at Fincantieri's Monfalcone shipyard, MSC Cruises' Executive Chairman, Pierfrancesco Vago, and Chief Executive Officer, Gianni Onorato, along with Fincantieri's Chief Executive Officer, Giuseppe Bono, launched the cutting of the first steel of MSC Seaside.

“Today, we have witnessed the beginning of the work on an extraordinary new ship: MSC Seaside. It is a ship that revolutionises industry standards with an audacious and innovative design that brings guests and the sea closer. It is also testament to MSC Cruises' constant focus on innovation as it is the fifth prototype ship we have designed,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, MSC Cruises' Executive Chairman.

“Moreover, MSC Seaside represents a key pillar in a €5.1 billion euro, seven-ship investment plan that will double our capacity by 2022. It also steps up our investment in the industry and marks our return to partnership with Fincantieri, which is something that makes me particularly proud. In fact, the building of the new Seaside ships as well as our other current project with Fincantieri – the €200 million Renaissance Programme – is just one example of how a global organisation like MSC plays a key role in the cruise industry”.

Giuseppe Bono, CEO of Fincantieri, said: “This ceremony is unique for our Group and the Monfalcone shipyard. MSC Seaside will be the biggest ship ever built in our shipyards. In MSC Seaside, we have developed a brand new and highly ambitious project that we look forward to building. In two years' time we will celebrate, with MSC Cruises, a magnificent ship of which we will all be deeply proud.”

MSC Seaside will be based year-round in Miami to sail a wide range of Caribbean itineraries. In addition, MSC Cruises' Miami-based cruise operations will benefit from a newly renovated and expanded dedicated berth and terminal at PortMiami, signifying the Company's strong ambitions in the North American market and to providing guests with a best-in-class quality of services.

Gianni Onorato, MSC Cruises CEO said: “For MSC Seaside, we chose a name that speaks of our vision for cruising in warm weather, the proximity with the sea, the joy of travelling, and discovering the wonders of sunny climates in a unique setting. We also call it “the ship that follows the sun” as it will offer a truly remarkable experience for families, sun worshippers and adventurers.”

“Moreover, MSC Seaside will spearhead our campaign to expand our presence in North America. MSC Cruises has the unique opportunity to provide North American guests with an outstanding 'Mediterranean Style Cruise' experience, and guests from around the world a unique setting as it will sail to the most sought-after destinations in the Caribbean” he added.

With a gross tonnage of 154,000 GRT and the capacity for up to 5,179 guests, this new cruise ship will be the largest ever built by Fincantieri. The ship is set to debut in November 2017, and will be christened the following month in Miami – the first time an MSC Cruises' ship is christened in the USA.

Large, spacious, and designed for the utmost comfort, MSC Seaside will benefit from a bold design and leading-edge technology while boasting a 360° seafront promenade. In addition, the ship will be characterised by the most interactive and originally-designed aqua park at sea with five water slides and attractions for all ages.

The ship will feature cluster cabins for families and groups, luxury suites with private Jacuzzis and hanging gardens. MSC Seaside will also boast an enhanced MSC Yacht Club with a private solarium, lounge and pool. The public spaces of the ship will feature breathtaking views with a two-deck glass-walled atrium and panoramic exterior lifts. MSC Seaside will be one of the most technologically-advanced ships on the market and will represent the Company's focused efforts on providing memorable cruising experiences to its guests.

MSC Seaside is the first of two identical ships on order from Fincantieri, the second of which will enter in to service in 2018. In addition, MSC Cruises has an option for an additional Seaside generation ship to be delivered by 2021.

MSC Seaside and her sister ship will set new standards for eco-friendliness, featuring Advanced Water Treatment (AWT) systems to remove pollutants and hazardous substances from waste water, garbage treatment plants for highly efficient solid waste management,  scrubbers to reduce emissions, antifouling paints, optimized hull lines, propellers and rudders to reduce drag and fuel consumption, but also LED lighting meaning lower energy demand and significantly lower fuel consumption as well as advanced heat recovery plants to feed fresh water, laundry, swimming pools and  hot water. In addition, the ship is fully compliant with the Safe Return to Port requirement.

The company, which grew by 800% since 2004, carried 1.67 million guests in 2014 and reported strong financial results with a turnover of €1.5 billion. In addition, MSC Cruises is forecasting an additional 10% growth for 2015.  

In other news, also two years ahead of its inaugural cruise, today marks the beginning of sales for cruises on MSC Meraviglia, MSC Cruises' other next-generation ship. Set to debut in the summer of 2017, MSC Meraviglia, MSC Cruises' most agile and innovative ship to-date, will homeport in three cities during its inaugural summer season in the Mediterranean: Barcelona, Genoa and Marseille.