The float out of MSC Cruises’ new flagship MSC Seashore took place today at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy.
The line’s longest vessel at 339 metres touched water for the first time and moves into a wet dock ahead of its delivery in 2021.
MSC Seashore will become the third of four vessels in MSC Cruises’ Seaside class of ships, following MSC Seaside and MSC Seaview, which launched in 2017 and 2018 respectively.
It will be the first of two Seaside Evo ships with newly-designed public spaces, more cabins and the highest ratio of outdoor space per guest of any ship in the MSC fleet.
Giuseppe Bono, chief executive of shipyard Fincantieri, said: “The float out has always been one of the most satisfying moments for those involved in the construction of a ship.
“It is also the occasion to further strengthen everyone’s commitment, because when the ship touches the sea a lot of work has already been done, but much more still lies ahead. This applies even more to MSC Seashore, which will become the new flagship of MSC Cruises: a record-breaking ship, that focusus on innovation, technology and design, and emphasizing the Fincantieri leadership”.
He added: “The uncertain situation that we are experiencing worldwide adds even more important value to this day, which bodes well not only for MSC Cruises and for our company, but for the entire cruise industry.”
Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of MSC Cruises, said: “We are committed to our new builds programme, which with each new class of ships sees us innovating and setting new standards in the industry.
“MSC Seashore will in fact be the largest and most innovative cruise vessel ever built in Italy, featuring the latest and most advanced environmental technology currently available. She will also be one of two new ships for which we will receive delivery in 2021 thus underlying our belief in the long-term growth prospects of the sector – as also demonstrated by the return to service of our first ship earlier this week as well as the investments made in our new health and safety operating protocol which is already setting a new standard for the industry.”