MSC Cruises announces first "Seaside" class ship to sail from PortMiami
(MIAMI, March 17, 2015) – MSC Cruises announced today that the first of its next generation “Seaside” class of ships will be named MSC Seaside and sail year-round from PortMiami. The new ship will begin regular sailings in December 2017 with exciting itineraries from Miami to the Caribbean.
Currently under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy, MSC Seaside will lead the way for a new generation of cruise ships, adding to MSC Cruises’ already impressive fleet. The MSC Seaside will be the largest cruise ship ever built by Fincantieri. The innovative features of this 154,000-ton vessel will accommodate up to 5,170 passengers, and its prototype presents unique features such as an aqua park at sea with five water slides; high-speed Aqua Tubes™; AquaPlay™ & AquaSpray™ areas; an adventure trail; and attractions for all ages.
“MSC Seaside is part of MSC Cruises’ $5.3 billion fleet expansion plan that will allow the company to double its capacity by 2022,” said Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises. “Today is a very exciting day for the company as this is the first major announcement related to the company’s new models builds and demonstrates our enthusiasm and long-term commitment to continuing to expand our presence in North America. We are thrilled to continue our long-term relationship with PortMiami.”
“PortMiami is proud to be known worldwide as the Cruise Capital of the World,” said Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez. “We look forward to MSC Cruises’ continued growth and expansion at PortMiami. The cruise lines and their passengers are vital to the continual growth and development of the tourism industry in Miami-Dade County. We look forward to welcoming the MSC Seaside in 2017.”
“PortMiami welcomed MSC Cruises in November 2013 when the MSC Divina made her debut and became the line’s first ship dedicated to North America,” said PortMiami Director and CEO Juan M. Kuryla. “We are extremely proud to be the homeport of MSC Cruises’ first Seaside-class vessel. We are thankful to MSC Cruises for entrusting PortMiami with their innovative cruise ships and we look forward to our continued long-term partnership.”
PortMiami plans to welcome the new MSC Seaside with a dedicated berth and newly renovated cruise ship terminal.
For more information on MSC Seaside, visit http://bit.ly/MSC-Seaside. For more information on MSC Cruises, visit www.msccruisesusa.com.
About PortMiami
PortMiami is among America's busiest ports and recognized across the globe with the dual distinction of being the Cruise Capital of the World and the Cargo Gateway of the Americas. PortMiami contributes more than $27 billion annually to the South Florida economy and helps generate 207,000 direct, indirect, and induced jobs. For more information please visit www.portmiami.biz.