Earlier today at STX France’s shipyard in Saint Nazaire, MSC Cruises celebrated the float out of its first next-generation ultramodern mega-ship, MSC Meraviglia, due to come into service in June 2017.
During a ceremony celebrating this important milestone MSC revealed the name of its second Meraviglia-class cruise ship. She will be called MSC Bellissima and will come into service in the Spring 2019.
Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises commented: “MSC Bellissima is a name that embodies the beauty and the magnificence of this entire next generation of MSC Cruises ultramodern mega-ships, so rich with new features and amenities for guests of all ages and interests. We are so pleased to be able to make this announcement on the very day that her sister ship MSC Meraviglia is touched for the first time by water, a moment that symbolizes the real ‘birth’ of a ship.”
Today’s float out markes a key milestone in the construction of the ship: the dry dock is flooded and the ship is moved to a wet dock, where she then enters the final phase of her construction. The event presented a unique opportunity to showcase the cutting edge design that makes the Meraviglia generation of MSC Cruises’ ships uniquely innovative, and a true destination in itself.
Exclusive, world-class entertainment from Cirque du Soleil
The highlight of onboard entertainment will be represented by the world leader in artistic performance, Cirque du Soleil, thanks to the exclusive ‘Cirque du Soleil at Sea’ partnership with MSC Cruises.
Two unique Cirque du Soleil shows will be performed onboard in the evenings, 6 nights per week, at the purpose-build Carousel Lounge. An exclusive on-site dinner service for up to 50 of the 450 guests booked for the show.
The Carousel Lounge, on board MSC Meraviglia and its three Meraviglia and Meraviglia-Plus sister smart cruise ships, will be a stunning circular performance space with a 180° circular glass wall. Featuring the latest technology, the lounge is designed specially to meet the needs of Cirque du Soleil and its performers, enabing them to deliver their world-renowned performances for the exclusive enjoyment of MSC Cruises guests.
In addition to the exclusive Cirque du Soleil shows, MSC Meraviglia features a second plush, 1,000 sqm theatre venue offering six different shows per cruise. With three showings per day, guests will be provided with additional options in a variety of world-class, award-winning productions.
Enriched family offering and cutting-edge entertainment for all ages
For the first time on any MSC Cruises ship, all of the facilities for families, kids and teens are all together in a super amusement park and children’s area. This means families have a dedicated area specially designed for their needs, providing a safe place for children, and an opportunity to also meet and get to know other families. This area includes the DOREMI Studio Lounge, a dedicated lounge for all family activities, DOREMI Tech Lab, for kids who love technology, as well as facilities designed in partnership with family experts including the LEGO Group and Chicco.
Amongst other features, the Aqua Park will include four action-packed water slides, a splash pool and champagne bowl. The Himalayan Bridge will thrill adventure seekers, who can attach themselves to a rope and cross the ship, 60 metres above the water.
The ship will include a multi-purpose, amusement arena with sweeping sea views that can be used for sports such as basketball, football and volleyball. The area can also work as a ballroom or an events space for both large and smaller groups.
Meraviglia will be home to the latest technology including two F1 Simulators, a 5D cinema, a Flight Simulator and fun arcade games.
A full-length bowling alley with a glass wall that provides amazing views out to sea, as families compete against each other.
Comfortable accommodations to meet every need
With 10 different types of cabin to choose from MSC Meraviglia will have a stateroom for everyone.
MSC Meraviglia will feature an enhanced Yacht Club with luxurious accommodations, spanning three decks with 78 suites, 15 inside cabins and two apartments. The two apartment suites are designed with a large living room and two balconies, one of which is a large outdoor space that has a dining table for eating al fresco and a private whirlpool.
This unique ‘ship within a ship’ concept is specially designed for guests seeking exclusivity and privacy in a world full of choice. MSC Yacht Club guests can thus enjoy the world-class entertainment, speciality restaurants and boutiques before returning to their own private, luxurious haven.
With unparalleled luxury comparable to that of a private yacht, it also provides key benefits including the Top Sail Lounge, an entirely self-contained private club, offering panoramic sea views, and the One Pool Deck, featuring a private pool, whirlpool baths and solarium. A private lift will transport guests discreetly to the MSC Aurea Spa to experience the delights of an authentic Balinese spa, with an exclusive MSC Yacht Club massage and treatment room.
Merviglia meets the trend for multi-generational holidays with a clever modular cabins system, which is unique to MSC Cruises. Up to three cabins can be combined together to accommodate up to 10 guests.
In addition to the modular cabins, quadruple cabins can accommodate a family of up to four people each, with a living space in the daytime, and a sofa that turns into a comfortable bed by night, making the most effective use of space in the cabin.
An unprecedented choice of both fine and casual dining options
MSC Meraviglia makes an unprecedented choice of both fine and casual options available to her guests through 12 venues. This starts with the buffet, open 20-hours a day, which will serve a delicious array of Mediterranean specialities and international cuisines, including ethnic, ‘itinerary’ and wellness corners plus a multitude of other tastes and dietary needs catered for round-the-clock.
In addition, fine dining options examples include the award-winning Kaito Sushi Bar, the new Kaito Teppanyaki Restaurant and an American-style steakhouse with specialty meats from around the world.
A 96 metre-long Mediterranean-style promenade
Another outstanding feature of MSC Meraviglia will be her impressive Mediterranean-style indoor promenade, featuring an 80 metre LED sky that creates an awe-inspiring atmosphere 24 hours a day. With stunning visuals and effects, the Promenade will be the social centre of the ship and a focal point for a broad range of leisure activities. Amongst others, guests can stroll up and down, sit back and take in the atmosphere, shop until their hearts’ content, snack on delicious ice cream or crepes from Jean Philippe Maury, the award-winning French chocolatier and pastry chef.
One of the key highlights on the Promenade will be the pre-dinner parades. Providing a tempting taster of the evening’s entertainment with dancers, singers and performers in their flamboyant costumes designed to dazzle and wow guests, all overseen by the Cruise Director, leading the entertainment from a bridge over the Promenade.
At the end of the Promenade there will be a ‘versatile’ bar open 24-hours-a-day, serving coffee, cappuccinos and fresh croissants in the morning, the widest range of cocktails for an aperitif and then transform itself into a post-dinner ballroom. There will also be a band for guests to dance to, or simply enjoy the music throughout the evening.
Elegant pools for daytime relaxation and night-time entertainment
MSC Meraviglia offers all her guests a choice of three elegantly designed pools:
The main pool, located on deck 15 is inspired by the cool vibes of Miami’s South Beach. At approximately 25 metres long, it has the most generous poolside space at sea. By night, the pool becomes a visual spectacle, illuminated with special lighting. There is also a buffet nearby with inside and outdoor dining options, providing guests with more convenience and optimal relaxation time.
As MSC Meraviglia is the ship for all seasons, there is a 10 metres indoor pool with a magrodome that can be opened when the ship is in port or the weather simply allows for it.
Finally, the Aft Pool on deck 16 offers spectacular views from the back of the ship. At night the area is transformed into a space where guests can dance the night away under the stars.
Additionally, the private One Deck Pool, exclusively for the use of Yacht Club guests, is in a coveted position at the top of the ship on deck 19, providing a quiet haven for relaxation.
At 315 metres long and 65 metres tall, with an impressive 19 decks and capacity of 5,700 guests, MSC Meraviglia will not only become one of the biggest cruise ships at sea, she is also poised to become one of the hottest holiday destinations, packed with innovative features to give guests an unforgettable experience.
MSC Meraviglia will spend her inaugural summer season, with the first cruise scheduled for 4 June 2017, sailing the western Mediterranean from Genoa, Marseille and Barcelona.
MSC Meraviglia, the ship for all seasons, key facts:
Pictures ©MSC Cruises