Tag: MSC Cruises

MSC celebrates two newbuild milestones

December 9, 2021 quality_baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on MSC celebrates two newbuild milestones

The Cruise Division of MSC Group and Chantiers de l’Atlantique has celebrated two significant newbuild milestones for the construction of the line’s next generation of environmentally advanced vessels. MSC World Europa and MSC Euribia will become the first LNG-powered vessels to join the MSC Cruises fleet next year representing an investment of €3 billion in Liquified Natutal Gas (LNG) ships with the construction on World Europa II due to commence in early 2023.

Float out of MSC’s first LNG powered vessel, MSC World Europa

These ships play an important role in the Company’s commitment to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. LNG is by far the cleanest marine fuel currently available at scale and it virtually eliminates local air pollutant emissions like sulphur oxides (99%), nitrogen oxides (85%) and particles (98%). In terms of emissions with a global impact, LNG plays a key role in climate change mitigation and the engines of these two ships have the potential to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 25% compared to standard fuels. In addition, with the subsequent availability of Bio and Synthetic forms of LNG, this energy source will provide a pathway toward eventual decarbonized operations.

It was also revealed that MSC Cruises and the Chantiers de l’Atlantique confirmed the installation of a fuel cell pilot plant on board MSC World Europa known as Blue Horizon. The technology will use LNG to convert fuel into electricity at one of the highest efficiencies of any power solution available today, producing electricity and heat on board. The fuel cell technology selected by Chantiers de l’Atlantique (CdA) and MSC Cruises is the SOFC (Solid Oxide Fuel Cell) developed by Bloom Energy. The SOFC will reduce emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) by about a further 30 percent compared with a conventional LNG engine without producing emissions of nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides or fine particles.  It also offers the advantage of being compatible with LNG, as well as several low carbon fuels such as types of methanol, ammonia and hydrogen. This project will form the building block for future larger installations and the beginning of an even closer collaboration between MSC Cruises and Chantier de L’Atlantique on R&D of fuel cell technology.

The traditional coin ceremony tradition took place as the keel was laid for MSC Cruises’ second LNG-powered ship, MSC Euribia, which will be one of the most environmentally high performing contemporary vessels built in France. Anne Claire Juventin Responsible for Quality Control from the Chantiers de l’Atlantique, and Valentina Mancini, Brand Manager from MSC Cruises performed the traditional maritime ritual as godmothers representing the ship owner and the shipbuilder when they placed two coins under the keel as the historical sign of blessing and good fortune for the project, and the ship’s operational life at sea.

MSC entire fleet back at sea in 2022

December 9, 2021 quality_baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on MSC entire fleet back at sea in 2022

MSC Cruises has confirmed that the Company’s entire fleet of 19 ships will be sailing during the northern hemisphere summer 2022 offering an outstanding choice of cruises.

With almost 500 departures to choose from, different length cruises, an incredible choice of convenient embarkation ports and a modern fleet of ships offering an unparalleled experience on board, there really is something for everyone. Enjoy round-the-clock onboard activities; award-winning entertainment; immersive kids and family programmes; refined, international dining; luxurious spas all whilst staying in stylish and comfortable accommodation. There’s an itinerary and ship to suit every type of holidaymaker, from short cruises in the Mediterranean, longer scenic cruises in Northern Europe through to beach cruises in the Caribbean – guests can book their dream holiday now.

Northern Europe highlights for summer 2022 include:

  • MSC Virtuosa offers itineraries between from Southampton (UK) 7 to 14 nights to the Norwegian Fjords, St Petersburg (Russia) via Sweden and Denmark and longer cruises to the Canary Islands (Spain), the Mediterranean, and Norway’s North Cape plus some mini-cruises of 3-4 nights.
  • MSC Grandiosa, embarking in Kiel (Germany) will offer seven-night itineraries with highlights including a combination of itineraries taking in destinations including Copenhagen (Denmark), Helsinki (Finland), St Petersburg (Russia), Tallinn (Estonia) and Flaam (Norway).
  • MSC Preziosa, embarking in Kiel (Germany) will offer itineraries between seven and 11 nights, with highlights including two alternative itineraries to the Norwegian Fjords or to St Petersburg (Russia) via Tallinn (Estonia), Helsinki (Finland) and Stockholm (Sweden).
  • MSC Poesia, embarking in Warnemunde/Berlin (Germany) will offer itineraries between seven and 14 nights including 11-night sailings visiting nine countries (an overnight in Russia, Germany, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Finland, Estonia, Sweden, Denmark), and longer cruises to St Petersburg (Russia) via Tallinn (Estonia), Stockholm (Sweden) and Copenhagen (Denmark) and an epic 21 night cruise that includes calls to a number of destinations in Iceland and Greenland.
  • MSC Magnifica, embarking in Hamburg (Germany) will offer itineraries between ten and 14 nights to Norway or Iceland. The Norway cruise includes calls to Alesund, Honningsvag/North Cape, Tromso, Trondheim, Bergen and Kristiansand Iceland cruises includes calls to Reykjavik (overnight), Isafjordur and Akureyri) and Orkney Islands and Invergordon (Scotland, United Kingdom). Whilst Spitsburgen cruises include, Kristiansand, Andalsnes, Narvik ,Longyearbyen, Honningsvag and Nordfjordeid.

Western Mediterranean highlights for summer 2022 include:

  • MSC Meravigliawill homeport in Barcelona, calling the perfect itinerary for any sun-seeker: Cannes (France), Genoa, La Spezia and Civitavecchia (Italy), plus Palma de Mallorca (Spain).
  • MSC Opera will homeport from Genoa, and visit Palermo, other destinations include calls at Marseille (France), Barcelona (Spain), and the newly reinstated embarkation port of La Goulette (Tunisia) and Naples (Italy).
  • MSC Splendida will offer cruises from Genoa (Italy) to Marseille (France), one of Sicily’s most sought-after destination Siracusa, Taranto and its awe-aspiring beaches, plus returning to Civitavecchia (Italy)
  • MSC Seaview will offer yet the best part of Western Mediterranean, from Genoa (Italy), she will visit the historical ports of Naples and Messina (Italy), Valletta (Malta), Barcelona (Spain) and Marseille (France).
  • MSC Seaside: departing from Genoa, she will offer itineraries to Civitavecchia and, Palermo (Italy) and Ibiza and Valencia (Spain) and Marseille (France).
  • MSC Orchestra: the ship will perform cruises of 4-5 nights in Spring and from June will commence the new 10-night cruises calling Genoa (Italy) to Marseille/Provence (France), Malaga, Cadiz/Seville, Lisbon (Portugal) Alicante/Costa Blanca and Mahon/Menorca (Spain), and Olbia (Italy).
  • In Autumn, MSC Magnifcia will offer cruises 11-night cruises to Canary islands, Morroco and Madeira, whilst MSC Poesia offers 3-, 4- and 5-night cruises rounding our the season in the West Mediterranean.     

Eastern Mediterranean highlights for summer 2022 include:

  • With Trieste (Italy) as homeport, MSC Fantasia will offer calls to Ancona (Italy), Kotor (Montenegro), Bari (Italy), Corfu (Greece) and the picturesque city of Dubrovnik (Croatia). From September the ship will perform 11-night cruises that include Pireaus/Athens (Greece), Izmir/Ephesus and an overnight in Istanbul (Turkey)
  • MSC Musica will depart from Monfalcone (Italy),Katakolon/Olympia, Heraklion, Santorini (Greece) Bari (Italy
  • MSC Sinfoniaand MSC Armonia will both homeport from the heart of the Mediterranean, the Italian port of Venice from Marghera. Other exciting ports on MSC Sinfonia’s itinerary include Kotor (Montenegro), the infamous Greek islands of Mykonos and Santorini (Greece) and Bari (Italy).MSC Armonia is putting a focus on gorgeous views with calls to Brindisi (Italy), Greek island of Mykonos and Greek mainland destination of Piraeus for Athens as well as Split and Zadar (Croatia).
  • A variety of spectacular destinations await guests aboardMSC Lirica departing from Piraeus/Athens (Greece), calling at Kusadasi (Turkey), Haifa (Israel), the islands of Limassol (Cyprus), plus Rhodes and Santorini (Greece) 

Caribbean highlights for summer 2022 include:

  • MSC Seashore, embarking in Miami (USA) will offer alternating seven-night itineraries to the west and east Caribbean to destinations including Nassua (The Bahamas), Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic), Ocho Rios (Jamaica), George Town (Cayman Islands), Cozumel (Mexico) with each cruise calling at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, MSC Cruises’ own private island in The Bahamas.
  • MSC Divina, embarking in Port Canaveral/Orlando (USA), will offer cruises between three and seven nights to the Caribbean with destinations including Costa Maya and Cozumel (Mexico), Nassau (The Bahamas) with each cruise calling at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve

Far East highlights for summer 2022 include:

  • MSC Bellissima will sail a range of departures from China and Japan

MSC Cruises, hosted the naming ceremony of MSC Virtuosa in Dubai

December 7, 2021 quality_baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on MSC Cruises, hosted the naming ceremony of MSC Virtuosa in Dubai

MSC Cruises, has hosted the naming ceremony of MSC Virtuosa when Hollywood superstar Sophia Loren officially named the ship in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) on the weekend.

MSC Cruises chose Dubai to host the ceremony in recognition of its long-term commitment to the UAE and the wider Middle East market where it is the brand leader.

Equipped with some of the latest marine technologies available, MSC Virtuosa is one of the world’s most environmentally advanced cruise ships. No effort has been spared to minimise her footprint. MSC Cruises shares the UAE’s ambition to reach net zero emissions by 2050 and MSC Virtuosa represents yet another milestone on the journey towards reaching this goal.

MSC Virtuosa can carry up to 6,334 passengers and 1,704 crew and is set to serve the Arabian Sea until March 2022 from her base in Dubai.

Hosted by well-known UAE TV personality Omar Butti as Master of Ceremonies, Hollywood icon Sophia Loren took to the stage to officially name her 17th MSC Cruises’ ship by cutting the ribbon that breaks the bottle on the ship’s hull.

The star-studded night culminated in a spectacular firework display against the stunning Dubai skyline, before a celebratory gourmet dinner in one of the ships’ elegant restaurants. Event guests were also treated to a performance by internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter Rag’n’Bone Man.

DANZA DEL MARE A Symbol of the MSC Foundation’s efforts to protect the Sea

November 4, 2021 quality_baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on DANZA DEL MARE A Symbol of the MSC Foundation’s efforts to protect the Sea

The sublime sculpture Danza del Mare was created for the MSC Foundation in partnership with Venini, one of the world’s most esteemed glassmakers in the world which this year celebrates its 100 Anniversary. As a work of art, the creation, symbolises MSC Foundation’s dedication to protecting and promoting the natural environment of which we are a part and upon which we depend: our Blue Planet. The sculpture was designed by Monica Guggisberg and Philip Baldwin for MSC Seashore and is located in the MSC Foundation Centre, rising from deck 5 to deck 8, surrounded by a mirror wall that proliferates the light and colours emanating from it, lit by a spotlight located in its base.

The design uses the magical, fluid medium of glass to express the fluidity of the seas and everything in them, animal, vegetable and mineral, coral, fish, seaweed and oxygen. The immense depth and expanse of the sea, covering 71% of our world’s surface, is contained in the imagery of the sculpture, in its great height and the density of its contents, as if it were the sea itself in a soaring prism of charged and moving constituents. Partly an image of Earth’s lungs, partly an image of Earth’s nutrition and partly an image of simple beauty, it symbolises the sea’s indispensable role in our and our planet’s wellbeing. We are dependent upon it. It is not dependent upon us.

MSC Cruises invites arftists to design the hull art of MSC Euribia

October 27, 2021 quality_baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on MSC Cruises invites arftists to design the hull art of MSC Euribia

MSC Cruises is giving artists and designers around the world the opportunity to transform the hull of MSC Euribia into a giant, floating canvas to communicate the importance of respect for the environment. The ship, which is the most environmentally advanced ship in MSC Cruises’ fleet to date, is named after the ancient goddess Eurybia who harnessed the winds, weather and constellations to master the seas and the vision of the ship is to master the deployment of state-of-the-art sustainable technologies to protect and preserve the precious marine ecosystem. 

MSC Cruises is calling on artists from around the world to create a unique artwork inspired by the sea and its important marine ecosystem that will be featured as a permanent design across the ship’s hull, as she sails the world’s oceans. The design contest, which is now open, is a first for MSC Cruises and shines a light on the Company’s ongoing commitment to the environment and its commitment to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by 2050.

The entries will be judged by a panel of international judges including sand artist Jben, known for his large-scale ephemeral sand frescoes that wash away with the tide, architect Martin Francis and Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of the Cruise Division of MSC Group. Jben has travelled the world sculpting Beach Art in the United States, France, Morocco, Holland and Portugal, raising awareness of sea-related environmental issues, encouraging marine protection and preservation. 

Only one winner will be lucky enough for their artwork to be showcased on the ship’s hull, as a sailing outdoor gallery for the world to see. Five further shortlist finalists will also have their designs displayed in an exhibition on board MSC Euribia, where guests will be exposed to their art and its important message for years to come.

MSC Cruises has also shared a video [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8nWPhH4bRY] of artist Jben calling on other artists to join him. On 19 October, he created an immense 45 metre x 45 metre fresco on French beach the Côte Sauvage, telling designers ‘MSC wants you’ and calling on them to join the competition.

MSC Euribia will come into service in 2023 and become the second LNG-powered ship in MSC Cruises’ fleet, marking another step forward in substantially reducing greenhouse gas emissions. LNG plays a key role in the journey towards climate change mitigation and MSC Euribia’s engines have the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 21% compared to standard fuels while also virtually eliminating other air emissions.

https://www.talenthouse.com/i/Create-a-design-for-the-hull-of-MSC-Euribia-cruise-ship

MSC Magnifica to offer Winter City Getaways in Northern Europe

October 6, 2021 quality_baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on MSC Magnifica to offer Winter City Getaways in Northern Europe

MSC Magnifica to offer Winter City Getaways in Northern Europe

  • A company-first winter programme featuring access to five European cities with an opportunity to immerse yourself in culture and history as well as explore, shop and enjoy local delicacies
  • 7-night cruises with embarkation in every port from 14 November 2021

Following on from the success of its Northern European season this northern hemisphere summer, MSC Cruises has announced the introduction of a Northern Europe itinerary for this upcoming northern hemisphere winter – the first time that the Company has offered a winter programme in the region.

Starting from 14 November 2021, MSC Magnifica will offer 7-night cruises visiting five of Europe’s most popular cities. The ship will call Hamburg, Germany; Southampton for London, UK Le Havre for Paris, France; Zeebrugge for Bruges and Brussels; IJmuiden/Amsterdam, Netherlands. With extended stays in port of up to 12 hours, guests can really make the most of their time ashore. Embarkation will be possible in each port, ensuring that there are plenty of convenient connections close for guests. 

Winter is one of the best times of year to visit Northern Europe – the cities are not as busy and guests can explore historical sites in cooler weather. The holiday season also brings festive decorations and Christmas markets creating a magical atmosphere and many of the landscapes are transformed into winter wonderlands! This is also a unique opportunity to visit some of Europe’s capitals all in one trip.

Hamburg, Germany, is renowned for its elegant boulevards, stately buildings, and emerald green parks and in November and December, you can enjoy one of the city’s 30 Christmas markets whilst sipping on mulled wine or nibbling roasted chestnuts! From Hamburg you can visit the Hanseatic city of Lubeck  – a UNESCO World Heritage Site or Lüneburg’s – the “City of White Gold” with its many richly decorated historical buildings and small, cobbled alleyways.

The UK port of Southampton provides convenient access to a number of top tourist attractions in Southern England including the nearby historic cities of Winchester or Salisbury with their world-famous cathedrals and Windsor Castle dating back to the 1tth Century or to the stone circle of Stonehenge, one of the most intriguing and ancient sites in the U.K. Situated on a vast plain, the site is truly impressive; shrouded in magic and mystery, many believe this sacred site emanates a special atmosphere. For those wishing to visit another capital city, spend the day in London, where you can visit Oxford Street, explore Hyde Park, check out Covent Garden market or simply enjoy a pint of ale and relax in a typical English pub.

From Le Havre, France guests can visit Rouen, historical capital of Normandy, or Honfleur, a tiny town known for its picturesque harbour and beautifully preserved old buildings with slate-covered frontages. A favourite motif of many painters, Honfleur is known to have particularly inspired Gustave Courbet, Claude Monet, Eugène Boudin and Johan Jongkind. Or visit Paris and soak up the charms of France’s romantic capital city and see the Champs-Élysées, the Eiffel Tower, Place de la Concorde and many other world-famous landmarks. 

Zeebrugge, Belgium is close to the picturesque UNESCO World Heritage city of Bruges, one of Europe’s best-preserved Medieval cities with quaint cobbled streets and tranquil canals. Indulge in traditionally Belgian treats such as waffles and chocolate, the world-famous beers and French fries or shop for the beautiful local lace and tapestries. Or spend the day exploring Belgium’s capital city, Brussels where skyscrapers and hotels have modernized the skyline of this French and Flemish speaking city. Step back in time and wander around the “Grand Place”, one of Europe’s most beautiful squares. The extraordinary ensemble of baroque façades was built on the very spot where Brussels first inhabitants held their market in the 12th-century, the heart of the community in the Middle Ages.

Amsterdam is the charming city made-up of picture-perfect canals and bridges with stunning 16th century architecture. Popular attractions include Anne Frank’s house and the Van Gogh Museum. For food lovers, visit the famous town of Gouda – renowned worldwide for its delicious creamy cheese but also for stroopwafels – syrup waffles. Or for those looking to get out of the city, visit the the windmill village of Zaanse Schans, where most of the houses are made of wood and sport the pretty green painted façades typical of the Zaan area.  The village is home to traditional Dutch craft production, including a wooden shoe factory where you can see how the Dutch clogs are made.

About MSC Magnifica

MSC Magnifica will enable guests to travel in true comfort and style featuring an elegant design and relaxed refinement, with all the features that distinguish MSC Cruises ships, including high quality service, a varied choice of dining options including four restaurants and 11 bars, modern and comfortable cabins, as well as a wide range of entertainment and leisure activities including a swimming pool with a retractable roof, a sports centre, bowling, a high-tech gym and the MSC Aurea Spa. There is never a dull moment as the wide variety of entertainment offerings include a stylish casino, panoramic disco, 4D cinema and a 1,200-seater theatre with original theatre productions as well as live entertainment throughout the ship. And of course, the ship offers award-winning family facilities and activities with dedicated kids’ areas and clubs for all ages.

MSC’s Ocean Cay Marine Reserve welcomes first Loggerhead Turtle Hatchlings

October 1, 2021 quality_baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on MSC’s Ocean Cay Marine Reserve welcomes first Loggerhead Turtle Hatchlings

MSC’s Ocean Cay Marine Reserve welcomes first Loggerhead Turtle Hatchlings

Since August, MSC Cruises has been pleased to see hundreds of tiny Loggerhead sea turtle hatchlings making their way to sea from numerous nests that have appeared on Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, the Company’s private island. These historic sightings are a culmination of MSC Cruises’ successful project to return the island and its surrounding waters to its former status as a thriving environment for indigenous flora and fauna. Over six nests have been identified so far and are being monitored on the island.

Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, MSC Cruises’ private island in The Bahamas, is founded on a strong commitment to the conservation of marine life with 64 square miles of protected waters around the island. From its conception, the goal for Ocean Cay was to return the former industrial sand excavation site to its pristine beauty and to attract local species of fauna and flora both on land and in the ocean. Since it opened in late 2019, the island has progressively transformed into a lush tropical paradise with a rich marine ecosystem and proof of the progress of the conservation programme can be seen with the fact that Loggerhead sea turtle hatchlings have been observed making their way to sea from nests on the island.

  • More than six nests and hundreds of sea turtle hatchlings have been identified on MSC Cruises’ marine reserve private island
  • While the successful coral restoration programme has transformed the waters around the former industrial site back into a rich marine ecosystem

MSC takes taken delivery of its new flagship MSC Seashore

July 28, 2021 quality_baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on MSC takes taken delivery of its new flagship MSC Seashore
Image Credit: Ivan Sarfatti

The Cruise Division of MSC Group has officially taken delivery of its new flagship MSC Seashore – the largest cruise ship to be built in Italy. Sister ship MSC Seascape is currently under construction at the Monfalcone shipyard and is due to come into service in winter 2022.

An intimate ceremony was held to mark the occasion as tradition dictates at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone and was attended in person by MSC Cruises Executive Chairman Pierfrancesco Vago, other members of the Aponte and Aponte-Vago families, Giampiero Massolo and Giuseppe Bono, Chairman and CEO of Fincantieri, as well as representatives from MSC’s new builds team along with executives and workers from the shipyard. During the ceremony, which pays tribute to centuries-old maritime traditions, Roberto Olivari, Fincantieri’s shipyard director, presented to Giuseppe Galano, Master of MSC Seashore, an ampoule containing the water that first touched the hull when the ship was floated out earlier this year.

MSC Seashore will commence her inaugural season in the Mediterranean offering the popular West Mediterranean itinerary calling the Italian ports of Genoa, Naples, for visits also to Pompeii, and Messina in Sicily; Valletta, Malta; Barcelona, Spain and Marseille, France.

On 31 October, the ship will depart Genoa for an epic 18-night cruise as the ship repositions to North America. From 20 November the ship will then offer 7-night cruises in the Caribbean calling San Juan in Puerto Rico, Charlotte Amalie in St Thomas, Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic and then Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in The Bahamas – MSC Cruises’ private island.

MSC Seashore Key Specs:

  • Length/beam/height: 339 /41m/76m
  • Gross tonnage: 170,400
  • Guests: 5,877 (max capacity for short international voyage)
  • Cabins: 2,270
  • Crew: 1,648
  • Maximum speed: about 22.4 knots
  • Flagship of MSC Cruises global fleet
  • 19th cruise ship to join MSC Cruises’ fleet
Image Credit: Ivan Sarfatti

MSC Seaview’s first departure from Kiel, Germany

July 6, 2021 quality_baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on MSC Seaview’s first departure from Kiel, Germany

MSC Seaview's first departure from Kiel marks the start of MSC Cruises' Northern Europe summer sailings from Germany

MSC Seaview, Kiel. Credit: Frank Erpinar

MSC Cruises commenced the Northern Europe summer season this weekend when MSC Seaview departed from the German port of Kiel for the first of her 7-night cruises in the Baltic Sea.

MSC Seaview is the seventh MSC Cruises’ ship to resume sailings with guests on board with a further three preparing to start future voyages, which will see half of the Company’s fleet back at sea by the end of summer.

MSC Seaview will homeport in Kiel until the beginning of October and the ship will welcome German and European guests for an attractive itinerary to Visby on one of Sweden’s largest islands Gotland,  Nynäshamn near the Swedish capital city of Stockholm and Estonia’s capital Tallinn before returning to her North German base.  MSC Cruises’ industry-pioneering protected shore excursions are available at all ports of call. 

Another German port will be added to MSC Seaview’s itinerary to further enrich the cruise for guests. The ship will call at Warnemunde (for Berlin) from July 23, adding another port in Germany that will allow guests to embark and disembark as well as offering another option for shore excursions. At the mouth of the river Warnow, on the Baltic Sea, Warnemunde, is a former fishing village and popular seaside resort, which surprises with its charm. Guests can also visit Rostock and Berlin, the vibrant German capital city.

Ep60 – MSC Virtuosa Review, Cruise News & Maritime History