A double event of great significance for the MSC Cruises took place at Aker Yards in St. Nazaire, France, featuring two new builds in the fast-growing MSC Cruises fleet. After the press conference that was headed by…
A double event of great significance for the MSC Cruises took place at Aker Yards in St. Nazaire, France, featuring two new builds in the fast-growing MSC Cruises fleet. After the press conference that was headed by Pierfrancesco Vago, the CEO for MSC Cruises and Jacques Hardelay, the Director General for Aker Yards, France, there was the cutting of the first steel for MSC Magnifica and the technical float out of MSC Poesia, as well as a viewing of MSC Fantasia as her construction continues.
These events represent another important step by MSC Cruises towards the completion of the ambitious expansion plan, which was started in 2003.
Pierfrancesco Vago, CEO, MSC Cruises said: <>“MSC Cruises has experienced the greatest growth of any cruise line in the last three years. Circumstance has enabled us to grow at such a pace. We are the only company in the world with a single brand, which in the space of a few years has increased the size of its operation to this degree. We have opened another ten offices and we are represented in 30 countries throughout the world.”
Mr Vago continues: “MSC Poesia represents a further step in our expansion plan. She has a perfectly balanced space-ratio between public and private areas. The layout is conceptualised to offer guests maximum comfort everywhere on board – in the restaurant, by the pool deck, in the lounges as well as the cabins. The interiors also reflect a neutral colour scheme that complements the windows and verandas. MSC Poesia reflects all our learnings from the projects completed by MSC Cruises so far. It represents another step towards perfect ship design and technical fit while maintaining on board safety and safeguarding the environment.”
“The success of our ships is proof of the intense work effort that the Technical Department has invested alongside the technical staff at Aker Yards and the MSC architectural studio. All our innovations will ensure that our guests are offered the best in terms of both facilities and comfort,” says Emilio La Scala, General Manager MSC Cruises Technical Department
Mr La Scala continues: “In a short space of time three different classes of ships have been constructed (Lirica, Musica and Fantasia). Four new ships were launched from 2003 to 2007. At the same time another 4 ships, in 2 different classes, are in construction – this progression will see 8 new ships in the fleet by 2010. The technical team are always seeking to improve on our last achievement. We have worked to tight schedules and delivered on time – with one clear objective, the continual improvement of the fleet.”
“We have built 6 cruise ships for MSC and we still have 4 ships to deliver. This symbolizes not only the success of MSC Cruises but also the strong relationships between Aker Yards and MSC Cruises”, says Jacques Hardelay, General Manager of the Acker Yards.
Claudia Baino, MD, MSC Cruises UK and Ireland added: “The cutting of the first steel of a new vessel undergoing construction is an age long tradition in shipping and it was wonderful to be able share this memorable event with both the British and Irish travel press. It was also very exciting to see the MSC Poesia floating for the first time as she enters the final stages of her construction ahead of her christening in Dover next April. Both of these were truly memorable events and MSC Cruises looks forward to celebrating more of these occasions as we expand our fleet.”
MSC Poesia, sister ship to MSC Musica and MSC Orchestra, will be 92,400 grt, 294 metres long, 32 metres wide and 60 metres tall. A total 1,275 cabins of which 80’% are outside cabins with balconies, able to host 3,000 passengers and 1,000 crew members. A total of 22,000 square metres are dedicated to the public areas including the Villa Pompeiana Cafeteria on the Foscolo deck, which will have ample seating accommodation for all passengers using the pool area for their buffet meals.
MSC Fantasia and MSC Splendida are the largest ships to be commissioned by a European ship owner. Each ship will be 133,500 grt, 333 metres long, 38 metres wide and able to host 3,900 passengers and 1,300 crew members. There will be 27,000 sq metres of public space and a VIP area with a private entrance to the solarium, pool and Beauty Centre, plus the assistance of a butler service.
MSC Magnifica, fourth ship in the Musica class, is 92,400 grt, 294 metres long, 32 metres wide and 60 metres tall. With her 1,275 cabins of which 80’% are outside with a balcony, able to host 3,000 passengers and 1,000 crew members. Plus 22,000 square metres of public space and pool area fitted with a retractable glass roof to ensure year round use.
MSC Poesia and MSC Fantasia will be delivered to ship owner Gianluigi Aponte in April and October 2008 respectively. MSC Splendida will follow sister ship MSC Fantasia in spring 2009, whilst MSC Magnifica will join the fleet in 2010. The company will have a total of 12 ships by 2010.
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