MSC are joining the big boys with their big girls…

Over the last couple of years there has been much hype about the brand new ‘big’ships from the leading cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean, with launch of the Quantum Class and the largest of them all the Oasis class ships. Quantum, Anthem and Ovation of the Seas have all now had their launch in the last 18 months, with the latter just being last week. Then next month sees the Harmony of the Seas launch, the largest of the Oasis class and the biggest of them all.

Other cruise lines have responded with some newer bigger ships in the last year or so, P&O Britannia, then there has been the Norwegian Getaway, Breakaway and most recently Escape. Princess gave us the Royal and Regal. Carnival are launching the Vista.

So although not new kids on the block and certainly not a small fleet, MSC are trying to break a bigger market than just the Italians, Spanish, French and Germans and are pulling out the stops with their two new ‘big’ ships. Trying to entice more of us Brits and other nations to sail with them. Not always having had great reviews in the past, you either seemed to love or hate them, a bit like marmite, they are certainly trying to make amends for this and are promising bigger and better things.

MSC’s last launch was for the MSC Davina  in 2011 followed by the Preziosa in 2013. Both are beautiful ships and offer lots of facilities for all age groups. But, MSC now feel the need to go bigger and possibly better, to try and rival any of the RCI ships.

This is me on the MSC Preziosa with the most gorgeous swarovski crystal staircase

In June 2017 we will see the launch of their biggest ship the MSC Meraviglia (Italian meaning Wonder) weighing in at 167,600 tonnes and a capacity of 5714 guests. Her itineraries will be based in the Mediterranean. This ship will be introducing us to a custom Entertainment Lounge designed in collaboration with Cirque du Soleil to create a unique experience at sea.

Then later in the year, December 2017 MSC will then launch the MSC Seaside – the ship that follows the sun. Slightly smaller than the Meraviglia at 160,000 tonnes and taking just 5179 guests.  This lady will be based out of Miami for the Caribbean sun year round. With a unique waterfront promenade that wraps right around the 323-metre ship, offering a panoply of places to shop, eat and sunbathe while panoramic lifts provide breathtaking sea views. 

These two new ships will feature their outstanding Yacht Club experience, a ship within a ship. Private pool area, bar and restaurant.

Both are all also Eco ships, for saving the world which MSC are heavily involved in.

They will have water parks on board for the big kids in us all, with the MSC Seaside claiming to have the largest and most interactive Aquaparks at Sea. She will be the first cruise ship to feature Slide boarding technology, combining a slide and an interactive game that is the cutting edge of water park technology, ensuring unrivaled fun for all ages. 

Introducing Super Family plus cabins that will be able to sleep up to 10 guests so all the family can be together.

The list goes on and on.

So maybe Royal Caribbean and the likes had better watch out as MSC are certainly bringing out the big girls to offer an alternative to the main stream big boys..

Dawn xx

Find out more on both these ships by clicking below

MSC Meraviglia

Exclusive Look At Everything The MSC Seaside Has To Offer

Plus read more on MSC news and plans for the future

MSC Announce Plans To Build Four New World Class Ships