MSC to launch new MEGA ships

MSC Cruises have announced they’re to build two new 167,600-ton ships carrying more passengers than the other big ships out there already (not including Royal Caribbean’s Oasis and Allure of the Seas).

Work on construction of the first ship will begin next year and it should be completed by 2017.  The second ship will enter service in 2019.

Gianni Onorato, chief executive of MSC Cruises, said: “The new prototype will be the biggest cruise ship ever built by a European ship owner, and the most versatile and flexible of the world – not only will it be able to call in most of the ports and destinations on earth, without compromise, but it will have extraordinary features that will make it the perfect choice at sea, in summer and in winter.

“The two new ships will reaffirm MSC Cruise’s dedication to outstanding and genuine dining options and out-of-this-world entertainment with new panoramic spaces, a bigger theatre and a spectacular amusement park connected to an outdoor aqua park as well as a two-deck ‘inside promenade’.”

MSC Cruises’ executive chairman Pierfrancesco Vago added: “Growth and development have always been the characteristics that have defined MSC since the very beginning of our journey into the world of cruising.

“The launch of this prototype and the building of these two new ships confirm our commitment to further growth and to further development. MSC Cruises will expand its capacity by 31 per cent – we will incredibly enrich our offerings on board and will broaden our horizons to ensure we meet the growing global demand in every region.”

Have you cruised with MSC?  Are you a fan of big ships?  Let me know your thoughts.