MSC next-generation Meraviglia-plus ships announced

MSC Cruises announced today, they are commencing in earnest on the construction of their next-generation Meraviglia-plus ships. Two options were previously confirmed, during Meraviglia’s Coin Ceremony on 1st February 2016 and today 22nd December 2016, MSC Cruises and STX France announced this contract has come into force, with delivery of the Mega-ships due in 2019 and 2020.

MSC Cruises and STX France have agreed on all the ship specifications and now construction can commence in earnest to meet the required timings. The two next-generation ships – the largest ships ever built for a European cruise line and the second largest globally – will be delivered in October 2019 and September 2020, respectively.

Lynne Clarke, Managing Director of MSC Cruises Australia, appreciates the great achievement, “We continue to deliver our future plan, with the commencement of the two ‘Meraviglia-Plus’ ships. Up to eight more ships are planned to be built in France at STX through until 2026 in an unprecedented €9 billion investment plan.”

The MSC Cruises “Meraviglia-Plus” class is the next-level generation of ships for all seasons, at 331 meters-long. Thanks to innovative maritime technology, together with their “Meraviglia” class sister ships, they will be the only ones in their class able to call at all world cruise ports.

The two “Meraviglia-Plus” ships’ interior 111 meters long promenade will feature an LED sky screen ceiling measuring 95 by 6 meters, beaming out visual events and vistas around the clock to create a unique atmospheric experience for guests.

Cirque du Soleil will again bring its unique brand of world-class shows exclusively to MSC Cruises two Meraviglia-Plus ships in a purpose-built dining and entertainment venue in the aft lounge.

“Meraviglia-Plus” ships will also feature a unique cultural experience for guests at sea, with the first-of-its-kind classic and contemporary fine art museum. This industry-first feature will enable guests to experience masterpieces from around the globe in collaboration with the world’s premier cultural centers, classic and modern art museums as well as public and private art institutions.

Additionally, the “Meraviglia” and “Meraviglia-Plus” ships will feature the latest STX France’s ECORIZON and other next-generation environmental technologies. Among other things, they will result in air emission levels that are already in line with all upcoming 2020 regulatory requirements.

Additional information

Summary of delivery schedule for MSC Cruises’ “Meraviglia” and “Meraviglia-Plus” cruise ships:
May 2017 : MSC Meraviglia
March 2019: MSC Bellissima
October 2019: “Meraviglia-Plus 1” (name still to be announced)
July 2020: “Meraviglia-Plus 2” (name still to be announced) 

Explore the new world of MSC Meraviglia today with cruises on sale for departures from June 2017. 7 nights cruising starts from $AU699pp or $NZ769pp visit www.msccruises.com.au or www.msccruises.co.nz for full details.