MSC Cruises continues to grow despite the pandemic and has taken delivery of its new mega-ship MSC Virtuosa from the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in France. This now increases the cruise line’s fleet size to 18 ships, and there is still another ship to be delivered this year!
MSC Virtuosa Delivery Ceremony
Some positive news from MSC Cruises today as the cruise line has taken delivery of its new flagship, the MSC Virtuosa from the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard, based in Saint Nazaire, France.
The ceremony took place at the shipyard and attended by in person by the Company’s executive chairman Pierfrancesco Vago, his wife Alexa Aponte-Vago and their children as well as representatives from MSC Cruises new builds team along with executives and workers from the shipyard.
Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman commented:
“My family and I could not miss this opportunity to welcome in person the newest member to our fleet. The delivery of MSC Virtuosa at such a challenging time for our industry symbolizes how as a family company we continue to look at the longer term and build our future.”
MSC Virtuosa is one of the most advanced vessels from the cruise line to date and features the world’s first humanoid bartender at sea. There will be a 301 ft. long LED sky done in the promenade and lots of cutting-edge tech such as the MSC for Me wristband that allows for contactless payments, opening the stateroom door, and contact tracing, which is part of the cruise line health and safety measures.
The new vessel is jointly the largest ship in the fleet, along with the sister ship MSC Grandiosa. They are the Meraviglia-Plus class ships at over 181,000 gross tons and 52.5 ft longer than the original Meraviglia-class ships.
Also Read: 15 Best New Cruise Ships to Begin Sailing in 2021
Where Will MSC Virtuosa Sail?
The new mega-ship will debut on April 16, 2021, with four sailings in the Mediterranean. She will then reposition to her new homeport of Kiel in Germany and offer Nothern European itineraries starting from May 8, 2021. MSC Virtuosa will call at Copenhagen, Denmark, and then Hellesylt/Geiranger, Alesund, and Flaam in Norway.
Guests also have the option of a Baltic option with calls to Copenhagen, Denmark then Helsinki, Finland before visiting St. Petersburg in the Russian Federation and Tallinn in Estonia.
Starting at the end of November 2021 she will then spend the winter season in the Gulf sailing 7-night cruises to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain and Doha.
Worth Reading: MSC Cruises Extends Suspension, Impacts Sailings from Florida
Not the Only MSC Ship Being Delivered in 2021
MSC Cruises will take delivery of a second ship in 2021 which will then increase the fleet to 19. MSC Seashore will enter service in August 2021 and will eventually sail from Miami, Florida after completing an inaugural season in the Mediterranean. She will be slightly larger than the Seaside-class ships at over 169,000 gross tons.
