MSC Cruises Welcomes Newest Ship in Official Naming Ceremony

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In a traditional ceremony held at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal, MSC Cruises has officially christened the new and innovative MSC Seascape, bringing the cruise line’s fleet to a total of 21. The event was filled with symbolism and grandeur, perfect for the grand plans the cruise line has in North America.

MSC Seascape Christened

The newest flagship for MSC Cruises has officially joined the fleet, as MSC Seascape has been christened in a gala event in the most glittering of cities with more than 3,000 VIPs, cruise line officials, local authorities, and travel partners in attendance.

The ceremony took place in New York City at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal, emphasizing the cruise line’s commitment to the North American market and forging the cruise line’s connection to what will become a new MSC Cruises homeport in April 2023 with MSC Meraviglia.

Rubรฉn A. Rodrรญguez, President, MSC Cruises USA, said: โ€œAs the first MSC Cruises ship to be named in New York City, MSC Seascape represents a pivotal moment for the brand as we commit to further growing our presence in North America. Our latest flagship will serve as a great representation for all that we stand for at MSC Cruises, including sustainability, ground-breaking technology and modern design combined with an immersive and enriching guest experience delivered with European flair. Our guests will enjoy all of these wonderful amenities when she begins her sailings from Miami after the naming ceremony.โ€

Appropriate for a glamorous new ship in such an iconic location, the event included religious blessings for the safety of the ship, crew, and all who sail on her, along with well wishes from the ship’s godmother, Sophia Loren, who attended the event virtually.

“MSC has always occupied a special place in my heart,” Loren said in her remarks. “Let me bless the MSC Seascape, her great crew and all her passengers.”

Alexa Aponte-Vago, daughter of MSC Groupโ€™s founder and executive chairman Gianluigi Aponte, performed the traditional cutting of the ribbon to officially name the ship.

MSC Seascape Cruise Ship
Photo Courtesy: MSC Cruises

Another highlight of the event was an outstanding performance from international singer-songwriter Matteo Bocelli, who also sang at the naming ceremony of MSC World Europa in Doha, Qatar on November 13.

The evening’s festivities concluded with a gala gourmet dinner for attendees and a performance by international Grammy Award winner singer/songwriter Ne-Yo.

Ready for the Winter Season

The fourth ship in the innovative Seaside class, MSC Seascape was built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, and is now officially ready to welcome 5,119 guests per sailing (up to 5,646 guests when fully booked with all berths filled).

Onboard, those guests will find a variety of luxurious features, such as a stunning aft infinity pool, a waterfront promenade, and the breathtaking Bridge of Sighs on Deck 16 with unparalleled views. More than 25 dining venues, bars, and lounges are prepared to offer exquisite refreshments, and each cruise will offer 98 hours of life entertainment.

For more thrill-oriented cruisers, the ship features the first-at-sea ROBOTRON, a robotic arm that will twist, tilt, and even flip riders upside down 175 feet above the ocean, with a customizable ride experience.

Now that she has been christened, MSC Seascape will begin guest sailings not from New York, but from Miami, her new official homeport, with perfect tropical waters for year-round sailing.

The ship will offer a variety of Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries calling on popular ports in Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and more.

Of special interest are calls to MSC Cruises’ private destination, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in The Bahamas, which is included on all of MSC Seascape’s itineraries.

The ship will remain in Miami at least through late 2024, giving eager cruisers plenty of opportunity to experience all her luxury, elegance, and style.

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Melissa Mayntz
Melissa Mayntz
Melissa has been offering her expertise on cruises since 2017 and reporting on cruise news since 2021. her work has been featured in newspapers, blogs, and websites on a wide range of subjects, but cruises remain her favorite topic to cover. She has been on more than 40 voyages to the Caribbean, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, and more, and always has at least one more sailing booked on the horizon.

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