MSC Cruises continues to pursue an intensive growth strategy, welcoming a number of new ships over the next couple of years, with two launches in the latter part of 2022.
New ships are planned across four different classes of MSC ships including the new World Class series, Meraviglia class, Seaside class and Explora Journeys.
From mega-ships with 6,000 plus guests to those with under 500 cabins, MSC Cruises is catering the newest and most innovative ships keeping all guests in mind.
Here is what is exciting and new with MSC’s upcoming additions to the fleet.
MSC Seascape, November 2022
MSC Seaside Class
The new MSC Seascape will be joining the popular Seaside class later this year. Known as the ships that follow the sun, the Seaside class has seen rapid growth with the launch of three ships since 2017: MSC Seaside, MSC Seaview, and MSC Seashore.
These ships feature more outdoor venues for eating and relaxing as well as a unique seafront promenade to best take advantage of ocean views.
The launch of MSC Seashore in 2021, a subclass of Seaside termed EVO, included improved environmental technologies along with MSC for Me guest technology.
MSC Seascape
The MSC Seascape will welcome up to 5,877 passengers and will be 1,060 in length. It will be sailing in the Caribbean, with voyages to MSC’s exclusive private island in the Bahamas, Ocean Cay Reserve.
With a focus on enjoying the outdoors, MSC Seascape has an expansive open deck space and seafront boardwalk dotted with restaurants, lounges and bars. It will also include an infinity pool and state-of-the-art aqua park. There is plenty of room for everyone to enjoy the sunshine.
New for this class, the ship will debut the MSC Robotron, a robotic arm seating three guests at a time that reaches elevations of 173 feet and will provide riders a 360° view. It is a thrilling ride sure to be a hit with the adventurous cruisers.
The interior of the ship has lots of great enhancements. Inspired by New York City, the interior space features a 10-foot high replica of the Statue of Liberty and an LED wall with the Manhattan skyline. New cabin designs, a host of great restaurants and bars, entertainment venues, and an expanded MSC Yacht Club space are all great additions on MSC Seascape.
MSC World Europa, December 2022
MSC World Class
The centerpiece of MSC's growth strategy is the World Class series of ships, which will be their biggest ships to date. Constructed by Chantiers de l'Atlantique in France, MSC World Europa is the first of four World Class ships, with plans to build another three between 2024 to 2027. These ships have yet to be named.
This new series of ships will rival other mega-ships in size and amenities. However, they are still smaller than Royal Caribbean's Oasis-class ships.
The MSC World Class series is a significant departure from the look and feel of other MSC cruise ships. Its revolutionary, modern look has a Y-shaped design and a bow like an arrow, giving it an edgy new appearance.
MSC World Europa
With a gross tonnage of 205,700, MSC World Europa is 13% bigger than MSC Grandiosa, the next largest ship in the fleet. It has 22 decks, is 1,092 feet long and 151 feet wide. It is the first in the fleet to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG).
The new MSC ship will welcome a maximum of 6,744 passengers and 2,138 crew members. MSC World Europa will start with sailings in the Gulf region, followed by cruises in the Mediterranean in 2023.
Considered an ultra modern design both inside and out, the ship utilizes the newest technologies and upgraded amenities to deliver a contemporary cruise experience for MSC guests. With distinct neighborhoods for adults, entertainment, and families, there are spaces to appeal to all types of cruisers.
It boasts 13 dining venues, a craft brewery, the largest waterpark amongst the fleet, 6 pools, and a total of 19 different stateroom categories, including 7 brand new designs exclusive. The MSC World Europa will also boast the largest number of balcony cabins compared to any other ship in their fleet.
When it sets sail, it will hold the record for the longest dry slide at sea, The Vendome Drop @ The Spiral. Guests will descend down a whopping 11 decks. It will also feature the first hydroponic garden at sea.
MSC Euribia, June 2023
Meraviglia Class
MSC’s Meraviglia class is the line's largest. With four ships in service, this class of ships provides guests with diverse options sailing to ports worldwide.
Termed as the ship for all seasons, the inside of the ship has numerous amenities for guests to enjoy. The hub being a spectacular promenade with LED ceilings, spacious shopping areas, and plenty of food and beverage venues.
Not only bigger in size, these ships leverage the newest advancements in technology to improve the passenger experience and lessen the environmental impact on the marine environment.
MSC Euribia
The latest and greatest in this class of ships is the MSC Euribia. Heavy in symbolism, it is named after the ancient goddess Euribia who harnessed the winds, weather and constellations to master the seas.
MSC launched a contest in October 2021 to find an artist to design the hull of the ship. They have tasked artists to take inspiration from the sea and the marine ecosystem. Alex Flämig's #SaveTheSea concept was chosen.
As with the other ships in this class, it is being built at Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint Nazaire, France. It will be the second ship in the fleet to be powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). With a gross tonnage of 181,541, and over 1,000 feet in length, it will carry more than 6,000 passengers.
Onboard, guests will be able to find five pools able to accommodate 1,000 people. Additionally, there will be an upgraded waterpark design.
When she begins sailing, she will make 7-night voyages to the Norwegian Fjords departing from Kiel, Germany.
Explora I, Spring 2023
A new series of ships for MSC Cruises is Explora Journeys, which will be marketed as a separate brand. Built by Fincantieri, an Italian shipbuilding company, Explora ships are described as a blend of Swiss precision with modern European craftsmanship.
With the tagline “Ocean State of Mind,” the upscale brand will target discerning luxury travelers with customer-centric trips that create memories with more time to relax.
Smaller in size, they will focus on destination experiences with a luxurious all-inclusive package. Fine dining, unlimited drinks, wifi, gratuities and onboard programs are all included.
Explora I will be the first of four ships to be launched by 2026. At 814 feet in length, and a gross tonnage of 63,900, these more intimate ships will have ocean facing suites, a significant departure from other MSC ships.
Guests will enjoy non-stop views with floor to ceiling windows, 4 pools, 10 bars, live entertainment, a fitness area, and 9 dining venues.
Explora I will begin its career sailing on several itineraries ranging from 3-44 days in the Mediterranean, sailing from Barcelona and Athens. It will then move to Northern Europe and then North America in the fall for a new set of itineraries.
Chantal McPhee
Chantal McPhee has a great passion for travel since first venturing to the Bahamas as a child with her grandparents. Today, she loves cruising with her husband and two daughters to new places and aspires one day to do a world cruise. Living on the east coast of Canada, she shares cruising tips and information with fellow Canucks seeking a reprieve from the great white north. She also teaches business studies at a university, with a focus on strategy
