MSC Cruises is the largest privately-owned cruise line in the world, and the 4th-biggest overall cruise line. The line is also rapidly expanding and has one of the youngest fleets, with a ship on order every year until 2026.

MSC started out with humble beginnings in 1970, with just one ship, and expanded to passenger cruise ships in 1988.  Some of its first ships included the Achille Lauro, the MSC Melody and MSC Rhapsody, all of which acquired and retired since.

MSC Seaside full viewThere are five new MSC cruise ships that have piqued our interest:

  • The MSC Bellissima will be ceremonially launched in Southampton in March 2019, and is highly anticipated as it will include an industry first in the form of a digital cruise personal assistant called Zoe.
  • The MSC Grandiosa will be ceremonially launched in Hamburg in November 2019 and will showcase an even bigger Mediterranean-style promenade with a fantastic array of shops, speciality restaurants as well as new bars and lounges.
  • The 4th Meraviglia-class vessel will be called MSC Virtuosa, which had its steel cutting ceremony on 14th June 2018 and is set to sail in two years’ time.
  • The 5th and most recently announced and still unnamed vessel is set to debut in 2023 and will measure 183,500 gross tons, which will make it the largest MSC cruise vessel, and the fifth largest in the world.

We are especially interested in this newly announced ship, which was announced last month at the Saint-Nazaire shipyard in STX France.

Speaking before opening the valves to flood the dry dock where MSC Bellissima has been assembled, Pierfrancesco Vago, MSC Cruises’ Executive Chairman, said: “With the announcement of yet another new vessel, the 13th under our 10-year investment plan, we are affirming our commitment to sustainable growth for our Company. I say this while three more next-generation MSC Cruises are now simultaneously under construction.

Mr Vago added, “Our fifth Meraviglia class cruise ship will bring a new generation of cutting-edge environmental technology to the market, benefiting from a new generation of LNG-powered engines. This will help us further reduce our environmental footprint and advance in our journey of constant improvement. She will be joined at sea by up to four World Class LNG-powered ships, as part of our overall commitment to environmental stewardship through this and other next-generation technologies and solutions deployed fleet-wide.”

Why We Love the 5th Meraviglia-class Vessel Already

We love seeing cruise lines doing their bit for the environment and this ship will feature lots more in terms of innovative environmental technologies.  One of the biggest challenges cruise ships face is how to deal with their wastewater.  Environmental supporters will be happy to know that she has an advanced wastewater treatment system compliant with the world’s most stringent regulatory standards.

This vessel will also be equipped with a new generation of dual-fuel engines designed to run on liquefied natural gas, which has less of an impact on the environment and has severely limits sulphur emissions.

Red Hot Cruise Nation MSC Cruise Deals

If all this talk of MSC Cruises has put you in the mood to try one, we have some fantastic deals coming up.

How about a Six-night cruise onboard the MSC Divina, departing 28th Mar 2019 and visiting Valencia, Marseille, and Genoa. This once in a lifetime trip includes a free four night stay in Valencia and inclusive flights.  This cruise was £549 but is now on sale for just £349 – what a bargain!

Or a romantic cruise aboard the MSC Lirica – where you’ll spend six nights visiting Venice, Zadar, Kotor, Ravenna and disembarking Venice, departing 2nd April 2019.  Start off with two free nights in the picturesque ‘Floating City’ of Venice, with very affordable upgrades to Oceanview or a luxurious Suite.  Book today and save an incredible £220 off, it was £699 and is now available for £479. Return flights included.

Last, but definitely not least is a Nine-night cruise aboard the MSC Divina, departing on the 4th of April 2019, visiting Genoa, Civitavecchia (Rome), Palermo, Cagliari, Palma and Valencia. You will get a free two night stay in Genoa AS WELL as a fantastic complimentary two-night hotel stay in the breath-taking city of Valencia.  This is the biggest deal of the three – you can save an enormous £400 as it was £999 and is now selling for £599.

Bon Voyage!