MSC Cruises officially named its newest ship, MSC Seascape, in a traditional maritime ceremony at New York City’s Manhattan Cruise Terminal.
Listen to this articleOn the evening of December 7th, 2022, MSC Cruises—the world’s third-largest and fastest-growing cruise brand—christened the new MSC Seascape in front of over 3000 VIP guests.
The fleet’s newest ship was named at Manhattan Cruise Terminal, in recognition of MSC’s newest homeport, New York City.
MSC Seascape’s naming ceremony
Movie icon Sophia Loren, godmother of the MSC Cruises fleet, gave a virtual blessing to the new ship, while Alexa Aponte-Vago, daughter of MSC Group’s founder and executive chairman Gianluigi Aponte, performed the traditional ribbon cutting to officially name the ship.
Related: What Is a Cruise Ship Godmother (or Godfather)?
Loren shared her wishes for the ship’s good luck, commenting “One of the highlights of the past twenty years has been to officiate the christening of MSC Cruises fleet not only because the Apontes have become like family to me but also because MSC has always occupied a special place in my heart. Let me bless the MSC Seascape, her great crew, and all her passengers.”
A ceremony highlight was a performance from singer-songwriter Matteo Bocelli, once again singing for MSC’s special guests—Bocelli also performed at the naming ceremony for MSC World Europa last month in Doha, Qatar.
Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed a gourmet gala dinner followed by a performance by Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Ne-Yo.
MSC Seascape became the 21st ship in the MSC Cruises fleet and the second ship to be launched by the cruise line in the past month. She will be followed by the cruise line’s second LNG-powered vessel, MSC Euribia, which is scheduled to begin service in June 2023.
About MSC Seascape
MSC Seascape features 2,270 cabins with twelve different types of staterooms and suites. The ship offers eleven dining venues as well as nineteen bars and lounges. Six swimming pools are onboard, including an aft infinity pool.
Seascape boasts an expansive waterfront promenade, a Bridge of Sighs on deck 16 with a breathtaking ocean view, and one of the most luxurious Yacht Clubs in the entire fleet.
Guests sailing on MSC Seascape will enjoy 98 hours of live entertainment per cruise and cutting-edge amusement options. ROBOTRON, a thrilling amusement ride, makes its at-sea debut on the new ship.
MSC Seascape also has the latest environmental technologies, including wastewater treatment systems with purification standards higher than most wastewater treatment facilities on land. Selective catalytic reduction systems will reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 90 percent by converting the gas into harmless nitrogen and water.
Rubén A. Rodríguez, President of MSC Cruises USA remarked, “As 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,” Rodríguez continued.
What’s next for MSC Seascape
MSC Seascape will depart New York on December 8th bound for her new homeport of Miami, where she will begin sailing to the Caribbean and the Bahamas for her inaugural season. The new flagship for the United States will offer two itineraries:
Eastern Caribbean
- Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve
- Nassau, Bahamas
- San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.
Western Caribbean
- Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve
- Cozumel, Mexico
- George Town, Cayman Islands
- Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Are you planning to sail on the new MSC Seascape? Which itinerary did you choose—eastern or western Caribbean? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below!
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