MSC Cruises orders two newbuilds at Fincantieri

MAY 22, 2014 — MSC Cruises has signed a contract with Fincantieri for the construction of two 5,300 passenger cruise ships, with an option for a third. The ships carry a price tag of EUR 700 million each and will be the largest cruise ships ever built by the Italian shipbuilding giant.

They are being funded with support from insurance and financing institution SACE, which is owned by CDP, the same Italian state enterprise that currently owns Fincantieri — though a Fincantieri IPO is in the works.

With a length of 323 m, a width of 41 m and a height of 70 m, the 154,000 gt ships and will each accommodate up to 5,300 passengers plus 1,413 crew members. They will have 2,070 guest cabins, 759 crew cabins, and will have 43,500 sq. m of public areas available

MSC Cruises and Fincantieri say these new “Seaside” ships will “lead the way for a new generation of cruise ships that will be completely different from an architectural point of view.”

“From the moment we started talking with Fincantieri, we had in mind to design and build two completely new ships, revolutionary in their structure, unlike anything that exists on the market today” said Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises. “Seaside is a futuristic prototype because of its structure, shape and versatility. Working closely with Fincantieri we are getting ready for the new and compelling challenge that the construction of these ships represents. It will be a real revolution in the world’s cruise market, an excellent product for its unique and innovative architectural features and cutting-edge technology.”

Features of the ships include a sea-level promenade that runs around the sides of the ship with outdoor spaces, shops and restaurants. In addition, Seaside will also feature a spacious theater, a terraced balcony and panoramic elevators with sea views.

Numerous technological innovations will reduce fuel consumption by 25% and advanced safety systems will exceed what is required by international regulation.

“Today, MSC Cruises adds the last piece to its new industrial plan that will allow us to double the capacity of our fleet by 2022. With the arrival of the new ships we will reach a capacity of about 80,000 passengers a day” said Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises. “As of today we have launched an investment plan of over EUR 5 billion that includes newbuilds, ordered in Italy and France, and the conversion of four ships already in the fleet.”