MSC and Fincantieri announced the construction of four luxury cruise ships.
Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC’s Cruises Division, said the company was entering a new segment that bears significant potential globally. "Our new luxury brand will deliver to this separate and fast-growing segment with super-yacht vessels and an experience to match that. Additionally, we are proud to partner again with Fincantieri for the development and construction of yet again another highly-innovative and exclusive class of ships.”
Giuseppe Bono, Fincantieri’s Chief Executive Officer, said they were proud to have achieved this in less than five months from the preliminary agreement.
All four vessels will have a gross tonnage of approximately 64,000 GT and will feature the latest maritime and environmental technologies available. Each equipped with 481 guest suites, they will also showcase a highly-innovative design and introduce ground-breaking options for guest comfort and relaxation.
This announcement follows the initial signing of a memorandum of agreement between the two parties in October 2018. The contracts, subject to shipowner financing, have a total value exceeding EUR 2 billion.
As per the terms of the agreement, the first of the four ships will be delivered by Spring 2023. The remaining three will come into service every year until 2026.
Since starting to work with Fincantieri, in 2014, MSC has also ordered four ships for its contemporary MSC Cruises brand, for a value of EUR 3.2 billion. The first two of these vessels, MSC Seaside and MSC Seaview, are already in service. The next two vessels will be delivered in 2021 and 2022, with MSC Seashore already under construction at Fincantieri’s yard in Monfalcone.