MSC Cruises has revealed the name of its next cruise ship, MSC Seascape, during a traditional coin laying ceremony for the second Seaside EVO-class cruise ship.

The coin laying ceremony for MSC Seascape took place at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, which marks the laying of the ship’s keel and the beginning of assembly.

MSC Seascape will be slightly larger than the existing Seaside-class ships (MSC Seaview pictured)

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Long-standing MSC Cruises and Fincantieri employees Monica Somma and Jolette Vincenzi were named the ship’s godmothers for the maritime ritual of placing two coins inside the keel of the ship.

A coin laying ceremony, which takes place concurrently to the keel laying, is a historical sign of blessing and good fortune for the construction of the ship and her future life at sea.

Godmothers Jolette Vincenzi and Monica Somma

Monica Somma is Category Manager for Retail at MSC Cruises, while Jolette Vincenzi is Production Supervisor for Fincantieri.

Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman, MSC Cruises said the begining of assembly of MSC Seascape was a symbol of the cruise line’s confidence in the cruise industry and the future of travel and tourism.

“As a family-owned business, we can plan for the long term and make these commitments despite the challenging context we all face in the short term,” he said.

Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman, MSC Cruises (centre)

“When she joins our fleet, MSC Seascape will generate a meaningful economic impact not only for the shipbuilding industry and its entire supply chain, but for all the ports and destinations that she reaches,” he added.

Vago said this would strengthen coastal tourism and support the vital economic recovery of local communities.

Green technology aboard MSC Seascape

All four of the ship’s engines will feature selective catalytic reduction systems to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 90 percent by converting the gas into harmless nitrogen and water and hybrid exhaust gas cleaning systems to removes 98 percent of sulfur oxide from ship emissions.

The ship’s advanced wastewater treatment systems will have purification standards that are higher than most wastewater treatment facilities on land, and advanced waste management systems and ballast water treatment systems approved by the United States Coast Guard.

She’ll also feature the latest-technology systems for the prevention of oil discharges from machinery spaces and various effective energy-efficiency improvements – from heat recovery systems to LED lighting, as well as an underwater radiated noise management system to reduce the potential effects on marine mammals. 

MSC Seascape is a further evolution of the ground-breaking Seaside class, the second ship in the Seaside EVO class, which are an enhanced version of the platform, with a variety of brand-new features, spaces and experiences for guests.

MSC Seascape will join MSC Seashore, which was the first of the Seaside EVO-class cruise ships, while MSC Seaside and MSC Seaview were the first two Seaside-class vessels.

MSC Seascape will feature 13,000 square metres of outdoor space, with 11 dining venues, and 19 bars and lounges with plenty of options for dining and drinking alfresco. The ship will also debut a new RoboCoaster concept.

MSC Seaview Panorama Pool Deck

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She’ll feature the popular stern infinity pool on the promenade, as well as a further five swimming pools up top, along with a waterpark, zipline and the glass-floored Bridge of Sighs on deck 16.

Around 65 percent of MSC Seascape’s public spaces have been re-imagined, enhancing the guest experience and offering guests different venues and locations to connect with the sea, while her MSC Yacht Club will be the largest and most luxurious in MSC Cruises’ fleet, with almost 3,000 sqm of space with sweeping ocean views from the foredecks of the ship.

A 540-metre waterfront promenade will circle the ship

The ship will feature popular aft suites among the 2,270 cabins and 12 stateroom categories, while many of her balcony cabins will overlook the 540-metre-long waterfront promenade that was first introduced by the Seaside-class.

MSC Seascape is one of four vessels currently under construction as part of MSC Cruises’ long-term growth plans, joining MSC World Europa, which will cruise in the Middle East when she’s launched, MSC Seashore, which is due for delivery in 2021 and Explora 1, the cruise line’s first luxury cruise ship.

A further seven cruise ships are on order for the cruise line, with deliveries between 2023 and 2027.

MSC Seascape is due to enter service in November, 2022. The 169,400-gross ton ship will be able to accommodate 5,877 guests and will feature a host of environmentally friendly tech, such as emissions reduction and wastewater treatment systems.