MSC Cruises And Fincantieri Cut The First Steel Of The Groundbreaking And Bold Next Generation Cruise Ship MSC Seaside

MSC SEASIDE, "THE SHIP THAT FOLLOWS THE SUN," WILL OFFER YEAR-ROUND CRUISES FROM MIAMI STARTING IN DECEMBER 2017

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Jun 22, 2015, 12:04 ET

MONFALCONE, Italy, June 22, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- MSC Cruises, the world's largest privately-owned global cruise line based in Geneva, and industry-leading shipyard Fincantieri, today cut the first steel for its next generation cruise ship named MSC Seaside.

In a ceremony held at Fincantieri's shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, MSC Cruises' Executive Chairman Pierfrancesco Vago and Chief Executive Officer, Gianni Onorato, along with Fincantieri's Chief Executive Officer, Giuseppe Bono, launched the cutting of the first steel of MSC Seaside.

The groundbreaking next generation cruise ship, MSC Seaside, set to debut in December 2017 with year-round cruises from Miami to the Caribbean, will be the first MSC Cruises ship to head straight from the shipyard to the U.S.

MSC Cruises' Executive Chairman Pierfrancesco Vago said: "Today, we have witnessed the beginning of the work on an extraordinary new ship, MSC Seaside. It is a ship that revolutionizes industry standards, with an audacious and innovative design that brings guests and sea closer. It is also a testament to MSC Cruises' constant focus on innovation, as it is the fifth prototype ship we've designed."

Vago added, "Moreover, MSC Seaside represents a key pillar in a $5.8 billion, seven-ship investment plan that will double our capacity by 2022. It also steps up our investment in Italy and marks our return to a partnership with Fincantieri, which is something that makes me particularly proud. In fact, the building of the new Seaside ships as well as our other current project with Fincantieri – the $225 million Renaissance Program – are just one example of how a global organization like MSC, of which MSC Cruises is part, plays a key role in the Italian economy."

Giuseppe Bono, CEO of Fincantieri, said: "This ceremony is unique for our Group and the Monfalcone shipyard. MSC Seaside will be the largest ship ever built in our shipyards, as well as the first we have ever constructed for MSC Cruises, whose strength - like ours - lies in being a truly global player in its industry. In MSC Seaside we have developed a brand new and highly ambitious project, and we look forward to building it. In two years we will celebrate with MSC Cruises a magnificent ship of which we will all be deeply proud."

MSC Seaside will be based year-round in Miami and will sail a wide range of highly appealing Caribbean itineraries. In addition, MSC Cruises' Miami-based cruise operations – which also includes the stunning MSC Divina, which will sail year-round from Miami starting November 2015 - will benefit from a newly renovated and expanded dedicated berth and terminal at PortMiami, signifying the company's strong ambitions in the North American market and commitment to providing guests with best-in-class service.

Gianni Onorato, MSC Cruises CEO said: "For MSC Seaside, we chose a name that speaks of our vision for cruising in warm weather locations, the proximity with the sea, the joy of traveling, and discovering the wonders of sunny climates in a unique setting. We also call it 'the ship that follows the sun' and it will offer a truly remarkable experience for families, sun worshippers and adventurers."

"In addition, MSC Seaside will spearhead our campaign to expand our presence in North America. MSC Cruises has the unique opportunity to provide North American guests with an outstanding 'Mediterranean Style Cruise' experience, and guests from around the world a unique setting as it will sail to the most sought-after destinations in the Caribbean."

With a gross tonnage of 154,000 tons and the ability to accommodate up to 4,140 guests at double capacity, this new cruise ship will be the largest ever built by Fincantieri. The ship is set to arrive in Miami in December 2017, where she will also be christened, marking the first time an MSC Cruises' ship is christened in the US. Sales for cruises on MSC Seaside will start approximately two years ahead of its inaugural season, to reflect the high demand for this unique product.

Large, spacious and designed for the utmost comfort, MSC Seaside will benefit from a bold design and leading-edge technology while boasting a 360 degree seafront promenade. In addition, the ship will be characterized by the most interactive and originally-designed aqua park at sea with five water slides and attractions for all ages.

The ship will feature open modular connected staterooms – convertible staterooms that can accommodate up to 10 people – for families and groups, as well as luxury suites with private Jacuzzis and hanging gardens. MSC Seaside will also boast an enhanced MSC Yacht Club with private solarium, lounge and pool. The public spaces of the ship will feature breathtaking views with a two-deck glass-walled atrium and panoramic exterior elevators. This ship will set a new standard in cruise vacations by seamlessly blending wide family offerings with distinct elegance, with a wide choice of indoor/outdoor dining and bars and beautifully designed entertainment spaces.

MSC Seaside is the first of two identical ships on order from Fincantieri, the second of which will enter in to service in 2018. In addition, MSC Cruises has an option for an additional Seaside generation ship to be delivered by 2021.

MSC Seaside and her sister ship will set new standards for eco-friendliness, featuring Advanced Water Treatment (AWT) systems to remove pollutants and hazardous substances from waste water; garbage treatment plants for highly efficient solid waste management; scrubbers to reduce emissions; antifouling paints; and optimized hull lines, propellers and rudders to reduce drag and fuel consumption. In addition, the ships will have LED lighting, meaning lower energy demand and significantly lower fuel consumption, as well as advanced heat recovery plants to feed fresh water, laundry, swimming pools and hot water. The ship is fully compliant with the Safe Return to Port requirement.

The company, which grew by 800 percent since 2004, carried 1.67 million guests in 2014 and reported strong financial results with a turnover of $1.7 billion. In addition, MSC Cruises is forecasting an additional 10 percent growth for 2015.

MSC MERAVIGLIA NEWS

In other news, two years ahead of its inaugural cruise, today marks the beginning of sales for cruises on MSC Meraviglia, MSC Cruises other next generation ship. Set to debut in the summer of 2017, MSC Meraviglia, MSC Cruises' most agile and innovative ship to-date, will have three major ports of embarkation during its inaugural summer season in the Mediterranean: Barcelona, Genoa and Marseille. To learn more about MSC Meraviglia and book, visit: http://www.msccruisesusa.com/us_en/Ships/MSC-Meraviglia.aspx

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IMAGES AND PRESENTATION BY CEO

Renderings of MSC Seaside as well as the presentation given by MSC Cruises' CEO Gianni Onorato at today's steel cutting ceremony can be downloaded at: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/bmwwelf54runv7y/AADCkAcsE8H8i7OJgBdBrZdCa?dl=0

All information believed to be accurate as of the date of issuance. It is the reader's responsibility to verify its continued accuracy, as all information is subject to change.

About MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises, part of the Mediterranean Shipping Company, is the market leader in the Mediterranean, South Africa and Brazil. It sails year-round in the Mediterranean and will sail year-round in the Caribbean starting November 2015. Its seasonal itineraries cover northern Europe, the Atlantic Ocean, French Antilles, South America, southern Africa, as well as the Emirates and Oman.

MSC Cruises has partnered with UNICEF since 2009, collecting more than $3.5 million from MSC guest donations for UNICEF initiatives. MSC Cruises was born in the Mediterranean, and draws inspiration from this heritage to create a unique experience for guests worldwide. Its fleet comprises 12 modern ships: MSC Preziosa; MSC Divina; MSC Splendida; MSC Fantasia; MSC Magnifica; MSC Poesia; MSC Orchestra; MSC Musica; MSC Sinfonia; MSC Armonia; MSC Opera and MSC Lirica. For more information, visit: www.msccruisesusa.com