MSC Cruises Opens Sales For Its First Next Generation Cruise Ship, MSC Meraviglia

SET TO DEBUT IN MAY 2017, MSC CRUISES' MOST INNOVATIVE SHIP TO DATE WILL SPEND ITS INAUGURAL SEASON IN THE MEDITERRANEAN

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MSC Cruises USA

Jun 22, 2015, 12:04 ET

GENEVA, June 22, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- MSC Cruises, the world's largest privately-owned global cruise line, announced that sales for the inaugural summer 2017 cruises of MSC Meraviglia, its first next generation cruise ship, are now open.

Sales of sought-out cruises on this ground-breaking 1033 foot-long ship will first open exclusively to MSC Club members, rewarding loyal guests across MSC Cruises' growing fleet. Then, on July 5, sales will open to the rest of the public.

To book a cruise on MSC Meraviglia and choose from 12 refined categories of staterooms and suites, visit: http://www.msccruisesusa.com/us_en/Ships/MSC-Meraviglia.aspx

Gianni Onorato, Chief Executive Officer of MSC Cruises, said: "The opening of sales marks yet another decisive milestone in MSC Cruises' expansion plan, especially as MSC Meraviglia's inaugural cruise will take place two years from now. MSC Meraviglia is a true maritime marvel and will be one of the greenest and safest ships in the industry, as well as one of the most technologically advanced. We are thrilled to offer our loyal MSC Club members the opportunity to be the very first to book their distinctive vacation experience so far in advance, demonstrating one more way in which we provide best-in-class service. The ship is perfect for cruising year-round in almost any destination around the world, in outstanding comfort and style. The demand we are seeing for our product demonstrates the eagerness with which MSC Meraviglia is awaited."

MSC Meraviglia will be the largest and most innovative cruise ship ever built by a global European-based cruise line. The cutting-edge, 4,500-guest (based on double occupancy), 167,600-ton ship — due to be delivered in May 2017—will spend her first summer sailing the western Mediterranean, and will be the first to have three major ports of embarkation: Genoa, Marseille and Barcelona.

MSC Meraviglia will be able to call at any cruise port in the world, providing North Americans the opportunity to sail to some of the best and most exciting destinations in the world.

MSC Meraviglia will be a ship full of cutting-edge technology and will feature a range of services ranging from 'Near Field Communication' technology to mobile applications and the use of smart devices throughout the ship, thus enabling guests to interact with the ship and the onboard community or select and plan their activities. This technology will also allow guests to make payments, access their staterooms or geo-locate children, friends and onboard locations using their cruise card or smartphone.

Another jaw-dropping feature, and an industry first, will be a 5,167-square-foot LED screen, which forms the entire ceiling of the ship's interior promenade. Like a digital sky, this LED image vault will beam out compelling images and vistas throughout the day – including highly impactful visual events – creating a variety of powerful atmospheres at all times.

Adding to the unique and innovative features of the ship, MSC Meraviglia will also have new categories of staterooms, with specially crafted Family and Super Family staterooms, duplex staterooms and an extended MSC Yacht Club, the wholly self-contained luxury area on the prestigious foredecks, which includes a vast solarium, private lounge and restaurant. MSC Meraviglia will be packed with extraordinary features that make it ideal for cruising year-round in any destination, including wide dining options and entertainment choices, stunning panoramic spaces, a large theatre and a spectacular amusement park linked to an outdoor aqua park, as well as a three-deck interior promenade.

Entertainment options will also be widely available throughout the day for all ages, including standout activities for families – with partnerships with global brands such as LEGO and Chicco that further exemplify the company's commitment to creating unforgettable vacations for parents and their children. The line also offers a rich program of varied and spectacular shows, impressive Broadway and Las Vegas-style theatrical performances, live music and dance-'til-dawn nightlife.

MSC Meraviglia is the first of two identical ships on order from STX France, the second of which will be entered in to service in 2019. In addition, MSC Cruises has options for two further Vista project ships to be delivered by 2022.

MSC SEASIDE NEWS

In other news, MSC Cruises today proceeded with the steel-cutting of the first of its other next generation of ships, MSC Seaside, during a ceremony held at Fincantieri's shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy. The ship is set to start sailing from Miami in December 2017, and will be the first MSC Cruises' ship to be christened in the US. 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. To learn more about MSC Seaside visit: http://www.msccruisesusa.com/us_en/Msc/MSC-Cruises-Seaside.aspx?ref=consumer

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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