MSC Seaside: New 'beach condo' style cruise ship unveiled by MSC Cruises
New renderings of the MSC Seaside, which will feature “revolutionary architecture” and “cutting-edge technology”, have been unveiled by the Italian cruise liner.
Inspired by a “beach condo” style design meant to bring guests “closer to the sea”, the new ship will offer an increased number of terraced balcony cabins, sea views and public areas, according to Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises.
MSC Seaside will feature a unique sea-level, open-air promenade that will wrap around the 323m-long ship. The promenade will offer 360-degree sea views as well as a host of shops, restaurants and a pool.
Guests can also stroll across three catwalks, including one on the top deck, which will have a glass floor.
The ship will also have a two-deck glass-walled atrium with panoramic lifts offering 360-degree views.
MSC Seaside open air promenade
The 4140-capacity passenger ship will offer modular cabins capable of accommodating up to 10 people. There will also be luxury suites complete with private Jacuzzis.
Passengers can also access two wellness cabins with fitness facilities as well as a yacht club featuring a private solarium, lounge, restaurant and pool.
Other high-tech elements include one of the cruise industry’s largest and most interactive water parks where passengers will be able to whoosh down a 112m-long “slideboarding” waterslide… whilst playing a computer game.
Most interactive aqua park at sea
The game requires riders to press the colour-coded buttons on their slideboard as and when they correspond to the colour of the strobe lights. The “smart” slide tracks your progress and gives you a score. Confused? So are we, but it sounds fun.
The cruise line is also reported to be working with Samsung to provide more advanced on-board features including: interactive photo walls; NFC (near field communication) bracelets that allow contactless, remote control of various on-board facilities and functions; and tracking cards that allow families to geo-locate their children.
Other entertainment options on board will include the “longest zip line on a cruise ship”, spanning 130m, a full-sized bowling alley, a theatre, a “5D cinema” and a dedicated children-only restaurant and play areas.
MSC Seaside will make its maiden voyage from Port Miami in December 2017, while an identical sister ship will be launched in May 2018. A third ship is expected to launch in 2021.
MSC Seaside’s year-round sailings in the Caribbean will include stops in the Bahamas, Mexico, Jamaica, Puerto Rico and the Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, the company’s 95-acre private island off the coast of the Bahamas.
Focused on “fine dining”, MSC Seaside will offer several luxury restaurants including a “world-class” steakhouse, the company claims, as well as 20 different bars.
MSC Seaside specialty restaurant and Fusion Sushi
SOURCE: Traveller
POSTED: May 4, 2016
