Ultra-luxury MSC Cruises

FOUR new 1,000-passenger ships ordered by MSC Cruises last night (TD breaking news) will see the Italian brand enter the “ultraluxury” segment and continue the expansion of the line which now has 14 ships on order.

The move follows the success of the exclusive MSC Yacht Club enclave on board the line’s existing mega-ships, with the “ship-within-a-ship” luxury concept proving highly popular.

MSC Executive Chairman Pierfrancesco Vago said the order for the four new small ships was a natural evolution of the offering.

“These ships will be able to offer unique itineraries, thanks to their size, and the guest services will be taken to another level,” the MSC Chairman enthused.

Lynne Clarke, who heads up MSC in Australia and NZ, said entering the ultra-luxury segment was “yet another exciting development in our offering.

“Our future ultra-luxury ships will be as close as it comes to a private yacht experience.”

The new vessels, to be constructed by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, will have 500 cabins and gross tonnage of 64,000 GT.

The first will be delivered in the first half of 2023, with the remaining coming annually over the following three years.

Vago said the ships would feature the “best and latest environmental technology and other cutting-edge maritime solutions at sea.

“They will also showcase highly innovative design as well as introduce ground-breaking features for guest comfort and relaxation,” he promised.