MONFALCONE — MSC Cruises has taken delivery of its new flagship, the MSC Seascape.

Shipowner and founder and executive chairman of MSC Group, Gianluigi Aponte, was on hand for the ceremony. Also present were Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises, Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO of Fincantieri, as well as other regional and local authorities, dignitaries, travel advisor partners and media.

During the ceremony, which pays tribute to centuries-old maritime traditions, Cristiano Bazzara, Fincantieri’s shipyard director, presented to Captain Roberto Leotta, Master of MSC Seascape, an ampoule containing the water that first touched the hull when the ship was floated out earlier this year.

MSC Cruises CEO Gianni Onorato said: “MSC Seascape is the second ship to come into service this year, bringing our modern fleet to 21 ships. We are proud to welcome her to our fleet as she is the second Seaside EVO ship and completes the innovative Seaside class. MSC Seascape aims to connect guests with the sea, she offers a wealth of outdoor spaces allowing guests to enjoy the beautiful scenery of The Caribbean, where she will spend her inaugural season. The ship’s distinctive design with nearly 13,000 square metres of outdoor space and an expansive waterfront promenade, invites guests to enjoy their escape to The Caribbean and disconnect.”

Following a naming ceremony in New York City on Dec. 7, MSC Seascape will sail to Miami for an inaugural season in the Caribbean.

MSC Seascape will be the second Seaside EVO class ship to enter MSC Cruises’ fleet, and the fourth in the line’s Seaside class.

MSC Seascape will offer two different seven-night itineraries in the Caribbean.

On Eastern Caribbean itineraries, the ship will call at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, Nassau, San Juan and Puerto Plata

On Western Caribbean itineraries, the ship will call at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, Cozumel, George Town and Ocho Rios.

Here’s a look at some of MSC Seascape’s highlights …

• Close to 13,000 square metres of outdoor space
• Technologically advanced onboard entertainment options, including the new ROBOTRON rollercoaster at sea complete with personalized DJ music experience
• Six new productions and 98 hours of exclusive onboard entertainment featuring interactive elements
• 700 square metres of dedicated kids’ space and amusement options, with newly designed spaces for kids up to age 17
• 2,270 cabins, featuring 12 different kinds of suites and staterooms with balconies
• 11 dining venues, 19 bars and lounges, with many options for al fresco dining and drinking
• Six swimming pools, including an aft infinity pool with ocean views
• The largest and most luxurious MSC Yacht Club in MSC Cruises’ fleet, with 32,000 square feet of space
• A 1,772-foot-long waterfront promenade
• A glass-floored Bridge of Sighs at deck 16
• The latest environmental technologies