Launching sometime during 2022 and 2026, MSC Cruises has an environmentally-friendly cruise ship in the works which will be able to contain up to 6,850 passengers, an astounding amount.
Although only one computer-generated imagery of the exterior has been distributed, and no further details regarding on-board facilities have been released, MSC has said passengers can “expect the unexpected”. MSC’s flagship, Meraviglia, was launched on June 3rd, 2017 and consists of two levels of motley stores, restaurants and bars.
Italian actress Sophia Loren lofted Meraviglia, as the idea of having exquisite, authentic dining options in 12 distinct venues was close to her heart. Another vessel launching in 2019 will carry artworks from the Louvre and Prado on loan, in order to provide a more sophisticated experience for the on board travelers.
This 1,082 feet long, 154 feet wide ship with be powered by Liquefied Natural Gas, a clean-burning fossil fuel, a gross tonnage of about 200,000 GT and a new-generation waste-water treatment plants. The plans for this particular World Class ship fashioned a promise for a greener vacation option, without having to compromise on comfort or luxury. The future seems so bright, four ships of this same model are on the docket.
“My dream is to build ships with zero impact on the environment,” said executive chairman Pierfrancesco Vago.
Still unnamed, the design for this ship model will be similar to the Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class ships, including inward cabins with extravagant balconies and other features, yet will probably not consist of the Central Park area and Boardwalk. Size-wise, this model wins by a landslide every other cruise ship available to mankind. The ecological benefits are undeniable, and if financially successful, this ship may be the beginning of a greener era.
The cruise ship field is a highly competitive one, each attempting to provide its customers with the best experience, integrating style, comfort, luxury and entertainment. For example, Le Lapérouse, a new ship from French cruise line Ponant next year, will have a lounge with portholes in its hull and hydrophones beneath the keel so passengers can see and hear life beneath the waves. P&O Cruises is building an LNG-powered ship with a glass entertainment dome and a half-mile outdoor promenade with alfresco restaurants.
In the meantime, all we have left to do is sit back and wait for the most palatial, sumptuous cruise ship to drift our way, guaranteeing a vacation to remember for many years to come.