MSC Cruises orders 2 of the largest ships EVER

Jason · November 19, 2005

MSC Cruises of Naples, Italy, said Monday it has signed a contract with a French shipyard to build two new luxury liners that will be among the industry's biggest when completed in 2008 and 2009.

Each of the new ships will cost about $600 million, carry 3,300 passengers, and measure 1,092 feet long, too big to fit through the Panama Canal.

MSC has a U.S. office based in Fort Lauderdale, where it offers cruises on two ships, the Lirica and Opera, during the winter. Richard Sasso, president of MSC Cruises USA, said he expects the newest ships, to be called Fantasia and Serenata, will eventually sail out of Florida, though itineraries have not yet been set.

MSC Cruises already has two ships under construction, one of which, the Musica, is set to begin sailing from Port Everglades in late 2006. MSC Cruises currently operates seven ships.

JoeyandDavid · November 19, 2005

We have looked from afar at MSC for a few months now, I have liked what I had observed up to now. The fact that they are building ships that will hold 3000/ to 3500 guests tells me they are coming to the big boyÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s game.

I personally, prefer to book us on smaller vessels when cruising. While many of MSC fleet are in the range of size we prefer. The two new French built ships will be an interesting alternative to Carnival brand thinking; that so many mainstream cruisers prefer, (jmo).hopefully MSC still will be able to offer a flavor of large vessel sailing and maintain all the charm I have been hearing about.

We are definitely looking at MSC as a possible 07 vacation, maybe back to Europe, or South America. There are always options!

:cool:

Mebert · November 19, 2005

MSC may be an interesting alternative. Their prices seem reasonable too. I'll definitely keep an eye on them.

Dan · November 19, 2005

I'll be keeping on eye on them for something new later on too. One of our former TA's had a group cruise on them a few years ago, when they were stll just called Mediterranean Shipping Co.

I don't know that the fact these new ships are French built means much though. The Island/Coral Princesses, the Celebrity Millenium class, and the Queen Mary 2 were also built at this yard. I think it has more to do with the creative minds at the cruise line, not the yard they are built at.