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MSC Cruises exercises new ship option
MSC Cruises has exercised an option to build a fourth 2,500-passenger ship to be called MSC Magnifica at a cost of 500 million euros.
The decision will increase the company’s fleet to 12 ships by the beginning of 2010.
The 89,000-ton vessel will join sister ships MSC Musica, MSC Orchestra, which debuts in May, and MSC Poesia, scheduled for launch next year.
Eighty five per cent of the cabins will be outside accommodation and 65% of the total number of cabins will have balconies.
The Italian company will also take delivery of MSC Fantasia and MSC Serenata in 2008 and 2009, respectively.
CEO Pierfrancesco Vago said: “Since launching its massive expansion programme in 2003, MSC Cruises has become the leading European cruise company and the fastest-growing cruise line in the world.
“This announcement demonstrates the line’s commitment to be a dominant force in the international cruise market.
“The best of Italian design, innovative technology and engineering, the spacious public areas and the large number of staterooms with balconies make the MSC ‘Musica’ class ships ideally suited for the requirements of the worldwide cruise market while reconfirming the uniqueness of the MSC Cruises product.
“In only three years MSC Cruises has successfully designed three prototype vessels together with Aker Yards. This is quite unique in the industry, proving the professionalism of our young MSC Cruises team.”
Managing director UK & Ireland Claudia Baino said: “MSC’s massive ship building expansion confirms the company’s determination to increase further its presence in the UK market.”
by Phil Davies
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