The first of MSC’s next generation of smart ships was on show for the very first time on Friday during a 12-hour operation at a float out dry dock in France.
Named the Meraviglia, it’s one of the largest cruise ships with space for up to 5,714 passengers on board. It doesn’t quite take the title from Harmony of the Seas though, who has space for 1,000 more passengers.
The ship is due to launch in June 2017 and bookings are already open and going strong. The first voyage will be a 7-night Mediterranean cruise from Marseille and is guaranteed to be a firm favourite for cruisers.
The Meraviglia will feature state of the art technology and be rich with entertainment options. One of the features MSC has revealed is a giant LED screen that will cover the ceiling of the inside promenade showing a digital sky, so at nightfall expect to be dazzled by a blanket of stars whilst you shop and dine!
There are 12 dining venues on board including cuisine from Europe, America and Asia.
For the kids there will be an amusement park and children’s area on deck, a DOREMI tech lab allowing kids to get their hands on the latest technology. Not to mention a brand new Aqua Park on board featuring three amazing waterslides.
Due to the partnership with electronics brand Samsung, guests can expect high tech features unlike any they’ve seen before. Including an augmented reality device designed to show customers what they look like in clothes before they purchase them, smart bracelets to purchase items and to keep track of your children.
If you’re worried that all these fancy new features would take away from the experience of being at sea, don’t worry! Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of MSC Cruises reported this wasn’t the case: “We’re turning the idea of ‘turning it all off’ on its head and enabling our guests to use technology to enhance their life onboard by helping them to better plan their cruise and get the most out of their holiday.”
The Meraviglia is the first of 11 ships to launch between 2017 and 2026, so expect to see more exciting ships from the cruise line in the coming years.
Watch the float out ceremony here:
What do you think? Are you excited about the new features with MSC cruises? Are you interested in a high tech voyage? Let us know in the comments below!
