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MSC Enters Megaship Market – How does it weigh up?

Today MSC confirmed some huge news, in both size and scope – two brand new ships are being constructed for MSC and the measurements are impressive enough to really shake the competition!

The two ships will cost MSC €700 million each – hardly small change! The announcement was made today in a Press Release and listed a whole host of impressive details…

First off, the working name for the prototype is ‘Seaside’ and the vessels will be the largest ever built by the reputable Italian shipyard Fincantieri and will apparently feature a ground-breaking architectural style which MSC claims will pave the way for a new generation of cruise ships.

The first ship is due to be delivered to in November 2017 with the second arriving May 2018.

MSC’s Executive Chairman, Pierfrancesco Vago, is delighted with the progress of ‘Seaside’;

“From the moment we started talking with Fincantieri, we had in mind to design and build two completely new ships, revolutionary in their structure, unlike anything that exists on the market today.

“Seaside is a futuristic prototype because of its structure, shape and versatility. We are getting ready for the new and compelling challenge that the construction of these ships represents. It will be a real revolution in the world’s cruise market, an excellent product for its unique and innovative architectural features and cutting-edge technology.”

So it’s simple to see MSC are stepping up their game, but how does it compare? Most people are aware that some of the biggest ships on the ocean are Royal Caribbean’s Oasis class, (Oasis and Allure) but could MSC really be a contender for biggest ship on the ocean?

To find the answer we’ve decided to compare MSC’s ‘Seaside’ to Allure of the Seas, Royal Caribbean’s most impressive ship;

‘Seaside’ VS Allure ‘Seaside’ Allure of the Seas
Gross Tonnage 154,000 tons 225,282 tons
Length 323 metres 362 metres
Width 41 metres   47 metres
Height 70 metres 72 metres
Number of Passengers 5,300    5,400
Crew members 2,070    2,384

The results are clear; Royal Caribbean still have a firm hold over the heavyweight cruising title belt, but it’s never over! Eventually even the Oasis-class titans will meet their match…

But bigger definitely doesn’t mean better! We’re all excited to see new ships roaring across the waves, but how tempted are you to cruise on them? Do the larger measurements of Allure seem more attractive, or does MSC’s promise of a futuristic vessel have you salivating?

Have your say – tell us what you think now!

Bulletin Editor

Editor and Creative Copywriter of Cruise.co.uk's bulletin blog, bringing you cruise news, tips and guides daily! - Contact: [email protected]

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