What’s on the horizon for MSC?

MSC seem to be one of the fastest growing cruise lines around right now. They are currently operating a fleet of 12 ships, but plan to double its fleets capacity by 2022.

They have 2 new-build ships currently being assembled in Italy’s Fincanteri shipyard – the biggest that this shipyard has ever built. These vessels, code-named Project Seaside are scheduled for delivery in November 2017 and May 2018, costing around £562,000,000 each to build.

Due to the ships large width there will space for large,open public areas inside, covering a massive 43,500 square feet. They will also feature a sea-level promenade at the stern with  a large pool & sunbathing area as well as shops, bars & restaurants. This area will be shielded by wind deflectors, making it comfortable to enjoy the outside space without having to battle strong winds on sea days.

There are a further 2 new ships in the pipeline. Details on these vessels at the moment are minimal, however what we do know is they will be big – very big! They are set to match the size of Royal Caribbeans mega-ships Oasis & Allure of the seas with a maximum capacity of over 5,700 passengers.

 Features of these ships will include a large amusement park which will connect to an outdoor waterpark plus a two-deck inside promenade. Now I’m not saying that they are copying, but  don’t those features sound very similar to those on the newer Royal Caribbean ships?

On top of the 4 new-build ships, MSC are also increasing capacity by taking the 4 Lirica class ships (Lirica, Armonia, Opera & Sinfonia) and having them stretched. For those of you that have not seen this process the ships are quite simply cut in half then an extra middle section is inserted before welding the ship back together. (see picture below).

After being stretched, these ships will have up to 200 new cabins added plus a ‘spray park’ featuring water cannons & a lazy river. New shopping areas plus extra crew cabins will also be added during the expansions.

So how are MSC planning to fill all this extra capacity?

Nobody can deny that this cruise line offers some of the cheapest, bargain basement prices around & with even more capacity to sell this must surely continue. Their offerings include cruises under £400, free drinks, free flights, free parking, free gratuities & of course free kids places up to the age of  17.

MSC are hoping to more than treble the number of UK passengers from 60,000 to 200,000 by 2017. To achieve this target they are planning to have a ship based in the UK within the next 3 years. For 2015 they have put dedicated charter flights on from the UK to Venice & Genoa, where there will be 6 ships based. They have also increased their flight capacity from the UK to Dubai & the Caribbean for their Winter sailings. It all sounds promising -especially if you live in the Southern part of the UK, however it’s very frustrating for those of us that live ‘Up North’ as some of the best deals out of Genoa are not very attractive when you have to travel down to London, usually the night before to get the flight. It’s inconvenient & expensive.

But with great value holidays which look to be becoming more accessible to UK cruisers it looks like more of us will be sampling Mediterranean style sailings with MSC in the near future. I have never sailed with MSC and am keen to sample their on board experience, so I for one will be keeping my eye out for an MSC bargain within the next 12 months.

Anyone else coming along???