MSC Grandiosa is nearly here
In less than six months, MSC Grandiosa will be christened in the Port of Hamburg. The 6,300-passenger ship will become the largest ship in the MSC Cruises’ fleet and the first of the Meraviglia-Plus class of ships which feature larger tonnage and guest capacity than the first two Meraviglia ships – MSC Meraviglia and MSC Bellissima. She will also become the fifth ship to enter MSC Cruises’ fleet in just two and a half years. As part of MSC Cruises’ fleet expansion plan, the Company is due to take delivery of another 12 next-generation cruise ships by 2027.
Highlights of the new titan include: The iconic Mediterranean Promenade which will be the heart of the ship. Under the 323-ft-long LED sky, guests can enjoy a varied entertainment programme as well as being able to indulge in world class food and drink. MSC Grandiosa also takes the onboard shopping experience to a new level with the indoor promenade offering mall-style boutiques, where guests will find various brands of clothing, jewellery, technology and more, all at unbeatable prices.
The speciality restaurants located in the promenade include the new restaurant concept L'Atelier Bistrot, a French-inspired bar with lounge area, which also offers a stage and dance floor as well as a seated terrace. The entertainment highlight will be two brand new shows from Cirque du Soleil at Sea. The shows are created by world-leader in live entertainment, Cirque du Soleil as part of a unique long-term partnership with MSC Cruises.
MSC Grandiosa will feature the world’s first virtual personal cruise assistant, ZOE. This artificial intelligence guest service will answer guest’s questions in the comfort of their cabin; alongside a ground-breaking feature of the connected cruise experience, ‘MSC for Me’. Designed as a ship for all seasons; MSC Grandiosa will spend winter months in the Mediterranean. This is the ideal time of year to discover some of the top destinations throughout Italy, France and Spain without the crowds.
Elegant simplicity is the byword for the interior décor aboard MSC vessels. Extensive use of marble, brass, and wood reflects the best of Italian styling and design; clean lines and bold colours set a modern sophisticated tone.
MSC has seemingly arrived from out of nowhere to become the fourth largest cruise line in the world – with modern ships offering Italian-style cruising. It has however spent 50 years working towards this ‘overnight success’. It is now the largest privately owned cruise line with a fleet of eye-catching vessels that can been seen in ports ranging from Northern Europe, the Caribbean, Canada/New England, South America, the Indian Ocean, South and West Africa as well as transatlantic voyages.
- 22nd July 2019
Gary Buchanan
Edinburgh-born Gary Buchanan has been a travel writer for over 30 years. He has been a specialist cruise writer for 25 years contributing to leading British publications including national newspapers and consumer magazines. He is the author of five books about cruising and spends over seven months every year at sea sailing the world’s oceans.