MSC Cruises has taken delivery of MSC Virtuosa, the latest highly-innovative, environmentally-conscious ship to join its fleet.
As tradition calls, a small and private flag ceremony was held at Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint Nazaire, France between the shipyard and MSC Cruises where MSC Virtuosa received her official flag and blessings for good fortune. The ceremony was attended in person by the cruise line’s executive chairman Pierfrancesco Vago, his wife Alexa Aponte-Vago and their children as well as representatives from MSC Cruises new builds team along with executives and workers from the shipyard.
The Meraviglia generation ships to which ships like MSC Virtuosa belong are characterised by the iconic 101-metre-long promenade with a stunning LED sky dome as the social heart of the ship. The two-deck space is lined with boutiques, restaurants and bars – it is the ideal place to enjoy your stay whilst shopping, eating and relaxing. And in the evening, it comes alive with music, entertainment and more.
2021 will see two the launch of two new MSC Cruises next-generation ships – the second one being MSC Seashore – bringing the fleet total to 19, with a further four to be launched by 2025. MSC Virtuosa and MSC Seashore, which will come into service in August 2021, will offer the very latest in environmental technology, cutting-edge guest technology and a whole range of new experiences and features. Every ship that MSC Cruises builds is different from the last, and these ships are no exception as these ships represent a further evolution of their original prototype, allowing for more public areas, more cabins, new bars and restaurants and more.
MSC Virtuosa represents another important step in the direction of a zero-impact cruise operation. Virtuosa features some of the most advanced technology currently available, including: hybrid exhaust gas cleaning systems (EGCS) and cutting-edge selective catalytic reduction systems (SCR); wastewater treatment systems in line with the International Maritime Organization’s MEPC 227(64) Resolution; shore-to-ship power connectivity; as well as, underwater radiated noise management system, with hull and engine room designs that minimise acoustic sound impact, reducing their potential effects on marine fauna, amongst other.
MSC Virtuosa is also the first cruise ship in the world to be able to mitigate and manage infectious disease risk for passengers.
The company’s new flagship will come into service for the summer season from 16 April, with four cruises in the Mediterranean of 3-,-4- and 10-nights before the ship moves to her new homeport of Kiel, where she will commence her Northern Europe itineraries from 8 May.