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Introducing Explora Journeys - a New Luxury Cruise Line From MSC Launching in 2023

The new cruise line aims to be a super-luxurious vacation option for people who never considered themselves cruisers.

Paul Brady is the news director at Travel + Leisure and the brand's expert on cruise travel. He has been covering the travel industry for more than 15 years for outlets including Condé Nast Traveler , Skift , and The Huffington Post .

Dig out your tuxedo and rustle up that passport. Details about the world's newest cruise line, Explora Journeys, were announced today, promising to take travelers to the far corners of the globe in luxurious style.

The new company aims to launch its first of four new ships in 2023, the Explora I, and send it to both iconic destinations like the South of France and Iceland as well as more off-the-beaten-path ports including Bozcaada, Turkey; Kastellorizo, Greece; and the Lofoten Islands of Norway.

"Explora Journeys will bring guests to lesser-traveled harbors to enjoy a more authentic experience and a slower pace of travel," the company says in a statement outlining its itineraries, which start at seven nights.

While the Explora Journeys brand is new, it has plenty of maritime heritage - centuries of it, in fact. The new line is part of MSC, the family-owned cruise and shipping giant that traces its legacy all the way back to 1675. Today, it's probably best known among travelers for its bigger, crowd pleasing ships like the MSC Meraviglia that will sail from Miami beginning in August .

But while Explora shares some seafaring DNA with its sister brand, its new ships will be something entirely above and beyond, the company says.

"Building a luxury brand that will redefine the cruise experience and create a category of its own has been a long-held vision of mine and my family," said Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of MSC Group.

A big part of that vision starts with the still-under-construction fleet of four similarly designed ships. Each will have 461 guest suites, all with private terraces; nine restaurants; a massive indoor-outdoor spa and fitness facility; four pools, including an indoor one with a retractable roof; and 64 private cabanas for day-long sunbathing sessions.

One thing notably absent from the ships? Any single-use plastic, which Explora says won't be stocked on board - or during shore excursions.

The ships will also have other technologies that aim to reduce the environmental impact of their operations including "provision for battery storage allowing future hybrid power generation." Vessels will also use up-to-the-second scrubbers to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions and shore power systems to reduce CO2 output.

While further details about dining, destinations, and - importantly - prices are still hush-hush, Explora is aiming to make a splash not just among cruisers but the travel industry as a whole, says Michael Ungerer, the cruise line's CEO.

"Explora Journeys will bring a new perspective to the travel industry [by] reinventing the classic cruise experience for the next generation of luxury travelers," Ungerer said.

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MSC World Europa preview: This giant new cruise ship will have 22 decks, 6 pools and a record-breaking slide

Have you heard the buzz about the giant new cruise ship under construction for MSC Cruises ? If not, you will soon.

Scheduled to debut in December, this massive new vessel named MSC World Europa is an astounding 22 decks high — four decks higher than Royal Caribbean 's Wonder of the Seas , the current size leader in the cruise world.

It's also 1,093 feet long, which is longer than any other MSC Cruises ship ever built.

Still, despite its great height and length, MSC World Europa won't quite top Wonder of the Seas as the world's biggest cruise ship. Wonder of the Seas and its four sister vessels — Oasis of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas and Symphony of the Seas — will remain the queens of the megaship world when measured by total interior space.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

After its debut, MSC World Europa will fall just behind them in the rankings of the world's largest cruise ships, at No. 6.

In all, MSC World Europa will measure about 205,000 tons — about 10% less than the five Royal Caribbean ships, known as the Oasis class . However, smaller is relative. At 205,000 tons, MSC World Europa still will be significantly bigger than any vessel currently operated by any line other than Royal Caribbean; this includes such cruising rivals as Carnival Cruise Line , Norwegian Cruise Line and Princess Cruises .

Like the Oasis-class ships, MSC World Europa will be able to hold nearly 7,000 passengers with all berths filled — 6,762 to be exact.

In other words, this is going to be one serious megaship.

Here's a preview of what to expect from MSC World Europa when it begins sailing later this year.

What's the layout of MSC World Europa?

MSC Cruises is taking a page from Royal Caribbean's playbook by breaking down the ship's public areas into distinct districts.

MSC World Europa will have an adults-only "Zen district" and a separate "family district" that will house 10 new kids facilities. There will also be a central interior promenade called World Galleria complete with entertainment, shops and bars.

The public areas of Royal Caribbean's Oasis-class ships are famously broken down into seven or eight separate districts, which Royal Caribbean calls neighborhoods.

Notably, the 341-foot promenade on MSC World Europa will be half-open to the sky and half-covered by an LED "sky screen"; the screen will light up with different displays throughout the day.

One of the signature features of the promenade will be The Venom Drop @ The Spiral, a record-breaking dry slide that plunges 11 decks and ends near the promenade area.

How many pools are there on MSC World Europa?

MSC World Europa will have six pools and 14 hot tubs, making it one of the most pool-covered ships at sea.

The watery offerings will include an Aquapark with multiple waterslides that MSC Cruises says will integrate virtual reality technology. There also will be a family sun deck.

Related: The ultimate guide to MSC Cruises

How many restaurants does MSC World Europa have?

MSC World Europa will have 13 dining venues, including six specialty restaurants.

Two new-for-the-line venues will be Chef's Garden Kitchen (an outlet focused on microgreens), and La Pescaderia, a traditional seafood grill with alfresco seating.

Restaurants that already exist on other MSC Cruises ships will also be featured on MSC World Europa. These include the American-style steakhouse Butcher's Cut, the Asian-inspired Kaito Teppanyaki and Sushi Bar, and the Latin American street food-inspired Hola! Tacos and Cantina.

In a twist, the ship will have three separate buffet restaurants, each with its own ambiance.

MSC World Europa will also feature a craft beer bar serving brews made on board — a first for MSC Cruises. Dubbed the Masters of the Sea Pub, it'll span two decks.

Related: Don't miss perks through the MSC Voyagers Club loyalty program

Other drinking venues will include a cocktail bar called Elixir – Mixology Bar and a South Asian-style tea room filled with perfumes from the East. There will also be a widely stocked Gin Bar.

What are the entertainment options?

As one would expect from one of the world's largest ships, MSC World Europa will be chock-full of entertainment venues both big and small, including — get this — a venue that will host roller disco parties and serve as a bumper cars pavilion (the latter is something we've seen only on Royal Caribbean ships).

These entertainment venues will include:

• A multistory venue called the Panorama Lounge at the back of the ship, which will be home to "immersive" entertainment.
• A main, 1,153-seat theater, dubbed the World Theatre, that'll be the place for big production shows.
• A family-friendly multifunctional entertainment venue called Luna Park Arena, which will host movies, game shows, kids activities and themed parties.

MSC Cruises in September announced the Luna Park Arena would host three concert-style shows — all new for the line. They'll include a "Symphonic Ibiza" show that combines a big-screen orchestra, modern Euro dance music, three specialty artists, dancers, a DJ, two vocalists and a club-style atmosphere. Also planned is a "K Pop party" where partygoers will learn dance routines and sing along with K-pop hits, accompanied by street dancers, acrobats and vocalists.

In addition, MSC Cruises announced the World Theatre would be home to five full-scale theater productions — all also new for the line. One of them, to be called "Yellow Submarine," will feature circus elements based on Beatles songs.

The line also said the Panorama Lounge would be home to four 90-minute music experiences that offer a mix of live bands, dancers, singers, aerialists and acrobats. The dancing on display during these performances will range from samba and tango to waltz, disco and lindy hop.

Does MSC World Europa have a kids area?

Developed in collaboration with Lego and Chicco (and featuring play areas that include lots of their products), the children's area on MSC World Europa will spread over seven rooms and 8,200 square feet. This is more space than the children's areas on any other MSC Cruises ship.

Each of the seven rooms will be dedicated to a distinct age group ranging from infants to 17 years old.

What kind of cabins can you book on MSC World Europa?

MSC World Europa will offer 19 different types of cabins, seven of which are new for the line.

Among them: cabins and suites with balconies that overlook the ship's interior promenade and giant duplex MSC Yacht Club suites with living and dining room areas.

In addition, the ship will have the line's first "infinite ocean view" cabins with walls of glass facing the sea that open from the top down to create a balcony-like effect. It's a concept that first debuted on an ocean ship in 2018, on Celebrity Cruises' 2,908-passenger Celebrity Edge .

Where will MSC World Europa cruise?

MSC World Europa will debut in December in the Persian Gulf with sailings that include a visit to Saudi Arabia — a destination rarely visited by cruise ships.

The vessel will initially sail a four-night Persian Gulf voyage from Doha, Qatar, to Dubai on Dec. 20. Then, it will begin a series of seven-night voyages from Dubai. The seven-night voyages will feature calls at Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; Dammam, Saudi Arabia; Doha; and Sir Bani Yas Island. The latter is a beach and wildlife-viewing destination in the UAE that will be exclusive to MSC World Europa passengers during their visit.

In late March 2023, MSC World Europa will reposition to the Mediterranean for a series of seven-night voyages to ports in Italy , France , Malta and Spain .

Eventually, MSC World Europa (or a yet-to-be-built sister ship) is likely to operate sailings in the Caribbean out of Florida . However, such itineraries have yet to be set.

MSC World Europa will be the first of four sister ships scheduled to debut between 2022 and 2027 that will make up a new class for MSC Cruises called the World class.

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I spent a night on a new $560 million luxury cruise ship and now I think Explora could dominate the upscale cruise market

• I spent a night on Explora Journeys ' first cruise ship, the $560 million Explora 1.
• Explora is MSC Group's newest cruise line, joining its eponymous MSC Cruises. 
• If it keeps growing, I'm convinced Explora could dominate the growing luxury cruise market.

I spent a night on the new luxury cruise brand Explora Journeys' first vessel. And if its five upcoming ships look anything like this Explora I, I have no doubt the brand could become a dominant player in the growing premium cruise market.

If you've never heard of Explora, you may recognize its owner. This luxury brand isn't backed by cruise giants like Royal Caribbean Group or Carnival Corp. Instead, it has an unconventional parent company: Europe-based MSC Group, one of the world's largest shipping companies.

This name should ring a bell. MSC Group also owns its eponymous cruise line, MSC Cruises , which calls itself the "fastest-growing" cruise line today.

But in terms of their products, this is where the similarities between MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys end.

Some of the cheapest cruises sailing from now through April 2026 are with MSC Cruises, including several $37 per day itineraries, according to data from budget cruise tracker Cruise Sheet.

But don’t call Explora “cheap” — 2024 sailings on this Explora I start at $3,000 per person for a six-night January cruise from Miami to Cartagena, Colombia.

A cool $500 per day does not compare to MSC's $37 per day pricing. But this higher price point does buy you an incomparably more luxurious cruising experience.

Explora really wants you to know that unlike most cruise giants, they are family owned and European.

"Born and raised in Geneva, Switzerland, so to speak," Michael Ungerer, the CEO of Explora Journeys, told Insider.

But from the perspective of a consumer walking around (me), the ship doesn't exude European-ness or family-owned-ness.

In the simplest of terms, I just think it’s a really nice ship.

And as someone who recently went aboard the MSC Meraviglia , it's clear the new Explora Journeys and its vessel blows MSC Cruises out of the water in terms of design, quality, and luxuriousness.

Maybe my bar is low — until now, I had only been on one premium cruise ship.

In September, I had an overnight on the new Oceania Cruises' Vista ship, which quickly topped my list of best cruise staterooms I've ever stayed in.

But after spending one night on the Explora I, I can confidently say this new vessel tops my list as the most luxurious cruise ship I’ve ever been on.

On October 12, I spent one night in the Explora I as it was docked in New York City for its naming ceremony.

Ungerer calls this vessel a “boutique-style resort on the water.”

On that note, there are already many luxury resort brands entering the cruise market: the Ritz-Carlton , Four Seasons , and Aman .

Explora's CEO isn't worried about this — "We come from the maritime side."

But I do agree with Ungerer when he says there are elements of luxury hotels speckled throughout this ship.

From the modern, elegant, and unstuffy design to the deluxe food, I have a feeling we're not in MSC Cruises territory anymore. This is where crystal-infused water in the spa meets a whiskey bar and cigar lounge.

Unfortunately for families that love traveling with big cruise brands, the Explora I doesn’t have waterslides, arcades, or any colorfully kitschy interior designs that have become popular on mega ships.

Instead, it was subtly luxurious, appearing more like a premium hotel than a cruise ship . Think " quiet luxury " instead of something glamorously ostentatious.

While I like the fun and flashy amenities on ships like the Norwegian Prima and Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas (shown below), I didn’t miss them on the Explora 1.

Explora Journeys is targeting a different demographic after all.

The new vessel has 461 suites from 377 square-feet to 3,014 square-feet.

I was put in the smallest cabin segment. Yet my suite was the largest I've ever stayed in. Before this, all of my staterooms had been under 300 square-feet .

Inside, I was welcomed with a bottle of Veuve Clicquot, an espresso machine, a Dyson hairdryer stored in its own drawer, and a semi-separated living room.

Through the sliding doors, my room had a balcony with a table, chairs, and a daybed.

Instead of Veuve Clicquot, guests in the higher-end suites receive a bottle of Dom Perignon Vintage 2013. No, I'm not bitter .

My cabin looked more like a sizable and efficiently designed hotel room than a cruise ship stateroom.

I've never had a walk-in closet with a vanity inside my cruise ship cabin. It was bigger than my New York City bathroom.

And this feeling of spaciousness was reflected throughout the 813-foot-long Explora I.

Amenities and people didn't feel crammed together, although that could be because I wasn't on a full revenue sailing.

If all of the rooms are filled at double occupancy, the ship can sail with 922 guests.

This is significantly less than mega ships like the Icon of the Seas that will sail with thousands of people.

To feed these passengers, the Explora I has six dining and 12 bar venues. All but one are included in the price.

Because the brand is all-inclusive, the ship's five restaurants, access to parts of the spa, WiFi, alcohol, sodas, and coffee are included in the cost to travel.

The only dining venue that’s not is Anthology.

This concept is helmed by rotating guest chefs, including some who have led kitchens with several Michelin stars. Expect to pay $190 for the tasting menu or $265 with the wine pairing.

But that doesn’t mean the other dining venues aren’t upscale as well.

Don't worry, you can still get some premium wagyu beef at the ship's pan-Asian Sakura restaurant.

Even the buffet was swanky from the sushi station to grilled lobster tails and crab legs.

Unlike most cruise buffets, there are no self-serving tongs. Instead, the kitchen crew fills your plate for you.

Besides this all-you-can-eat epicenter, there were several spaces on the Explora I that made it stand out from the typical cruise ship.

In place of the typical cruise atrium, the "Lobby Bar" looks more like an actual hotel bar.

This classy watering hole is flanked by tunes from the overhead Steinway and Sons piano and onboard shopping, which includes a Cartier outpost and the first Rolex store at sea.

Yes, they have limited inventory for travelers to purchase.

And in place of one giant pool deck that grounds the ship, the vessel has four smaller pools.

This includes an infinity pool overlooking the ocean and one under a retractable glass roof. The latter looks like a cruise solarium .

For the fitness enthusiasts, there’s even a small outdoor gym on the top deck.

A sports court and a bar, of course, are right next to this little open aired gym.

Throughout the ship, there are 64 private cabanas to make outdoor lounging feel more exclusive.

From the coffee "store" to the many lounges with live entertainment, it's not hard to find pockets of space for yourself.

Or you could just sit in your suite's balcony with the pair of binoculars that come in every cabin.

The Explora I seems more like a place to unwind than a jam-packed destination with exhilarating amenities to explore.

And while I typically prefer these more amusement park-at-sea type cruise ships, I can't deny that Explora's newest vessel is the most luxurious and beautifully designed I've been on so far.

It seems I’m not the only one whose affinity for luxury has made me a fan of Explora.

Since this ship's launch two months ago, Ungerer says the brand has been seeing an uptick in bookings week after week.

Right now, about 60% of its customers are from the US and Canada, primarily because the ship is in the US now.

Typically, Ungerer says this demographic is split between the Americas and the rest of the world. And about half of these travelers are first time cruisers, the CEO of the new brand said.

And like the less luxurious MSC Cruises, Explora is growing.

The brand plans to have six ships in its fleet by 2028.

This first Explora I only just set sail in August 2023. Explora II will hit the seas in the summer of 2024.

If the next five ships are just as ritzy as the Explora I, I have no doubt this new brand will go on to become a strong competitor in the growing luxury cruise market.

• Main content

MSC Announces Five Ship Line Up For 2023-2024 in United States

• October 6, 2022

MSC Cruises today revealed plans for its ongoing U.S. expansion for a record five ships to sail from American homeports in the region by the end of 2023, according to a press release.

The line will broaden its range of itineraries in the Caribbean, The Bahamas, Bermuda, the Northeast and Canada beginning with the winter 2023-2024 season.

The new MSC Seascape will lead the way with Eastern and Western Caribbean seven-night cruises following her inaugural voyage from PortMiami later this year. She will be joined in Miami by MSC Divina which will offer sailings from seven-night cruises to The Bahamas to 11-night journeys through Central and South America.

The MSC Magnifica will join the U.S. fleet and sail short cruises to The Bahamas and Key West in Florida.

The MSC Seashore will sail from Port Canaveral in Florida with a mix of short cruises to The Bahamas and seven-night Western Caribbean sailings. 

From New York, MSC Meraviglia will sail to Bermuda, Florida and The Bahamas after completing her inaugural summer season in the Northeast with a series of voyages to both Florida and the Bahamas, and to Canada and New England.

Like every ship in the cruise line’s U.S. fleet, her trips to The Bahamas will include stops at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve—the company’s island destination focused on sustainability.

Rubén A. Rodríguez, President, MSC Cruises USA, said: “Bringing more ships to the U.S. allows us to offer a wide variety of itineraries, adding new destinations and providing more opportunities for travellers to discover our unique international flavour.  It’s especially exciting to know how many of those guests will experience Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve and see firsthand how we’ve embraced the island’s natural beauty, and how committed we are to sustainability.  Caring for the ocean and showing our guests the true extent of its wonders drives everything we do at MSC Cruises.”

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19-Deck Cruise Ship as Long as Eiffel Tower Is High Makes New Home in Brooklyn

Nyc becomes msc cruises' third u.s. homeport, allowing the cruise line to offer year-round sailings from the northeast for the first time, by nbc new york staff • published april 21, 2023 • updated on april 21, 2023 at 3:04 pm.

The world's third-largest and fastest-growing cruise line, as MSC Cruises describes itself, sailed into New York City's Brooklyn Cruise Terminal this week with a glamorous megaship offering year-round excursions to select destinations.

MSC Meraviglia, a 1,036-foot long (France's Eiffel Tower is 1,083 feet high, and only if you include the tip), 213-foot-tall, 19-deck floater capable of holding more than 5,700 guests is a vacation in its own right, the cruise line says.

Fortunately, it will also take you from Brooklyn to a number of (warmer) locations. Not all options will be available immediately. Find the list of itineraries and start dates at the bottom of this page from MSC Cruises.

What's So Special About Meraviglia?

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Since you asked, MSC Meraviglia is one of the world's biggest cruise ships. Known as "The Ship for All Seasons," she has expansive indoor and outdoor public spaces, as well as a pool deck with a roof that can close for weather.

Among other amenities, it has:

• 20 bars and 12 restaurants , including the popular Butcher’s Cut steakhouse, Ocean Cay, HOLA! Tacos and Cantina, and Kaito Sushi and Teppanyaki
• Indoor and outdoor pools and hot tubs, together with one of the most intricate water parks at sea, featuring three twisting slides and a ropes course called the Himalayan Bridge
• 10 types of staterooms to choose from, including solo cabins, popular balcony cabins, and stylish suite accommodations in the MSC Yacht Club – the premium ‘ship within a ship’ featuring butler service, along with an exclusive restaurant, lounge, and pool area
• Galleria Meraviglia , a promenade lined with shops, restaurants and bars that stretches more than 315 feet and is lined with an impressive LED sky screen
• Seven different shows in the 985-seat Broadway Theatre and the famous Carousel Lounge
• MSC Aurea Spa , providing massage therapy, body treatments, facial treatments, and a thermal area
• 6,000 square-foot gym featuring state-of-the-art equipment from Technogym™ framed with floor-to-ceiling glass windows, overlooking the main pool deck
• Entertainment area , including the MSC Formula Racer, a full-sized bowling alley with two lanes, an interactive XD cinema, a flight simulator, and a video games arcade
• Sportsplex facilities for basketball, tennis, squash, volleyball, Pickle Ball, mini golf and five-a-side soccer
• MSC Kids’ Club for anyone aged 17 and younger, with dedicated areas for babies, toddlers, children and teenagers, plus the Lego® Experience

Where Can I Go?

The ship makes its debut departure sail from New York City to The Bahamas, Florida, Canada and New England, and Bermuda. Itineraries include the following:

• The Bahamas and Florida: Tropical 7- to 11-night sailings with select destinations including Miami and Port Canaveral, Florida; Nassau and Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, The Bahamas; Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico.
• Bermuda: Starting in August, guests can enjoy 5- and 6-night sailings to Kings Wharf in Bermuda, with several days in port to explore the beauty of the island.
• Canada and New England: Just in time for the fall, MSC Meraviglia will offer 10- and 11-night itineraries at Newport, Boston and Portland in the U.S and Saint John, Halifax, Charlottetown, and Sydney in Canada.

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• PETS & ANIMALS

Cruise ship sails into New York City port with 44-foot dead whale across its bow

NEW YORK -- A cruise ship sailed into a New York City port with a 44-foot dead whale across its bow, marine authorities said.

The whale, identified as an endangered sei whale, was caught on the ship's bow when it arrived at the Port of Brooklyn on Saturday, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration fisheries spokesperson Andrea Gomez said.

A spokesperson for MSC Cruises said the whale was on the MSC Meraviglia, which docked at Brooklyn before sailing to ports in New England and Canada.

"We immediately notified the relevant authorities, who are now conducting an examination of the whale," officials with the cruise line said in a statement.

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of any marine life," the officials said, adding that the Geneva-based MSC Cruises follows all regulations designed to protect whales, such as altering itineraries in certain regions to avoid hitting the animals.

The dead whale was relocated to Sandy Hook, New Jersey, and towed to shore there to allow for better access to equipment and to conduct a necropsy, Gomez said.

The necropsy, an autopsy on an animal, was conducted on Tuesday, Gomez said. Samples collected from the whale will help biologists determine whether it was already dead when it was struck by the ship, she said.

Sei whales are typically observed in deeper waters far from the coastline, Gomez said. They are one of the largest whale species and are internationally protected.

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MSC Cruises adds attraction Royal Caribbean, Carnival don't offer

M SC Cruises has been expanding its presence in Florida, steadily adding more ships including some of its higher-end hardware. The company isn't as well known as its rivals including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian.

With cruises in the Caribbean selling very well, Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian have been able to raise prices. In addition, Royal Caribbean and Carnival sell a la carte cruises with drinks and internet costing extra, at least on their namesake brands. 

Related: Carnival Cruise Line warns passengers about a pricey mistake

MSC has generally been offering lower prices and offers packages that include its mid-range beverage package, which includes well liquor cocktails, as well as multiple wines and beers. It's generally cheaper to get on an MSC ship with an adult beverage package and a single internet device than it is to get on any Royal Caribbean, Carnival, or Norwegian ship with similar add-ons.   

Having sailed MSC multiple times, I've found lower prices to be its strongest offering. The food, at least in the free venues, has been inferior to Royal Caribbean, the company I sail with most often. Specialty dining has generally been better and the crew has the same dedication and friendliness offered by its rivals.

MSC Cruises does seem to listen to complaints because, over three sailings across the past two years, my most recent one seemed to address the food issues. The MDR offerings were still well below Royal Caribbean, but they're now closer to what Carnival serves.

MSC Cruises has a new U.S. flagship planned

MSC Cruises has been building its latest megaship, MSC World America, which will sail out of Miami. The new ship is a not so subtle attempt to rival Royal Caribbean's Oasis and Icon-class ships as well as Carnival's flagship Excel-class ships. 

To help its new ship stand out, MSC will debut a striking new onboard attraction.

"Cliffhanger, the only over-water swing ride at sea, will debut exclusively aboard MSC World America when the ship enters service in April 2025. The ride structure will tower above the new U.S. flagship’s top deck, nestled in the heart of the ship’s Family Aventura district and beckoning thrill seekers who want a rush of excitement," the cruise line shared. 

The biggest challenge may be meeting passenger demand as the ride has a very limited capacity.

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"Cliffhanger’s four seats start off close to the deck before powered arms lift them into the starting position — up and out over the edge of the ship. From there, riders are propelled back and forth, high above the waterline and dangling 160 feet above the ocean below. The one-of-a-kind, edge-of-your-seat thrill ride will have guests feeling the wind in their hair as their view oscillates between the water below and the sky above," MSC Cruises added.

MSC expands its Florida presence

MSC Cruises will sail out of both Miami and Port Canaveral (as well as New York) for the summer 2025 season. That will include MSC World America sailing out of Miami which will also serve as home to MSC Seascape. 

"As the second in MSC Cruises’ trailblazing World Class, the ship will be MSC Cruises’ largest U.S.-based vessel and redefine the cruise experience for her guests. The LNG-powered MSC World America will offer 7-night sailings departing on Saturdays to both eastern and western Caribbean ports, including San Juan, Puerto Rico; Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; Isla de Roatan, Honduras; and Ocean Cay," the cruise line shared.

MSC Seascape will sail from Miami offering a mix of 7-night itineraries in the eastern and western Caribbean along with new 3- and 4-night sailings to The Bahamas and Ocean Cay. That puts the ship in competition with some of Royal Caribbean top-tier ships which are sailing short cruises that stop at its Perfect Day at CocoCay provate island. 

The cruise line seems to be following a similar playbook to Royal Caribbean.

"This marks the first time a Seaside EVO Class ship will offer short cruises from Miami. Select 3- and 4-night itineraries will stay overnight at Ocean Cay," according to the cruise line.

MSC Seascape's sister ship, MSC Seashore will spend the summer of 2025 in Port Canaveral.

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"From Port Canaveral, MSC Seashore will sail a range of itinerary options, including short 3- and 4-night escapes to The Bahamas. Some of the ship’s 7-night itineraries start out with two days at Ocean Cay followed by stops in Cozumel and Costa Maya," MSC Cruises shared.

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Cruise Ship Sails Into New York City Port With 44-Foot Dead Whale Across Its Bow

A cruise ship sailed into New York City with a 44-foot dead whale across its bow

NEW YORK (AP) — A cruise ship sailed into a New York City port with a 44-foot (13-meter) dead whale across its bow, marine authorities said.

The whale, identified as an endangered sei whale, was caught on the ship's bow when it arrived at the Port of Brooklyn on Saturday, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration fisheries spokesperson Andrea Gomez said.

A spokesperson for MSC Cruises said the whale was on the MSC Meraviglia, which docked at Brooklyn before sailing to ports in New England and Canada.

“We immediately notified the relevant authorities, who are now conducting an examination of the whale,” officials with the cruise line said in a statement.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of any marine life,” the officials said, adding that the Geneva-based MSC Cruises follows all regulations designed to protect whales, such as altering itineraries in certain regions to avoid hitting the animals.

The dead whale was relocated to Sandy Hook, New Jersey , and towed to shore there to allow for better access to equipment and to conduct a necropsy, Gomez said.

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The necropsy, an autopsy on an animal, was conducted on Tuesday, Gomez said. Samples collected from the whale will help biologists determine whether it was already dead when it was struck by the ship, she said.

Sei whales are typically observed in deeper waters far from the coastline, Gomez said. They are one of the largest whale species and are internationally protected.

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Dead whale found on MSC Meraviglia ship's bow in New York Harbor

A cruise ship arrived at Port Brooklyn/NYC New York  with a 13-meter dead whale entangled across its bow, according to marine authorities.

The deceased whale, identified as an endangered sei whale, was discovered caught on the bow upon the ship's arrival on Saturday, May 4th, as confirmed by NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) fisheries spokesperson Andrea Gomez.

A video shows the whale's carcass suspended from the bow, set against the backdrop of the Statue of Liberty and the New York skyline.

The whale's remains were relocated to Sandy Hook, New Jersey, and subsequently towed ashore to facilitate a necropsy and provide better access to necessary equipment, explained Gomez.

On Tuesday, a team from the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society conducted the necropsy, determining that the deceased animal was a mature female exhibiting signs of tissue trauma near its right shoulder blade and a fracture in its right flipper, as reported in a Facebook post by the organization on Wednesday.

Biologists will further analyze tissue and bone samples to ascertain whether the whale was already deceased before the ship's encounter.

Sei whales typically inhabit deeper offshore waters, away from coastal areas, as stated by NOAA's Gomez. They are considered one of the largest whale species and are subject to international protection.

A representative from MSC Cruises confirmed that the whale was discovered on MSC Meraviglia ship , which had docked in Brooklyn before proceeding to ports in New England and Canada. The ship subsequently arrived in Saint John on Wednesday.

MSC Meraviglia's current cruise is 14-day, round-trip Bermuda, Canada New England. The itinerary started on April 28 and ends on May 12.

In a statement, MSC officials said:

"We immediately notified the relevant authorities, who are now conducting an examination of the whale.  "We are deeply saddened by the loss of any marine life," the officials said, adding that the Geneva-based MSC Cruises follows all regulations designed to protect whales, such as altering itineraries in certain regions to avoid hitting the animals.

For more MSC Meraviglia incidents and accidents see the ship's CruiseMinus page .

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Cruise ship sails into New York City port with 44-foot dead whale across its bow

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NEW YORK (AP) — A cruise ship sailed into a New York City port with a 44-foot (13-meter) dead whale across its bow, marine authorities said.

The whale, identified as an endangered sei whale, was caught on the ship’s bow when it arrived at the Port of Brooklyn on Saturday, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration fisheries spokesperson Andrea Gomez said.

A spokesperson for MSC Cruises said the whale was on the MSC Meraviglia, which docked at Brooklyn before sailing to ports in New England and Canada.

“We immediately notified the relevant authorities, who are now conducting an examination of the whale,” officials with the cruise line said in a statement.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of any marine life,” the officials said, adding that the Geneva-based MSC Cruises follows all regulations designed to protect whales, such as altering itineraries in certain regions to avoid hitting the animals.

The dead whale was relocated to Sandy Hook, New Jersey, and towed to shore there to allow for better access to equipment and to conduct a necropsy, Gomez said.

The necropsy, an autopsy on an animal, was conducted on Tuesday, Gomez said. Samples collected from the whale will help biologists determine whether it was already dead when it was struck by the ship, she said.

Sei whales are typically observed in deeper waters far from the coastline, Gomez said. They are one of the largest whale species and are internationally protected.

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Our Cruise Ships

As we continue to grow and improve our fleet, there’s a huge range of unique features for our guests to explore on every MSC cruise ship. Blending classic elegance and cutting-edge innovation, our cruise ships offer the utmost in comfort, dining, innovation, entertainment, and onboard experience. Our newest, cruise ships also demonstrate our commitment to lower impact tourism, with onboard technology that focuses on mitigating our impact on nature.  Browse, explore, and choose a ship from the MSC Cruises fleet today, and discover a spectacular way to sail the seas.

MSC technology at the service of the art of hospitality

MSC for Me has been designed to meet our guests needs today and in the future and enhances every aspect the MSC holiday experience. Through the most innovative technology solutions MSC for Me interconnects guests, crew and ship so your time on board is literally in your hands. 

Available for guests travelling on MSC Euribia, MSC Seascape,  MSC World Europa, MSC Seashore, MSC Virtuosa, MSC Bellissima, MSC Grandiosa, MSC Meraviglia, MSC Seaside, MSC Seaview. The MSC for Me programme is also available on MSC Splendida and on MSC Magnifica, however it has reduced programme features.

Coming soon on MSC World America.

SHIPS BUILT FOR THE FUTURE

Innovative energy-saving and water-recycling systems installed on our latest ships

We have great respect for the world’s oceans and while we sail an increasing number of guests across the globe, we continuously aim to reduce our impact on the environment per passenger. Through the use of modern technology and environmentally friendly actions, we are striving to lower the environmental impact of our cruises. From using the cleaner marine fuels, to efficiency-enhancing technology, to our advanced onboard recycling systems, we strongly believe that we have increased responsibility towards the environment. [READ MORE] Therefore, we are continuously working to reduce our impact on the environment, and optimize our cruise itineraries to help reduce fuel consumption. One of the ways to save fuel is by lowering water resistance. MSC Cruises uses an anti-fouling paint on the hulls of all of its ships to prevent hull fouling and substantially reduce drag. Each ship in the MSC Cruises fleet has an environmental officer who is responsible for all environmental aspects on board. All recycling and waste management activities are carefully monitored. MSC Cruises has been forward-looking in the way it has built its ships and ready them for future rules and regulations. Our engines are already certified for the future NOX emissions standards, and are in compliance with latest IMO-MARPOL Annex VI requirement. In addition, some of our ships are equipped with exhaust cleaning systems, to reduce SOx emissions released from the main engine. Our optimized ballast water management system also complies with the latest IMO guidelines aimed at minimizing environmental impact.    

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