azureazure.com had the honor of being among the international media invited to cover the MSC Seaside Naming Ceremony at Port Miami. In a sneak look at our experience, here is the MSC official press release anticipating the event, and spectacular pictures of the amazing new ship.
Source: MSC Cruising
“For the first time ever in the U.S., MSC Cruises officially names its newest ship – MSC Seaside – at the MSC Seaside Naming Ceremony at PortMiami. As a company with 300 years of maritime heritage, MSC will celebrate a time-honored seafaring tradition of welcoming new ships with a Naming Ceremony. A long list of celebrated guests, renowned performers, local officials, and special attendees from across the globe will converge on PortMiami to toast the stunning new ship under the Miami stars. With a ribbon-cutting ceremony, champagne naming, a fireworks show, and stellar musical performances, the evening is bound to make a splash.
TV personality Mario López will host the festivities as the Master of Ceremonies and Italian actress Sophia Loren will cut the ribbon as MSC Godmother. Once the bottle breaks against the ship’s hull, the champagne and celebrations will continue to flow throughout the evening. World-class tenor Andrea Bocelli will bring his exceptional talent to the MSC stage accompanied by a Haitian children’s chorus to benefit the Andrea Bocelli Foundation, and Latin superstar Ricky Martin will bring the heat with his red-hot choreography and repertoire of international hits. Also in the crowd will be Dan Marino of the Miami Dolphins, celebrity chefs Joe Bastianich and Roy Yamaguchi and the Mayor of Miami, among many others.
As the market leader in Europe, MSC Cruises is poised to firmly establish itself in North America with the introduction of MSC Seaside – which will be joining the beautiful MSC Divina in sailing to the Caribbean from PortMiami. Featuring an array of innovative features, MSC Seaside is setting a new standard within the cruise industry with its revolutionary design, unprecedented innovation, and outstanding attention to detail.
Unique Design Features: Fondly dubbed “the ship that follows the sun” and inspired by the architecture and lifestyle of South Beach, MSC Seaside was built with the specific vision of bringing guests closer to the sea. This concept comes to life in many ways – in the glass-floored catwalks, the spacious waterfront boardwalk that wraps around the ship and the panoramic glass lifts that connect the pool areas. Expansive outdoor areas allow guests to feel the salty sea-air and soak in the tropical sun as the ship makes its 7-day voyages through the Caribbean.
Top Entertainment: Beyond her unique design features, MSC Seaside boasts rich and varied entertainment. Full-sized bowling lanes, the longest zip lines at sea, and the most interactive aqua park at sea with five water attractions: the first cruise ship Slideboarding™ attraction, 525ft. dueling body slides, and two spray areas for kids. There is something for everyone! To satisfy guests who want to take in a show, the ship will offer seven Broadway-style shows, “BeerProv” improv comedy, and live on-board music.
World Class Dining: An extensive choice of indoor and outdoor dining venues featuring international cuisine will transport guests around the world. One of the highlights is the exclusive Asian Market Kitchen from renowned Pan-Asian chef Roy Yamaguchi. Other highlights include a luxury seafood restaurant, Ocean Cay, an authentic American-style steakhouse, Butcher’s Cut, and a new French bistro, La Bohème.
A Family-Friendly Atmosphere: MSC prides itself on the assortment of family-friendly activities and entertainment aboard its ships. MSC Seaside continues to uphold this commitment with kids clubs, LEGO rooms, a Chicco children’s boutique, family cinema, kid-friendly buffets, and a babysitting service.
Personalized Experience: MSC Seaside will also feature MSC for Me, a digital innovation program that uses the latest cutting-edge technology to connect travelers seamlessly with the experiences that matter to them, whether at sea or on land. E-bracelets, an intuitive app, and interactive screens across the ship will make cruising easier and more engaging than ever.
Breath-taking Accommodations: MSC Seaside offers comfortable and stylish accommodations for every type of guest. The ship boasts flexible modular cabins for big families or groups, exclusive aft corner suites with stunning sea views and terraced balconies, as well as exclusive MSC Yacht Club cabins and luxurious suites with personal outdoor whirlpools.
The striking MSC Seaside is just one more reason for guests all over the world to join MSC Cruises on an unforgettable trip that follows the sun. ■
