MSC Preziosa launches in Genoa
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Mediterranean cruise line MSC has launched its twelfth vessel, the MSC Preziosa, at a star-studded event in Genoa.
The inauguration, which was attended by the likes of fleet godmother Sophia Loren and maestro Ennio Morricone, saw MSC become the third largest cruise line in the world based on passenger capacity.
The operator, which took possession of the vessel from STX France Shipyard last week, will now carry 1.451 million passengers compared to Carnival Cruise Line (3.8 million) and Royal Caribbean (3.2 million) in statistics released by the 2013 Cruise Industry News Annual Report. Norwegian Cruise Line now sits in fourth with 1.447 million based on double occupancy.
However, according to the figures released by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) MSC’s 12 ships have a combined passenger capacity of 30,090 while Norwegian Cruise Lines has 26,332. The inclusion of Breakaway in April will bring Norwegian to 30,332 – putting them back into third.The figure is disputed by MSC which puts its maximum capacity 31,786 which takes into account the three, four and five bed cabins being at capacity on the Preziosa and Divina.
The 139,400 GT Preziosa can hold around 3,502 passengers based on double capacity with 1,388 staff onboard. The ship has seven restaurants, including buffet style dining and speciality restaurant choices. There is also a restaurant in the Preziosa’s exclusive area, the MSC Yacht Club, which also has its own spa, bar and pool with all rooms being at least a suite standard.
The line, which has undergone huge growth in the 10 years since it was founded, has focused on a model of family cruising, where children under the age of 18 can sail for free when staying their parents’ cabin.
The Preziosa will now homeport in Genoa until November offering seven night itineraries around the western Mediterranean with calls at Naples, Messina, Tunis, Barcelona and Marseille.
To see our photo gallery, which includes a ship tour and images of the inauguration please click here.